#as a true Sunny fan I couldn’t agree more

[differentpostrebel]

Lost and Found: A Pirate’s Promise

Lost and Found: A Pirate’s Promise

A/N: Hi!! This is my first fanfiction ever, and I'm super excited to share it with all of you! I've always loved fanfictions that span across multiple parts because they give so much room for character development and suspense. As a massive One Piece fan, I hope you all enjoy this series as much as I will enjoy writing it!

For this series, we'll start off in the Pre-Time Skip era, specifically during the Sabaody Archipelago arc. Y/N is an established pirate and a formidable warrior, with the third highest bounty in the Straw Hat crew. She's not just another member; her strength and skills have earned her a respected spot among the crew.

Sanji, our favorite lovesick cook, falls head over heels for Y/N almost immediately. True to his nature, he tries every trick in the book to catch her attention, from cooking her favorite meals to showering her with compliments. On the other hand, Y/N may have a small crush on Sanji, but she’s cautious and focused on her goals as a pirate.

As the story progresses, that small crush gradually blossoms into something more profound, but their journey together won't be easy. With the chaos of the New World looming, the dangers they face will test their bond and loyalty to each other. Will their love be strong enough to survive the trials ahead, or will the perils of their pirate life tear them apart?

Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster filled with angst, action, and a dash of romance. I'm thrilled to take you on this adventure with Y/N, Sanji, and the rest of the Straw Hat crew!

A/N: some parts may be changed to fit the story, but others will remain the same. For instance, instead of eleven supernovas it will be twelve. 

Word Count: 2.3k

Sanji x Y/N, OP x Y/N ,

Chapter 1: Desperate Measures: Saving a Friend 

  Having arrived at Sabaody Archipelago with your crew, along with Hatchan, Camie, and Pappag, the vibrant and bustling island immediately overwhelms your senses. The bright, multicolored bubbles floating through the air, the mix of strange and diverse people, and the looming presence of the massive mangrove trees create an atmosphere both wondrous and ominous. You can't help but feel a mix of excitement and unease—Sabaody is a place of both opportunity and danger.

  Luffy, your captain, couldn’t wait any longer to get off the ship and explore. With his usual boundless energy, he leaped from the Sunny, already imagining the adventures that awaited him on Sabaody Archipelago. You remember the day he first asked you to join his crew. It was after a particularly intense battle where your fighting skills had caught his eye. He admired your strength, your resilience, and the way you stood your ground even in the face of overwhelming odds. Luffy, always the one to follow his instincts, had approached you with that wide, infectious grin and simply said, “Join my crew!”

At first, you were taken aback by his straightforwardness, but there was something about Luffy—his unwavering belief in his dreams, his ability to inspire those around him, and the way he saw potential in everyone—that made you consider his offer. He didn’t just see you as a warrior; he saw you as someone who could help him achieve his goal of becoming King of the Pirates. And so, after a moment of thought, you agreed, finding yourself swept up in the Straw Hats' chaotic yet oddly comforting world.

  As Luffy heads down with Chopper, Zoro, is scanning the area to see if there are any threats nearby. “Sense anything Zoro?” you say as you begin to step out of the sunny. “Zoro glances around, his eyes sharp and focused, before shaking his head slightly. "Not at the moment," he replies, keeping his voice low. “Hey Mosshead, back off of Y/N, she doesn’t need you clinging on to her,” Sanji snaps, stepping in between you and Zoro, his eyes narrowing at the swordsman.

Zoro glares back, “Who’s clinging, you curly-browed idiot? I’m just making sure there’s no trouble.”

Before the argument can escalate further, Nami steps in, her hands on her hips. “Enough, both of you. Sanji, you’ll stay behind to guard the treasure along with Usopp. Franky, you’re staying on the ship too—just in case we need to make a quick getaway.”

Sanji’s expression immediately softens, his usual heart eyes appearing as he turns to Nami. “Of course, my love, anything for you!” he says with a dreamy sigh. Then, as if remembering his role as the lovesick cook, he pulls out a single rose, handing it to you with a flourish. “Y/N, keep this with you on your journey, so you won’t forget about me.”

You take the rose, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “How could I forget about you, Sanji? I’ll be sure to keep it close.”

Sanji’s heart skips a beat as you flirt back, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. Though he’s always been bold with his affection, there’s something about the way you respond that makes his heart race a little faster. You’ve always admired Sanji’s charm and his relentless dedication to those he cares about, and in moments like this, it’s hard not to let your own small crush on him slip through.

  As you all disembark the ship, Hatchan begins to explain that he knows someone who can coat the ship for your journey to the next destination, Fishman Island. Camie and Pappag act as your guides, showing you around. Nami and Robin decide to head out for some shopping.

“You sure you don’t want to tag along?” Nami asks.

“Yeah, we could have our own mini girls’ day,” Robin adds with a smile.

Shaking your head with a smile, you reply, “No, that’s alright, you two go on ahead. I’ve got to make sure these guys”—you gesture towards the remaining group—“don’t wind up in too much trouble.”

“I’ll be sure to get you something!” Nami calls out as she and Robin head off to the stores.

“Well, Zoro, looks like you and I will be taking care of…”

“Zoro??”

“Damn, did he just leave?” You sigh and make your way back to your group.

 Meanwhile, back on the Sunny…

“Sanji, you gotta relax, buddy. Nami, Robin, Camie, and Y/N are safe and fine,” says Franky, trying to calm Sanji down.

Sanji exhales a cloud of smoke from his cigarette, his eyes still filled with concern. “Yeah, I know,” he mutters, “but I can’t help worrying about them. Especially Y/N… she’s always getting into trouble, and I can’t help but think I should be there to protect her.”

Franky gives him a reassuring pat on the back. “You’re on guard duty here, remember? We’ve got to keep the ship safe.”

Sanji’s gaze softens as he looks at the rose he’s tucked away for Y/N. “I just wish I could be there with her… make sure she knows how much she means to me.”

“Don’t worry, Sanji,” Franky chuckles. “They’re in good hands with you watching over the ship. And besides, you’ve got your own way of showing you care. That rose will do wonders.”

Sanji nods, taking a deep breath and letting his worry slowly fade. “You’re right. I’ll keep an eye out and make sure the ship stays in one piece. Just hope she gets my message.”

He glances at the rose again, a small smile appearing on his face as he tries to refocus on his duties.

  Back in Sabaody… 

 After witnessing the cruelty of the nobles, a shiver ran down your spine as the unsettling images replayed in your mind. You couldn't shake the feeling of anger and disgust.

“Those bastards, no one should be treated like that,” Luffy says, his voice filled with rage. “I don’t care if you’re a noble or not.”

“It’s truly a horrifying sight to see,” Brooke agrees, his usual calm demeanor marred by the gravity of the situation. He and Chopper hurry to catch up with you and Luffy.

“Luffy, remember we promised Hatchan we’d lay low for a bit,” you remind him, trying to steady your own emotions. “As much as I want to strike back, we can’t risk it. We have to stay out of trouble for now.”

Just then, you’re ambushed by a group of bounty hunters who had been lying in wait. One of them, a scruffy man with a leering grin, points at you with wide eyes. “Hey! You’re Y/N, the one with the $115,000,000 Berry bounty. You’re one of the Supernovas!”

“Supernovas?, what are they talking about?” you say in a hushed tone. 

Before they can react, you draw your blades with swift precision. The air around you crackles with energy as you unleash a flurry of strikes, each move perfectly calculated to disarm and incapacitate your attackers. Your combat skills, honed through countless battles, shine as you take them down one by one.

Luffy watches in awe, a grin slowly spreading across his face as he sees you effortlessly dispatch the bounty hunters. “Nice work, Y/N!” he cheers.

Brooke and Chopper finally catch up, their eyes wide at the sight of the defeated hunters. “Looks like we’ve got some unwanted attention,” Brooke observes. “But impressive as always.”

Smiling as you sheathe your blades, your breath steady despite the adrenaline coursing through you. “We need to stay sharp. Let’s get moving before more of them show up.” 

  Finally, after a bit of traveling, they reach Grove 13 and a bar where the coating engineer is said to stay. Upon entering, they are greeted by Shakky, the bar’s owner. A former pirate and friend of Hatchan, Shakky introduces herself with a friendly smile.

"Nice to meet you all," Shakky says. "I've heard quite a bit about the Straw Hats.”

The group exchanges pleasantries before asking about the engineer, Rayleigh. Shakky informs them that Rayleigh hasn’t been seen for a while, though he hasn’t left the island. He’s been wandering the bars and casinos for the past six months.

"Well, if Rayleigh’s been missing for that long, we might have to search for him ourselves," Luffy says.

Shakky nods. “Be careful. Since your arrival, there are now twelve rookie pirates with bounties over 100,000,000 berri who’ve reached the Red Line. Luffy, you're second highest among them.”

As the group absorbs this, Shakky explains that most of the Supernovas are staying in Grove 24. She describes some of them: Capone "Gang" Bege, the mafia-type pirate with a bounty of 138,000,000 berri, Jewelry Bonney, with a bounty of 140,000,000 Berri, Basil Hawkins, known as "The Magician" with a 249,000,000 bounty. In another part of the grove, Eustass "Captain" Kid (315,000,000) and Scratchmen Apoo (198,000,000)

In Grove 21, "The Mad Monk" Urouge (108,000,000) and "Massacre Soldier" Killer (162,000,000) next is "Red Flag" X Drake (222,000,000), a former Marine Rear Admiral, and Trafalgar Law (200,000,000), the last of the rookies. Shakky hands you the wanted posters and you note with a small smile that you and Zoro are also among the Supernovas. You’re listed with a bounty of 115,000,000, and Zoro with 120,000,000. 

As you glance at the wanted posters of the Supernovas, you mutter with a playful grin, “Wow, Killer, Eustass Kidd, and Law… they’ve got something uniquely captivating about them. They look kind of cute.”

Brooke, catching your comment, bursts out with a cheerful, “Yoohoo! Looks like Sanji’s got some competition!”

You chuckle and tease, “Oh, definitely. Killer’s dangerous allure, Kidd’s raw intensity, and Law’s cool confidence—they each have a certain edge that’s hard to ignore.”

Leaning in closer, you let your voice drop with a sultry edge, “It’s not just their looks. There’s something about their vibe that’s a little… irresistible. Makes me wonder how they’d be in person.”

Brooke's jawbone clinks with his laughter. “Well, I can’t say I blame you. A little competition always spices things up, doesn’t it?”

You wink playfully. “Exactly. It’s all about the thrill of the chase. But for now, let’s see what these Supernovas are really like. Who knows, maybe they’ll be even more intriguing up close.”

Brooke’s grin remains, his eye sockets gleaming with amusement. “I’m sure they will be. But remember, Sanji’s keeping a close eye on you. Don’t let him get too worked up!”

You laugh, the mischief in your eyes sparkling. “Don’t worry. A bit of competition never hurt anyone. It just makes everything more exciting.”

With that,the group heads out to find Rayleigh, the playful tension lingering in the air. 

   As the group sets out to find Rayleigh, Luffy suggests a visit to Sabaody Park to enjoy the day. Camie, brimming with excitement, eagerly tells you about the park’s significance and her past visits. You walk side by side with her, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of the park and the joyful energy of the rides.

As you and Camie sit on a bench in Sabaody Park, catching your breath from the excitement of the rides, you both share a contented sigh.

"This place is amazing," Camie says with a smile, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I wish I could have experienced it like this more often. It’s so much fun!"

You nod, enjoying the moment. “I’m glad we could have this day. It’s been a blast.”

Just as you’re about to take another bite of your snack, a shadow looms over you. Before you can react, someone covers your mouth with a cloth, and another pair of hands grabs Camie. You both struggle, but the suddenness of it leaves you disoriented.

Through the fabric muffling your cries, you hear Camie's muffled voice. “Mmmph! What’s happening? Let us go!”

You try to yell out, but the cloth over your mouth stifles your words. Panicking, you reach for Camie’s hand, and you feel her trembling. The sound of ropes tightening around your wrists and ankles is followed by the heavy thud of sacks being pulled over you.

You catch a glimpse of Camie’s frightened eyes as she is shoved into a sack next to you. Through the layers of fabric, you try to comfort her.

“It’s going to be okay, Camie,” you whisper as best as you can through the gag, though it comes out as a muffled sound. “We just need to stay calm.”

You can hear the muffled sounds of Camie’s sobs from the sack next to you. The kidnappers’ harsh voices are distant but clear enough to make out their cruel intentions.

One of them grumbles, “They’re going to make a fine addition to the auction. The buyers will love them.”

The words send a shiver down your spine. The realization of being taken to be auctioned as slaves hits hard, but you try to remain composed for Camie’s sake. You shift slightly in the sack, trying to offer some comfort with your presence despite the dire situation.

In the oppressive darkness and confined space, all you can do is hope that your crew will find you in time before it’s too late.

.

.

.

OMGGGG, what do you guys think??? This one was long! But it'll be all worth it! Next chapter is going to be a good one that you don't want to miss. Currently writing it as we speak! Welcome to my page and I can't wait for you guys to read what I have in store! 

[simslegacy5083]

Today's (10/28/2024) Episode: Game, Developed

After Noemi and Luigi helped Skye deal with his new diagnoses it was finally time for them to celebrate a big personal milestone of their own.

“Well today’s the day, are you ready?” Noemi asked her husband “Honestly, yes and no” he replied, “its amazing to think that this dream of mine is coming true, but I’m terrified that its going to be a flop. I’d hate to go down in history as a failure.” Especially considering what I sacrificed to get here he thought to himself, gently making a fist under the table with his “bum” right hand.

“I highly doubt its going to fail” she said “I know I’m biased but, seriously, Watcher Tales is good. Now let’s go get ready for the launch party!”

“What should I wear!?” Luigi mused nervously as they entered the bedroom “I want to look professional, but grounded, put together but not overdressed. It’s tough.”

Noemi bit her tongue to keep from laughing. She walked up behind him and placed a hand firmly on his lower back. “I can help you find the perfect outfit” she whispered in his ear, “but before we get you dressed up, maybe getting undressed would help calm both our nerves…”

Luigi pulled her in, surrendering to her hungry kisses. It wasn’t the best woohoo they’d ever had, but when they emerged a few minutes later he couldn’t deny he was feeling calmer “Now my butt is sore” he groused, grinning “but it was totally worth it. Let’s do this thing!”

The Watcher Tales launch party was being held in Del Sol Valley and sponsored by UnorthoBox, one of the largest gaming console manufacturers in the nation. The game would be launching for both PC and, exclusively, on the new UnorthoBox 2 gaming system for console.

Exiting the teleporter just outside the conference center where the event was being held Luigi fired up Yoshi to capture some footage of the launch party. Grabbing Noemi’s hand, he took a deep breath and headed inside where his friends, family, and fans were all eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Luigi took his place in front of a wall of pictures featuring high-res images captured from the game itself, while Noemi settled nearby at a small table offering hard copies and digital codes of Watcher Tales for purchase.

Luigi was in his element, his natural cheerful enthusiasm on full display as talked up his “masterpiece”. He kept Noemi busy, sending a constant stream of fans and gamers to her table to buy first release copies of their game.

Luigi and his wife weren’t the only ones working hard to make the launch party a raging success.

Rather than hiring an unknown sim of questionable skill to man the bar Luigi had asked his grandpa Don to do the honors, and he’d gladly agreed.

Nearby Denton and Cullen were streaming a demonstration of Watcher Tales primary multiplayer features to their fans. Across the room a long rows of PCs had been setup, giving sims attending the release party a chance to “try before you buy”. Many of Luigi’s friends and family had settled there to show their support and see the game he couldn’t stop talking about.

Noemi was thrilled with how quickly copies of the game were selling, but as the afternoon wore on, she found herself feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Shutting her eyes for a moment in between customers, she suddenly heard the familiar and oh so welcome voice of her friend Amaya. “How you holding up pretty momma? The girls and I just arrived, and our kids are out back playing with your little one.”

“Honestly, I could use a break” Noemi told her. “The launch is going great, but this crowd is a bit too much for me.”

“Say no more!” Amaya replied, gesturing for her to rise “I sell nectar from the ranch every weekend at the market in Eco Harbor; I can handle hocking Hot Stuff’s pride and joy for a bit. Go give your boy a kiss and say hello to the ladies.” Noemi sighed with relief, heading out to sunny, quiet, playground.

Luigi merely chuckled when he noticed that his old flame had relieved his wife at the sales table. The meet and greet line shut down shortly after that and when one of his favorite songs started playing on the stereo system Luigi decided to give his fans a little show to thank them for coming.

“My fellow gamers” he announced “you inspired Watcher Tales, and your support means the world. I hope you’ll help me end this party in style!”

He found a small patch of open floor and began an impromptu dance party, gesturing for everyone to join him. As he danced along with the other happy sims celebrating the game’s launch, he silently hoped he’d find as much success as he’d enjoyed that day in the days to come.

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[charliethomascoxuniverse]

Stardust: Charlie Cox Interview （SCI-FI ）

2007

Interview with Charlie Cox (Tristan)

1. Stardust is a hard movie to define, Fairytale, Romance, Adventure. What’s your take on the film?

My take on the film is exactly that. It’s got a bit of everything in it, for everyone! It’s an action adventure film but at the same time it’s a romantic comedy. It’s certainly a children’s film as well as being made for adults. It’s kind of hard to pigeon hole.

2. Your character Tristan goes on quite a journey throughout the film — is this something you can relate to?

It is yeah, it certainly is. He goes on quite a journey externally, but inside of him is kind of the biggest journey, he goes from boy to man and any young guy can relate to that.

3. This is your first big Hollywood blockbuster how did the role come about?

I just auditioned. I was just one of the guys lucky enough to get an audition. From that point on I went for a recall and went back again. It was a long process but eventually I got there!

4. And is it right you were first to be cast?

Yeah that’s true.

5. Was that quite an honor?

Yeah it was. I think Matthew wanted to find the couple, the two main characters before he cast the others. Never for a minute did I think they’d cast the likes of Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, that was a real shock!

6. What was it like working alongside Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer?

It was pretty spectacular not an opportunity you get everyday. It was hugely beneficial to me so early in my career.

7. Stardust is based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, had you read this before you read the script?

No I hadn’t I read it after I read the script. I hadn’t heard of Neil. He’s much better known in the States than he is here. I have since become a fan of his!

8. And do you think fans of the book will be pleased with the adaptation?

That’s very hard to say because with all books that are made into movies there are people that kind of don’t agree with the transformation. A movie is one persons interpretation of the book, it’s not everybody’s interpretation so there are going to be people who I am sure don’t’ see it the same way. The hope is people will understand its one person’s idea. It’s more a testament to the book than an exact copy.

9. What was it like working romantically with both Sienna Miller and Claire Danes?

It was pretty cool! Can’t ask for much more than that in your job, can you?

10. There are a few British comic figures in the film, Ricky Gervais, David Walliams. What was it like with them on set?

Comic, very amusing, it was hard to focus. There’s one scene with Ricky Gervais and Robert De Niro. In the background behind Robert De Niro are all his pirates, looking very menacing. But if you watch them very carefully there are times when they are smirking and they had to keep on retaking it because they were cracking up and couldn’t stop laughing and had to look away from camera. It became very funny.

11. The film features a lot of special effects was that challenging to film?

Not really! There are different types. I’m sure it was very challenging for the guys in charge of the CGI but to film it from my point of view it wasn’t very difficult you just had to pretend, which is what we’re doing anyway.

12. The locations in the film are beautiful, where was the film shot?

A lot of it was Scotland some of it was Iceland and in and around the old towns of England.

13. What was your favourite scene to film?

My favourite scenes to film were the early ones with Claire where we’re bickering and fighting. We had a lot of fun doing it and were just laughing a lot and being stupid on set. There’s just more in them getting annoyed with each other [which] is kind of fun and we were such good friends by then.

14. What’s next for Charlie Cox, will you be leaving England for Hollywood?

No, I’m not no! I live in London and I love it here so I’m not going to be moving abroad. You know I’ve had to spend a bit more time there and it’s great it’s sunny! I plan to do as much work in the UK as I possibly can. I’m still young you know I don’t feel the pressure to become the next James Bond!

~*~

[lavender-scent]

BBRae Week Day Five - Sunny Days

AO3 - FF.net

I Know My Heart Can Be So Cold, But I'm Sweet For You.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Jump City. The Titans agreed to seize the opportunity and go out since the city’s villains seemed to want to enjoy a day off as well.

Except for one person.

“What do you mean you’re not going?”

“You heard me Beast Boy,” she sighed, “I’d like to spend the day at home. Why is that so hard to understand?”

“But everyone is going!”

“And I’m not.” Raven gave him her back declaring the end of their discussion.

He wanted to try to convince her more but he heard his communicator vibrating. “Beast Boy, are you coming?”

He brought it closer to his mouth to speak, “On my way, Cy.”

It had been going like this for a while now: Raven constantly refusing every invite from the team and spending more and more time alone. Beast Boy and the others had tried to convince her to go out with them multiple times only to be rejected at every turn.

The whole team gave up eventually except for Beast Boy. It had taken her long enough to open up to them all, especially him, the first time and he didn't mind getting her to do it again even if it took a while.

Their friends believed it was just a phase but he didn’t want to risk it. He was not letting her shut herself in and isolate herself that easily.

“I’m going now but if you change your mind give me a call, okay?”

“Okay,” she said, still giving him her back.

He sighed but transformed into a hawk and flew through her window down to where his friends were waiting.

“What did friend Raven say?” Starfire asked once he got into the car.

“The usual. I want some quiet time by myself, blah blah blah. You should try it, Beast Boy, blah blah blah.” He tried his best impression of her with a frown.

“We’ll give her space. Maybe she’ll come around.” That was Robin’s answer every time.

'Next time there won’t be any “space”', Beast Boy thought to himself. He would get her out of that room. Not today, though. Raven really hated the sun and it was an exceptionally bright day out.

As they got to the park and started unpacking their stuff, Beast Boy realized he forgot something. “My umbrella! I forgot it at home.”

“B, for the last time, it’s not going to rain.”

“But the weather lady said there’s a 60% chance it would.”

“But the sun is bright and shiny today,” Starfire pointed out, “it does not seem that it will be the raining today, friend Beast Boy.”

“You know I hate the rain! Better safe than sorry.”

“What’s wrong, is the little kitty afraid to get wet?” Cyborg teased.

Beast Boy ignored him and transformed into a hawk for the second time. It would only take him a few minutes to grab his umbrella from the tower and be back. Once he got back to the tower he transformed back into his human form.

The tower smelled different than when he left it, felt different. Was Raven performing some sort of a spell? No, he knew when she was practicing spells. The scent always included herbs and old books. This scent smelled… sweet?

“Stop!” he heard a familiar voice.

Raven.

He ran to the source of the sound only to realize there was more than just her pleading voice. It made him run faster.

“Don’t touch her!” Beast Boy yelled when he reached Cyborg’s lab.

What Beast Boy saw was the furthest thing from what he expected. He had had all the worst scenarios prepared in his head, only to find Raven holding what looked like a five year old boy in one arm and a girl that seemed just a little bit older on the other.

“What the-“ before he got to finish his sentence he was cut off with screams.

“BEAST BOY!” the boy and the girl both jumped from Raven’s arms into Beast Boy's.

Beast Boy looked down at the two kids hugging his legs and back to his teammate. She looked like she was barely breathing.

“Raven, you brought Beast Boy!” the girl spoke first.

“It seems like I did.” She said nervously. She walked to Beast Boy and held his wrist, “Can I have a word?”

“Of course.” He followed her to the hallway leaving the two kids alone in the lab.

“What are you doing here?”

“I forgot my umbrella.”

“You do know that it’s not going to rain.”

“But the weather lady said-“

“Enough with the weather lady!” she threw her hands in the air in frustration. “Take your umbrella and just leave.”

“Okay, fine!” After a second thought, he asked, “Wait, who are those kids?”

“They’re my… cousins.” Raven said after she realized there was no way she could hide it any more.

It was obvious she didn’t want him there but he was still confused. Why did she hide that from the team?

“I didn’t know you had cousins?”

“I’ve reconnected with my aunt on Earth a few weeks ago. She had some work here in the city and I offered to take the kids for the day.” Raven answered hoping the investigation would be over soon. “Any more questions?”

“You have an aunt and you didn’t tell us?” Beast Boy paused. “Is that why you haven’t been spending as much time with us lately?”

“I.. I wanted-“ Raven was cut off by a loud noise.

They went back to the lab to find the boy climbing Cyborg computer set.

“James, get down! Raven is going to be mad at us!” his sister – Beast Boy assumed – tried to reach him using a chair but he was far above her.

“James, get down!” Raven ordered.

“I can’t!” James cried. “I don’t know how!”

Beast Boy decided to step in transforming into a moose, holding the little boy with one antler and putting him back down.

“That was awesome!” the boy yelled once the changeling went back to his human body. “Do it again!”

“Yes, Beast Boy do it again!” the girl joined.

“Erica, I believe Beast Boy has somewhere to be.” Raven gave him a glare.

“Right!” Beast Boy found himself forgetting about the picnic. The truth was he wanted to stay with Raven. “Are you sure you don’t need my help?”

“Nope.”

Both Beast Boy and Raven tuned at the sound of something breaking.

“Sorry,” James said, putting back a remote that was now in half.

Raven sighed. “Why did I think bringing them here was a good idea.”

“We still haven’t seen the training room!” Erica reminded her.

“I…” Raven was trying to think of a way to get out of this seeing how James causing chaos in the lab just confirmed that he shouldn’t be anywhere near all those weapons. Before she got to say anything, Beast Boy spoke up. “Who wants to go to the fair?”

“Me! Me! Me!” Both kids held their hands up high.

Beast Boy turned to his teammate. “You think you can give us a ride?”

Raven was caught by surprise. “Uhm, yeah I think I can. But only once.”

She held the changeling's hand with one and Erica’s with the other asking her to hold her brother’s hand as well.

When they got to the fair the kids immediately let her hand go and ran to see all the games they could play.

“That was a close one,” Beast Boy chuckled.

Raven didn’t laugh. “What are you still doing here?”

“Helping you?”

“I didn’t ask for help. I have everything under control. You can leave.”

“Everything under control? Okay then, where are the kids right now?”

“They are right ther-“ Raven looked around to find neither of them within her sight.

“They’re by the big wheel. You’re welcome.”

“I knew that.”

“No you didn’t. Now can you let go of my hand so I can get them some tickets.”

Raven looked down to find that she was indeed still holding his hand. She removed her hand from his and hoped that the hood of her cloak was hiding her blush as he left to go get the tickets.

“Can we please get ice cream?” James asked, running to her.

“Sure.”

“And I want to get on the big wheel!”

“Whatever you want.”

“Is Beast Boy your boyfriend?”

“No,” she answered without thinking. “Wait, what?”

“I saw you guys holding hands,” explained the little boy.

“No, we’re just teammates.” Raven blushed. Why would the kids ask her such a question? Weren't they too young to know about this stuff?

“My friend Lily thinks you guys look great together,” Erica said after she joined them. “She has all these drawings of you.”

“Drawings? Of us?”

“Yeah, kissing.”

Raven tried to change the subject when she saw her teammate coming with the tickets. “Oh look! Beast Boy brought the tickets. Go stand in line for your turn.”

They ran to Beast Boy to get their tickets and went back waiting at the big wheel.

“At least now we don’t have to worry about them getting hurt or killed by Cy.” Beast Boy said cheerfully.

“Yeah, great," Raven replied harshly.

Beast Boy turned to look at her. “Are you mad at me?”

She ignored him.

Beast Boy knew she trying to push him away again. Too bad it wouldn’t work.

“Why didn’t you tell us about your aunt and cousins?”

“It’s stupid.”

“I like stupid.”

“You wouldn’t understand. None of you would.”

“Try me.”

Raven exhaled a long breath. She had a feeling Beast Boy wouldn't be giving up soon. He never knew when to stop.

“I didn’t tell you about my cousins because I didn’t want them to meet you.”

“Are you embarrassed by us??”

“No... the opposite.”

“You’re… proud of us?”

“No! That’s not what I meant. I mean I am proud of you. I just didn’t want them to meet you because I know they would love you more.”

Beast Boy had never been more confused in his life. “People are usually happy by that.”

“I want them to love you. I just don’t want them to love you more than…. More than me.” Her insecurity finally broke through and she looked almost ashamed despite her defiance.

“Rae, I’m sure the kids love you. You’re an amazing person.”

“Yeah That’s how it felt before you came.” Raven knew she was being immature about this but she couldn’t help it. “I know I say I don’t care about fans but it’s always the same. Kids usually like you, guys like Cyborg, girls like Robin and boys like Starfire. No one likes me.”

“That’s not true!”

“Yeah right. How could I forget? Only creeps like the creep.”

Beast Boy gave her a sad look. He hated when she thought of herself that way. That was not who she was.

“Anyway,” Raven continued, “it felt nice to find my cousins and for them to see me as their favorite hero.”

She waited for him to tell her how childish and petty that was, how selfish she was to be hiding her whole family for the sake of being a kid’s favorite. But she heard none of that.

“Then I have to tell them about all the times you saved our asses.”

“What?” Raven gave him a confused look.

“Come on.” He took her hand and went to the kids as they just left the big wheel a little dizzy. “Who wants ice cream?” he asked.

Once they got their ice cream –strawberry for Beast Boy and Erica, chocolate for James and blueberry for Raven – Beast Boy proceeded to tell the kids every time Raven saved the team. He started to sound like a bigger fan than the kids were.

Every time he finished one the kids would turned amazed at Raven and ask to confirm Beast Boy’s story.

They seemed to forget all about the games they were first excited about. Her aunt called to check on them and agreed to pick them up at the fair later on.

Erica noticed a costumes tent that offered face painting as well and asked if they could get one.

“What costume do you want?” Raven asked.

“Yours! ” cheered Erica.

“Me too!” followed James.

Raven was shocked. She thought at least James would want to dress as the changeling or maybe Robin.

Both of them ran to the tent to look for costumes their sizes.

“I’m gonna go pay for them,” said Beast Boy as he walked after them.

She waited for them until they came out wearing blue cloaks and running around her. “Look Raven, now I’m Raven!”

She smiled at them and then looked up to see Beast Boy grinning at her.

They met her aunt not so long after. “I left one Raven only to come back to find two more!”

The kids ran to hug their mother. “We’re helping Raven save the city!”

“Hey, I’m Beast Boy.” The changeling offered his hand.

“Hi, I’m Selena, Raven’s aunt, ” Her aunt replied as she shook his hand. “Raven talks a lot about you!”

“Really?” Beast Boy glanced at Raven to find her face flushed.

“Aunt Selena, aren’t you late for your subway?” Raven reminded her.

“Right, right, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Thanks for watching the kids! And it nice to meet you, Beast Boy.”

“Likewise.”

Beast Boy couldn’t miss the opportunity to tease her once her aunt left. “You told your aunt about me?”

“You’re a superhero. She already knows about you.”

“Yeah but it’s not the same as from you.”

She tried to stop herself from hitting him because of the stupid grin he was giving her but he was making it very hard.

Suddenly, Raven felt something funny on her nose. She touched it to find her nose a little wet. Then again on her cheek. She looked up to realize it was raining.

She expected Beast Boy to complain, or say he was right. Instead he said, “Want to go on the big wheel? I saved us tickets.”

“You don’t want to go home? It’s raining.”

“No, I don’t mind.”

The ride was quiet at first but then Raven spoke. “Thank you, for today. I admit, I wouldn’t have made it without you. It was... Fun.”

Beast Boy only smiled.

On their wedding night, during one of the many danced they shared as husband and wife, Beast Boy reminded her of the day they spent with her cousins who were now older but still as excited to see their older cousin married. "When we went to get the costumes they asked me to marry you and I promised them, I would.” Beast Boy told her.

“I guess we make great part-rents together.” He moved his hand closer to hers, gently squeezing it, hoping she wouldn’t take it away. She didn’t.

“So you’re saying you’re with me only because you promised my cousins you would marry me?”

She laughed at his attempt at mashing partners and parents together. Then with a thought to his second statement she replied softly, “I guess we do.”

Beast Boy leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead as they swayed to the soft music. “I always knew I’d be with you. After that day I only wanted you more.”

nb: if you liked this check my poolside fic for day 2

also my friend's fic for into the woods for day 3

(@bbraeweek21 )

[quijotine]

A Summer Treat

This the way I imagine the Ladynoir ice cream date in the Shanghai special happened. Told you Zag, you’ve robbed me of Adrien’s gushing long enough. 

Chat Noir heaved as he and Ladybug landed on a rooftop after finishing patrol. He usually loved every second he got to spend with her, and while that was still true, it was also the middle of July and the hot, humid weather of Paris was no fun when you were forced to leap around well above any type of shade while wearing a skin-tight black suit. 

He couldn’t wait to get home and jump into a cold bath. 

“Why is it so hot today?” he complained as he struggled to catch his breath, collapsing onto the warm gravel. He pushed back his dampened hair from his forehead and fanned his face with his hand.

“It- it’s the summer, Chaton. What did you expect?” Ladybug said, equally tormented by the sunny Parisian afternoon. 

“I blame climate change, I don’t remember it being so hot,” he said with a puff. “I’m sorry, my lady, you know I love to hang out with you after patrol but I’m melting in this suit. I literally could jump into the Seine right now.”

“It’s probably warm as soup,” Ladybug said, also pushing her bangs away from her face. “It’s okay, Chat. We can meet more often anyway, my school vacations just started.” 

Normally, Chat would throw in a joke about her wanting to meet more often than usual, something about her not being able to resist his princely charm. At that moment, though, all he could think about was how he had just spotted Andre a couple of blocks away. 

“Okay,” said Chat. “I’m going to detransform and go get some ice cream because I swear I’m about to have a heat stroke or something.” 

Ladybug giggled at his dramatic antics and without thinking, she blurted out, “Oh my god, ice cream would be amazing right now.” 

He’d be lying if he said he didn’t make anything of that comment, that he didn’t get excited at the possibility. He wasn’t about to act on the opening, though. He knew how Ladybug felt about activities that were not strictly related to their superhero duties, so he only commented for her benefit, “Andre is three blocks that way in case you wanna get anything,” he said, pointing left.

“Oh, yes!” she exclaimed, getting on her feet as she gave Chat Noir an expectant look. 

It took a moment for Chat Noir to realize she was waiting for him. 

“Wait, what--”

Ladybug’s summer-induced blush deepened at the realization Chat wasn’t actually inviting her to go with him. “I’m sorry! I thought-- oh, you meant--”

“No, no! “ Chat Noir hurried to say, scrambling to his feet and hardly being able to contain his happiness. “Let’s go, it’s my treat!” 

Andre was delighted at their appearance and was quick to offer them as much ice cream as they wanted, for free. They politely declined, both flattered and a little embarrassed because he kept saying, “Only the best for Paris’ favorite sweethearts,'' as he enthusiastically crafted a cone for each. And though they usually corrected anyone who’d use that mistaken monicker they knew Andre meant well by it, so they let it slide. 

Chat Noir produced a five Euro bill from one of his pockets and with ice cream in hand, went to join Ladybug by the promenade’s railing. 

“I wonder why Tikki didn’t give me pockets,” Ladybug commented as she dug into the ice cream.

“I think you just have to want them,” Chat said as he took a big spoonful of his. “At least that’s what Plagg told me. The suit is what you want it to be.”

“You mean to tell me you literally had this,” Ladybug said, signaling at his suit. “Locked and loaded as a mental picture, just in case?” 

Chat Noir chuckled, trying very, very hard to hide how he was practically vibrating with both excitement and nervousness at the fact Ladybug had finally taken him up on the offer to do something together after patrol. He was going to banter back with a self-deprecating joke about how his suit was inspired in all that anime he watched in his free time before becoming Chat Noir, but he decided against it fearing he might look uncool. Instead, he shrugged and grinned sheepishly at her. “I... have a good imagination?”

Ladybug laughed and shook her head as she took another spoonful of ice cream. “What flavors did you get?” she asked, seemingly unaware of Chat Noir’s struggle not to look like a hot mess. 

“Uh... raspberry and passion fruit. You?” 

“Mint and chocolate. Wanna try?” Ladybug offered him her cone so that he could take a scoop. 

What is she doing? Chat Noir screamed in his thoughts. Is she... is she flirting? No, no. She’s just being friendly. We’re just friends. Friends share ice cream, right? Yes. 

“Sure,” he said, taking a smidge with his little wooden spoon. “You want some of mine?” 

Ladybug nodded and beamed at him as she scooped up some of his. 

They continued eating their ice cream, occasionally taking spoonfuls of the other’s, as Ladybug carried the rest of their conversation. They continued to complain about the weather and casually listed generic summer activities they would do now that they had more free time. They agreed to meet every other day--much to Chat’s satisfaction-- and Ladybug even hinted at the fact she might take him up more often on his invitations to do things after patrol. At least while the summer permitted it. 

With the ice creams out of sight and Chat Noir a blushing mess, Ladybug waved him goodbye. 

“Thanks for the ice cream, Chaton. See you on Wednesday!” 

“Yeah...” he said waving, sensing the dumb grin on his face but not finding it in himself to care if other people were watching. 

Chat Noir vaulted back home and headed straight to the shower, desperate to get rid of the clamminess and sweat, and most of all, to be able to squeal to his heart’s content in the privacy of his own house. 

Once back at the manor, Plagg moaned at himself anticipating Adrien’s hopeless romanticism would be especially insufferable that night. How did he know? It hadn’t been five minutes since they had arrived back home and Adrien was already blasting his Ladybug playlist--the one he liked to sing at the top of his lungs when he play-pretended his declarations of love for her. 

“That’s alright, keep screaming. It’s not like I need my ears or anything,” Plagg grumbled as Adrien happily emerged from the shower. 

He plopped down on his bed and let go of a long, dreamy sigh. “Plagg, she finally got ice cream with me!” he said, squealing and reaching for a pillow to hug as a proxy for his affection. 

“She even let me have some of hers!” he said excitedly. “And you know? She said we could maybe have a picnic after patrol sometime!”

Plagg rolled his eyes. “You’re going to give me diabetes with all this disgusting sweetness.” 

“Oh, she’s the best, Plagg! I can’t wait to see her again!” Adrien said, burying his face in his pillow, assaulted by the excitement and sheer lightheadedness that his lady inflicted on him. 

Plagg smiled warmly at his young charge, but only because he knew he was not looking and he wouldn’t be witness to his sympathy. “You are a lost cause, kid,” he said with a chuckle. 

He sighed again and reached for the drawer of his bedside table, producing a picture he had framed of her. He had taken it from Alya’s Ladyblog: It was him tangled in her yo-yo and hanging upside down from a lamppost, grinning, and with Ladybug laughing while she held onto the cable. He remembered that day, it was on their second-ever Akuma. Ladybug was still feeling a little unsure, a little scared about their new job because she had managed to accidentally trap Chat in her yoyo and the Akuma had escaped. He cracked a joke to help her relax, and it had worked, just as the picture showed. He looked at it adoringly and sighed. 

“You’re the best, my lady.”

[harryspet]

a long way down [3] b.barnes & s.rogers

[Warnings] dark bucky barnes x reader, dark steve rogers, violence, death, heavy angst, the walking dead au, slice of life, domestic steve, vaginal sex (wear protection, please)

A/N: I love how this was supposed to be a one-shot and now I’m finding all the ways to make this series longer and add more drama. 

ADULT AND TRIGGERING CONTENT AHEAD

In which your world is shaken again and you’re forced to run back to your first safe haven. 

word count: 3.4k

series masterlist

T H E  N E X T  S P R I N G 

“She recognizes you,” You said, watching Peter’s eyes widen as the baby smiled up at him. It was currently tummy time in the living room and the two of you laid beside her, watching her explore her environment, “That’s Uncle Peter, right Margot?”

You watched her little fingers wrap around her little toys as she proceeded to put them in her mouth to taste them. Six whole months had passed since she was welcomed to this scary world and she’d already grown so much, “It’s me, Margot. It’s me,” Peter spoke in a cute voice and the baby proceeded to babble something incoherent, “Bet you I can get her to say Peter before she says Mama.”

You rolled your eyes at that as you continued to watch her, “You will be saying Mama first, missy,” You told her though she was only focused on a bright orange ring toy. You could look at her little face for hours on hours. You hadn’t felt true love until you laid eyes on her. 

The long journey it took you to get here only made you love her more. You were lucky that she didn’t come too early. God forbid you needed a c-section or she was facing the wrong way. You wanted her to survive and that’s all you hoped and prayed for. When you lost too much blood and began to pass out, you were still happy knowing she’d be okay. 

You didn’t think you would make it. Sharon did her best to give you the best care she could but modern medicine wasn’t available to you. You were sick and on bed rest for the first two months she was alive so now you were enjoying the time when you could move around with her. During the time you were unconscious, Steve had made the considerate decision to name the baby Margaret after some long lost love. 

Margaret Rogers. 

You refused to call her that and decided on a nickname of your own choosing.

“C’mere, Margot,” You sat up, lifting the baby into your lap, “Let me show you something cool, Peter.” 

Peter sat up too, his eyes confused as you removed one of her little socks. She was still happily waving around the toy as you ran a finger down the sole of her foot. Her little toes spread out like a little fan, “That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Peter declared and you giggled. 

“It’s called the Babinski reflex. It might go away as early as twelve months so I’m going to savor the cuteness,” You encouraged Peter to try it too and the boy seemed to swoon over Margot. You moved the baby into his lap, continuing to tell him about all the little milestones that Margot was passing. 

“She’s like a sponge, it’s amazing,” Peter said, bouncing the little girl in his lap, “Do you get any sleep?”

You nodded, “I’m up by five every morning but I’m used to it now. If she wakes up while I’m sleeping, Steve takes care of her. Luckily, she’s sleeping through the night.”

“Such a sweet girl,” Peter cooed, “I’m sure you’d never cause Mommy any problems.” You were lucky that Margot’s temperament was easy. She got frustrated like all other babies but she wasn’t very sensitive. You thought it meant she’d do well in a world like this. 

The two of you spent more time with Margot but your peace and serenity was interrupted when both Steve and Bucky returned home. You always got the feeling that they disliked Peter being around but that never stopped you from being friends with him. Peter probably cared more for you then both of them combined. 

“It’s getting late, son,” You heard Steve say, his deep voice trying to be as authoritarian as it could. Steve scared Peter, you could tell that much. 

“I’ll go then,” Peter rushed out, handing the little girl back to you. Margot seemed a bit upset at his absence and you held her to you in order to keep her calm. You knew it was useless to argue about this with Steve and you doubted Bucky would have your back. 

You stood up from your place on her baby blanket, using Margot’s hand to wave goodbye, “Say bye-bye, Peter,” The little girl only mumbled something incoherent, “See you tomorrow.”

“Bye, Margot. Goodbye, Y/N,” Peter smiled before walking out of the living room. The room went silent as Peter made his way to the front door and tension only increased 

Steve walked over to greet his daughter, lifting her from your arms, “Hello, honey-bear,” Margot’s mood seemed to lift again as she recognized her Daddy and Steve’s hard exterior softened. When they were together, it reminded you how alike they looked. He lifted the giggling girl, taking a whiff of her bottom, “You need a change, don’t you?”

“I can do it-”

Steve interrupted you, “No, I’ve got it. Daddy’s gonna change you, yes he is.” 

“Wash your hands please,” You told Steve who was too focused on the tiny creature. As Steve walked away to climb the stairs, your eyes met with Bucky’s. Although you liked that he was forced to face the consequences of his actions, you knew that he was still chasing your affection. He was facing his demons in order to get closer to you. 

“Catch anything good?” You asked, leaning down to collect all the toys. There was a lake just outside the compound limits that Steve and Bucky frequented for their “time to just be a man” where they liked to go fishing. 

“Nothing alive,” Bucky said, following you as you walked into the kitchen. You put the toys into the sink, turning the warm water on in order to clean them. Bucky leaned against the counter and you felt his gaze burning into you, “It’s still pretty peaceful out there, we didn’t run into any walkers. I was thinking we could go out there together, you could take a break like you deserve.”

“Go out there and do what?” You asked, your eyes not meeting his. 

“I don’t know, have a picnic or something.”

“Or something?” You scoffed, scrubbing at the toys, “Sounds romantic.”

Bucky’s lips pressed into a thin line of frustration, “I’m trying here. I’m not good at … romantic stuff.”

“To say the least,” You added, “Bucky, I don’t need or want a break. I’m perfectly content right now.”

“You’re sure about that? You don’t have any other needs begging to be met?” You scowled at him, knowing what he was hinting at. Steve had barely touched you since you started showing and, after the rough birth, he wasn’t willing to rush into trying for a boy. 

“I’m sure.”

+

“Looks like both the girls are down for the night,” Steve said, letting out a sigh as he sat in his desk chair. Bucky sat in the chair in front of Steve’s desk, his feet kicked up on the desk. 

“What about Sharon?”

Steve rubbed his temples at the mention of the woman, “She’s been working late at the infirmary. She won’t tell me but I know it’s because my attention has been elsewhere,” Bucky was beginning to doubt Steve’s feeling for Sharon in the first place. It seemed Steve was ready to completely let the woman go due to her infertility, “I don’t really care if she doesn’t come back. Y/N and I can handle things on our own.”

Bucky only nodded, his mind already wandering elsewhere. Steve noted his friend's frustration and wondered why the man continued to bother with you. Even after all this time, Bucky still didn’t have anyone else on his mind, “What’s on your mind, Buck?”

Bucky’s fingers rubbed over his facial hair as he thought, “That Peter kid.”

Right away, Steve understood. It had been a topic they avoided despite knowing how each other felt about it, “What about him?”

“You don’t think he spends a little too much time around here? With your daughter?”

Steve didn’t believe Peter was any real threat to his family here. Steve saw him as a distraction for you. Someone who helped you forget your worries, “This is about her, Buck. You don’t want him around her.”

“Fine,” Bucky threw up his hands in defeat, “I think he’s getting in the way of Y/N letting me in again. She has Peter to be there and tell her everything's going to be alright so she doesn’t need me.”

“Tell her not to see him then. Matter of fact, tell him to stay away,” Steve spoke simply, the solution obvious in his mind. 

“If she knows I had something to with it, it’ll make things worse. I have to be the good guy in her eyes.”

Steve smiled, a lightbulb going off in his mind, “Shall I be the bad guy then?”

Bucky moved his feet, leaning forward in his chair, “What are you thinking?”

“I still need someone to replace you. Someone to travel and relay messages between our camp and my allies. Peter could fill the position for the time being,” Bucky didn’t think over it long before he agreed. All that was on his mind was winning you back and this would only help his cause, “I need to keep up appearances around here anyways. We don’t need some kid running around here with our girls, right?”

“Right,” Bucky said, his mind on you, “Thanks, Steve.”

“No need, Buck. We have to look out for each other. Besides that, I think it's a good time to ask you to be my second in command.”

+

Margot was a complete celebrity in Liberty. You couldn’t walk on the street without people coming up to wave or to get a look at her. Margot was good with strangers which only solidified her position as princess of this place. 

It was a sunny spring day and you had dressed her in a floral dress and a pink bow. You carried her in one hand and held a tupperware of deserts in the other hand. Sam wasn’t far behind but that hadn’t changed in the past year. 

“We’re going to find uncle Peter, yes we are,” You cooed to the little girl who was energized from her latest nap, “And he’s going to love the cookies we made him.”

You eventually got to the barracks where Steve’s group of soldiers usually stayed, you walked through the long lines of bunk beds to find his. As you passed some men, all of them burly and intimidating, they even waved hello to your little one. 

As you approached Peter’s bunk you found it empty, only a mattress sitting on top of the metal. All of his comics and textbooks were nowhere to be found. You searched around for the nearest person and found a group of older men playing some dice game, “Excuse me, do you know where Peter Parker is today? He slept over there,” You asked, pointing to Peter’s bunk. 

“Packed up early this morning,” The man said, “Think he got reassigned.”

“Reassigned where?” You asked.

“Something outside of the compound. Poor kid.”

Your heart started pounding heavily as you turned back to Sam, “Take me to Steve. Now.”

“He’s on duty-”

“Find him and take me to him, Sam.”

+

Margot was screaming in your eyes mostly because she sensed how upset you were. As soon as you approached Steve, he swooped the little girl into his arms, trying to calm her, “What the hell are you doing?” Steve asked. He came down from one of the watchtowers, a rifle still strapped to his back, as he saw you approaching with Sam. 

“Peter? Where did you send him?”

Steve sighed, “Y/N-”

“Where did you send him?” You shouted back. 

“I needed a new emissary and he volunteered to do it,” Steve stated simply. 

“By himself? He’s a kid, Steve!” Margot cried louder but your blood was boiling, “You’re going to get him killed!”

“We all have to earn our keep around here, Y/N. Some people put their lives on the line for a chance to live here and then people like you spread your legs for it. That’s how it works, sweetheart.”

“You’re a fucking monster,” You spat at him. 

+

Bucky scoured the camp looking for you for a good hour. You were sitting at the bottom of a big tree, staring out into a small field. Where the field ended, the wall began. Bucky startled you when he suddenly appeared and you were quick to try and wipe away your tears. 

He took a seat beside you, leaning his back against the tree. This area of the camp was peaceful, it was no wonder that you had taken a liking to it. 

“What are you doing here?” You asked, your face in a frown. 

“I thought you didn’t need a break,” Bucky said, avoiding your question. 

“This isn’t a break,” You said softly, “You’re supposed to feel relaxed on a break-” As your voice cracked and the tears started falling again, Bucky wrapped an arm around your soldier. You leaned into him and sobbed into his shoulder. 

“I didn’t even get to say goodbye,” You tried to speak as you choked on your sobs.

“He’ll be back, I promise” Bucky stated, “Probably sooner than you think. The kid can handle himself.”

“He shouldn’t have to. Margot shouldn’t have to,” You said, “It isn’t fair.”

Bucky rubbed your shoulder, drawing lines on your skin with his fingers, “I know, doll.”

It was like losing your family all over again. It was worse than losing them. At least you knew they were dead. You wouldn’t know if he was alive or dead and, if something happened, you wouldn’t even know how it happened. There were so many things outside of the walls that could get you killed. 

You pulled away from Bucky gently, realizing how long it had been since you’d been in his arms. Looking into those blue eyes gave you a weird sense of familiarity. Of home, “Maybe you could talk to Steve? For me?”

Bucky nodded, “Of course, doll.”

You stared at his moment and Bucky noted the way your gaze traveled to your lips. Bucky reached over to wipe a tear from your cheek. He couldn’t hide how attracted to you he was, even when you were crying. Bucky placed a soft, hesitant kiss on your cheek, “Everything’s going to be okay. All I should worry about is your little one.”

You took a deep breath, nodding in agreement. 

It must’ve been the emotions or the off-balance hormones because, when Bucky leaned into your lips, you didn’t stop him. In fact, you welcomed that touch. The soft kisses soon became more desperate and hungry. Your lips were angry, demanding as they moved against his. 

It shocked Bucky as much as it did to you. Bucky was elated but he had little time to celebrate you being back in his clutches. You were hungry for something and he was going to make sure you were satisfied. 

Bucky pulled you into his lap and, as you straddled him you said, “Just this once.”

“Just this once,” Bucky agreed, knowing the opposite would be true. 

Your lips devoured each other and Bucky explored your mouth with his hands pulled down the straps of your sundress. As your breast sprang free, he palmed them his hand. The cold of his metal hand sent shivers down your spine but Bucky warmed you again with his mouth. He played with your nipple in his mouth causing you to bite down on your lips. 

Your hands ran through his hair as you savored the feeling. As he moved his mouth away, his head tilted up at you, “You’re so beautiful,” Bucky said and you rolled your eyes, leaning down to undo his belt and zipper. 

“Just fuck me, okay?” Bucky grabbed you by your ass roughly pulling you into him. He reached under your dress, tucking your underwear to the side as he positioned himself at your entrance. You could feel how hard he already was and the idea of him filling you up was making your mouth water with anticipation. 

As you slowly impaled yourself on his cock, your mouth was agape. You realized how full he made you fill, how complete you felt. Bucky held your hips as you began to bounce up and down. Bucky groaned huskily, loving how your face contorted to different expressions as the pleasure went through you. 

As you tried to contain your moans, Bucky placed kisses along your jaw and then on your neck. He felt all your anger and sadness as you used it as motivation, moving your body hard against his. 

The two eventually met your climaxes together, your body shaking as you rode out the rest of the wave. You breathed heavily, leaning against his body. You tucked your head into his shoulder and Bucky simply wrapped his arms around you. 

“Say you won’t leave again,” You whispered.

“I won’t leave you ever again, doll.”

+

The next day you awoke beside Bucky. You watched him as he slept peacefully, his hand over his shirtless chest and his chest slowly rising and falling. That “just this once” had turned into four times which you were sure he was happy with. You had to admit that you didn’t have that morning-after regret that you expected. Bucky had done such horrible things to you and yet he managed to bring you joy like no other. 

You hated that you ran back after resisting for so long but, without Peter, you were once again feeling completely lost. Being with Bucky reminded you of simpler times and, despite the hell you knew it would bring, it was worth it just to feel that comfort. 

Suddenly, you heard commotion coming from downstairs, glass shattering and Steve’s booming voice traveled through the air. You shook Bucky awake as you  began to throw on some clothes, “Bucky, something’s going on!” You threw on some boots and Bucky put on a t-shirt before the two of you filed out of your room. 

You heard your little girl wailing and you followed the sound. You found the front door wide open and quickly ran out of it. As you moved down the porched steps, the sight before you stopped your heart. Steve was holding Margot in one hand and a pistol in the other. A pistol that was pointing at a begging and pleading Sharon. 

Bucky tried to grab your hand but you ran towards him, “Steve, what the hell are you doing?” Your eyes widened even more as you noticed that Margot had no clothes on except for a checkered dishtowel and her skin was wet.

Steve handed you the child but kept the gun pointed at the woman. By now, everyone had filed out of their homes and were watching the chaos, “She tried to drown our baby,” Was all he said, shaking with anger. 

“I-I would never!” Sharon shouted back, her hands up as she laid on the gravel, “Please-”

“I fucking saw you!” Steve shouted back and you felt Bucky’s arm pulling you away. You stepped back with him, knowing that if the gun went off that you didn’t want Margot anywhere near it. 

Your eyes connected with Sharon’s and there was only pure hatred there. She didn’t even look sorry for what she was being accused of, “I was helping! I was taking care of her! You know me, Steve!”

Steve didn’t believe her and you hated that you didn’t either. Was she really capable of something like this? All because of jealousy? Jealousy over a life that you didn’t even want. 

“You weren’t even supposed to be in my house!” You watched as Steve cocked the gun, “You’re lucky I walked in when I did. If you had gotten away with hurting my little Margaret, I would’ve dismembered you piece by piece and I would've enjoyed it. Consider this a blessing.”

“Steve, don’t-” You pressed yourself into Bucky, trying to protect the crying child in your arms as the gun went off and the blonde woman fell limp. 

Steve tucked the weapon into his belt, his muscle still tense, as he tried not to contain whatever emotions were coursing through him, “Early start today. Everyone get to work!” Steve shouted to every citizen who was listening, “And get her body off my fucking street!”

Silence fell over the small town of Liberty. 

+

Hope you enjoyed! Let me know your thoughts and predictions!

[madara-fate]

I recently just realized I don't know anything about Sakura, the main heroine. Naruto and Sasuke characters will always be more developed than the rest but after that should be Sakura and Kakashi. We know why most characters are the way they are, rock lee works hard because he doesn't have any Chakra and wants to prove that he can still be astounding. Hinata's shy nature is due to her father's maltreatment during childhood. Shikamaru is smart because he takes after his father and smokes because of Asuma. But for Sakura, I have no idea why she has perfect Chakra control or why she is good at detecting genjustu. Or even where she gets her temper from. We even know that kiba's dad is left, but we've never seen sakura's parents in canon.

The only thing I know about Sakura is that she loves her team and wanted to bring them back together.

Sakura is also quite a contradiction, she was bullied during her childhood for something she cant control. Then makes insensitive comments about naruto for he cannot control. Tsunade's most important lesson was to evade. She does against sasori, but not against sasuke when he was going blind.

Well anyway, I think kishimoto should've have given her something that was her own speciality, inner Sakura was a great idea but unfortunately was scrapped. They basically just reused tsunade's powers and that's unacceptable.

I can’t say that I agree with this.

Asking why Sakura has perfect chakra control and why she's good at identifying and dispelling genjutsu is like asking why Neji is a Hyuuga prodigy. It's a talent you're born with, and an explicit reason is not a requirement for every little facet of one's character. Why are the Uchiha's talented with the Fire Style? No explicit reason was given, it's just the way they are. Why do the Uzumaki's have great vitality? No explicit reason was given, it's just the way they are. Why was Kushina born with especially powerful chakra even by Uzumaki standards? No explicit reason was given, it's just the way she is. Why does Lee have no talent in ninjutsu or genjutsu? No explicit reason was given, it's just the way he is. I could honestly go on and on.

The same thing applies with regards to the characters' personality. You gave a reason why Rock Lee works hard, but you also know why Sakura works hard so that wasn't the best example, and it was never stated that Hinata's shy nature derived from Hiashi's mistreatment; she was shown to be shy from as early as 3 years old, long before any of that began. Hiashi's mistreatment made this trait worse, but it wasn't what caused it.

Sasuke's a very reserved individual and we don't know why; it's just the way he is.

Naruto has a very sunny disposition and we don't know why; it's just the way he is.

Kakashi is a huge fan of Jiraiya's erotic novels and we don't know why; it's just the way he is.

And yes, Sakura can have a temper, and we don't know why, because that's just the way she is.

These character traits don't need to be given a reason or a justification; it's just part of who they are, and knowing about these traits is already an indication that you know the character. I could go on - Why is Shino so quiet? Why is Kiba so boisterous? Why does Ino also have a temper? Why is Shikamaru so lazy? It's just who they are; explicit reasons for these traits aren't needed.

Regarding Sakura's contradictions, those weren't contradictions. She initially wasn't too nice to Naruto because of his troublemaking behaviour, which he very much could control. Him being an orphan was never the cause of her attitude towards him. Yes, she made an insensitive comment which downplayed the struggles of orphans, but she never bullied him because he was an orphan. In fact, she envied him due to his lack of parents nagging him. As for Tsunade's teachings, Sakura was internally conflicted because she couldn't bring herself to strike Sasuke down when she knew he could still be saved, but that doesn't mean she contradicted Tsunade's lessons; it was an unforeseen circumstance.

Lastly, I didn't like Inner Sakura, it made her more of a joke character than anything else and I couldn't take her seriously whenever it was used. The fact that this was scrapped demonstrated Sakura's growth both as a person (since she now expressed her true thoughts openly), but also her growth as a kunoichi, because if I had to choose between this Sakura:

And this Sakura:

I'll take the latter Sakura, any day, not least because she doesn't have "Inner Sakura" plastered on her forehead. I agree that it would have been cool to see Sakura have a more expansive arsenal that wasn't so similar to Tsunade's. However, her proficiency with identifying and dispelling genjutsu sets her apart from her master, and in my opinion, it's a very clear upgrade from relying on some comical and imaginary inner personality to fire you up and defeat your opposition.

[whitherliliesbloom]

weaving the present, illuminating the future

[ ffxivwrite2021 ] ★ [ masterlist ] ★ [ prompt #30 - abstracted ]

[ illya & friends ] ★ [ 2,849 words ]  ★ [ streamers au ]

modern / streamers / online celebrities au where the spud squad are all popular streamers who frequently collab together. centers around illya and kaye mainly, but briefly mentions a bunch of other friends and illyanaud.

abstracted- withdrawn in mind, inattentive to one's surroundings

the spud squad announce their indefinite hiatus right after releasing their one year anniversary single, and illya cannot help but to feel just a tad bit melancholic.

Illya hasn’t bothered checking her notifications, or looked at either her computer screen or mobile phone, really. The sounds of ping after ping on linkcord, text after text and the flood of new tweets mentioning the one tag she followed on twitter easily made her overwhelmed - and so she’d opted to switch her devices off entirely before burying herself under the covers for the evening, trying desperately to distract herself with a copy of a manhwa that she’d borrowed from Laurelis. 

But it was futile, her head is empty and heavy, yet swirling with a myriad of many emotions all at the same time. And after feebly reading and re-reading the same page over and over only to realize she hadn’t been paying attention to the contents of the book at all, she closed the manhwa shut with a heavy sigh before closing her eyes, praying to the heavens that exhaustion would lull her quickly to sleep.

Outsiders would merely assumed she was simply nervous from the release of their newest single, Ultramarine Hymn, a collaboration between the members of their massively popular streamer group made in celebration for their one year anniversary. They’d prepared for months, working together with a widely renowned music composer and even performing live on stage with a set of professional make up artists, producers and videographers to film their first ever music video.

For everyone barring Mint, it’d been their first time ever singing and dancing for a large audience online. While the experience had been undoubtedly fun, it was still their first real exposure doing anything of such professionalism and scale- and so her flat mate Kaye wasn’t surprised at all to find her shaking like a leaf as she sat next to him on the couch just several minutes prior to the premier of the video.

While the premier of their first music video was indeed a good half of the reason why Illya felt so out of sorts and nervous for the rest of the night up until sunrise, the true reason for the melancholy she bore in her heart came from the announcement that was posted right after the release of the music video, and it’d kept her awake for a good portion of the late night until she mercifully fell asleep, clutching the lavender purple ribbon she’d worn in the music video tightly in her hands.

The spud squad was going to go on an indefinite hiatus shortly after the release of Ultramarine Hymn - a result of an eight months long business trip Kaye had been assigned on as a professional programmer. Streaming and being something of an internet celebrity was never the man’s main source of income, so it’d be unwise of him to turn down the golden opportunity to further his career in favor of staying behind to continue streaming. 

Naturally, Lily was going to move overseas with him as well - and while she has made it clear to her audience that she will continue streaming whenever she could afford the free time to, the radically different time zones between Eorzea and Doma meant it’d be difficult to participate in anymore spud squad activities - at least until she and Kaye would return.

Mint too, announced that she’d been preoccupied with practicing for auditions into several professional idol management companies... and while Illya herself isn’t as busy as the other three, juggling between helping with business at her mother’s florist, studying for an entrance exam into a medical school and streaming on top of that has become quite a hectic endeavor. 

Thus with much reluctance, the six of them came to a consensus and decided to announce their indefinite hiatus, a news that they’d hoped would sit well with their impressively large audience of fans if it came with the release of a music video to remember them by.

Illya knew that it was a necessary change of process - that new doors are being opened for each of them and it was only right for them to seize the opportunity to chase their dreams. Deep inside, Illya truly did feel overjoyed for her friends, loved them all with of her heart so much that the hiatus was but a small fraction of the cost to pay in exchange for their happiness.

But that didn’t mean there wasn’t a hint of melancholy and bitter sweetness within that earnest joy and cause for celebration. None of the six of them knew when they’d next be able to work on something like this again, or if they’d even find the time in the future to work together again at all. It was perhaps because of their shared understanding - that unspoken sadness between all of them that they’d agreed to prepare something special to celebrate one year of their collaboration - a song that spoke of hope and a brighter future. 

‘The more you give up, the more regrets await you.’

By the time the sun rose, accompanied by the shining of morning light through her pastel pink curtains and the melodic chirping of birds nesting upon the wisteria tree just outside her window, her phone has been assaulted with a mountain of unchecked notifications that she dreaded to sort through. 

The girl knew she couldn’t possibly keep her phone locked and switched off forever, and so she’d booted it up after washing up in the shared bathroom, before walking out of her bedroom, staring down at her screen with a light frown.

The smell of fried bacon wafts through the apartment. The sound of sizzling oil intermingles with Hazel’s cheery singing, and Illya takes the time to open the latch of her enclosure, allowing the little sparrow to flutter about the living room until it settled peacefully next to the potted sunflowers that sat upon the window sills of the kitchen, watching the raven haired man flipping eggs effortlessly with a flick of the frypan. 

“Good morning, Kaye. Thank you for making breakfast, again.” Greeting with an ever bright smile, Illya sits herself down at her designated seat at the dining table upon a bright floral cushion, watching as the man turns his head back for a moment before returning his attention to the stove. 

“It’s Sunday, so it’s my turn. You don’t gotta thank me.” He walks over to the dining table to dump the steaming hot sunny side ups and crispy bacon onto their plates, cups of orange juice already poured and waiting, which Illya takes into her hand to take a quick sip out of.

“You checked eorzeatube and twitter yet?” The young man asks as he sets the frypan down, gesturing towards the phone in her hands.

“N-no... Is it urgent?”

“Not really, no.” Kaye raises an eyebrow, sitting himself down and jabbing a fork into his bacon. “But aren’t you curious about how the music video did?”

“I-I am... A little, I suppose... but-” 

Her stammer gives her away her listlessness, and Kaye shoots the girl a furrowed scowl and a frown. 

“Is somethin’ botherin’ you?” The man asks, and Illya’s lips curl upwards into a wide, deceptively warm smile.

“Just nervous is all.. What if the fans didn’t like it?” it wasn’t a complete lie, though not the total truth, but Illya was always exceptionally talented at hiding her negative emotions, and Kaye seems to buy it enough to slump back against the back rest of his chair and toss the bacon into his awaiting mouth, chewing quietly and swallowing before speaking.

“You won’t know till you see for yourself.” 

It’s an unfortunate reality that he’s right, and Illya finally gives in and taps onto the icon for the twitter app, waiting for the timeline feed to load before her star spangled violet eyes widen in complete disbelief.

99+ notifications, an equally unbearable amount of private messages in her inbox as well as the first tweet literally being about the music video - Moth’ir’s retweet of their short promotional video from their official spud squad twitter account, which has garnered over 40 thousand likes and 10 thousand retweets.

#spudsquad and #ultramarinehymn are trending, and Illya gives in to her curiosity enough to tap on the tags and scroll through the tweets.

cosplaycon2022 hype!!! @/oracleoflight  • 18h  my good friend illya and her friends #spudsquad just released #ultramarine hymn and it’s so so so good!!! please give it a watch!! 

EEEEEEEEEE @/driftinintiawind  • 18h @/academician you didn’t tell me your gf was an idol bro???? GOOD SHIT #ultramarinehymn

 pink is JUSTICE @/rosepinkcutie  • 17h OHHHHH I’m goihng to cwyg #ultramarinehymn made me cryuy. iT’S SO GOOD...... #spudsquad i LOVE YOU

Alphinaud @/academician  • 17h Do give your support to #spudsquad ‘s new music video, #ultramarinehymn ! They’ve worked very hard on it!

soliriii @/windupsunshine  • 17h thank you #spudsquad for all the joy you’ve given me for the past year!! what a way to celebrate <3 #ultramarinehymn

hien’s booty @/floortank   • 16h  HEY #ultramarinehymn IS SO LIT THOUGH????? WTF

thancredwaters @/gunbrkrs  • 16h #spudsquad Good job my daughter hasn’t stopped playing this song on repeat for the past 2 hours. 

Nyx @/underthebloodmoon  • 15h Sharing a good friend’s music video here. #ultramarinehymn #spudsquad

Nidhstinien @/azuredragoon  • 15h [youtube link] #ultramarinehymn nice

vergotohelldad @/reveilleur  • 14h only 4 hours after release and #ultramarinehymn is already trending. twitter has some fucking good tastes in music thank the twelve.

Lamittens! @/lalamitt  • 14h Oh to be spud squad long time fan :pleading: I’m so fed... #ultramarinehymn #spudsquad

nhelly @/blackestmage  • 13h I turn around and #spudsquad decided to drop an absolute banger. loving #ultramarinehymn !!

Aymeric de Borel @/officialborel  • 13h A wonderful song that elicits a sense of optimism and hope. #ultramarinehymn

kafuuchi @/cloudsysmile  • 13h hey is it just me or is kaye getting hotter :blush: still a kayelily simp tho!! #ultramarinehymn

KoKomi Komi @/sangopriestess   • 12h @/starblossoms Congratulations on the new MV!! It’s very catchy! #ultramarinehymn

The scroll is endless, timeline filled with a mixture of both familiar and unfamiliar twitter handles, yet all collectively singing praises and awe for the music video and the song. It’s hard to not be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of positive reception their hard work and efforts have received, and Illya tears her eyes away from the screen to look up at Kaye with a twinkle in her wide violet eyes, and the man looks back at her expectedly. 

“I-It...It seems to be very well received.”

“’Seems to be’? The video’s got over five hundred thousand views on eorzeatube from the past 18 hours.”

Illya almost chokes on her eggs, eyes blown wide as she swallows her food abruptly and her voice raises into a high, bewildered squeak.

“F-f-five... hundred thousand???” 

By the twelve, that’s far more than even their highest recorded number of viewers on their biggest stream - and it’s been less than a day since the release of the music video. She cannot imagine just how ecstatic Mint must be at having such a successful idol-esque debut. 

“Does that ease your worries now?” Kaye asks, snapping the girl out of her train of thoughts once more, and he is met with a smile and an affirmative nod in response. 

“It does... thank you, Kaye.” 

Knowing that weeks of preparation, practice and hard work has paid off and finally bore fruit was the biggest relief Illya’s experienced in a while, and the simple knowledge that the sentiment of their song got through to a good number of the fans warmed her heart.

But in the midst of the joy, there was yet an underlying somberness lingering in the air between the pair that was not lost to either of them, as silence quickly fills the atmosphere and quickly turns the space around them cold. 

Scrolling through the top tweets didn’t exactly help either - because while it had quickly eased Illya’s worries of the music video being negatively received, in between praises for the song came the posts of fans who were dejected by the hiatus announcement.

Most of them had been supportive, of course... Their audience has ever been so welcoming, understanding and wonderful to them. But that perhaps made the disappointment they felt even worse on Illya’s melancholy, as she once again quickly slips back into the depths of her own internal mind. 

Because as well received as the music video they’d released is, it still ends with them going their separate ways, and it fills Illya with a sense of already festering loneliness that she refuses to admit verbally to.

She never did like goodbyes. 

‘The time that flows in the blink of an eye. The fear of continuing to be as we are.’

Neither Kaye nor Illya particularly enjoyed talking about their troubles, not even to each other, and so while Kaye could make an educated guess on why Illya seemed so despondent, he makes no comment on it. He was never the best at comforting others anyway.

He lets the silence fester between them even after Illya sets her phone down to focus on her plate full of breakfast, fishing his own device out of his pants pocket and begins to type away at it. 

It isn’t until after a whole ten minutes has passed that he’d finally look up from the screen, expression unreadable yet his voice sounding a modicum more relaxed than it had been a while ago as he calls out to Illya as she was drinking the last of her orange juice. 

“Hey, you’re free tonight, right?” The raven haired man asks, and Illya sets her glass down with a quirk of her eyebrow, if there was even a hint of sorrow in her, she didn’t allow him to hear it.

“Um... I am. Why?”

A smile from Kaye is a rarity, let alone one that carries such gentleness and ease... but the one he’s wearing now is so warm that it blows away the storm clouds that she hadn’t even noticed hanging over her head. 

“Then, are you cool to do an Among us stream tonight? With the other four, of course.”

Sparkling lavender eyes widen, and Illya is silent for a brief moment before stuttering out in response.

“A-aren’t you going over to Lily’s place to help her pack though?? And... the others.. aren’t they-”

“I’ll only be there for the afternoon. We’re only gonna be flying next week so there’s no rush. As for the others, I already asked. You can even invite Alphinaud if you want, the more the merrier.”

“But didn’t we just announce that we’re going on hiatus? I don’t want to trouble the others if they’re too busy either-”

Her pink lips slightly part, voice timid and soft. Hesitation and uncertainty briefly flashing through her twinkling eyes as she averts her gaze from the man and hides them under the shadows of her pure white bangs. But it does little to keep the light red burn of her cheeks and the bridge of her nose from Kaye, who only rolls his eyes at her in response.

“Gods, stop being so nice. I said I already asked and they’re down for it.... well, mostly. Ichi said he wanted to sleep but I’ll drag him outta his bed if I have to. We may be on hiatus, but it’s not like we’re gonna stop hanging out together, right?”

Though Kaye’s tone is rough and his words are painfully honest, his tongue as sharp as the gaze of his midnight blue eyes, Illya knew there was kindness laced beneath his huff, and the tension in her body slowly begins to fade, making way for a brighter, far more honest and radiant smile that washed away the chill of the air like a spring breeze.

He’s right, as he often is. 

Even if they may go their separate ways in the future, they will still always remain connected as friends, holding the memories they made together close in their hearts. 

Her phone’s buzzing with notifications again, and she takes a peek down at the lit up screen, her heart warming at the equally excited messages from her beloved friends. From Mint who is spamming :mikurave: emotes, to Lily who was telling Ichi that no, a schedule with his bed isn’t a valid excuse and Nanami who was offering to set up the stream for the night... Things are all as it should be, right here and now where they are together - where they are home. 

“If everyone’s fine with it then... I’ll join too. Don’t raid Ichi’s flat, though!” 

Illya lets out a giggle that rings out like windchimes in a cool summer breeze, and Kaye clicks his tongue with a shrug of his shoulder.

“He gave me his keys for this exact reason, he doesn’t mind. How do you think he always makes it in time for our streams? All I need to wake him up is a fork and porcelain plate and-”

“Kaye! That’s... that’s so mean-”

‘I'll hug you with equal parts expectation and anxiety. You and I, weaving the present, illuminating the future.’

[soyouthinkucanwrite]

Chapter 4 – A new day

Synopsys: The name of the series is super random, don't mind me. Reader is a postgraduate student at NYU, made a docuseries on her research, and the show got picked up by Netflix. She goes on a press tour and meets Tom on a ‘chat show’. They get together and she decides to stay for a few days in London with him. This could be an amazing few days or more? It’s been interesting writing how they’ll deal with distance and tight schedules once ‘honeymoon’ is over...

Heads up: my first language is Portuguese, so that might explain some things here - of course, I wrote thinking about myself hahaha

Warnings for the series: mention of illicit drugs, angst caused by distance, smut (next chapters, very explicit), anxiety caused by paparazzi, and rude random people taking photos.

Other than that, this is just my guilty pleasure writing so lots of caring sweet Tom and fluffiness.

Chapter 1 - A new city

Chapter 2 - Show time

Chapter 3 - Unexpected texts

Chapter 4 - A new day

This is 1.8k words (approximately)

A while after overthinking it you closed your eyes and next thing you knew you were opening them at the sound of your alarm clock. Shit. ‘Should’ve sleept more’ was your first thought but then you remembered why you didn’t. You checked your phone. There was one text from “Tom Holland”, you just loved the quotation markes there, they reminded you of the mess it was your first interaction.

Did he really just Google-translated ‘beautiful’? And are you really swooning over that?

You got up from bed smiling like an idiot and went to get ready for the day. You were getting breakfast with David at the hotel so you had to hurry cause the Breakfast show begins at 7. It was supposed to be a bright sunny (and hot) summer day, which you knew was rare in London. But it was still a work commitment, so you decided on pants and maybe you could change before going to wherever you were going with Tom. Tom! Should you reply to him?

Ok. Play it cool. Now, focus on why you’re here in the first place, will you? You wore capri pants, a t-shirt tucked in with a belt and some stylish shoes. It looked cool, you were comfortable and that’s the best we can expect in a situation like this. No one’s expecting you to show up ready for a red carpet or anything like that anyway. You texted David and he was already downstairs getting some food, so you just went to meet him.

“Good morning” You greeted David at the buffet.

“Someone’s in a good mood. Good morning” He was in a good mood too, probably cause you’ll be going home today. Your good mood had nothing to do with that. If you’re honest, that was a reason for ruining your spirit.

“Uh-hum” You agreed.

“So, I was looking and I think I can change our tickets. You know, for earlier.” He told you as you were sitting in a table at the corner and you couldn’t help but look at him like he was saying something absurd. “Ok, you don’t look so happy about it.”

“No, I was just hoping to see the city today. You know, enjoy it a little bit before going back.” As you said that your phone lit up on the table, it was a text from Tom.

“The city. Right” David smirked at you.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You laughed at him and smiled when you saw the texts.

“Is that ok?” You heard David talking.

“Hum? Sorry?” You were smiling.

“Gosh I can’t with you. I said I might just change my own ticket, would that be ok with you?”

“Oh yeah! Go ahead. I’ll be fine. I have all my flight info.” He looked at you suspiciously.

“Just…please be in New York next week? The meeting is on Friday afternoon”

“What?” You laughed. “Of course I’ll be there. Why wouldn’t I?” He just shook his head and laughed at you.

You finished your breakfast and went back to the room to brush your teeth and get your stuff. 15 minutes later, you were in a cab with David going to the Radio One studios. On the way, you snapped a pic to send him, you know, keep the conversation going.

You rolled your eyes at him but still couldn’t help but agree.

The breakfast show was from 7 to 10 am, but your interview was not until 8 am. So you and David just hang out in the studio in the meantime. “The first hour is mainly for music”, the girl that welcomed you guys explained. Soon after, Greg James walked out to the little reception and greeted you and David. “Hey guys! Thank you for coming! I’m Greg, nice to meet you.” He offered.

“Hi! Thank you for having us! I’m (y/n), this is David.” You replied and gave him a quick hug.

“Hey! How’s it going?” David said and gave him a man’s hug/handshake. Boys.

“So this is basically standard, since it’s a live interview, I like to ask if there’s any topic you want to avoid or something you’d like to talk specially about?” He asked you.

“Oh…I don’t know. No? Just…let’s talk about how great the show is so people want to watch it and we can keep making more” You laughed.

“And it IS great! I’ve seen it, really loved. Congrats!”

“That’s kind of you. Thank you!”

“No problem, so…I guess I’ll just direct it towards the interviews you did, you can tell me some funny stories? Awkward ones preferably.”

“You got it! I’ll give you my worst embarrassment stories, you know, for the good of entertainment” You laughed.

--

A little while later you were sitting in the studio with Greg on the other side of the table. You told him about the show and some embarrassing stories as well.

“So, what are the plans now? Will we be seeing more seasons of the show? Maybe in other cities, London perhaps?”

“Well, I can’t say”

“Oh come on! Is Netflix the next Marvel on terms of keeping secrets?”

“No, I mean, I don’t know. I literally can’t say because I don’t know what the future looks like for us. It’s been so great to go out and talk about the show, and see how much people liked it but I’m kind of just enjoying while I can.”

“No! Don’t say that! They won’t let you get away like that!”

“I hope not! If they want us, I’m all in! I’d love to make 10 more seasons and in other cities, even! Can you imagine?"

“Now that’s more like it! Let’s make a deal, if Netflix don’t renew with you, BBC will take it!”

“Ok! Sure! Are you in charge of it?”

“No really, but that’s just a technicality” He laughed. “Alright, so we’ll play some music and when we come back we’re going to hear some unpopular opinions! Are you ready for it Ana?”

“Sure, yeah! I love the theme song, let’s do it!”

“Do you really? You listen to the show?”

“Yes! I really do, I’m a fan since when I was learning English! I genuinely love Radio 1”

“No way! Just for that, I’ll let you choose the next song"

--

When the song died over it was time for the game.

“Hey! If you need a job, you can just come work here with us as international music sommelier, what you think about it?”

“Oh don’t even joke. That’s my dream job, honestly!”

“It’s settled them” The interview was going really well, and it was almost ending. “Alright, so our time is almost over. Shall we hear some unpopular opinions and send you all to the weekend with a pinch of wrath?”

“Yes please! Let’s hear them” The theme song started to play and you sang along. “Come and give us your unpopular opinion, something up to know you’ve been scared to say”

“That was great! And in the first try! You really are a listener!”

“Told you!”

“Ok so, first on the line we have Maya. Hello Maya? What’s your unpopular opinion?”

“Calling people bestie is cringe” The girl on the line said.

“Uh agreed” You said.

“You agree with her?” Greg asked you.

“Yeah. If it’s not ironically, it’s very cringe. Like calling your husband hubby”

“To be fair, most pet names are cringe” Greg offered.

“True, very true. Hey, love is cheesy. Nothing wrong with that. People in love are just not cool, have you ever met a couple that was genuinely cool?”

“No, I have not. Well, I mean…the Beckhams are cool.”

“Uh good one. I stand corrected. But can you imagine Victoria calling Dave ‘hubby’ or the other spice girls ‘bestie’?”

“Definitely not.” You guys laughed together, you were just being silly. “Good one Maya! Alright, next call is Kyle. Hello Kyle?”

“Hi! Flat watered down soda tastes good.”

“What?” You yelped. “Are you ok, Kyle?”

“And that’s why we call this segment ‘unpopular opinions’” Greg laughed. “Do you want to defend yourself there Kyle?”

“Not really, I just prefer it like that.” Kyle said and you and Greg laughed.

“You know what Kyle? You keep doing you. You might want to try some juice or iced tea, though. But you do you man.” You joked and Greg cracked up.

“That was great, I love it!” Greg said. “That will be all for today, don’t forget to check (y/n)'s new show this weekend and spam Netflix about how much we need more seasons!! And bring (y/n) to London Netflix!”

“Oh my god I loved it! Thank you so much for having me, I had the best time!” You thanked him. Music started to play and you took off your headphones. “Thank you, really. I was great!” You said directly to Greg.

“Oh don’t thank me! I really hope we’ll see you more! Come back always to promote the next seasons and projects!” He offered.

You got out of the studio and greeted David. “That was so much fun!” You told him.

“You’re killing it there ! Mission accomplished, finally! Are you coming back to the hotel or are you meeting with ‘the city’ from here?” He asked you using air quotes for ‘the city’ and smirking.

“I’m coming back to the hotel, thank you very much.” You rolled your eyes, but you knew he was just teasing you.

Chapter 5 it's fluffly london date and it was so much fun writing it, can't wait for you to read!

[namluve]

↳ you never had it like this | mark x reader | 9.7k | two parter | 18+ genre: smut, fluff, college!au, neighbour!au, idiots to lovers, baseball player!mark warnings: switch!mark, switch!y/n, alcohol consumption, handjob, mirror, bodyshots, a little dirty talk, mark and y/n are both whipped for each other

❝ baseball player mark has had a crush on you for a while now. will college change things or will the two of you continue to dance around the inevitable? ❞

note: happy birthday mark and a late happy birthday to my one and only amanda. my best friend who happens to be whipped for mark (no joke) and this might have been written with her in mind as y/n and our squad as the rest of the characters. enjoy! 

part one out of two - next part 

Today was a rather hot autumn day the first week of school, and Mark was happy to be back in town. Having spent most of his summer at his grandmother’s house, he’d missed his friends a lot. Well… not only his friends. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the girl next door all summer.

Getting distracted from the conversation he was having with Johnny as he saw you walking down the yard with your best friend. What you were doing to him should be illegal, he thought. His head empty as soon as your name was brought into the conversation or when you walked by.

“Earth to Mark, please close your mouth.” Johnny teased. Putting a hand in front of his junior friend’s face, making Mark snap out of his daydreaming. Shaking his head as he was embarrassed, trying to deny the fact that his mouth had opened a little the moment he saw you.

“I- I wasn’t…”

“I was just messing with you, let’s go or else I’m gonna be late for P.E,” Johnny said as he nudged Mark towards the direction they needed to go.

As they started walking, Mark couldn’t help but turn around one last time, catching you giggling at your best friend’s words. Your thighs incredibly exposed by the shorts you were wearing, making your ass stand out more than it already did. Making your ass look even better somehow. Mark was usually a boob guy but with you he seemed to be an everything type of guy. Appreciating each and every curve on your body.

“You think y/n will be at the party?” Mark asked, without even thinking. Making his obvious crush even more obvious than it already was.

“Sunny will most likely be, and wherever she goes, y/n follows.” True, Mark thought to himself. If he played his cards right, he might be able to convince Johnny to ask her to come. Your best friend had after all, never been able to say no to Johnny. Mark smiled to himself as he thought out his plan on his way of dropping of his friend at his class. Maybe if he got some alcohol in the system he would be brave enough to ask you out or at least talk to you.

He thought his crush would have gone away by now, but it seemed like going away for the whole summer and starting college only made it worse. You weren’t a stranger to him, the two of you had talked on several occasions, your families being quite close. Talking briefly at family dinners, getting paired up on a few school assignments and sharing some classes together.

Your best friend Sunny had always been the one to initiate conversations between the two of you at school. Being charismatic and easy to talk to, she made friends with almost everyone instantly and somehow always managed to drag you and Mark together. Mark honestly thought that was just her way of getting some alone time with Johnny.

Sunny’s and Johnny’s relationship seemed simple from an outsider's perspective. A lot of flirting and waiting for the other one to make a move. Both you and Mark always thought they would end up together, knowing they both liked each other. Your best friends proved you otherwise by refusing to make a move on one and other.

They had it simple while you and Mark… He couldn’t quite place where you guys were. Sometimes, you would talk and have the most interesting conversations while at other times, you couldn’t look each other in the eyes. God how he wished you would just make some kind of move; he would be all yours in a heartbeat without hesitating.

“Stop staring at them!” You hiss as you lightly slap your best friend on the arm. Turning around to face you, she gives you a playful look, as if she was proud of something. A glint of mischief in her eyes.

“Mark totally looked at you, and by that, I mean he starred at you,” rolling your eyes at your friend’s words as she continues, “second of all. I’m pretty sure Johnny must have trained this summer. I can feel that he has abs underneath his shirt now.” Scoffing at her words, you shake your head.

“First of all, ew. Second of all, if you want to feel them you probably could. Just talk to him, y'all have wanted to jump each other since forever. Just get it over with.” Offended, Sunny gasps, placing a hand on her chest just as she usually does when she is about to lie.

“If he had wanted to jump me, he would have had by now. Besides, I think he is into older girls, so I’ll just die alone.”

“You know that’s not true.” Your best friend liked being dramatic, but you knew that most of it came out of her own insecurities. She was pretty good at hiding it but luckily, you were just as good at seeing through the walls she builds.

“Come on, let’s get your dramatic ass to class so you can think about something else than Johnny’s dick.” You say, looking arms with her as you get ready to start walking to class.

“Class doesn’t stop me from thinking about that.” Shameless, your best friend was shameless to say the least.

“I know, I know,” you say, laughing as the two of you begin walking to class. Your eyes catching a glimpse of Mark’s back as he and Johnny head towards the direction of the baseball field. They probably had some training to catch up on, considering their first game was in just three weeks.

It’s not like you didn’t have a crush on Mark or anything, because you did. A big fat crush that had lasted for over two years now ever since your families had their first family dinner together. I was when Mark’s family had moved in into the neighbourhood, inviting your family over as the good Christian family they were. Wanting to get to know their neighbours better.

Over these two years Mark has had plenty of opportunities to show any interest in you. Besides looking at you for a little to long at times, Mark didn’t exactly show you in any means that he could be interested.

So, you tried to let that crush go, thinking it would get better over the summer. Which it did. You hooked up with a couple of guys, nothing too serious. Made out, gave your first blowjob, had someone fondle your boobs which frankly, didn’t meet your expectations. Over the summer you had grown confident but all that seemed to be lost the moment you saw Mark again.

His hair a little longer, dirty blond instead of his usual black, glasses that made him look cute and hot at the same time somehow. He told you once that he usually wears his contact lenses and only glasses at home, thinking they made him unattractive. He was so wrong, and you told him that, a light shade of pink on his cheeks as you did. 

In Mark’s defence, it’s not every day your crush calls you hot and he was not ready for it at all. So, he started wearing his glasses, hopping to catch your attention. Which it did, only, he didn’t exactly have any eyes at the back of his head. Missing each time your started at him from afar in class, sitting two rows behind him in English.

You couldn’t deny your best friend’s words either. Johnny had worked out more during the summer. You could see that, but it also seemed like Mark had while he had been away. The white t-shirt he was wearing to school clinging a little bit more to his chest than last semester.

If looking at Mark for ten seconds made you feel all these things, you knew you were in for a hell of a long year. Maybe, this would be the year you would finally make a move. Maybe, starting college would change your life in more ways than you thought. Maybe… just maybe… you could get your crush to like you back.

The first few days of the semester flew by and suddenly, it was Friday. You were at your best friend’s house along with most of your friends, the girl squad drinking and getting ready together. Trying to decide on what outfits all of you should wear.

“If you decide on the black jeans, you should wear them with my white top. It’ll make your boobs and ass pop!” The rest of the gang agreeing with Sunny’s words. Sana, the short pretty blond of the group raising her wine glass to her lips as she speaks.

“And then Mark will totally follow you home and y'all will pop your cherries!” Giving you a wink as she starts sipping on her wine. A faint ‘mhmm’ was heard from Sunny and laughter from the others. The atmosphere at Sana’s apartment playful as your squad had been friends for quite some time now. 

“Or you could just find some else you know?” Maya, the most independent girl of your group spoke up. She had never been a fan of Mark. Found the boy too childish, well, probably because they went to the same class in middle school. But that’s another story.

“They would be so cute though! I really think-“ Sunny said as she was interrupted by her phone ringing. Picking it up, a smile placed upon her lips as she read the caller id. 

“It’s Johnny!” she exclaimed happily. Everyone in your girl group, even you, sighing. Looking at each other, you all had the same thought, when would they finally just get together?

“Yeah totally! We’ll be out in ten!” She said before hanging up on Johnny, frantically seating herself in front of the mirror. Her makeup not even half done. 

“10 minutes?! You do realize how much left I have left on my makeup!” Maya exclaimed at Sunny, earning an eye roll from her before she responded.

“Have you seen how much I have left? You only have your eyebrows.”

“And they take time.” Putting your hands out between your two friends, you stop them from arguing further. Taking the mother role of the group as usual.

“Calm down now, let’s just get ready. We will have even less time if the two of you fight.” You try to reason, seeing their faces soften a bit. Still holding onto their annoyance at each other for a little while, doing their makeup besides each other in silence.

Ten minutes really do go by fast when you are by your friends. Grateful to get a ride over to the party and not having to leave a car behind at campus. The welcoming party would start at campus, doing a few games before going over to one of the sorority houses. Probably the neo 127 house considering Johnny was vice president there and Sunny would probably stay by his side most of the night.

Going down the stairs of Sana’s apartment, you realize you probably shouldn’t have been drinking all that wine. Especially in one go when you found out you only had ten minutes to get ready, and the pre party would be over. Because oh boy was the stairs harder to go down than they were going up somehow.

You realize it was an even greater mistake when you are greeted with Mark leaning against Johnny’s car. The alcohol making him look somehow even better than he usually does. His hair slicked back, showing his forehead. You knew this was Johnny’s doing. A light blue t-shirt, black jeans and white vans was apparently all that was needed to make you hot and bothered. And Mark of course.

He didn’t notice you at first, to busy reading the sign that was nearby but without his glasses he was helpless. He didn’t put in his contact lenses before the party. Knowing what a mess it would be if he forgot to take them out tonight before going to bed. It would hurt like hell and knowing his drunk self, he didn’t trust himself to remember to take them out.

As soon as he heard the girl’s behind you, talking, giggling about something, he finally noticed you. Standing right in front of him, dressed way to hot, showing your boobs slightly because of the top’s cleavage. Your curves on display for him with your tight clothes. A full course meal if Mark could say so himself. Showing just enough for his imagination to start running.

“Johnny!” You were almost showed to the side by your best friend. Sunny ran up to Johnny as he looked confused at her. Even more so when she pulled him into a tight hug.

“Yes?” He asked confused, unsure what he had done to deserve such a warm greeting from her. Meeting his eyes, you shrug, nobody really knew what was going on in your best friend’s mind. The only thing that was certain was that she was way friendlier drunk.

“Thank you so much for driving us. It truly means a lot.” She thanks him and he smiles at her.

“No worries.” Johnny answers as she lets go of her tight grip on him. Your eyes darting back at Mark, meeting his eyes for a second before he looked away. Had Mark been staring at you or did you imagine things just now?

“How are we all going to fit into the car?” Ellen asks, your other best friend. You had been friends with her for the longest of time now, dating back to beginning of high school. To most people, she came across as a very cold and serious person. In reality, she most often just looks out for the people she cares about. She is also a real prankster together with Maya when she wants.

“Jaehyun is coming in a few minutes, he got delayed because Mark gave him the wrong address.” Johnny explained and Mark immediately turned towards his friend. His face slightly red, a shade of embarrassment on his cheeks as he walks a few steps towards Johnny.

“I never said the wrong address, Jaehyun spelled it wrong when tapping it into the gps.” He defended himself as Johnny looked rather amused, a smirk on his face. Happy to tease his a little bit tipsy friend.

Truth being told, Mark had had a drink or three before getting in the car with Johnny. Getting to know that they would on the way stop at Sana’s place to pick you up was to much for him to handle. As soon as he heard your name being amongst the people they were supposed to pick up, he froze. Finishing his drink and taking a shot on the way out.

He barely small talked with Johnny on the way over. His focus being on Jaehyun, who he spoke with briefly on the phone at the beginning of the car ride. To nervous to think about anything else but you. He knew he would most likely see you tonight, but he didn’t think it would happen this quick. He thought he had some time to think over what he would say to you. Maybe ask you out if things felt alright.

You stopped yourself from starting to giggle at how cute Mark looked upset. It was a look on him that you rarely saw unfortunately.

“It’s no big deal, let’s just wait for Jaehyun, yeah?” Sunny said, quick to resolve the tension between the two boys. You felt a little proud at your best friend for once not riling up the situation but to actually settle it. Johnny turned towards her, a smile on his face as he nodded, agreeing.

“Yeah let’s just do that.”

Not even ten minutes later Jaehyun arrived. Most of your squad going over to sit in his car, leaving you, Sunny, Johnny, Mark, Ellen and Maja to ride with Johnny. Ellen and Maja quickly hopped in taking their places in the front seat and that’s when you realized, there was one to many of you.

“Shotgun!” As if Sunny read your mind, she quickly claimed the front seat sitting down next to Johnny at the front. Johnny laughed a little at how difficult she had made the situation just now. Feeling a little bad for his awkward friend who now was forced to talk with his crush. 

Mark, however, was in his own bubble, actively avoiding you and all things around him. Without really knowing the situation, he sat down in the car. Taking the last seat, sitting behind Sunny. Maya beside him in the middle and Ellen on the opposite side behind Johnny.

Confused as to why you were still standing outside, he finally acknowledged you. Looking at you nervously biting your lip as you played with your hands, he realized.

“I should-“ He began but Sunny was quick to interrupt him. As if an light bulb lit up above her head, she suddenly had a plan.

“Y/n can just sit on your lap, can’t she Mark?” Johnny quickly turned to Sunny. One hundred percent on board on her plan, exchanging a look with her, telling her he is on board.

Meanwhile, you and Mark awkwardly looked at each other, a little flustered at your best friend’s suggestion. You knew there was no way Ellen or Maya would exchange their comfort for yours. Well, maybe Ellen if she was feeling generous but so far, she hadn’t said a word, indicating this was most likely your faith tonight.

“It’s only a short ride, come on guys we don’t wanna be late.” Johnny knew he was putting a bit of pressure on both of you but maybe that was exactly what you needed. A little push towards something more.

Fuck it, Mark thought to himself. He had imagined you countless of times on his lap. Well, not like this but close enough. He knew he wouldn’t mind it, he just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. As Sunny dragged her seat forward, putting more space in front of Mark he saw how you looked away.

“It’s okay, I don’t mind.” He quickly told you and you looked back at him. Taking a step forward. Your hands feeling sweaty as you do, heart in your throat. Worried he was somehow forced to do this.

“Yeah but like… do you want to?”

“I do!” Mark answered a little too quickly, hearing Johnny and the others in the car trying their best not to laugh. You however, looked shocked. Not expecting those words to come out of his mouth.

“I mean… Let’s just get to the party, okay?” He tried explaining himself and you nodded. Not wanting to make the situation any more awkward for him.

He seated himself properly, knees together, ready for you to sit on his lap. Here goes nothing, you think as you enter the car, sitting down on his lap carefully. Closing the door behind you, you hear Johnny starting the engine. Not wanting to put too much weight on Mark, you tried to keep yourself up a bit, not resting your ass fully on his lap.

Oh boy was Mark in heaven. As you tried to put space in between you, you created the perfect view for Mark that he could have only dreamed off. With your back slightly bent forward he could see the curves of your body perfectly. Trying to stop his imagination from running wild.

He didn’t have to think about for to long though as Jonny took a sharp turn, making you fall right into his lap. Back pressed flush against his chest, trying to balance yourself on his legs. Mark quickly noticed your struggle.

“I’m so sorry I-“ Not wanting you to be uncomfortable the entire ride and also getting a confidence boost out of the alcohol he quickly cut you off.

“Sit down.”

He didn’t mean for it to sound so harsh but honestly, it was like music to your ears. Spreading his legs to make room for your big ass between them, you quickly settled down between them. What you weren’t ready for was for his arms to find their way around your stomach. Pulling you closer to him.

“Better?” He had the audacity to ask. You were glad that he at least couldn’t see your face, feeling your cheeks heat up even more. Mumbling back ‘mhmm’ you relax in his embrace. Ellen and Maya trying their best not to laugh beside you, Johnny and Sunny clueless in the front.

Mark was surprised at how quickly he got comfortable with you on his lap. His mind wandering to how warm and plush your body felt against his. It was most likely the alcohol talking, but he didn’t question it at all when he got the urge to put his head on your shoulder.

You were surprised to feel Mark put his head on your shoulder, but you didn’t complain. Feeling his breath slightly on your neck as he closed his eyes, taking in your scent. Mark realized in that moment, this is what he wanted, and he had to make some move tonight to get it.

At the end of the car ride, you felt so comfortable in Mark’s embrace that you felt a little sad when you started recognizing the surroundings. Meaning the car ride would soon end.

As Johnny pulled up to the parking lot, Mark removed his head from your shoulder. Letting go of his grip around your body. You let out a small sigh of disappointment. Hoping he could hold you for just a little bit longer. Mark silently hoping you didn’t think it was awkward or minded that he put his head on your shoulder.

Sunny was the first one to get out of the car. Quickly shutting the door behind her to open yours. Johnny shaking his head at how many times he had told her to be more careful with the door.

“Let’s go!” She said with excitement, rushing you to get out of the car. Meanwhile, you were panicking about how to get out of the car without falling on your face. The last thing you wanted was to embarrass yourself in front of Mark.

Getting out was surprisingly easier than you thought, Mark moving his body around to help you as much as possible. Getting out of the car and standing beside you once you had gotten out. Looking up at him as he was slightly taller than you, you admire him for a moment. Feeling watched, Mark turned his head, meeting your eyes. He was expecting you to look away as he did, but you didn’t, keeping your gaze locked.

“Thank you,” you muttered, just loud enough for him to hear with how close he was standing next to you. Smiling at you as he nodded his head slightly.

“Yeah, no problem,” he answered quietly. Happy to have you so close to him. He could definitely get used to this. He just needed to figure out what he needed to do in order to make it into reality. And so that’s what he thought about as everyone started walking towards campus once Jaehyun arrived with the rest of your friends.

As the games started, everyone became wasted pretty quickly. What else could you expect when half the penalties involved drinking. Surprisingly, Mark stayed by your side most of the evening. Cheering you on by the side lines and you doing the same for him. It might have been a coincidence that the two of you were on the same team or it could have been the vice presidents doing.

Either way, none of you were complaining as you were small talking in between breaks, getting to know each other. Asking about how each other’s summers had been and the excitement of finally starting college. Holding Mark’s glasses whenever there was an activity that could get them broken. Suddenly, the two of you were just really comfortable in each other’s presence, and you loved it.

Your team ended up on second place, Sana’s team snatching the lead by only three points and it was time to head over to the sorority houses. There were four houses that decided to host parties, mainly because they didn’t want to overcrowd any house. 

Another rule in order to get into the parties was that you had to be a member or be a members plus one. That meaning, if you were a members plus one, that member had to look out for you and make sure you wouldn’t break any rules.

Johnny had already decided on Sunny as his plus one. All of his friends already being in the house and secretly, though he wouldn’t admit it, he wanted to spend more time with her. Jaehyun took Sana as his plus one, happy that their team had won the games earlier, he couldn’t diss his number one player. Ellen and Maya, along with the rest of the gang, had already joined one of the local sorority houses and was on their way over there right now.

You regret your decision not to join a house at this very moment. In your deafens, deciding between the two leading girl houses had been hard and it was a commitment you weren’t ready for yet. Or maybe, you had just forgotten about the last couple of days.

You hoped Johnny could as the vice president bend the rules a little, just a tiny bit for you. Sunny noticed your smile turning into a frown, realising Mark had not asked you to be his plus one. She wanted to say something, but Mark beat her to it. Realizing why you suddenly wore a frown, a little mad at himself for not asking sooner.

“Wanna be my plus one y/n?” It sounded so casual coming out of his mouth. In reality, Mark was terrified of being rejected. Hands shaking a little as the words left his mouth. Turning your gaze towards him, you look at him.

“Yeah, sure.” You answered, a smile on your face as you did, and Mark smiled back. He couldn’t stop what he was saying next as the alcohol started talking for him.

“You’ll have to stay by my side though.” It was one of the rules, yes, but hearing Mark say it to you made you feel butterflies in your stomach. Feeling your face heat up a bit as you nodded.

“Of course.” As the words left your mouth, Mark began to process what he had said a minute ago, cursing at himself. What if he made it awkward? He quickly looked at Johnny, his friend just sending him a wink his way before he started walking towards the 127 house. Sunny by his side, small talking with each other. For the first time ever, Mark was actually not disgusted by his wink but surprisingly reassured.

So, he started walking as well, looking back at you to make sure you were following. You quickly caught up to him, walking beside him in a comfortable silence to the house. Listing to Johnny and Sunny’s conversation as they low-key flirted with each other every now and then. Mark letting you go up the stairs first. A real gentleman move, if it wasn’t for the fact that he wanted to look at your ass for a second without it being obvious. Still missing the view he had in the car.

From there, things escalated pretty quickly. Starting off with a truth or dare game right away. Most of the people at the party gathering to participate. Sitting down in a circle, the game begins with Johnny asking you a question.

“Have you ever given anyone a blowjob?” Your cheeks heat up at the question. By the way Sunny slaps his arm, you figure she probably mentioned it to him. Mark knew Johnny would be asking these type of questions. What he didn’t expect was your answer.

“Yes,” you answered quickly as you continued, “Sunny, what’s your dream scenario?” Shifting the focus to your best friend as she shamelessly tells her dream scenario. Johnny’s eyes lingering on her the whole time.

Mark’s eyes had never shifted its focus on you. Still taken aback at your answer. He knew you probably weren’t a hundred percent innocent, but to hear you’ve given a blowjob was something else. His imagination wandering for just a short moment before Sunny called out his name.

“Truth or dare?” Mark thought about it for a second. Thinking the truth couldn’t be worse than dare.

“Truth.”

“Who is the hottest person in the room?” He was so wrong. He nearly choked on his own spit trying to think of something to say. Should he just be honest? Should he just say it’s you? Turning his head he looks at you and your breath hitches. Maybe you wished for him to say it’s you? Just as much as he wished you would say it’s him if you got the question.

“Y/n.” It could have been the alcohol speaking, making him a little bolder, but Mark knew he had to take his chances.

Your reaction was something Mark didn’t expect. Cheeks red as you try to hide yourself, the room loud with everyone screaming, whistling and howling. Oh how Mark loved that he had an affect on you and oh how you hated it. Your body burning up at the thought of something happening between you and Mark. Did he really mean it? If so, what would happen if you made a move?

The game vent on, it going a few turns before it was your turn again. Mark looking at you through his glasses as your name was shouted. Being asked truth or dare by Jaehyun, you thought there would be no harm in taking a dare.

“Dare.”

“I dare you to… let a boy in this room take a body shot from you.” Everyone gasped in the room at Jaehyun’s words, including you. All you wanted was to avoid the blowjob questions and you got this instead. You could see how happy Daria was across the room, having the time of her life. You made a mental note to never drink her vodka again.

Turning towards Mark, you look at him hesitantly, his jaw clenched as if he was angry or really concentrated. As he meet your eyes, his gaze softened immediately, reminding himself he had absolutely no reason to get jealous. You could do whatever you want. Chose who ever you want to take the body shot of you. It’s not like he was…

“Mark.” His thoughts were interrupted by your voice, looking at him almost pleading.

“Will you do the honour?” Mark laughed. Honestly, this was not the turn he thought his night would take. Breathing rapidly, sweating nervously as he shook his head a little.

“If you won’t, I’ll gladly do it.” Jaehyun spoke and Mark shook his head.

“I’ll do it.” No way was he going to let Jaehyun get anywhere near you. Especially after you had even asked him to do it. No, he was not going to let anyone else get this opportunity with you.

“I’ll get the vodka!” Sunny shouted as she disappeared into the kitchen. Mark looked at you with eyes wide open.

“Vodka?!” He questioned and you just laughed. Oh if he only knew.

“She’s polish, so, it’s basically all she drinks and all she has,” you explained and his mouth made an ‘o’ shape. Well, now it makes a little sense he thought. Mark was still worried about the vodka though. Also, what was a body shot anyway?

He didn’t have to think about it for too long as Sunny came back from the kitchen with a bottle of vodka in her hand. Making her presence known by explaining the rules.

“So, y/n has to take of her shirt and I’ll pour some vodka on her body. It is then up to Mark to drink it all up in whatever way he wants. Got it?” She looks at Mark as she says the last part. He nods hesitantly, oh God why did you pick him out of all people?

I mean, he was your crush yes but, he was probably the only one in the room that hadn’t done it before. You could see that he was clearly flustered, probably didn’t even know what a body shot was until a few seconds ago.

“You want me on the floor or?” You ask, looking Mark in the eyes. Wanting to make it as easy as possible for him. He looked around, all eyes on the two of you, nodding as he let out a nervous sigh.

“Yeah… The floor sounds good.” He answers, trying to sound at least a little bit experienced but failing miserably as you could see right through him.

Okay, here goes nothing you thought as you took of your shirt. Happy that you decided to borrow one of Sunny’s white lace bras tonight. You didn’t dare to look at Mark as you laid down on the floor in the middle of the circle. Everyone’s attention on you as Sunny sits down next to you. Taking the vodka bottle she pours some on your stomach and then some just under breasts.

You hiss at her, trying to get her to stop. She just looks at you, shrugs her shoulders and with a grin on her face, she pours some between your breasts. Such a brat, you thought to yourself, making a friendly reminder to scold her later. She smiled at you one last time, satisfied with her work, before she got up and headed over to Johnny to sit next to him again.

“So I just…?” Mark asked, clearly staling. The view of you laid down in front of him topless was way too much and honestly, he just wanted a moment to breathe. A moment to collect his thoughts so he wouldn’t fuck this up somehow.

“Get on top of her and lick it off, easy peasy!” Johnny encouraged and Mark sent him a glare. Motherfucker knew this wasn’t easy, at least not for him. As he looked at you, he had to take a deep breath. Your breasts looking so appealing to just squeeze but Mark would never do that. God no, he would never have the guts to it no matter how badly he wanted to.

“Okay…” He breathed out, getting down on his knees. Your heart was pounding, and you almost closed your eyes, the situation being all too much. Mark swung his right leg over you, getting on top of you. His head levelled just above your crotch.

“Is this okay?” He asked, almost stumbling across his words. He tried meeting your eyes, but you kept your gaze at the ceiling. To nervous to be able to look him in the eyes.

“Yeah it’s okay, you can begin.” You reassure and not more than five seconds later, you feel Mark’s lips on your stomach as he begins to drink the vodka of your body. Mark thought that if he waited any longer, he would probably chicken out. So, the only option he really had was to just go for it.

The crowd cheered, screaming as Mark drank up the vodka. Feeling the bitter taste on his lips and down his throat as he had to swallow it. Afraid his glasses would fall down for a little bit until he noticed they stayed put. His lips were surprisingly soft, going gently over your skin and really taking his time with the task. He didn’t want to leave a mess on your body. He didn’t want you to feel sticky later.

So, he took his time. The crowds cheering quickly drawn out, his concentration being solely on you. At first, he thought he would hate it but as he got used to the taste, he actually liked it. The feeling of your skin on his lips, the way you shuttered whenever he would lick to get the last drop of you skin. Slowly but surely, he made his way upwards.

As he was just below your breasts, your breath hitched. Having him this close to them was absolute torture, wanting nothing more than for him to just take his time with you. You even got curious at how he looked like kissing your skin like this. Big mistake. As you opened your eyes and looked down you meet his gaze.

When your breath hitched, Mark got curious too. Wanted to see your reaction, see the effect he had on you. So, he looked up as he dragged himself forward, head levelled with your boobs now. His lips just above them. Keeping his gaze on you as he lowered his head again to lick the area just over your boob.

You almost let out a whine at the sight. Mark’s lips all glistering and puffy as if he had just gone down on you. Eyes almost predatory looking at you, intense and watching your every reaction. He couldn’t believe he had this affect on you. He felt as if he was dreaming.

Involuntarily, you moved your hip a little bit upwards, really just trying to get into a more comfortable position as you felt it. Mark was hard. You could feel his semi hard dick against your thigh and now you were officially turned on as well.

As if Mark hadn’t noticed, he continued with his work. Barely paying you anymore attention, well, besides your body. He was horny and wanted you all to himself, if he could make that happen somehow. The thought of you giving him a blowjob or you letting him go down on you sounding like heaven.

You barely noticed when he was finished. It wasn’t until you felt his body slowly move from yours that you opened your eyes. His face was an inch away from yours. So close, yet so far away and it only got further away as Mark got up. Johnny and Jaehyun running up to high five him and hug him way too much for his liking.

Sunny helped you up, holding your shirt in her hand. As you stood beside her and you got your shirt back you felt just how sticky your body felt. In no way did you want to ruin Sunny’s white top by putting it on and stain it with alcohol. To be frank, you also didn’t want to smell like alcohol the whole night as well.

“I think I need to wash myself or something before I put it on.” Agreeing, Sunny nodded, tapping Johnny on the shoulder.

“Is there anywhere she could wash up?” She asks him and Mark’s head turned your way, surprisingly, faster than Johnny’s.

“My room.” Mark quickly answered before Johnny had the chance, without really thinking what he was saying. Realizing pretty quickly what he had said a little bit to eagerly.

“I mean… There is a bathroom in my room. If you wanna use it, I could show you?” He added, nervously kicking his feat, hoping you’d say yes so he could sit in his room for a bit. Wait while you wash up. Cool down. Hopefully get his semi down.

Thankfully, you nodded. With your arms around your chest, Mark noticed how uncomfortable you were. Still topless in your white lace bra.

“Wait a min.” He said before squiring away. Quickly reaching the hall where he had thrown his hoodie the other day. Today he was thankful for his laziness, coming back to you quickly. Holding it out, he waited for you to take it.

“Wear it.” He says almost pleading as he sees the confused look on your face. You felt a little guilty, not wanting to ruin his hoodie.

“I’ll ruin it with the alcohol.”

“I was going to throw it in the washer tomorrow anyway, it’s fine.” He reassures you, and with that, you take the hoodie from him. Muttering a ‘thank you’ to him as you put it on.

The hoodie is soft, reaching almost below your butt. The sleeves a bit long on you but you don’t really care. It definitely smelled like Mark and you get an overwhelming urge to steal it. Wanting to wear it forever.

“It’s nice right?” Mark asks with a smile on his face. Seeing you in his hoodie made him happy. Mostly because you looked so cute in it. The light blue fabric hanging loosely on your body.

“It’s so soft.” You say in awe and Mark chuckles, bringing his hand up to your back, giving you a nudge.

“Come on, I’ll show you the way.” He said as he let go of you. The game continuing in the living room as you follow Mark through the masses of people to the hallway. He began walking up the stairs and you followed him. Every now and then, Mark would look backwards, making sure you were still behind him.

As you walked down the hall on the second floor, Mark gave you a brief tour of all the rooms. The second floor consisted of mostly different bedrooms, most of the sorority members sleeping there. A few having their bedrooms on the first floor. One common room could be found upstairs, mostly used for gaming with a total of five desk’s sitting there. As the tour went on, you reached the end of the hall and Mark pointed towards a door.

“This is me,” he announced as he pulled out a key to unlock the door. Opening the door, he let you go in first.

“I’m sorry it’s messy, I didn’t expect anyone to come here to be honest,” he nervously apologized. Scratching the back of his head. Looking around, you see a single bed, a mirror in front of it, a desk beside the bed and a wardrobe next to another door. Some clothes piled onto his desk chair. Messy papers splayed out on his desk. His bead neatly done with dark blue bed covers.

“Oh no, it’s totally fine,” you say quickly. If he only knew this was nothing compared to how your room looks when it’s messy. As Mark’s goes over to his desk, beginning to clean up the papers, you glance at the mirror. Seeing how it’s positioned right in front of the bed’s side.

“You know you shouldn’t have your mirror placed like that?” You say and Mark looks up, brows furrowed, a pout on his face.

“Why?” He asks, clearly confused at your statement.

“Mirrors are like… a gateway into other dimensions… So, like… a demon could totally kill you in your sleep right now.” You say, a hint of seriousness in your tone. Mark chuckles. Oh so that’s where you were going with that, he thought.

“That probably explains the scratch marks on my back,” he jokingly says and you look at him with eyes wide open.

“I’m just joking! Don’t worry.” He laughs and the sound of it sounds like music to your ears. You laugh with him, shaking your head.

“I’d totally would’ve had to call an exorcist otherwise.”

“My dad knows a few so if that were the case, I think he could get the very best on the job.” Mark says and as if a lightbulb got lit up above your head, you were reminded of something your mom had told you earlier.

“Wait, didn’t your dad operate his leg or something? How is he feeling?” Mark was surprised that you knew about the operation his dad had a few weeks ago. Your parents do talk from time to time but to think that you took an interest in his family as well was something he didn’t expect.

“Yeah, he had surgery on his left knee. It’s all good now though thanks to the surgery.” He answered and you nodded.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Offering him a smile as you point to the door in the room.

“Is that the bathroom?” You ask and Mark nods. Heading over to his wardrobe as he passes by you.

“Yeah, let me just get you a towel… ah! Here you go.” He hands you a white towel and you take it gratefully. Your hands touching as you do. Looking away for a second, you felt how Mark let his eyes linger on you.

“I’ll just…” You trailed off and Mark nodded, taking a step back. Giving you some space. Turning your heel, you began walking towards the bathroom door.

“Yeah… I’ll just wait here for you… Take your time,” he said, meeting your eyes just as you were about to close the door. Nodding once again, before you closed the bathroom door.

Letting out a sigh as you rest for a second against the door before going over to the mirror. Looking at yourself in Mark’s hoodie, you notice how cute you looked in it. A smile on your lips as you took it off. Beginning right away to soak the towel in your hand so you could clean yourself up.

Mark finished cleaning his desk before he sat down on his bed. With his back against the wall, he sighed, closing his eyes. Tilting his head back, taking a few deep breaths. Pep talking to himself in his head. He just had to ask you. What’s the worst thing that could happen? That you reject him?

Well… that’s pretty bad but at least he would have asked. Right? You’re as new to this as he his. Wait no, scratch that. Your summer had been filled with giving guys blowjobs after all, while his… well… it was rather spent visiting old friends and playing sports. Maybe you could teach him somehow? If you had more experience, maybe you could help him?

When you were done, you put on Sunny’s white shirt. Looking at yourself in the mirror one last time before opening the door, stepping into Mark’s bedroom again. As soon as he heard the bathroom door open, Mark opened his eyes to be meet with yours. Here goes all or nothing before he alcohol wears off he thought.

“Could you teach me?” Mark asked, and you looked at him confused. Going over to his bed as you asked him, “teach you what?”

You reached his bed in a few strides and decided to sit down on it next to him. As you sat down next to him, Mark laughed nervously, bringing his hands up to cover his face. Looking forward as he answers your question.

“Like blowjobs and stuff.” He tries to clarify but wants to mentally slap himself for that answer. Your heart pounding at his words. Not believing what you were hearing. Your crush, Mark Lee, wanted a blowjob from you? Mark finally turned his head to look at you, trying to read your face as he waited for your reaction.

“Like right now?” You felt dumb for asking, of course he probably meant right now, what were you thinking? By the way Mark looked away scratching his head, shrugging his shoulders, you felt dumb for making it awkward. In reality, Mark never meant this conversations to go this way. He was supposed to ask you out. Not whatever this was.

“I mean, you don’t have to right now… It’s just-“

“Yes,” you cut in before Mark has the chance to finish his sentence. Confused, he looks at you. Eyes wide open.

“What… what do you?”

“I’ll blow you… or give you a handjob… if that’s what you want?” You say nervously and Mark feels his dick twitch at your words. You want to blow him? Right now? Is this even real? Besides, he was supposed to fix his semi, not make it worse. Well, in a way, this could be a way to fix it.

“Yeah, yeah God, yes- but like only if you want it?”

“I want it- I mean I want to!” You quickly correct yourself, still wanting to slap yourself in the face for your poor choice of wording. Probably turning Mark off with your way to stumble across words.

On the opposite, Mark got more turned on, his breathing a bit more rapid now. Hearing you say it… still felt unreal and if someone pinched him, and this was all a dream, he would be so mad.

“So…” you start, nervously fumbling with your hands, “you want to show me how you like it?”

“How I like it?” Mark asked dumbfounded, turning his body slightly towards yours. Looking down at your lips, a desire to kiss them rising in his body. Looking up again, he meet your eyes. You tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and Mark bit his lip at the sight. You looked way to cute to be just about to give him a blowjob.

“Well yeah…” Looking at the mirror, you suddenly get an idea. “Let me sit behind you.”

Mark doesn’t question it and scoots forward, giving you space to sit behind him. You crawl your way over, head feeling as if it’s about to explode from how nervous you were feeling. Wanting to make him feel good, you didn’t want to fuck it up somehow. It was only logical that he showed you first… right?

Once you sat comfortably behind him, you placed your legs on either side of his, placing your hands on your thick thighs. You realized Mark was waiting for your next move. Pressing yourself forward you whispered in his ear, “take off your pants.”

Mark did as you told him, taking his boxers with him. Pulling them down to rest just above his knees. His semi hard cock resting upon his thigh. Biting you lip at the sigh, Mark turns his head towards you once he had thrown his pants and boxers away.

“Now what?” He whispered back and you couldn’t help but to feel yourself getting wet.

“Lean back against me… get yourself comfortable.” You commanded and Mark did as he was told. You got yourself comfortable against the wall and Mark leaned back against you. Placing his head between your boobs for the second time today.

“Touch yourself… slowly…” you whispered in his ear. Looking in the mirror, you meet Mark’s eyes, filled with lust and desire to comply. Never in a million year did he think he would end up in this situation but here he was. With his dick out in front of his crush.

As Mark began to wrap his hand around his dick, you moaned breathlessly at the sight. A smirk on Mark’s face as you did. If you were just as turned on as he was that meant you’d be soaking wet. The thought of your glistering pussy is what made Mark start to pump his hand up and down his dick. Not to fast though, you’d told him to go slowly after all.

His cock quickly getting fully hard in his hand. Precum beginning to leak out of it. With a groan, Mark relaxed in your embrace. His head falling down completely on your boobs, enjoying how soft they felt.

“Show me how you like it.” You breathlessly say, mesmerized by the sight in the mirror. Completely gone in your own world. Never had you been this turned on in your entire life. Mark took his hand upwards, circling the tip of his dick with his thumb.

Mark’s glasses began to slip off and you quickly took hold of them. Placing them on the nightstand next to bed. Mark being way to into his own thoughts to barely even notice. His eyes closed, mouth slightly open, breathing uneven. In all honesty, you barely wanted to interrupt him.

“Want me to touch you?” You purred and Mark whined.

“Fuck… yeah, please.” Letting go of his cock, Mark took a deep breath. Trying to calm himself down as your hands reached his thighs, resting them for a second, taking a deep breath as you tried to find all the courage you could. You could do this. You had Mark right in the hand of your palm, literally, and this was the hottest thing you’ve ever done so far.

Panting, Mark felt as a drop of sweat slowly made its way down his face. Taking one hand to brush his hair backwards as he suddenly bent forward, taking you by surprise. Taking hold of his shirt, Mark quickly removed it and threw it on the bedroom floor.

“Too hot…” He muttered and you couldn’t agree more. His toned chest now on display for you as well. He was indeed too hot. Smiling to yourself at your joke. As he laid down comfortably against you again, you tried to remember what Mark liked.

Well, he began stroking himself up and down, so that’s a good start, right? Taking your hand, you wrap it around his dick. Loving the way it twitched as soon as you squeezed it a little. Pumping up and down slowly. Earning small moans from Mark that went straight to your neglected clit. Your tried keeping your focus on Mark and not get lost into the pleasure, looking in the mirror as you squeeze and stroke him.

Mark was completely lost for words. He was in heaven. Your hand feeling so good with how little you were doing. It was probably all the teasing Mark had endured over the night from you. Making him and his dick needy and in need of immediate attention. As you brought your hand over to the tip of his cock, moving your thumb around the tip in slow circular motions, Mark moaned.

“Fuck… please… more…” Hearing him beg must have been just about the hottest thing you’ve ever heard. Wanting nothing more than to please him, you speed up your thumb a little bit. Going faster around his tip. Your other hand, wrapping itself around his shaft, going up and down. You wanted nothing else but for him to cum.

“That feels so good.” Mark pleaded and you started feeling yourself growing cocky.

“Yeah? Baby boy likes that?” You don’t know what comes over you but the nickname rolls of your lips so naturally and judging by Mark’s reaction, he was into it. Moaning as his dick twitches, you feel his hands move to your thighs, grabbing them. Holding onto them as if they were his life support.

“I’m so close,” he confessed and you almost moaned at how good it felt to have his hands on your thighs, moving them up and down. Making you wonder how his fingers could possibly feel inside your pussy. Stretching you out, making you ready for his cock.

“Yeah… gonna cum for me?” You ask him and feel how his hands grab hold of your thighs. Almost grabbing you painfully hard from all the pleasure he wasn’t sure how to process.

“Yeah…Can-can I?” Mark stuttered and you sped up, going as fast as you could even though you started feeling really tired. Your eyes on the mirror, looking at Mark falling apart in your arms, pleading, his whole body begging to get the sweet release it had been craving.

“Cum for me.” As soon as the words left your lips, you felt Mark’s cock twitch. His cum getting on your hand as well as shooting up on his stomach. Slowing down your movements, you ride out Mark’s high. Only stopping once you hear him whine. Letting go of his cock as he falls back into your arms. Exhausted, resting his body against yours.

You stay like that for a moment. Mark collecting his breathing as you try to collect your thoughts. Make yourself somehow believe this was all real. That somehow you had gotten to give your crush, no, you had made your crush cum in your arms, by your hands. Never did you think you could get so turned on by someone being so needy, so pouty in your arms.

You almost wanted more, but you knew there was no way Mark would be ready for another round in a while. You wouldn’t even dare to initiate anything if you were being honest. Sitting in silence, you waited for Mark to make a move.

Mark had a hard time collecting his thoughts and besides, your embrace was way to comfortable to move from. But soon enough, his cum started feeling sticky and he knew you most likely had cum on your hands as well. Not wanting to cause you any discomfort, Mark decided to move. Getting up, putting on his pants.

“You wanna…?” Mark hoped to God you knew what he meant. He didn’t want to have to spell out ‘you wanna wash your hands first of my cum or should I go?’. Nodding, you quickly got out of the bed. Your heart pounding as you went over to the bathroom. Looking at yourself in the mirror as you wash your hands you think to yourself ‘what now?’. What did this all mean?

Not wanting to keep Mark waiting, you got of his bathroom. Giving him a smile as you meet his eyes. Giving you a smile back, Mark goes into the bathroom and begins to wash himself. Thinking to himself how could he possibly have gotten this lucky? Not only were you the cutest, nicest person he knew, you also knew how to give him a mind blowing orgasm.

As panic started to set into your system, worrying what to say when Mark comes back, you decide it’s probably best to leave. Well, if you were normal, you could’ve just stayed but no, you couldn’t handle it if it turned awkward or anything. So, you convince yourself the best move is to probably leave.

Looking over at his desk, you see that he cleaned up. Going over, you open the first notebook you could find. Scrambling a note on it. Hoping he will see it later before you make your way to the door. Looking behind you as you step out of his room. Closing the door behind you. Oh God what a mess you’ve made. How were you supposed to function around Mark Lee now?   

[kureis-writing-hell]

What makes us

First || Previous

This one isn't based on a prompt. I tried to base it and it didn't work and I had to scratch it whole. This is a story of Nao's childhood and what happened to him before his 18th birthday.

A series in which Chisaki Kai goes through therapy

Tw: hinted csa (child sexual abuse, it's really just a tiny hunt but it's there), blood, death

Shit went down when Nikodem was only a few years old. In a fight between a hero and a villain his parents died. People told him it was a miracle he was saved, but later on he would regularry think it was rather a curse. It started a life of misery for him: a foster family that gave him away once his quirk manifested, a dirty, poor orphanage ruled by a man, who liked little boys a little too much, another foster family that used him as a servant, another one and another one. No one really wanted him, no one cared about him anymore. Every year less people were interested in adopting him, creeped out by a frowny kid with a crazy look in his eyes.

Often, Nikodem thought that he would never find home. But then he met that girl.

She was new. Other kids kept themselves away from her, even the staff was reluctant to approach her. It was said she predicted her parents’ deaths then, right before she ended up alone, she pointed out the exact date and hour her grandmother died. It was her quirk, obviously. A shitty, creepy one, that made her see a clock on people’s heads, counting down to their deaths.

They got along well. She was two years older than Nikodem but, contrary to the boy, was a bubbly rain of sunshine. Nothing seemed to be able to break her, not her quirk, not the place she ended up in. Despite that, families still wouldn’t take her in.

She told everyone to call her Mara. It was taken from her name and Nikodem found it pretty. Mara was the only one he enjoyed spending time with. He enjoyed her stories, her future plans, the way she could kick ass and piss the staff off. He enjoyed everything about her and would follow her everywhere.

When Mara turned sixteen she stood face to face with Nikodem and told him they were going to run away. There was nothing he wanted more than that - to leave that wretched place. So they packed, gathered a few other kids that wanted to run as well, stole some food and vanished.

No one cared. There was an article about them in some magazine, a handsome man spoke some words about them in the news but other than that no one cared about a few orphans. They left the city, the district, they ran from a train because they didn’t have money to pay for the ticket and Nikodem for the first time ever felt free. Happy.

They had a house. After running they found an old factory in the suburbs of another city. Quickly they learned how to use their quirks for stealing food, clothes, books and whatever they wanted. Everyone had their place in the gang, someone played with old parts and fixed motors, so they could get around easier, someone cooked, someone learned how to patch up wounds. Nikodem quickly started calling them a family, everyone did.

They danced, laughed, watched stars and loved at that time.

“What would you do if you knew you’re going to die tomorrow?”

They were sitting on the tin roof late in the night, only Nikodem and Mara. The rest had a campfire under them, celebrating nothing in particular. The view from the roof was amazing, the stars and the night sky were swallowed by the lights of the city, but it was quiet. At that hour even the city was asleep.

Nikodem turned to Mara, frowning. Finally something clicked and, with a shocked face, he covered his forehead. Mara laughed.

“You can’t cover it, dumbass! Don’t worry, you still have a lot of time. I’m just asking.”

“You did that on purpose.” Nikodem pouted and lowered his hand.

“Maybe! So? What would you do?”

Nikodem thought, for a moment. He turned his face toward the view and watched the lights. Mara drank her beer, waiting for his answer.

“I’d kiss you.”

The girl chocked on the beer, sputtered and looked at the boy surprised. Nikodem could feel his face getting hot, even his ears and neck were probably red at this point, but the color got lost in the darkness. He didn’t dare to look at Mara and even if he would he couldn’t see how she also blushed.

“Okay,” she said finally.

“What?”

“Okay. We may kiss.”

Nikodem looked at her, finally. He again covered his forehead.

“It was true, I’m going to die tomorrow, right?”

“No you’re not, moron!” Mara pushed him playfully, hiding her embarrassment. “I just want to do it too!

And so they kissed, under the stars, on the roof with the best view ever.

They got good at what they were doing quickly. They wore masks for stealing, they used upgraded motors for moving around, they came in, stole what they needed and then wandered around the city freely, because no one would ever suspect a bunch of children. And now everyone was talking about them. Their masks, something they picked up from dumpsters, were so popular everyone knew how they looked. They had fans and enemies and they had heros after them. Yet every night they had a party in their base. They drank alcohol, ate good food, kissed and made love. And they were free.

She never told him, or anyone else from their gang, when they’re going to die. But once she told them about her own number. Apparently she could see it in the mirror and Nikodem never ever hated quirks more than in that moment. It was just wrong.

Mara was sick. There was something in their family, something too scientific for Nikodem to understand, that killed her mother and mother of her mother. Normally, raised in a normal house, she would survive till her late twenties. With expensive treatment and medications she could maybe live till her forties. Her current number allowed her to stay alive till she was twenty three.

Nikodem didn’t accept it. He couldn’t. It wasn’t her fault she couldn’t afford a better living situation or meds. He was angry and he was determined to get even more money, to allow her the treatment she needed. Everyone agreed to him, except Mara. She didn’t want to draw too much attention to them and she was already used to the idea of dying. She was angry at him, for a while. Then she couldn’t anymore.

Nikodem was sixteen when he told her he loved her too much to let her go that easily.

.

They couldn’t go on the raids when it was raining because it was too risky. They used to store the food for winters because during them it was too dangerous to raid the city. They did only necessary to survive every year. Now, it changed. And now they realised they were way more powerful than they thought. Their gang was classified as rank B villains, with Nikodem deemed their leader, classified as rank A. There was more planning, more stress and way more risk but, surprisingly, it brought them all even closer to each other.

It was just getting warm, the snow still didn’t melt in the darker corners of their base but the days were sunny and bright and hot. And the rain that came wasn’t risky. It was warm, too. It washed over Nikodem’s stress and worries and Mara’s long, pretty dress. And they danced in it, laughed and kissed.

“You’re turning eighteen this year, we should throw you a party!” she said once they were inside, in dry clothes, drinking hot tea.

“It’s still a few months.”

“So? Isn't any reason to party good?”

“But it’s a birthday. We should celebrate it when it comes.”

Mara pouted. She looked so cute, with her nose and cheeks still reddened, wrapped in a blanket from head to toes. He loved her so much.

“Look at you, what made you smile like a dumbass? That’s a rare sight.” Embarrassed, Nikodem turned his face away. Mara laughed and clung to his side. “I like it, you have a funny smile. You should do it more!”

He decided to try his hardest.

.

Blood.

Everything around him was red and it was his fault.

They were so close to getting enough money for Mara that Nikodem got impatient. He wanted to gather enough as fast as possible and he came out with the idea of that raid. It was going to be the hardest one till now, but they had a good plan. They planned it for a month. And it worked out! But then the heroes found their hideout.

“Those are children! I had no idea those were children, I couldn’t know!” lamented one of the heroes, the one that came in first. Under his quirk the roof of the old factory collapsed, something caught fire and the tanks they had stored exploded. Most of Nikodem’s gang was outside, thankfully, but they also got hurt.

They still had masks on when other heroes arrived. They fought. Nikodem got crushed under the part of the factory and couldn’t get out on time to help them. He had to watch how his friends, his only family, fought for their lives and lost. Blood spilled all around him and he couldn’t do anything.

When he finally got out the heroes were searching for survivors. But no one could survive this. They were either crushed under the factory or fought till death. And Nikodem stood in the puddle of their blood.

It hurted to move, it even hurted to breathe but he had to find Mara. He had to make sure she was alive and help her, and anyone else that still could be alive, escape. He was their leader, he came up with that raid, it was all his fault.

Stepping over the body of his friend, someone he ate breakfast with this morning, he went forward. The heroes were arguing, Nikodem could hear his voices, but didn’t pay attention to them. He took off his mask and threw it away, searching for a different one, one that he knew Mara was still wearing.

He found her, laying right by a part of the factory that miraculously didn’t fall on her. There was still a hole in her stomach that Nikodem immediately jumped to, to cover the bleeding. Mara trembled and huffed something that Nikodem didn’t understand. Holding his shirt against her abdomen with one hand he took off her mask.

Her lips were covered in blood but she was smiling. She kept looking at him and Nikodem was glad she was awake.

“That went to shit, eh?” she rasped.

“Don’t joke now, please.” Nikodem couldn’t hold back his tears. It was slowly hitting him, what exactly happened.

“I want to tell you something.”

“You shouldn’t talk, you’ll tell me once you get better but now you have to save your energy.”

She smiled at him and her smiles were never that sad.

“I knew this was going to happen.” Nikodem only shook his head. “Yeah. I did the math when everyone’s numbers started going down. I never thought they could change before.”

“It’s all my fault.”

“No, it’s not.” Mara coughed and spit some blood. “If anyone’s then it’s mine. I should have told you to stop with the raids but I knew no one would listen. And it made me happy to know you all are doing this for me. Selfish.”

“You weren’t selfish!” sobbed Nikodem. “I was, I wanted to spend more time with you and I took your time away!”

“That’s not true.” She managed to laugh a little. “You actually let me live. Everyone else too, but you especially. Thank you.” Nikodem shook his head again. He could feel blood sipping through the material of his shirt. “Can I have one more selfish request?”

“I’ll do anything for you.”

“Live.” Mara lifted her hand and touched Nikodem’s forehead. He grabbed it and helped her keep the arm up, snuggling into it. It was too cold but he didn’t mind. “Your minutes are tickling down but I don’t want you to die because of me. Please, promise me that you won’t die.”

“I don’t want to. How am I supposed to, when everyone is dead? I can’t live without you.”

“You can.” Her fingers brushed just slightly against Nikodem’s forehead. “Please. Do anything you could. Don’t fight these heroes, surrender, do anything you can.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want to die knowing everyone I ever loved died because of me.” She was speaking more and more silently. “At least you. Especially you, Niko.”

For a moment Nikodem tried to hold back his tears. But they didn’t. They started flowing harder.

“I promise,” he whimpered. “I’ll do anything. I swear.”

Mara opened her eyes wider and, after a moment, smiled wide. Her thumb brushed against Nikodem’s forehead and then her hand went limp.

“I’ll ask them, I’ll beg them to help you. They’re heroes, maybe they have a healing quirk, you’ll be fine too!” Nikodem made a crooked smile, one that was meant for comfort but he knew Mara would laugh at it. “I could even pay them, the money should be fine in the safe. We’ll be okay.” Mara didn’t answer. Her eyes kept looking at him and her smile didn’t vanish but she wasn’t reacting at all. Nikodem felt his heart sink. “Mara? Mara, don’t joke, please. Dagmara!”

When the heroes found him Nikodem was still sitting by Mara’s body. He didn’t fight, he surrendered and let them handcuff him. He lost everything but he made a promise. And that promise would keep him alive.

[tifaria]

Good Omen fan fic recommendations?

This has been unanswered in my notes for far too long! 

Whoo boy, where do I start?? Let me just pull up my AO3 bookmarks… okay. This is gonna be a long post because I have a Lot of Thoughts about fic in this fandom. I’ll separate by types of fic. 

Series/stories with a plot: 

 Demonology and the Tri-Phasic Model of Trauma: An Integrative Approach by Nnm

As soon as Aubrey Thyme, psychotherapist, had opened her office door and seen her new client, Anthony J. Crowley, sitting in her waiting area, she was observing and assessing him. At first glance, she paid attention to the following:

–His clothing was expensive and stylish;–He wore very strange but noticeable cologne;–His relationship to the seat he occupied could only, very loosely, be described as “sitting;”–He looked angry;–He was wearing sunglasses.

What Aubrey Thyme, a professional, thought, upon first seeing her new client was: you’re going to be a fun one, aren’t you?

Okay, so some warnings: discussion of suicide, PTSD, implied alcohol abuse and implied child abuse. That said…. this is an excellent fic and I was thinking about it for days after it ended. It’s about Crowley dealing with trauma from the bookshop fire, and it has an outsider POV that I ended up caring deeply about, and the ending had me in (happy) tears. Just. It’s a miracle that this fic exists. 

A Curious Case of Miracles on Marlborough Street by @nihilnovisubsole

After stopping the apocalypse, Crowley and Aziraphale finally take the next step in their six-thousand-year friendship. But when a spate of miracles sweeps across Soho and Mayfair, they realize their amorous escapades may have an unintended side effect. As they scramble to restore balance and an archangel arrives to investigate, Heaven and Hell’s messengers learn that you can never have too much of a good thing.

At the very least, you need to go look at the art on this fic, because it is magnificent. But you should really read the story, because it’s absurd and weird but in a way that makes it feel like it could plausibly take place in the TV-verse. Implied sexual content, nothing explicit. Plenty of humor. It’s crackfic that’s taken seriously, but it works and I love it.

The Sandford Flower Show by Musimm

Crowley had waited six thousand years, kept it all in check. But this was the slipperiest slope he’d ever set foot on and as soon as he’d indulged in a few discretionary acts of kindness he was falling face first into pining, tumbling into flirting, about to dislocate his knees on the sharp rocks of intimacy.

Was this really it? What he had waited six thousand years for? A stupid flower show? Aziraphale wasn’t pulling away from him. Maybe… maybe this time he wouldn’t? Maybe they’d hold hands again. Maybe tonight with a bottle of merlot in them he’d finally work up the courage and just kiss him and he wouldn’t pull away.

The very moment he’d thought it he spotted the problem at the flower show.

Chapter 7 is explicit, so if that’s not your jam, skip to the next chapter after they go to bed. I really enjoyed this one! There’s angst, pining, miscommunication, idiots acting like idiots, but with a happy ending. The plot is interesting and the original characters were engaging and felt like they’d fit right into the TV-verse. I re-read this immediately after finishing it, that’s how much I liked it.

I Will Get Up Now and Go About the City by @drawlight

This is the story of six-thousand years and a borrowed jacket. (A tale told in vignettes.)

Look, if you haven’t gone and read every single thing that @drawlight has written by now, I don’t know what to tell you. This is my favorite fic of his. It is, quite simply, poetry. I’m due for a re-read, in fact.

Fluff/Sweetness:

 Divine Intervention (AKA God Ships It) by @theladyzephyr

There’s a battle strategy devised by humans many millennia ago that’s designed to overcome an adversary who is particularly well entrenched. Some walls are too tall and thick for a frontal assault, and must instead be bested through sheer dogged stubbornness.

Crowley and Aziraphale didn’t know it, but they were about to be put under siege.

Fed up with an angel and a demon who are still avoiding any talk of Feelings, God starts to interfere. When it comes to the ineffable plan, sometimes things need a bit of a push.

Listen. This is my favorite fluffy Good Omens fic ever. It’s silly, it’s romantic, it’s completely heartfelt, and it’s joyous and happy. I grinned so hard while reading it, and re-reading it, and re-reading it again. I go to this fic when I’ve had a bad day. I go to this fic when I’ve had a good day. It’s wonderful and sweet and it fills my heart with warmth.

Sunny Picnic with the Southern Pansy by @almaasi

As the one-year mark of the Unpocalypse approaches, Aziraphale pointedly mentions to Crowley that he’d like to spend the anniversary doing “something lovely” with “somebody special”. Thus, Crowley secretly plans a surprise picnic in Tadfield with Anathema and the Them. Of course, this comes served with a plateful of misunderstandings, a side of moping, and a seasoning of mischief… eventually followed by a deliciously pleasant afternoon.

I love when authors can work in the ensemble cast in a way that works. This fic is fluffy, warm, and fuzzy. I loved every time The Them were in a scene because the author wrote them so well. 

Saturday (Wouldn’t It Be Nice) by Sir_Bedevere

It’s a Saturday in the little cottage on the South Downs, where a demon and an angel are spending their retirement, and there’s nothing - nothing - that they can’t face together.

It’s a Saturday, and this is how Saturdays tend to go.

This is a gentle and soft fic that soothes my soul when I read it. There’s plenty of cuddling, sweetness, and fluff. This fic is like a comforting, warm blanket when you’ve had a hard day.

Love Like Fools by @animeangelriku

One minute, Aziraphale is cataloguing some of his first editions, and the next one, he’s leaning against the bookshelf with one hand because he feels like the breath he doesn’t necessarily need (but is nonetheless used to taking) has just been knocked out of him.

He does not need to hold back his feelings for Crowley anymore. He does not need to hide his feelings for Crowley anymore. They’re on their own side now.

Soft romance with hand-holding and plenty of kissing? Sign me up. I live for Aziraphale showering Crowley with affection, and Crowley being overwhelmed by it.

An Honest Surrender by @kedreeva

“For six thousand years,” Crowley said, voice cracking, “I have wanted something I couldn’t have, because I asked the wrong questions. But I’m asking the right one now. The only one that matters.”

In which Aziraphale follows Crowley home after the nonpocalypse.

I never get tired of what-happened-at-Crowley’s-flat-that-night fics. Never. Give me all of them. This one depicts the boys as asexual and includes some intense soul-bonding that I find really lovely and that I think is achingly beautiful.

It’s Getting Hard, This Holding Back by ZehWulf

6,000-odd years is a long time to evolve a romantic relationship, but as a near-immortal being, Crowley had patience. True, they had lost momentum right around reaching the Speaking Looks and Meaningful Gestures stage, but at the time Crowley had been more or less content to let things idle.

Now, he was determined to shift things back into gear, and that gear was Explicitly Romantic Physical Expressions of Affection.

Crowley comes up with a plot for easing into physical affection with Aziraphale, and it goes about like you’d expect. Cute, sweet, and fluffy asexual relationship. 

Smut/Explicit:

Lie Back And Think Of Dinner by jessthereckless

“Crowley, this is a disaster. This is everything I ever wanted. We’re in love. And there’s a picnic. And we don’t seem to be able to get…amorous without causing earthquakes.”

Aziraphale attempts subterfuge. Crowley sees right through him.

This fic is so cute, with just a bit of smut. I don’t always enjoy smut, because sometimes I feel it strays too much from their characterization, but this fic gets it right. It’s funny and charming and the dialogue is spot on. When you’re finished, read the sequel, which has more explicit smut but still manages to be believable for me while also being very sweet. 

The First Week of the Rest of their Lives by @deputychairman

“Port gives the worst hangovers in the world, did you know that?” Crowley slurred when the bottle was all gone. “Don’t know who got credit for that one. Nice drink, lovely drink, shame it makes you want to die in the morning.”

“Such a shame,” Aziraphale agreed sadly, watching Crowley stretch out on his sofa. He did like port. He liked Crowley stretched out on his sofa, too.

After a week of lunch dates, Aziraphale is finally ready to face his feelings. This is sexy and just smutty enough and the banter between them in the bedroom is cute but also hot.

Overboard by Laura Shapiro

Asking Crowley to move here with him is, Aziraphale thinks, the bravest thing he has ever done.

Aziraphale tries and fails to deal with his anxiety, and eventually the pining and angst lead to an understanding. I enjoyed the depiction of Aziraphale’s anxiety over he and Crowley’s relationship, and the sex is very well done and you can sense the love in it. 

Alternate Universe (AU):

Here’s the thing about AUs: I don’t usually enjoy them. I find that often the characters don’t resemble the ones I know at all, and it prevents me from getting interested in the story. However, I have come across some that I’ve loved, and while the characterizations aren’t necessary recognizable as Aziraphale and Crowley, the stories are compelling and well-written. I tend to think of it as the actors from the TV series playing other parts, and it works for me. 

Acts of Service by seekwill

After receiving direct instruction from God, village reverend Aziraphale leaves his countryside congregation to serve the underserved and in-need at an urban church in London, a transition made all the more complicated by the mysterious and handsome Crowley, who always seems to appear when Aziraphale least expects him.

I was thinking about this fic for a while after I finished it. Is it a bit soap operatic? Yes. Is it also compelling and romantic and sexy? Hell yes. Just go read it and decide for yourself. The only reason I didn’t finish the entire fic in one evening is because I read until 1am and then had to wake up four hours later. Otherwise I’d have binged it all in one go.

Only Love (Can Bring the Rain) by soft_october

There were all these little hopes and musings Crowley buried so deep in his heart it ached to bring them out into the light to catalogue their faults and flaws, and each time Aziraphale sought him out, or asked his opinion on some weighty manner that was hanging on him, or even just smiled, those little wishings grew bigger and bigger, pressing in on him until he felt as if he was being crushed.

“Princes do not fall in love with gardener boys,” he told himself one night, staring into the shard of looking glass he kept on a shelf, hoping it would help, hoping that hearing it out loud would make him believe it, would help him put all these ridiculous notions behind him.

It didn’t work.

Crowley and Aziraphale, the gardener’s boy and the prince, meet as children and develop an unlikely friendship.

By the time they’re twenty, everything has changed.

Crowley is a gardener, Aziraphale is a prince, and this reads like a gentle fairy tale. I adore everything about it.

With All Your Delights by @weatheredlaw 

Crowley laughed. “I thought you’d have realized by now. I am no ordinary king.”

“No,” Aziraphale said. “You certainly are not.”

or: aziraphale is sent as a gift to the southern king to smooth over trade negotiations. they both find themselves in over their heads.

Good Lord, this fic. This fic is so sexy, so romantic, so immersive. The world-building is vague, but somehow that worked for me because I was able to imagine and fill in the gaps as I pleased. Do they 100% resemble any Crowley and Aziraphale that we know? No. But is it a well-written romance that checks off a lot of boxes I enjoy? Yes. There’s angst, but with a happy ending. I think I’ve read this one 3 or 4 times now, which is unheard of for me with an AU.

Slow Show by @mia-ugly

Listen. This. This fic. It’s done something to me. I live for updates on this fic. 

Crowley and Aziraphale are co-stars on a Game of Thrones-esque TV show. There’s pining, angst, explicit sex, mentions of past addiction, and somehow, it all comes together in a beautiful story that has me rushing to me computer on Mondays to check and see if it’s been updated. It has wrecked me. The last chapter was a wham and I am desperate for more. I have the utmost admiration for the author because it’s a beautiful, sexy, romantic story and I have never been so eager to read an AU before. 

[excellentexecution]

@scnnydays​ asked: 🙊💬 + for sunny pls. 💓

SEND 🙊💬 + A NAME, AND MY MUSE WILL SHARE THEIR TRUE, UNFILTERED OPINION OF THAT PERSON! NO SUGARCOATING!

She was sunshine. Golden all the way, blonde hair styled just how Tammy liked with the makeup around her eyes and cheeks nothing short of radiant. Sun-kissed skin that caused every male within the crowds to become edacious, short skirts of black lace with tops cropped at the belly, for every ounce of pretty she was, Sunny was just as wicked. It wasn’t just the power of her boys that had claimed victory in the form of titles. Leather that fit perfectly around the waist, teams of many sorts had found success due to her efforts. Fearless when it came to getting what she wanted, renowned for the hurt her nails could cause, the force of her hand against unexpecting faces, even Bret was left amazed. Couldn’t look away just like so many others in the Federation who stopped and stared. While tending to the wounds that the dumb hyena Stone Cold caused him, ice packs to the jaw or medical tape to the shin. Tammy was something worth paying attention to. 

Cruel with her words and perhaps just as bad with her heart, despite their focus being on two different ends of the spectrum, the Hitman had allowed himself to become somewhat protective. A friend but not in so many spoken words, their truce was a strong one that held even with the pull apart from others. Questionable glances that seemed to expose more than what was figured; imaginations wild whenever Bret tried to be the good person, someone who was there for Tammy. A quiet listener who would hear what she had to say, a devoted companion when none else would dare to cross that line, a shoulder to lean on. A source of comfort - though he wouldn’t ever admit when asked, Bret knew that more than just his ring gear would flush pink when Sunny would sought him out. The butterflies in his stomach on a never ending flutter, his heart skipped a beat.  

“Well, y’know, I think that Sunny has a lot of talent. She knows her way around the business and knows how to get whatever it is she’s after. I don’t agree with how she handles herself most of the time - she’s done a fair share of uncalled for interferences during matches - but she’s been able to find success and is one hell of a manager. I have a great amount of respect for her and her dedication to that, even though I think her methods are misplaced. She doesn’t need to ruin herself or her career by playing dirty, by cheating. She’d do just fine without it. I know she would.”

Bret breathed, frowning just a bit, tried to answer the earnest ramblings of the youthful fan whose autograph he signed, “the boys, they give Tammy a hard time. She’s just about the only girl that the Federation has. She’s got Skip, and he’s always there for her, but I feel like she gets lost more than somebody like herself should. She puts on this mask and hides who she really is, y’know. I just try to be there for her.”

[a-crash-in-time-collection]

Chapter 9: Trouble with Platinum 101

Platinum just barely managed to catch the black and red cat as it was flung back to him. He held him close, eyes swirling as the rain continued to pour from the lights above. If it wasn't for the large lighting bolt, he would have been able to think of something. He seized as he heard footsteps, looking up at the purple haired teen. They offered him a smile, handing over a yellow candy like item, which he took greatly.

Before he had the chance to say anything in return, the world faded to black. For a few minutes, it was just that, He couldn't move, couldn't talk. He could hardly think. Then suddenly, orange words appeared in front of his vision, although it did not spook him. "Ending Artificial Simulation" it read, before switching to "Exiting Sleep Mode". Platinum's vision was tainted orange as he opened his eyes, all the necessary data finding its place.

He let out a small smile, as he reached for the back of his head. With a small pull, the charger came out, and he placed it to the side. He shut the back of his head, before pushing himself out of his new charging area faintly. He wanted to just charge in his room, but it was still risky to be in there all alone. Still, he wasn't going to let anything as small as that bugged him as he raced out of the orbital station walls.

It was sunny outside, him having to hold a hand to his head as his vision adjusted. As soon as his eyes adjusted though, his goal was in sight. He raced over to where the tent was, ready for the fun to be had that day. Sure, there wasn't much to do around the station right now, but they were always one step ahead of boredumb. He got to where the opening was, and after a few seconds, opened it to say hello to Hat Girl.

Only to find she wasn't there. "Huh?" The topbot said, a bit confused. She was normally up at this time, but he figured she would still be in her tent. He glanced around to see if he could spot her among the other toppats, but found nothing. The only clue he had was his father, who could be seen talking to Herb. With nothing else he could do, he walked over to the two, although Herb left after a nod.

"Dad?" Platinum asked, getting the attention of the toppat clan leader. "Have you seen Hat Girl around? I went to greet her at her tent, and she wasn't there. I don't know where else she could be."

"Oh. She isn't here right now." Reginald said, looking over. Platinum's face turn to a mix of shock and confusion, as he tried to think of how to ask what he needed to ask. Hat Girl was just gone? And Dad wasn't freaking out. "She wanted to check how that movie you and her were in was going. So she and Righty went to go see earlier. They should be back soon, however." Reginald gave his son a small smile.

"They could have at least asked me if I wanted to come!" Platinum said, sighing as he crossed his arms. "I know I shouldn't be hanging with her all the time, but it's my program purpose to be with her. And things have been getting boring around here without her..."

"Well, you could always help remove some things from storage until she gets back." Reginald offered the topbot. He instantly shook his head at the offer, that was work, how was that supposed to help him? All he would likely end up doing was complaining the whole time, and he wasn't shy to admit that fact. Reginald shook his head with a sigh. "Well, the only other thing I can suggest is go hang out with the other teens."

Platinum huffed, but soon sighed. "Fine..." He walked away from his father, to where most of the other teens were. It wasn't that he didn't like the other teens, because that wasn't true. He liked a lot of them! He just never spent time one on one with them. Most of the time they interacted, was because his sister wanted to talk with them. Besides, Hat Girl was all he needed to have fun after all. Why waste time that could be spent with her, or time that could be used to steal a tank.

He decided to not get involved with the conversation they were all having, although he did listen in as too have something to think on. Most of them did share a similar mindset with him, things were starting to get boring. There were only so many days that the wonder of being on another planet alone could last. Some wanted to train, others wanted to play some games. But they all had something they wanted-

"Platinum?" The topbot nearly jumped as he looked over at the source of the voice. A familiar figure with purple hair glanced at him, the black hat with a small purple, white, black, and yellow flag. Some small bits of glitter on the flag shining in the sunlight. "Are you ok? Aren't you normally here with your sister? Where is she anyway?" They asked, scanning around in confusion.

"Oh, she's somewhere else today, Van." Platinum said, giving the teen a smile. They had joined the clan a few months before that pink haired man broke into the airship. A runaway from home, from the few details he was able to get through conversation. Van was the main exception when it came to Platinum interacting with others on a regular basis. "Dad says her and Pops will be back soon, although knowing our luck it's gonna be a few hours."

"Oh, well, I'm sure they'll be ok." Van said, a small smile on their features. "I'm uhh, sorry about that Rotom comment I made to you the other day. I was just in a bit of a silly mood, and you gave me the perfect chance to say something."

"Hey, in your defense, I shouldn't have recited that one moive's pick up line."

Van snorted. Before laughing, Platinum followed suit a second later. The other teens would glance over confused, but most just shrugged it off and went back to what they were talking about before. Eventually, Van stopped their laughter, wiping a tear from their eye. "Still, I could have handled it better. I knew you were just messing around, after all." Van said, glancing back at the topbot with a faint smile.

"Yeah... I'm a topbot so there was no way it could have been serious." Platinum stated, shurrging. Yet each time he looked at Van, there was always a small, strange feeling inside of him. It was worse when he first laid eyes on them, but thankfully it calmed down... he sighed and glanced to the side. "I hate being without Hat Girl. Yes, I can go times without being near her, but those times I-"

"Had something better to do other then just stand around?" Van finished.

"Exactly!" Platinum said, throwing his hands in the air to show his point. Van rolled those pretty blue eyes of theirs, letting out a small chuckle. Platinum sighed as he kicked at the ground, his metal feet ruining the harmony of the grass. "If only I had something better to do. Something fun, something troubling..." His eyes gain a fainter glow, as if an idea had entered them. "Something with spray paint."

"Platinum, I don't think now would be the best time to spray paint the place." Van stated, although there was some confusion in their voice. "Honsently, I'm surprise your parents haven't ban spray paint from the clan yet because of you."

"No, not spray paint stuff here!" Platinum said, before grabbing Fan's hand, failing to notice the blush that appeared. "Van, you are my Hattie for the day. Let's go!" Platinum raced off through the woods, dragging the teen behind him. It was mostly silent, and they very rarely made a turn. Eventually, they came across the sea, where a few boats had now been parked alongside the old boat they first used.

"Huh? I thought there was just one boat." Van said. They paused when Platinum hopped into one, jestering from Van to follow him. "What are you planning? Your Dads are going to kill us." They stated, although reluctantly went over to the boat. They didn't know their way back, after all.

"Oh, they don't have to know this part. We'll just tell them we got lost in the woods." Platinum said, pulling them into the boat. "As for the new boats, well, Dad and Pops agreed that it would take too long to go grab lots of supplies from one place and bring it back to the old one. So Pops went a few nights ago and stole a few of these boats from mafia town." He shrugged. "Said they weren't using them anyway."

"Oh." Van said, before slowly looking for a place to sit. They didn't know what happened to them that day in that town, but if RHM had a hit list, it seems the mafia's boss would be near the top. "You aren't planning on taking us there, are you?" They looked up at Platinum, his grin answered for him. "I... guess I don't have a choice in this matter?"

"Maybe next time." Platinum said, shrugging as he started the boat's engine, it zipping off into the distiance. Van just sighed, adjusting their hat as they glanced out at the boat. If they knew they were going to be dragged somewhere today, they would have brought a good book to read along the way. It was nice to just see the water though, although once some splashed in their face. "Whoops, sorry. Must have set the speed too fast."

"Knowing you? Yeah." Van said, shrugging as they wiped the water off their face. Platinum chuckled guiltily, as Van adjusted their seat. It shouldn't take too long, but it would be good to relax while they still could.

Eventually, the caws of seagulls alert the two of their dictation, as Platinum went to slow down the engine. "Best we park at a beach. Should be a breeze to get it out of the sand if we go too far." Platinum said. Van let out a grone and ducked to the floor, bringing their hat over there head faintly to help shield it from any harm. There was a faint shake, but for the most part everything seemed fine.

Van slowly got up, peaking their eyes over the edge of the boat. "You actually managed to park it?" They asked, the surprise in their voice fully on display. It wasn't even that far into the sand, it would take a good push later but nothing bad. "I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting that. We all know how bad you are when it comes to driving tanks."

"Hey, if Dad and Pops let me drive a tank a bit more often, I wouldn't have crashed into that one wall." Platinum said, rolling his eyes as he glanced around. He hoped out of the boat, giving a hand to Van as he helped them out. Van looked around, a bit imitated but also in a bit of awe at everything. "Besides, it's not my fault they make those things so hard to control in the first place."

"Maybe because they're meant to be handled by experts?" A voice called, making Van jump slightly. Platinum turned his head to where a cave was, a bit surprised to see Mustache Girl there. "I don't know much about those things, but I know not to mess with them... anyone should." She said, crossing her arms.

"I'm sorry, but when you make a machine that is built for chaos, shiney, and a good place to get away from a zombie apocalypse, the chaos making robot is going to like it." Platinum said, rolling his eyes. He was tired of people not understanding him. Besides, it's not like he could be hurt, with his metal flesh and all. "It's partially in my coding at this point. You could argue tanks are imprinted in almost every important way of life!"

"...Yeah, sure you can." Mu said, rolling her eyes faintly. She had been woken up by the crash, and was much too tired to be dealing with this. "Hey, who's that guy- err... person behind you? Don't tell me you two have another sibling." She sighed.

"Oh, no. As cool as that would be, Pops said two was his maximum." Platinum chuckled slightly, as he awkwardly glanced at Van behind his back. Van gained a slight blush and glanced to the side, as if a bit embarrassed to be hiding from someone like a child. Platinum coughed faintly, before looking back at Mu. "Anyway. Mu, this is Van. They're a good friend of mine and Hat Girl's. They're a bit shy though."

"Platy." Van whispered, before coughing and glancing at Mu. They had recalled seeing her the night that cat brought over the food, but never really got the chance to speak to her. Not that they wanted too. They slowly came out from behind the topbot's back. "Uh, h-hello there. I'm Van, although I guess you al-already knew that."

"Yeah." She said, sighing slightly. Why did it seem like she was destined to run into the Toppats every so often. It would be better to just avoid them all, mainly to avoid her. Hat Girl didn't seem to hold anything against her, and seemed to enjoy her company? It made no sense in her mind. Speaking of which. "Where is Hat Girl? Shouldn't you be with her, Platinum?" Mu asked, raising a brow.

"Oh, she went to check on how our movie was doing, without me." He said, mumbling the last part. Really, he would've had enough battery. How hard was it to remove the charger from his head, wake him up, and have him tag along. "Dad said she was likely to return 'soon', but adults almost always end up being wrong when they use the word soon. It's almost like everything for them is meant to take forever."

"Yeah, it's always a bit of a nightmare." Van added quietly, glancing to the side. All those hours they must have spent waiting to get home to do school work while at a store felt like years looking back. They shook their head, there wasn't any use in thinking about the pass anymore, as they glanced at Mu. "S-So, uh, what are you doing up this early?" They asked. If they were going to be here, might as well be part of the conversion.

"I'm... just doing my rounds earlier than normal." Mu answered. It was a lie, but sounded much better then. 'You just woke me up from my nap in my cave which is my only home'. "I should be asking you something similar? What are you even doing here? There's no business reason, after all."

"Oh, well, things were boring at the crashed orbital station, partly because it was, well, crashed." Platinum said, shrugging as he glanced at the hero of mafia town. He didn't really know any better way to put it. "So we're going to cause some trouble here!"

"Is trouble alone your only personality? If it is, why not cause it somewhere else?" Mu asked, giving a glare that wipe that dumb grin off Platinum's face. There were already too many thieves in Mafia town, most of the place had them! She didn't need to deal with two more today. Or ever, if she was exact. "Why not have gone to that ghost's woods. I'm sure he would have loved you there, with all your trouble."

"She does have a bit of a point." Van said to the topbot, although they didn't think it mattered to him.

"Oh, don't worry, we meant trouble for the mafia! The other people here already have too much to deal with." Those were words most would assume a toppat would never say. Despite being a criminal clan, the toppats tried to have some morals about what they did. And not stealing from those already having a hard time was a personal rule lots of the clan followed. "Hat Girl mection before how you spray painted a hot air balloon before."

"Well, yeah... that was a small phase of mine." She said, rubbing the back of her head awkwardly. She paused, wondering briefly if Hat Girl had liked the artwork, but shook her head as soon as it entered her mind. Why did it matter if she saw it? "I wanted to annoy some mafia so I took some spray paint from them and repainted one of their best balloons. It was always a reminder to not mess with me."

"So, you know where the spray paint is then?" Platinum asked, a small facepalm came from Van.

Mustache Girl sighed, there wasn't any way to get out of this bot messing everything up, was there? "It's around a corner of a building that way, somewhere."

"Thanks!" And just like that, the topbot raced off. "Van wait here!"

"Platinum, I..." Van said as they watched the Topbot raced off, before glancing at Mu.

"Well... this is awkward." Mu said, glancing to the side. After about a minute of waiting, it was clear the topbot wouldn't be back soon enough.

Van let out a shaky sigh. They couldn't just stand here like this. It looked bad on them, maybe? Besides, Mu looked like she could be friendly. They slowly walked over to her, rubbing the back of their head. "S-So, uh, how are things with the mafia?" They gave her a faint smile.

Mu sighed. "Same old, unfortunately." She crossed her arms and glanced down at the sand. She felt a small fist forming. "I was so sure I would have gotten them all out by now yet they're still here!"

"I'm sure that's annoying... but don't you have cops here?" As soon as the words left their mouth, they those were the wrong choice of words. The slight glare they got confirmed that.

"If we did, they clearly didn't do their job!" She said, voice almost a shout. Van flinched slightly from it, which Mu took note of and glanced to the side. She didn't mean to scare them, not really. She just hated it when people brought up the past of this place. "Although, they wouldn't have been able to handle all these bad guys at once anyway. It was almost like they came to take this humble little place over..."

"I'm sorry to hear about that.." Van spoke up, shaking gone from their voice. They hated hearing stories like this, always had. "This place looks so lovely as well... but hey, at least I heard something about the leader of theirs being in bad condition. I bet you must be happy about that." They said, chuckling.

"I mean, it was fun to stuff his remains in a jar." Mu said, chuckling faintly as Van facepalmed at the words. That sounded far worse then what happened to Right Hand Man, and she was just talking about it like it was a fun memory? They didn't want to be rude, but there was something wrong in this girl's head. "But at last, that wasn't enough to have his soul leave this realm." She sighed. "They've gotten around the jar situation now."

"Hello everyone, I am back!" Platinum said dramatically as he hopped over. His jacket was bloated, full of all the spray paint cans he couldn't fit in his arm. "I was thinking we spray the place with neon colors next to monotone colors. That really bugs the sight after all!" He said, grining.

"That.. is actually not that bad of an idea. But we can only do it on Mafia buildings!" Mu said quickly, getting a chuckle from the topbot. Van walked back over to Platinum, taking one of the spray paint cans from the hood. They turned it to the ocean, letting a small bit out to check if it was working. "You know, the one mafia has an observatory to watch for aliens, maybe you could spray paint that."

"Why not join us?" Platinum asked, looking at her. "It is your idea after all. Besides, we'll need someone to fight any mafia that tries to stop us!"

"Stop us?" Van asked, nervously.

"I mean, I suppose I can't allow Hattie's brother to get hurt." Mu said, sighing and nodding.

"Let's go then!" Platinum said, beginning to race to the observatory. Mu didn't tell him where it was, but he did recall a blue tower he tried to climb when he and Hat Girl had headed to the HQ of the mafia, so he logically concluded that was it. A rare moment of him actually using logic, if you will. He would giggle as Van did their best to keep up, Mu taking some time behind them both. Somehow, no mafias noticed them.

Eventually, they got to the Observatory. As Platinum dumped all his spray cans onto the ground, Van took a breath and sat down for a moment. "I always thought I was decently fast, but I guess I'm wrong. Either that, or the lack of losing energy makes you faster." Van guessed.

"Hehe, sorry about that Van." Platinum said, rubbing the back of his head. Hat Girl was almost always able to keep up with his energy, he forgot it wasn't just adults who weren't like that. He glanced at the spray paints, starting to organize them into two piles: bright and neon, and everything else. "If we ignore color theory, that means dark brown covered by bright green and yellow will sting the eyes, right."

"To be fair, you always ignore color theory." Van said, chuckling as Platinum shrugged. He glanced over at Mu, tossing her a can. Van soon got up, going over and garbing one of the cans. "Well, the sooner we get started, the sooner we can get home, I suppose." They said, spraying the walls.

"Alright..." Mu said, garbing a mask out from a pocket and placing it on. She didn't remember if using spray paint without one was ok or not, but decided not to take the risk. She briefly wondered if she should ask Van if they wanted one, but then her mind began to wonder something else. She tried to shake it from her mind but... "Platinum... How is Hattie anyway? Nothing bad has been happening with her lately, right?"

"Huh?" Platinum said, glancing at her with a confused look. He processed her words as he switched from the dark color he was using to a brighter color. Van glanced away as soon as he started spraying, which was a good sign. Well, for when the mafia saw it at least. "Oh, yeah! She's been fine. Nothing she couldn't handle has happened or anything." He said.

"Oh... good then, I suppose." Mu said. She seemed to start spraying the building faster, to the point where Platinum had to stop and admire the speed. "I'm mean, it's not like a care to much or anything."

"Really? Because it seems like you care a lot." Van stated, tilting their head as they looked at her.

"Yeah, well, I guess when your former partner turned rebel shows up out of the blue years later, you get curious." Mu said, glancing to the side faintly. "Especially when they just want to be friends again. I nearly killed her! It... doesn't make any sense."

"Ehh, Hat Girl is like that." Platinum said, shurgging. "She always been very forgiving of people, at least from what I've seen. The only one not on her forgiven list we know of is that pink haired man." He sighed as he glanced to the side. "That was a rough time for both of us. Pops had to be turned half metal to survive, and Dad was locked away from us."

"I'm... sorry to hear that." Mu said, glancing over faintly. She glanced down at the ground, as if debating something. "She's so lucky that she found a good place to stay... a family to take care of her and love her." She chuckled. "I'm honestly surprised I haven't met her boyfriend yet."

"Oh, she doesn't have one yet." Van said.

"Wait, really?" Mu asked, glancing over surprised. "I mean, your Dads are like the leaders of your clan, right? You think boys would be doing everything they can to get with her... Cuz it would basically be like high school, right?"

"I mean, I'm not sure how high schools work here, but it seems to be the same in that regard." Van said before sighing. "Those years were a freaking nightmare. I envy the other teens sometime."

"Really, isn't high school just like a musical, just minus the music." Platinum asked.

"Didn't you have to run into the bathroom once while your family was watching one of those movies, and they heard you going 'Why does Troy look so cute?'" Van asked, raising a brow. Platinum took a step back, and covered his face.

"H-Hey, that was a malfunction! I'm a robot, I can't feel stuff like that!" He defended himself, and looked in Mu's direction. "Long story short, we think she's more into girls than guys, but don't know for sure."

"Girls... huh.. good for her then.." Mu said, glancing down at the ground. She slowly picked up another spraycan, before glancing over with a shrug. Platinum noticed the faintest hint of pink behind the mask, but shrugged it off. "Well. Let's get back to this then. Quickly too, I want to get to my routes soon."

"Alright Mu, alright." Platinum said, chuckling as Van went back up behind him.

For the next hour or so, the three covered the Observatory with the spray paint, although near the end Platinum ended up having to do his best to finish the mess. Dull grays and browns going against the bright pinks and oranges. It was a masterpiece, if only you could properly look at it. When all was said and done, Platinum and the other two raced away from the scene of the crime. The Mafia Goons would glance at them confused, but they didn't say anything in return.

"Oh, I wish I had a camera to take a picture of that!" Platinum said, chuckling as he began to push the boat back into the water faintly. "Hat Girl would have loved to see it! Speaking of which... I should be getting home before Dad realizes I went away."

"Yeah, good idea." Van said, climbing in once it was in the water. "I don't want you to get grounded after all."

Platinum rolled his eyes. "I'm sure I can come up with something to get me out of it." He chuckled, hopping into the boat, Van grabbing the sides to stay balanced as it shaked. Platinum went to the engine, but glanced at Mu. "See you again sometime?"

"I'm sure we will either way." Mu said. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms as if annoyed, but underneath the mask she still had, a small smile was there.

"Alright then, see you!" Platinum shouted, as he started the engine, the boat speeding off in a second. Mu just shook her head, and went back to her cave to rest a bit more. She'll never understand that bot.

[bangtan-dreamland]

Rain

Pairing: myg x reader

Word Count: 3422

Warnings: delusions, mention of major accident, major character death, mention of cheating

Rating: pg-15

Genre: angst angst angst, a little fluff

Summary: Yoongi spends too much time at the studio, leaving you to wake alone in your house all too often. But it’s okay. After all, it’s all too easy to notice the hints lying around- and the ring sitting hidden in the drawer the biggest clue of all.

AN: A late gift for @dee-ehn, thank you thank you thank you for waiting! I hope this fic lives up to expectations, though unedited yet ;;; A big thank you for @mspjm for reading it over and giving me the energy to finish this ;-;

•·················•·················•

The room is empty when you wake up.

Tired, heavy eyes blink back at you from where the mirror lies, conveniently hanging across the room. You yawn as the drowsiness threatens to pull you back into the confines of sleep, but eventually- you manage to convince yourself to get up and start the day. Somehow.

The size of the bed only emphasizes your lover’s absence when you stretch, the spot where he usually sleeps cold and freezing. It makes you twitch, when you touch the spot, and then you sigh.

Yoongi is definitely still working.

It’s not really that uncommon, though. Sometimes Yoongi will stay up way too late at the studio, struck by a burst of inspiration that he needs to ‘write down now otherwise I’ll forget it and lose it’. Which- it’s alright with you, really, because music is a big part of his life, and you already knew what you were getting into when you agreed to be his girlfriend.

A stray ray of light attracts your attention to the side. The ring on your drawer glints in the sunlight, and you can’t help the giddy smile that appears on your face.

And soon to be fiancee, too.

Yes, for all that Yoongi may seem to be married to his work, you know that’s not true, because you found the ring in his drawer a few days ago.

Really, it makes you wonder just why he’s kept working so late, for so many nights in a row now if he plans on proposing to you, but you’re resolved to wait. Because it’s Yoongi, and you’re fine with waiting for however long it takes as long as it’s him. Besides, you’re already together, years of being in a relationship, months after moving in together, you’re together in all the ways that matter best to you. A marriage would only make it official in everyone’s eyes, but you already knew you were his- and he was yours.

Though, you know, if it was anyone else they’d be accusing him of cheating. Maybe it’s because you’ve seen the ring that you know and are assured otherwise?

You giggle at the thought. 

Still, it’s always a little sad waking up to an empty house, and when you open the door to the hallway, the absolute quiet that lingers makes you frown a little.

You pad down the stairs quietly, wondering if Yoongi has at least taken a break in some way, if he’s eaten or slept. Should you come over to his studio, you wonder.

When you arrive downstairs, you find yourself sighing at the subtle mess that’s obvious to you. Geez. You rescind your earlier thought- Yoongi came home earlier, while you were asleep (obviously, only Yoongi has access to the other key to your house), but had to be in a rush. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have mismatched almost everything.

Because, at first glance, everything seems to be in order and in place- but as someone who’s lived here for so long it’s easy for you to notice the little things that are glaringly different, and you giggle as you set them right. All the while, you mentally chastise Yoongi in your head, fondly remembering the reasons why you even set up your living rooms that way. At first you’re content to merely clean up and return the things to their proper places, but soon enough you find your thoughts overrun by memories.

Neatly putting the sofa’s pillows to the side, so the center was full of space-

(“Stop squirming-” His voice was exasperated and you looked up at him with a wilting pout. 

“But it’s too cold and hard,” you whined. 

When he raised an eyebrow at you and deliberately stared at the pillows that lay near the two of you, you scrunched up your nose and just as deliberately pushed them away to the end of the sofa, snuggling tighter against Yoongi instead. Try as he might, it was all too easy for you to see the lingering smile on his face, and while you didn’t say anything, you smirked in success. 

You laughed loudly when you felt a hand suddenly ruffle up your hair. )

- setting your favorite blanket inside the cupboard instead of leaving them out in the open-

(You yawned a little as you felt someone cup your face tenderly- and then call out your name repeatedly. When you opened your eyes, it was to the sight of your exhausted but also smiling boyfriend, looking at you with exasperation.

“You should have just gone to bed,” he scolds you with a sigh. Still sleepy, you barely registered his words, your hands coming to hold his in turn instead. “It’s two in the morning and you’re camped out here in the living room with not even a blanket, when there’s a perfectly good bed waiting in our room.”

“You’re such a worry wart,” you groaned. “I wanted to wait for you, so I did. Besides, it’s not even that bad.”

“If it bothers you that much, I’ll make sure to keep a blanket available here downstairs. Just take my sleeping figure as incentive to get home faster,” you laughed at the look on his face then.)

- and finally, setting out…

You paused and frown, hard. What happened to the picture frames you two picked together…? You rummage around the room, only growing more confused as you fail to find any traces of the previous ones. Oh, you’d found the pictures, evidences of your time with Yoongi, the best moments picked out and immortalized. Not a tear in any of them, really- some of them even look for the better, as if they’ve been recently cleaned.

You wonder if Yoongi broke them last night in his haste. You sleep pretty deeply, and with the distance between your room and the living room, it’s not surprising if you find out you slept through the incident. Still, what was he so hurried about? … What was he even doing, last night?

Turning your attention back to the newly framed photos, you start when you realize there’s a lone photo somewhat put in messily. When you open it a little- you grin at the words written on the back.

‘... will you let me stay by your side, the two of us together, for the rest of our lives?’

Did he- you snort, trying to stop the giggles that are threatening to burst from you then. Still, you can’t help but find it ridiculously endearing. Did Yoongi seriously write down his speech? Your heart warms even more when you remember when the picture was taken.

The photo holds the two of you right after one of his concerts, the last one they’d held as part of the tour. That night had been hectic and exhausting, the world’s eyes on them as the concert was not only held in front of tens of thousands of fans in the venue, but also to hundreds more on the live stream that connected them to the world. Everything had to be perfect, if not close to it at least- and the moment the night had ended, he’d collapsed straight away.

You smile softly as you remember fussing quietly over him the entire night, changing his clothes and wiping him down a little, tucking him into bed- 

(“I’m not a little kid,” he’d slurred out with a distinct grumble in his voice as you lied down beside him. 

“You’re not,” you reassured him. “But you are exhausted, so let me take care of you, okay?” Wrapping your arms loosely around him, you bit back a smile when you eventually felt him tug your closer.

“... Thank you,” you barely heard him whisper as he soon dropped off to sleep.)

- only to wake up the next morning with Jungkook and Jimin giggling, phones in hand as they heatedly argued over something right. Beside. You two.

You couldn’t remember much of it anymore, what they’d been fighting about, but you remembered it woke the two of you up, Yoongi cracking an eye and groggily threatening them, the two maknaes almost jumping away in horror.

Even now it makes you smile.

You decide to put the frames back in their rightful places, righting the misplaced photo, stepping into the kitchen instead. It’s all but obvious at this point that Yoongi’s preparing for his proposal, and who are you to disrupt his obviously, very very secret plans?

Still, if he didn’t want to be found out, he should have been more discreet though.

You grin at the food you find on the table, wrapped neatly in plastic. It’s still warm when you touch it, and you smother the smirk on your face. Then again, if he placed it in the microwave as he usually did, or in the fridge, you’d still find it anyway and realize it was from him. You could almost hear his thoughts whirring around. If you’d know one way or another then it was fine to leave it somewhere obvious, right?

God, you love him.

You unwrap the food, starting to eat- the taste is slightly different, was your favorite stall already closed when he came? Still, it’s your favorite though and you’re pleased that Yoongi went out of his way for such a small thing.

You putter around the kitchen, opening the fridge, wondering what to bring him for lunch- he usually forgets to eat, it’s never been a good habit of his, really- when you finally hear the background noise grow louder and more present.

When you turn to the window, you look at it in surprise.

It’s raining.

Something cold and gripping makes itself known in your heart at that realization for a moment, wrenching you hard, and you stand, dazed, watching the drops fall on the window pane. 

Still. Soft, euphonious, the sounds of the rain shower outside is music to the ears. It’s- therapeutic, soothing. It is, of course. Why wouldn’t it be? And although you’re surprised to see rain falling so soon, when it was quite sunny a while ago- but you don’t complain. 

Because- the rain is special to you. To you two. It was raining when you met him, after all.

You pause, watching the drops fall from the sky in a light, sparse manner, as if the rain is gently falling like snow. 

You walk over to the patio and slide the door open, the food forgotten somewhere.

The sound of the rain immediately rings louder, drowning out everything else. The smell of the fresh earth and the rain itself beckons you closer, and the chill that remains as the coldness of the rain overtakes the earth’s warmth wraps itself around you. All of it is rhythmic, heavenly, and you stand still for a while, letting your senses adjust to the beauty that is in front of you. 

Then you take a step forward.

And another.

The first raindrop feels like- well. It feels cold- which a raindrop should be, but at the same time, it also makes you feel a little like an invitation.

You let out a burst of giggles, feeling the smother of love and happiness envelop you, like a warm towel after a long bath. It’s cold, that’s for sure, but- as you stand longer in the rain, you eventually get used to it.

Spinning around in the rain, with your arms open wide, it’s hard to think, to remember, why you’d ever even felt a sense of alienation, of melancholy.

Here, under the open sky, you feel nothing but a rush of euphoria.

“Yoongi,” you call out, your eyes still closed. “Come join me!”

“No, thanks,” you can hear him sigh, exasperation thick in his voice as always when he thinks you’re doing something ridiculous. Which happens often when you two are together, for one the living room incident, but still- 

“Please?” You try again, spinning around once more. “The rain feels so good right now,” you laugh. 

“You’re going to get sick,” he chides you instead. “Come inside soon instead. We can cuddle in our room.”

“Worrywart,” you tease him, giggling. Your hands find themselves placed on your waist, and you playfully stick out your tongue at him. “Live a little! How can you not love the rain?”

You didn’t need to look at his face then to know he was rolling his eyes. “I don’t love you getting stuck in bed with a fever,” he deadpans, but you can hear the smile in his voice.

You take another spin around, giggling at his reply, ignoring his calls. 

“Your loss,” you tease him. The ground under your feet is a little slippery, but it’s fine, really-

And then you black out.

•·················•·················•

When you wake up, the room is empty.

Or you think it is- the lights are dim. You want to open the lights, open the door- but you slowly realize that you feel terrible.

Your body feels cold, even with what seems to be a blanket on you. Not to mention the pounding headache you have, and the heaviness in your body. 

No, it doesn’t take much to see that you’re sick. Yoongi was right.

Still, as much as his scolding is going to be painful to sit through, you’re touched that he still took care of you. Although he’d definitely been rushing, or maybe just plain panicking. He didn’t even use the favorite towelette you bought- one for him and one for you. It was overly cute- both of them printed with little kumamons. He couldn’t stop smiling the moment he saw them, though he tried to cover it up a moment later when the other members started to tease him. Still, it was obvious he treasured them, keeping his with him everywhere he went. You kept yours near in the drawer.

You smile as you remember the events in question, before wincing at your throat- which feels raspy and painful from the fever.

“Yoongi?” You call out weakly anyway, wanting to see him. You haven’t seen him since last time and you miss him terribly. 

No one answers you, and you amend your thoughts. Yoongi is definitely mad at you.

Still-

“Yoongi!” You call out, louder this time- still, no one answers-

“Yoongi!!”

This time, you hear the rush of footsteps on the stairs. You sigh in relief, wiggling down to adjust yourself against the blankets- whimpering at the way your throat hurts from you using it like that, in addition to how you’re already sick.

Your eyes flicker up to the bedside table- brightening when you notice the faint outline of water and medicine. You take a sip of the water- and then quickly chug the medicine down, in case Yoongi sees and demands you take the medicine first.

Still, it’s a little worrying to realize that he didn’t even bring the tea that he always gives you when you have to drink medicine, the chai tea so sweet and milky in contrast to wash out the bitter aftertaste. How upset is he?

The medicine tastes horrible and you hate it, but you obediently chug it down with the water.

That’s when the door opens, slowly- and you perk up.

“Yoongi!” You repeat his name as if it’s the only word you know how to say- but truthfully, isn’t it one of the most important?

“I’m sorry,” you immediately say, gaze falling to the sheets on your body. “I know you told me not to play in the rain and go inside already, but the rain felt so nice…”

You fidget with the fabric in your hands as you await his response.

Silence reigns. You gulp and continue.

“U-Um, I’ll be more careful next time, I promise! I’m really sorry, I wasn’t trying to make you worried on purpose, I swear.”

You bite your lip when you hear nothing but the sound of feet on the carpet floor, as he slowly makes his way towards you.

“C-Can you at least say something?” You meekly ask, tears finally springing to life, the edges of your vision blurring as you feel the upset take over you. “I… I’m sorry. If it’s really that serious, I’ll- I’ll stop playing in the rain in the future, so…”

You’re perhaps the one most surprised when a different voice answers you.

“... N-Noona.”

“... Jungkook?”

What greets you is not your boyfriend’s face, but rather that of his younger brother in all but blood.

Jungkook’s face is filled with sorrow, a tinge of horror and a load of worry as he looks at you with something in his eyes that you can’t quite decipher. 

“W…” You furrow your eyebrows as you look at him, lips quivering as the tears threaten to make their way down. “Where’s Yoongi? I… Is he really that angry at me?”

“Y- h-hyung-” He stops as he speaks, face contorting even further. “Noona-”

“Jungkook, can you please talk to him? Please tell him I’m sorry,” you sniffle, a few drops already falling. “I… he’s mad at me, I know it. He didn’t even make me tea,” the detail may be a small, simple one, but it’s what hammers in that you’ve made him upset and it’s what you hold on to.

“Noona…”

“Jungkook,” you plead. Jungkook’s face falls, and he sighs.

When he speaks again, his voice is quiet, barely there- a whisper, but you hear it all the same, the effects of which could not have hit you harder than if he yelled it.

“Hyung isn’t- isn’t here anymore.”

“I- what do you mean?” You croak out, confused. Did he-

“-leave… me…?” Unintentionally do the words fall from your lips, shaky and a mess. You see the way Jungkook bites his lips, apprehension making its way onto his face. And- it’s only now that you see it-

The emotion from before that you couldn’t recognize was pity. 

“Hyung…” He starts, hesitation thick as he slowly speaks. The rest of his words seem to suddenly fade in and out of your consciousness- you feel as though you are underwater, and his voice barely reaches you-

No.

“... hit by a car...”

No. No, no no.

“... raining hard, the driver didn’t see him…”

No, no no no no no.

“... hospital, but he’s-”

No, please.

“-already dead.”

“No,” you whisper, dazed, staring at him, waiting for Jungkook to backtrack, to say it was just a joke, that Yoongi is fine and well and not-

Still, Jungkook remains silent. You continue with your words instead. “No, that can’t be true, he was just- I was just talking to him yesterday. Jungkook-”

“Noona, you’ve been having hallucinations,” Jungkook insists, and he can see the heartbreak in your face as he watches you start to shake, shivers and trembles covering your body.

“B-But,” you stammer. “But he’s- he’s not, I just know it. He’s just angry at me, he’s not-”

You feel the air in your lungs dissipate, and the words leave you in a hurried, choked out manner. “He’s still here, I know it, he wouldn’t just leave me- Jungkook! This isn’t funny-”

“Noona, please-” Jungkook’s voice is thick with tears. 

“No!” You yell at him, your body filled with anger. The pain you’re feeling physically is nothing compared to the way your heart is crumbling. “You’re lying! Jungkook, please- please, please, tell me, you’re lying, that’s not true, that’s not true, that’s not-”

The tears stream down your face, you can feel your hands sting from how tight your fists are clenched and your throat burns but all you can think about is Yoongi. Jungkook has to be lying, he has to be, because-

You clutch your head as the memories start to rearrange themselves, the clues you’d been willfully ignoring becoming apparent to you.

The ring left unnoticed on the bedside table. The subtle mismatched appearance of the living room. The replaced photo frames. The wrapped food, obviously your favorite but not the one you’ve been eating with him for years. 

All the little details that are somehow right but not quite, just a little too off to be by your lover’s hands. All things that Yoongi would have never let happen.

The memories start flowing back into your head, making you fold in on yourself as you begin to remember.

The argument.

The fight.

You running out of the house, and Yoongi coming after you.

The rain, making it hard to see- you crossing the street.

Yoongi coming after you.

The truck-

Your brain blanks the next second, but what you know is enough to grip your heart tight.

“T-The photo on the table,” you hiccup. “The ring. He was going to propose to me. But he’d been home too late so many times, I accused him of cheating, I ran out of the house. He came after me, it’s my fault-”

Your words are interrupted by a sob that threatens to throw your whole body forward from how strong it is.

“Yoongi,” you weep. “Yoongi.”

“Yoongi, I’m sorry.”

Outside, you hear it rain once more.

[daxieoclock]

Birds and Flowers: Hunters Highlights

Just closed out another fucking MINDBLOWING session with some scenes I’ve been scheming in the background for literal months. These in-between times are going absolutely unreal and I NEED to share it with you all djfgbjdfg.

I’m including a bit from last session as well, since it’s also really good and helps set the scene.

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) A sizable white boat bobbing in the slight surf. Purple text on the side proclaims it "The Partridge."

The Partridge has an outside deck on the bow with some seats, and an inside room where the wheel is, lined with comfy couches. Before you cast off, Sakio addresses you all. "Hunters. You've done some truly amazing work. This isn't much of a celebration, but I hope you take some time to relax, and enjoy yourselves." She beams at you all. "I'm deeply proud of you for the steps you've taken within both Fractals and your own lives. I hope you can all find some pride in those accomplishments as well."

And the boat rumbles to life, and pushes out into the open ocean.

Blake Leto (Jane 🐈) Blake slides into the cabin and takes a seat on one of the couches, returning to their book.

Lena Tarr (Dave) Lena is gonna sit down on the same couch as Blake, and let out a weary sigh. "What'chu reading?"

Blake Leto (Jane 🐈) “Ah,” they look up, not having noticed her at first.

“Oh, you know me,” they say with a chuckle. “Just another mystery novel…” They shake their head. “Though this particular series feels like it’s going downhill…” they sound a little sad at that, turning the book over in their hands.

Lena Tarr (Dave) She chuckles. "Honestly, I couldn't tell. I don't get those at all." She nods to the book. "Everything's so. Complicated. But in kinda dumb ways."

Blake Leto (Jane 🐈) And they flash their a smile. “Yes, I suppose I can understand that. Although the world can be kind of like that too, can’t it?” And they give a little chuckle.

Lena Tarr (Dave) Lena grins. "Oh, you know it. Like. The thing with those three fucks? Dumb as all shit." She shrugs. "You can't escape it though. You can't just say that it's dumb and make them leave. You gotta." She twirls the cane in her hands. "Do something."

Blake Leto (Jane 🐈) They give her an uncertain look and then turn back to their book, idly flipping the pages in their hands. “Unfortunate as it is, I have to agree. Inaction is rarely the solution to anything. In fact, passivity is probably one of the traits that bothers me the most…” They grin a little as they say that.

Lena Tarr (Dave) "Hm." She keeps twirling her cane. "I don't know if one of those bastards came to you too, or someone else reached out to you, but I guess you should know. The dude I punched came to the campus. Made sure I knew the next time I get in his way it'll be bad." She grins at the floor. "Damned if you do, damned if you don't."

Blake Leto (Jane 🐈) They look back up, a little surprised. “Ah.” And they rest the book in their lap, expression becoming more serious, crossing their arms over their chest. “I see… in that case, we should be even more careful. And we ought to be proactive…” they adjust their glasses. “We don’t want to instigate conflict, but we also can’t let them step on us… you’re right that it’s a tricky situation.” They whip out their phone, typing something. “I’d prefer not to get you alone with him if we can help it. Chances are, if you’re in a group, he’ll back down. And if he doesn’t…” they shrug, their expression serious. “We can take him.”

Lena Tarr (Dave) She throws the cane from one hand to the other. "We shouldn't have to though. Heh." She bends over slightly and puts her weight on the cane. "Not like that changes anything." She thinks for a second. "I'm. Sorry. For making it worse." She snorts. "Probably won't be the last time."

Blake Leto (Jane 🐈) They chuckle a little. “Did you come here with the intention to bum me out…?” They smile, eyes on their feet, looking a little distant. “I’m not the type to happily let other people get stepped on if it makes my own life easier,” and they pause, catching the irony in that with a little smile. “Regardless of what you may have heard about me.” They shrug. “Whatever you may do, you’re a part of this team. And that means we will back up whatever actions you take. If you’ve picked this fight, then we’ll finish it. Simple as that.” And they give you a cheery little smile, one crafted for the cameras, though somehow it feels a little more genuine here, just a bit.

Lena Tarr (Dave) Lena looks at them for a moment, before leaning back on the couch, just a bit more relaxed. "You're really something, Leto. Really something." And she's smiling too.

**********

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) I don't know boats very well, but Sammy is probably laying down on the deck of the boat somewhere-- not on a chair, like...on the floor-- if you want to go say hewwo--

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) Ilse follows Sammy onto the outer deck, happy to be in the sun and to feel the breeze.  They enjoy the sensation for a moment, then approach Sammy. “Mind if I join you?”

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) Sammy is already flat on the ground, staring straight into the sun. They look at Ilse, "Please do!" they can't hide the excitement in their voice.

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) “Thank you” Ilse smiles widely and sits down, then fishes out of their bag and holds a pair of sunglasses over Sammy’s head. “Not to disturb your view, but I have them spare. Would you like them?”

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) Sammy is startled by the sudden darkness the sunglasses have caused, but they quickly grab a hold of them. "F-For me? You're giving these to me?" Sammy sits up and scans the boat and sky, holding the shades up in front of them instead of putting them on. "I can really have these? You're giving me magic glasses?" Sammy looks at Ilse to confirm if they're serious or not.

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) Ilse is a bit taken aback by that strong reaction, and they rub the back of their neck before answering. “Not magic, I’m sorry, but yes. You can have them. Only if you want them, of course.”

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) Sammy pauses for a long time, looking at you through the not-so-magic shades. There's a brief moment when you can see a tear start to roll down Sammy's face, but they quickly turn the other way. "I don't mind if they're not magic...you gave them to me, so I'm going to keep them forever..." Sammy wipes their eyes with their sleeves before turning back to Ilse. "I love them! Thank you!" Sammy gasps like they just had the BEST idea in the world. They grab their bag, that was always next to them and I totally didn't forget that they had this-- and start digging through it. After a bit, they pull out a small, clay, goat figurine. "Here! This will be my magic gift to you, for giving me magic glass!" They placed the goat figurine on your head instead of in your hands. "This is the lucky goat! They're super lucky and if you take them to the park on Wednesdays, the ice cream man will appear!" Sammy looks serious, so you can't tell if they're joking around or not.

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) Ilse stares at Sammy, first wondering if they did something wrong, then actively worried. They lift their hand, unsure what to do, before Sammy starts to speak and they leave the hand simply hanging, eyes following every of Sammy’s movements. Then, a goat on their head. Very carefully and still they reach for it, slowly lower it toward the gaze. “It’s beautiful. Thank you. I will be at the park next Wednesday. Will take it with me.” They look just as serious as Sammy.

**********

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) sakio's up on the outer deck, watching the waves

she's got a wide-brimmed yellow hat on

Camellia Pavel (Rhela) Camellia has been mostly quiet, bundled up and clearly not a fan of the cold. They sluggishly get up and trot over to sit by Sakio. "You seem awfully sunny despite being out in this freezing wet crap," they say good naturedly, if a bit grumpy.

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) She just shrugs, one hand on her hat, sending a smile at you. "I'm with good company," she says, raising her voice a little to be heard over the waves, but maintaining a soft tone. "Besides that, the semester's over. No more grading until March." She laughs. "Plenty more time to prioritize you all, before Spring semester begins. I don't have to feel guilty about giving you special treatment."

Camellia Pavel (Rhela) "I guess we HAVE kinda gotten the 'teacher's pet' status, for lack of better words. Maybe even exceeded," they smirked.

"I certainly suppose a break from your main job is welcome."

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) "Hm," Sakio says, and you can barely hear her. She takes a moment to just watch the waves. "Teaching is my passion. I wouldn't have taken the job if it hadn't been. Being a dean though...I can't say it's brought me a surplus of joy. It's a dirty job, I suppose, but someone has to do it. Might as well be me." She brushes a strand of hair behind one ear. "How are you, by the way?"

Camellia Pavel (Rhela) They bark a soft laugh. "True, true." A sudden gust of chilly wind rushed across the boat, making Camellia momentarily hunker further into their coat. "Ah, well enough. With some recent financial assets I've lived a bit more comfortably these past weeks. And I've been making more crafts as of late. It's eased my mind quite a deal."

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) "That's good," she says, nodding slightly. "Very good." A deep breath in, and out. "I'm a little curious, if you don't mind me asking. I've been thinking back to when we first met, and I can't seem to wrap my head around..." Sakio purses her lips. "On second thought, I don't believe I need to know. Perhaps it would simply be best for me to trust you, all of you, and leave well enough alone."

Camellia Pavel (Rhela) Camellia's eyes narrow momentarily, unsure and curious where Sakio's train of thought was heading. They huff a short chuckle as their gaze softens and diverts to the water below. "Well... I'll trust your trust."

**********

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) You all take a nice long boat ride, slowing a few times to admire distant sea lions on the shore or when Valerie thinks she spots a whale (she says it three separate times and at no point do you ever see a whale). After a few long hours, when the sun is starting to get a little lower in the sky, the Partridge is going to pull back into the Long View dock.

Lena Tarr (Dave) lena absolutely fell asleep

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) lena and camellia nap buddies? djhfbgjh

Lena Tarr (Dave) god knows we are sleeping!!!

in a warm little pile

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) Sammy is also napping, but you can't tell because they're wearing their new cool shades in the same "I am looking directly at the sun" position--

*****

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) Camellia. It's dark. The lights that normally light the campus are all off. And you're running after someone. They're faster than you, which shouldn't be right, because you and them should always be at the same pace, you've always been in lock step but now they're ten paces ahead of you. It's like a game, except that you can't afford to lose, and they won't slow down. Frey won't wait for you.

Camellia Pavel (Rhela) They're panting, air entering their lungs like cold briars constricting in their chest as fire sears in their legs. Old shoes frantically hit the pavement and the noise echoes among the darkened campus as they run and run, but can't seem to catch up. "Frey, stop -- just stop! Please slow down, I can't reach you!"

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) And they turn midstep, and laugh. "Come on flower child," they say, and their voice is familiar, and yet not quite the way it should be. Like two tones woven together. "You know you're too high up by now. You're too close." And they hop over a small ledge.

When you follow, when you hop over that ledge too, your feet catch and you stumble and the campus is gone. And so is Frey. And you can see the world, from up here. Up on the edge of some shiny purple surface, staring down at the curvature of a violet Earth, neuron stars shifting across its infinite expanse.

"Too close," Frey's voice echoes. "Too close. Too close."

Camellia Pavel (Rhela) Camellia's breath comes in short panicked bursts as their head jerks back and forth, surveying their surroundings. Their face is disgusting, gummy with sweat, tears, and flecks of drool that glisten in the low purple glow. "I--," they gasp out. "What...?"

"I don't understand,"

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) You're standing on the edge of an enormous flower, on one of the petals, its stem stretching down and down and down until it bleeds into the world, bursts through its skin and spreads roots. Or, maybe it's the other way around.

Too close.

And a petal snaps off. Not the one you're on, but it drifts down, falling and falling.

Too far.

A petal snaps off.

Too close.

A petal snaps off.

Too far.

A petal snaps off.

Too close.

And you snap off. And plummet towards the world at a thousand miles an hour, like a shooting star.

And then you wake up. It's morning. You're covered in sweat, back in your apartment.

Camellia Pavel (Rhela) Camellia chokes out a gasp as they awaken, panting as they stared glass-eyed at the ceiling. "A nightmare...? they wonder. They breathe shakily and turn on their side, curling in on themself. "Or something more? I don't... I don't know anymore..." Sheets are pulled up over their head as they hide away from the lingering threads of the dream, as if still a child hiding away from the monsters they imagined dancing in the shadows of their closet.

**********

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) If possible, Ilse would like to go to the park in the hope of getting some ice cream. I was also thinking of doing a Twitch scene, but I don’t know if they would invite him along

Blake Leto (Jane 🐈) Ilse just texts twitch like “hey check this shit out I’ve got a magic goat”

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) He's got his hood up, and he looks a little bit like a zombie, kinda dazed, but he seems happy enough to join.

"So, uh," he mumbles, "park. There's an ice cream place downtown, you know. I mean, it kinda sucks, but it's there." The ice cream shop in question has like...exclusively artistically ice creams, nonsense hippie flavors that all taste 90% the same.

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) Ilse nods, eyes scanning the surrounding. “It...definitely is, yeah. But we might be lucky and have an ice man arriving here today? Or any ice person?” They twist the little goat in their hands. “I’m sorry if it was all for nothing in the end. If you’ll allow me then, I’ll invite you for a cup at the other place” Suddenly their eyes light up. “Care for a bet?”

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) Twitch raises an eyebrow. "Um, I'm not really...a betting person?" He shrugs. "I guess...uh, sure. Bet on whether ice cream shows up?"

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) “Bet on whether ice cream shows up!” They grin. “Wrong guess pays for the sweets?”

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) "Hm." Twitch takes a look around the empty park, and then down at the goat. "Okay. Uh. Yeah, sure. You're on." No sooner has he said that than you hear a distant jingle that causes Twitch to freeze in place, and you both see an elderly man behind a pushcart stroll into the park. "That...usually doesn't fuck me over that quickly." He gives a skewed little smile. "I'm buying?"

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) Ilse shakes their head in awe when they see the pushcart. “Honestly, I was pretty sure I would be the one paying. So...only if you want to.” They return the smile, a bit shy, then straighten up. “I bet this one’s going to be better than what they have downtown.”

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) "Probably." His smile is a little more honest now. "I think, uh, I'm getting hungry! So let's go!" And he rushes ahead to the cart.

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) Ilse smiles, pets the goat slightly before putting it in the pocket of their pants and rushing after Twitch.

**********

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) What place could be used for proficiency/agility skill points? I’m sorry I’m forgetting all the details

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) proficiency isssss Camellia's favored back alley, i believe

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) Ah, yeah! Thank you! Can I go there and also look for a trinket to possibly gift Puck?

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) hmm

okay i will say "yes and", absolutely djfbgjh but i will let u know that buttering up Puck is only gonna get you so far, because im gating Fool requirements behind plot beats djfbgjh

you don't find much of anything, but then you hear a calm voice over your shoulder. "Yo, you're uhhh, the fuckin, sporty lady and little goat buddy's friend, right?" And Theo crouches down next to you. "Whatcha looking for? Didja drop something?" He immediately begins searching as well.

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) Gghgggh!!!

Lena Tarr (Dave) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blake Leto (Jane 🐈) The real treasure was Theo all along

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) “Oh” Ilse’s first instinct is to move a step back or to the side and give Theo space, but then they realize what he’s doing. “Thank you, yeah, I think I am...didn’t drop anything, was just looking. Of I could find something nice or interesting. Something one could give to a friend who likes trinkets and stuff?” They scratch their neck and look up for a moment. “Nothing to worry about, but thank you”

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) "Ohhh," Theo says. And he plops back, reclining on the ground. "Totally getcha. Like, last year I tried to get Bee a seashell, but Long View is like...not a good place for shells. Or water. Or surfing." He lets out a long, melancholy sigh. Then he perks up. "Oh! Like, instead of the shell, I made her some brownies, so maybe..." Theo reaches into his bag and then smacks a plastic-wrapped cookie into your hand. "Here you go, dude. Snack for your pal."

Ilse Belanger (Ralu) Ilse’s eyes wides, and once they realize the cookie is already in their hand, there’s no giving back, the look into Theo’s face, still a bit flabbergasted. “That’s not necessary, but...thank you. Cookies are always a great idea” They smile at him. “Thank you”

**********

Lena Tarr (Dave) ok ok ok. i am thinking.

that i wanna bother someone. so im wondering what masumis doing fdgdfgdf

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) heck yeah djfgbjh

Masumi is still on campus during break. Plus since she's your RA, you have her number.

Lena Tarr (Dave) Lena is gonna camp out in the common area until she sees her fgdfgdf

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) She walks out of her room with a towel around her head, stares at you, walks back into her room and five minutes later comes back out with dry hair and a glare that could cut through concrete. "What?" she says.

Lena Tarr (Dave) She stretches casually, like she wasn't waiting for Masumi, specifically, to show up. "Nothing much. What's up?"

Blake Leto (Jane 🐈) Important question: did Masumi change into her full fuckin suit during that time or is she wearing somethin more casual Bc if she took the time to get the whole suit on that’s so powerful

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) oh djfgbjhdgf she's wearing like...a black skirt and a white button up i think. still formal, but compared to her normal outfit it's very relaxed.

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) Masumi just sort of squints at you, tilting her head slightly. "I'm on break," she says, bluntly. "What do you think?"

Lena Tarr (Dave) Lena sighs. "Fair enough." She leans back, brows furrowing. "I'll be fast. You know Sakio pretty well, right?"

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) "As well as the President of the Student Council can and should know one of her teachers who is also the dean of Humanities," Masumi replies immediately. "I've worked with her enough to know her type. That's all you need to know."

Lena Tarr (Dave) She tilts her head to the side. "And what's that type like?"

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) Masumi sighs, adjusts her hair. "Saint Sakio," she says, her tone quiet and bitter. "The self appointed virtuous paragon, decrier of all hypocrisies but her own, leaping at her own sword just for the chance it might help someone else." She rolls her eyes. "She's an idiot, and she's stubborn, and she thinks she's right."

Lena Tarr (Dave) Lena nods, thinks for a bit. "Do you think that." She clicks her tongue. "Has her stubbornness ever done. More harm than good? In your opinion?"

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) "Unquestionably," she says. "She's a teacher, through and through. More a propensity for talking than listening." A clear sore spot, and Masumi seems to catch herself, her tone evening out. "But that's not to say that she's technically incorrect, all the time. She's talented and experienced and intelligent, and she knows that. Which makes the task of challenging her on those blind spots all the more daunting."

Lena Tarr (Dave) "Fuck if you aren't right." She drags a hand across her face. "Thanks." She leans her head back, staring at the ceiling. "I really. Hate teachers. And directors."

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) "Hm." Masumi brushes a strand of hair behind one ear in almost the same way as you've seen Sakio do, often enough. "I suppose we have that in common." And with that, she heads off.

**********

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) There's a box in your closet. And I think there's been a few days where the thought of opening it has crossed your mind, you've maybe wanted to, but so far every time you have decided to leave it closed.

Today is one of the days when you think about that box.

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) Sammy opens up their closet on the left side. They've hesitated for long enough. "Okay...Okay..." They slowly drag the box out from the closet, the weight on top stays put. They take a deep breath in. and a deep breath out. "I can't keep hiding from you... I need to know..." They pick up the weight with ease, as if picking up a small rock, and place it back down on the floor. "You can do this..." They close their eyes and...take off the lid.

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) It smells like dust. You can't see anything with your eyes closed. Churro is probably butting his head against your arm and making little mrow noises.

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) Sammy opens their eyes. Still scared of what awaits them inside. They've thought about this moment forever, what kind of awful message awaits them inside? Maybe it's a note that says "loser" or something...Sammy takes a look inside.

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) The three items on the very top of the small pile are a flower made out of popsicle sticks that you gave to her, a bubble blower that you used to play together with, and a piece of crumpled paper. Upon closer inspection, it's a very messy drawing of your Fractals outfit, with smudged text pointing to different sections of the costume. "Goat tail? Do goats have tails?" and "Very very green" and "Make sure there's room for their horns!" At the very top of the page, it says: "Poncho for Sammy." Underneath those is a photo album.

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) Sammy carefully and slowly takes out every item one by one. They can't help but feel saddened by the flower on top. The first gift they ever gave her. Why would she leave that? Then the bubble blower and then the paper of their poncho. "I was wondering where you put these...I tried to find them the day I went looking for you but..." They pick up the photo album. They're silent for a long time before opening it up. Pictures of Sammy...Pictures of Churro...Pictures of... "Tango..." Sammy flips through all the pages.

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) There's so many photos there that you recognize. Of you, of her, of the both of you. The farther you go, there's less of you, less of her. More nature, and abstraction, and strangers. And more empty spaces, photos absent from where they should be. Until finally, on the very last page, there's just a single photo - one you don't recognize. A silhouette of a young woman with long hair, blowing a dandelion across a dark sky. There's text underneath: "Daisy" and a little heart drawing.

And underneath the photo album, at the bottom of the box, is a flyer from a big music concert that happened in your sophomore year of high school, with a smudged phone number you can't read and a lipstick mark in the bottom corner.

And beneath that is a very carefully, politely folded piece of paper. "For Sammy" it says.

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) Sammy is already fighting back tears from the drastic change the album had taken without them. They're less confused and more sad that they barely opened it up now. "Who...?" Sammy looks at the picture of the girl before picking up the little piece of paper. "Ah man...you shouldn't have..." They are very much crying at this point. They unfold the paper, joking, "What wonderful masterpiece have you granted me as a last goodbye?"

Everyone Else (DaxieVane) sammy,

if you are reading this, then i am somewhere very far away now. i dont know how far, and i dont know where i'll end up. im sorry. i don't want to leave, but i know i might have to. you know i'm bad at keeping secrets, and i've been keeping one for a long time. even from you. i'm so sorry, but if i'm gone, then i can't ever come back.

i know it will hurt you, and it breaks my heart. you are my best and most wonderful friend, and i will miss you forever and always. i will miss you more than the sun misses the moon. more than the flower misses the bird. you made me want to love myself, because you loved me.

i know i must have hurt you by leaving. i don't ask you to forgive me, not for that. not for breaking my promise. but if you want me again, even as i can't return, i give you permission: come and find me.

your friend, always,

tangerine

Sammy Cabra (Nyanko) Every word feels like a punch to the heart. I'm sorry? I'll miss you?  Sammy wipes their tears with their sleeve. "What...What? What is this...?" And then the last line, "Come find you..." It takes a minute for that to process, but when  it does, Sammy bolts up straight. "COME FIND YOU!?" It feels like they've been given the key to the universe. That means they're definitely alive and definitely want to see them again...right? This isn't the loser message they were expecting at all, it's so much worse! "W-Where???" Then Sammy turns back to the photo album. "Daisy...girl Daisy....Daisy..." Sammy repeats this, making sure to engrave it into their mind. "I will! I'll do it! I'll find you!" Sammy picks up Churro, "We'll do it!!" And with that, they spend the rest of their night trying to piece everything together...although they're still a little lost.

**********

Sammy 🐐 Excuse me! Everyone! This is kind of an emergency and I'm sorry if this seems really random, but has anyone seen a girl named Daisy? And would anyone like to help me find a girl named Daisy... Or just a Daisy, it might be a flower, I'm not sure!!!!

Blake ✨ Are you alright? What kind of emergency are we talking about? I could certainly ask my contacts to look into this girl if you have a full name or any other details, but you’re saying it may also just… refer to the flower?

Sammy 🐐 Uhm! This is like...life or death to me!

Well maybe not that extreme, but... it's really really super important to me! She has long hair and uhm...she might be into music? I have a paper with some stuff on it I can show you the next time I see you. D:

And her name might be Daisy? that's all I can think of, I'm sorry...

Blake ✨ I… see. So to summarize, you’re searching for this girl, with only an idea of her first name, or what may be a nickname, and a vague understanding of who she is. Is there some connection to someone else? Do you have a photo?

I’d be more than happy to help you solve this little mystery of course, but first and foremost we’ll need intel.

Sammy 🐐 She...does have a connection but that.... doesn't exist right now. Uhm...I do have a photo! So does that mean you'll help me? :)

I'll bring everything to you first thing! thank you so much, Blakey! 🌟