#been a while since I last listened to it <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[oddlylovingaddiction]

Part 1: here , Part 2: here , Part 3: here , Part 4: here , Part 5: here

NO FORGIVENESS ENDING: Part 1: You’re here!

CW: Reader is pregnant BUT is gender neutral only being referred to as you, if you don't have the ability to get pregnant you do now (in this series). Neglected reader x (platonic.) bat family, Reader x Conner “Kon-El” Kent (romantic.). Reader is probably around in your 20s (21 - 25) and is the 5th(??) oldest

TW: Pregnancy, mentions of abuse

It’s been a month since the incident with the Wayne family, and you’re doing okay now. You think at least. You’re officially 8 months along and things have been silent. You’re not sure what’s going on with them but you don’t really want to know. It’ll take long to heal from it all because it was still such a violent shock you remember crying for the first couple of weeks, but you managed to schedule an appointment with a therapist you trust and you talk about it with Conner so it does get easier.

But there’s something that’s been making you excited, and that’s your future child on the way. It’s so close now that you’re kind of panicking about the whole giving birth thing so it takes your mind off all that stuff. You can’t wait to hold your child in your arms, Conner has been spending so much money on clothes for the kid that you have attached the joint credit card to the highest place in the house so he can’t get it (he still can, but he doesn’t just out of respect for you. But he does complain about it.)

“I didn’t even buy that much!” Conner whines dramatically while following you around as you both set up some paint cans to paint the kid’s room. Which you both didn’t finish because of your dramatic storm out over the paint colour a while ago which lead to the whole Wayne family thing.

“Three whole bags.” You glare.

“Listen when our little angel outgrows them we can give them to that shelter for parents we talked about!”

“That doesn’t matter if our child turns out the demon of greed because of your overindulgence!” You snap back, plus you doubt the baby’s wardrobe could fit that much…

“We could just save some when they have a little sibling.” Conner proudly teases, to which you turn around slightly amused and slightly shocked.

“I haven’t even gotten the first one out of me, what makes you think they’ll be a second?!” You playfully whack his back flustered and a big annoyed at his own teasing, As you hit him playfully he cackles devilishly.

“I’m kidding! I promise!” He laughs as he darts slightly away from your hits and towards the folded tarp to set it up, once he does he looks at the paint buckets. “Are we on the last bucket?”

“Yeah we are, I haven’t opened that one yet do you think you could open it?” You nod as you walk towards him.

The next thing you know you’re covered in paint. You barely blinked for a second.

You look over to a very confused Conner who’s also covered in paint.

“What… the hell just happened?” You ask still dazed, both of you staring at each other drenched in paint.

“I… I don’t know I was just opening it with my heat vision-“ he mutters confused

“CONNER!”

“What?!” He asks

“You’re meant to open paint cans with the can opener!”

“I thought it would be faster!”

You both stare at each other, his face completely covered in paint and his hair drenched. You try to hold it back you do but you instantly burst out laughing, the look on his face was too priceless to not. You laugh so hard you feel your knees go out, luckily Conner was watching you laugh at him so he instantly flew over and caught you.

When you looked up at him, he paused before beginning to laugh also and it wasn’t long before you both had to sit down because you both would’ve fallen over from how hard you were laughing.

“I think I got paint in my mouth.” He says as his laughter slows down.

“I’m just grateful I was wearing the clothes I hated, otherwise I would’ve had to wash paint out of them.” You chuckle.

Conner walks towards you before gently kneeling next to you and using the clean side of his long sleeve shirt to wipe some paint off your face. You smile softly and close your eyes as he gently wipes, there’s a slight pause making you open your eyes. You see him lovingly staring at you like you’re the most precious thing in the entire universe although to him you genuinely are, before you know it he gently leans in and kisses your lips lightly. Soft and gentle but passionate to the point you could never doubt his love for you.

“Now we both have paint in our mouth.” He teases pulling back smiling.

“Ugh! Conner!” You laugh before quickly using a clean corner of your shirt to clean the inside of your mouth, as you begin to stand up. “Okay I’m going to get a shower.”

He nods understanding but continues to sit as you walk towards the door.

“… Want to shower with me?” You smirk and with that Conner quickly stands up.

“If I ever pass that up that’s not me and someone else is wearing my skin.”

Meanwhile with the Wayne’s the chaos from the previous event has calmed down, and it’s settled into a depressive atmosphere.

Bruce usually won’t come out of his room except for missions, Tim is spending way more time on his computer than he normally does, Dick is pushing himself in missions and taking stupid risks he normally wouldn’t, Damian is… just not himself along with the rest of the family. Even the damn animals are feeling the energy of the house. Titus just lies down most days and whines while Damian lies with him.

But.

There’s a shift.

Although it’s all off, Bruce surprisingly has encouraged the family into therapy. Not for the whole superhero thing but for the situation right now. It’s working, slowly but working. If there’s one thing Bruce is good at it’s bringing justice. And what’s justice right now is making sure this never happens again. Trauma can’t be removed and it sticks to a person but making sure it never happens again, especially if you ever decide to come back to them (even though they never had you in the first place), is better than nothing.

Tim is taking the time to talk to the others, even when he doesn’t quite feel like it. He’s given about 60+ hugs to Damian alone (much to his complaint) and had several deep talks with family members he used to only give a quick nod in the hallway.

Dick, Cassandra and Damian have been reading every damn therapy book they can get their hands on, it’s actually started to piss Bruce off because they keep making him use “I feel” statements. But… it’s working, surprisingly.

And even Jason and the rest of the family have been making changes. It’s definitely not perfect but it’s working.

Everything has slowly started turning. It’s just a shame you had to remove your own cog to get things to shift. But it was never your fault and it never will be. Which is similar to what Alfred texted you weeks after the incident.

“I just want to let you know, you are in the right. It wasn’t your fault, you were just a kid in this. Please know that I’ll always love and care for you, even if I’m no longer in your life.”

You still can’t decide if that’s comforting or not, but it’s something.

Speaking of something… Barbara, Julia, Kate, Luke and Duke gather around the kitchen table. Where you were when you first came in, chatting about everything that’s happened so far.

“I’ve been meaning to ask how you all feel about this.” Barbara sips on her drink as Duke prepares his own lunch. Julia, Kate and Luke just choosing to hang out while they do their things.

“It made sense at the time, but now I can only see where we went wrong.” Duke sighs, finishing the last bit of making his sandwich. Luke nods in agreement.

“I don’t know it all feels blown out of proportion to me. But I’m kind of glad it happened anyways, because now things are improving… kind of.” Julia shrugs drumming her fingers on the counter.

“Shit always goes sideways and blown out of proportion in this family.” Kate replies, “I wouldn’t blame that kid.”

“I wasn’t blaming the kid, Kate I just mean it all seems much.” Julia mumbles and Kate nods in acknowledgment.

“I know I just meant we shouldn’t, don’t worry wasn’t saying you were.” Kate smiles softly before motioning Barbara to pour her some of the drink she’s sipping on too.

“Seemed implied to me.” Luke grins as he replies sarcastically causing Kate to glare at him before rolling her eyes. “Anyways, it was all our fault and this shit will keep happening if we don’t change. Luckily, we are. Even if it means I have to listen to Dick ask me ‘How does that make you feel?’ During arguments.” Everyone groans a bit before laughing, they’ve all been hit with the therapy speak from Dick.

“Oh by the way you’re never going to believe this.” Barbara interjects causing everyone to look at her. “But Damian… asked to hangout with me today.” Duke chokes on his sandwich at that and Kate spits out her drink.

“THE DAMIAN WAYNE?” Julia says shocked, Barbara nods quickly in reply.

“Yeah I had no idea that it would happen either! This whole thing truly has been affecting everyone, and hey I’m not complaining.” Barbara smiles quickly and Julia nods in agreement.

“Yeah. Just a shame we had to lose someone to learn it.” Luke mumbles and the room goes silent from guilt.

“Yeah. That’s why we gotta make sure it never happens again.” Kate whispers and everyone solemnly nods.

It’s weird for everyone, even the people that didn’t spend that much time with you during your short stay.

Truly, it will always be one of the Wayne’s shames, losing you before they even got to know you.

[dgaftilwedie]

one more chance (namgyu x reader)

wrote this instead of working on my massive list of wips because i got a sudden burst of inspiration?? uhmmm here have this it's like basically hurt/comfort

contains: talk of addiction and rehab, namgyu's kind of a shitty boyfriend but he wants to get better for you, barely dodged breakup, namgyu finally agrees to get help after fucking up for the umpteenth time, the ending is a little vague but everything works out and you and namgyu are happy <3

It had been three days. Three whole days since you last saw Namgyu. He’d left for work one night, pressing a kiss to your forehead and leaving you with a “love you baby, I’ll see you when I get home”. You’d texted him when you woke up, confused as to why he wasn’t in your bed. He didn’t respond. You’d text him every hour – panicked, confused, worried – and you wouldn’t get a response back. Unfortunately, you knew exactly why he hadn’t responded.

It was 2 AM when he finally showed up at your doorstep. He could see you through the windows. You were sitting on your couch, scrolling through your phone. You were wearing one of his hoodies. He watched as you pressed the home button and opened your text messages, typing out another “please gyu text me when u get this” before pressing send. He felt his phone vibrate in his back pocket. Namgyu’s hands were shaking as he knocked on the door. God, you were going to be so fucking mad at him. He’d promised you he was going to try to get clean, but he always ran back to his drugs. He tried so hard this time. So fucking hard.

When you opened the door, there was a mixture of betrayal and worry on your face. You weren’t sure whether you wanted to hug your boyfriend or punch him in the face. You stood there, staring at him. He was clutching a single rose in a clenched fist. He looked like a wet kitten. 

“Namgyu, listen-”

“No, baby, no, you gotta listen to me.” His voice was low and shaky. He grabbed onto your shoulders. “I fucked up. I fucked up real bad.”

You bit the inside of your lip. He did. He went back on his promise. You knew Namgyu was struggling, but he declined every ounce of help you tried to give him. You tried to be his shoulder to lean on. You tried to offer him professional help. It was the same thing every time. He’d be doing ok for a while and inevitably relapse before crawling back to you and begging you for forgiveness. He promised that he was going to get better for the both of you. It was the same story over and over and over again.

“Gyu, come inside. We need to talk.”

Namgyu could feel it coming. There was a pit in his stomach. He knew what he was in for and worst of all, he knew he deserved it. He trudged behind you like a bad dog on a leash. You sat down on one end of the couch and he sat down on the other. For as much as he wanted to touch you, hold you, feel your skin on his, he felt like he’d lost that privilege. You looked down at your hands, fidgeting with the sleeves of his hoodie. Your house was so silent you could hear the faint hum of the lights. 

“We can’t keep doing this,” you sighed, finally breaking the silence. Namgyu finally looked up at you and fuck, you looked like a hot mess. Your hair was knotted, eyes puffy and dark. He could tell you had been crying. He didn’t know what to say. You were so fragile. He didn’t want to ruin what little of you he had left.

“I’m sorry I keep fucking up.” His voice was shaking. You didn’t seem mad at all. You sounded disappointed and he wasn’t sure if that was worse. He didn’t want you to be upset with him but you were. You were. How was he supposed to accept that?

“I want to forgive you, Namgyu. I really do, but this has happened so many times. So many fucking times. I’m getting tired, Gyu.” 

“Baby, please,” his voice cracked. He was seconds away from breaking down. Please don’t leave me. He wanted to scream and sob, get on his knees and tug on your clothes and beg you. He could get better. He wanted to get better. Just give me one more chance and I’ll get better.

There were tears in your eyes. You couldn’t look at him anymore. If you did, you’d start crying. You’d forgive him like every other time he disappeared and wasted his money on drugs. You’d coddle him like a puppy and he wouldn't learn his lesson. You knew Namgyu like the back of your hand. He’d promise and he’d succeed and you’d praise him and then he’d go right back down the same path. Not this time. You had to make him choose. What was more valuable to him: you or his drugs?

“This is the last time, Namgyu. You need help. I know it’s hard,” you spoke softly, reaching your hand out towards his shaking one. “I know it’s going to be scary, but you need to get better. If not for yourself, then for me."

Just like that, the dam was broken. A single tear trickled down his cheek. He grabbed your hand, squeezing it like a vice. He needed to feel you. Somehow, you were still here. Somehow, you hadn’t given up on him. Nobody he’d been with before had tried to help him like you did. Even though he consistently fucked up, you still cared. A year later and you still cared. He kept disappearing and you still. Fucking. Cared. One more chance.

“We’re going to get you checked in somewhere tomorrow.” You could feel him tense up as you spoke but he said nothing. You rubbed your thumb over the back of his hand. “I’ll be with you every step of the way, ok?”

“You’re an angel, baby, a fuckin’ angel.” He leaned across the couch, resting his head on your lap. He stared up at you, reaching his hands towards your face and cupping it. “I’m gonna get better this time. I promise. This time it’s gonna be different.” 

“It has to be, or else… I’m not going to be able to do this anymore.”

“You have no idea how bad I need you. You’re all I have left.”

You stared down at him and smiled weakly. There was a spark of something in his eyes – something desperate yet hopeful. You knew all too well that this could turn out like it did every other time, but this time, it really did feel different. Namgyu rolled over, face buried in your lap, tears streaking his face. Before he fell asleep, you could feel him mumble something into your leg.

“One more chance. I promise, baby. I’m gonna do it for you.” 

Silence.

“Namgyu?”

He hummed against your leg, already starting to drift off.

“I love you.”

He squeezed your leg, nuzzling into your skin like a cat.

“I love you too,” he mumbled. “Love you more than anything.”

God, you hoped he could prove that was true.

[immaqulate]

after the tone | c.s

— chris sturniolo x fem! reader

— warnings: HEAVY angst, heartbreak, hurt (no comfot), raw emotional language, voice message format, denial, regret, unresolved tension, inspired by @strnilolover 's voicemail fic ! (ily)

Chris keeps leaving voicemails on your phone, thinking you just need space. He doesn’t know you’ll never call back.

Ever since the fight, Chris couldn’t stop leaving messages. Some were short. Some were angry. Some were soft enough to break your heart. But they all started the same way—right after the sound of her voice. The last real thing he said to her was mean. Sharp. Something he didn’t mean. And now, it’s the only thing echoing in the silence she left behind.

start voicemails — eleven (11) messages remaining…

*beep!*

Her voice still plays every time. Still cheerful. Still alive.

“Hi, this is Y/N! I can’t come to the phone at the moment, so please leave a message, and I’ll return the call ASAP. Thanks and have a great day!”

*beep!*

Voicemail #1

[March 2— 10:18 PM]

“Hey. It’s me. Um… I know you said you needed space, and I’m trying. I really am. I just… I miss you, that’s all. I walked past that bakery on Main—the one with the crooked sign and those stupid pink cupcakes you loved? Yeah. Thought about getting one for you.

Anyway… I hope you’re okay. You don’t have to call back. Just… wanted to hear your name in my mouth again.”

Voicemail #2

[March 5 — 3:02 PM]

“Your favorite song came on while I was driving. I nearly crashed pulling over because it hit so hard.

You always said it reminded you of us.

I didn’t get it before.

I do now."

Voicemail #3

[March 9 — 12: 41 AM]

“I’m drunk. Just gonna say it straight: I’m sorry. For the last fight. For the part where I told you I didn’t care. I didn’t mean it. You know I didn’t, right?

You were just standing there, looking so hurt, and I wanted to stop hurting too.

But all I did was make it worse.

God, I’m so fucking sorry.”

Voicemail #4

[March 14 — 6:03 PM]

“You still haven’t listened to any of these, have you?

That’s okay.

I don’t really need a reply. I just need to feel like you’re still… somewhere. Like you’re still on the other end.”

Voicemail #5

[March 17 — 2:43 AM]

“I drove to your place tonight. I don’t even know why.

The lights were off. I sat outside for an hour, maybe two. I kept thinking your bedroom curtain would move.

It didn’t.”

(pause)

“Are you avoiding me, or are you gone?”

Voicemail #6

[March 19 — 11:09 AM]

"Matt asked me if i'm okay.

I told him yeah

I lied.

Voicemail #7

[March 24 — 9:28 PM]

“I started writing a letter to you. Like pen and paper. Like it was 1996 or some shit.

I don’t know what I thought I’d do with it. Mail it? Burn it?

Fold it up and bury it somewhere no one would find but you?”

Voicemail #8

[April 2 — 10:59 PM]

“Nick said I should stop.

Stop calling.

Said it’s not healthy.

Said you’re not answering because you’re not going to.

I told him he doesn’t get it.

But maybe he does.”*

Voicemail #9

[April 8 — 12:10 PM]

”…Your mom called me.

I thought she was gonna tell me off, or tell me to move on.

She didn’t...

She said you’d been sick. That you didn’t want anyone to know. Not even me.

And then—

God, I can’t even—”*

(sharp inhale)

“You’re gone.”

“You’re really… fucking gone.”

”…Why didn’t you tell me?”

Voicemail #10

[April 11 — 7:00 PM]

“I keep calling even though I know you won’t pick up.

I keep calling like maybe… I’ll hear your voice. Just once.

Like maybe heaven has voicemail, too.”*

(long pause)

“I would’ve held your hand through the worst of it, you know that?

I would’ve stayed. Every day.

I would’ve held your hair back. Slept in hospital chairs. Let you yell. Let you cry.

I would’ve loved you through the dying.”*

“But you didn’t let me.”

Voicemail #11

[April 20 — 3:33 AM]

“I had this dream where I walked into our old apartment and you were sitting there on the couch like nothing ever happened.

You looked at me and smiled. Said, ‘You finally came home.’

And I woke up crying.”*

(voice cracks)

*“I don’t know how to do this without you.

I keep trying. I promise I do.

But some part of me will always be waiting for a text back.”*

(softest whisper)

“God, I hope you knew how much I loved you.”

[End of saved messages.]

Chris never received a reply, but he wrote something anyway.

Dear Y/N,

I don’t know how to start this. You always hated when I rambled, and yet here I am. Writing a letter you’ll never read. Talking to you like you’re still going to roll your eyes and tell me to “get to the point.” But I don’t want to get to the point. Not when the point is you’re gone. I keep thinking about how much I didn’t know. About how you kept it all inside—how you made sure I was okay, even when your body was slowly turning against you. I would’ve held you through it. I would’ve slept in waiting rooms and memorized your med schedule. I would’ve read you books when the words got too blurry for you to see. I would’ve held your hand every second of the pain. But you didn’t let me. And I’m mad. I’m mad because I would’ve done it all without thinking twice. And I’m mad because you didn’t give me the chance. But I’m mostly mad at myself—for not seeing it. For thinking your silence was just distance instead of a goodbye. I call your phone more than I should. It still rings. That’s the worst part. It rings and rings, and then your voicemail plays—your voice, still soft, still alive, telling me to leave a message after the tone. Like you’re just in the next room. Like you might pick up if I say the right thing. I left eleven messages. Eleven pieces of my heart that you’ll never hear. But I had to say them anyway. I had to say something, or I’d collapse under all the things I didn’t get to tell you while you were still here. Like how I still sleep in your hoodie. The one you always said smelled like “home.” Or how I still make your tea the exact way you liked it—honey before the water, not after. Or how I bought that stupid pink cupcake from the bakery on Main and sat in the car crying because I realized I’d never see your face light up over frosting again. It’s the little things that kill me. You left a hole no one can fill.Not because you were perfect. You weren’t. You were messy and stubborn and sometimes too quiet for your own good. But you were real. You loved in quiet ways—folded socks, forehead kisses, standing on the opposite side of the street just to walk me home. You loved me even when I didn’t know how to love myself. And now you’re gone. And I’m trying. I’m trying so hard to be okay. But there’s no rulebook for this kind of grief. No step-by-step for how to wake up knowing you’re not in the world anymore. So I write. I talk to you. I close my eyes and pretend you’re still here. And if there’s any part of you still out there—floating in the stars or curled up in whatever soft place you believe souls go— then please just know: I loved you. I love you. I always will. And maybe one day I’ll learn how to let you go. But tonight? I'll let the voicemail ring again and i'll pretend you're just taking your time calling back

Love,

— Chris

i literally had to take a break while writing bc of all the crying

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[thought-you-knew]

what more could i want

Summary: things were going great until you started having doubts about your friendship with bob. whether or not you or bob are ready to cross that line.

Pairings: bob reynolds x fem!reader

Warnings: fluff, slight angst, emotionally constipated reader/ avoidant attachment, slow burn, friends-to-lovers. limited use of y/n, reader's appearance isn't described. not proofread

Author's Note: Hi! I accidentally deleted this blog when I was doing some old tumblr clean out. This is not plagiarized. I know that previously, some people wanted a part 2, and it will come, slowly. Please bear with me. This is the first time I've written fanfiction since my one direction days, and that was a lifetime ago. I have part of pt. 2 written, but I'm still unsure where to go with it. 

I also reuploaded the pb&jj roommates au

Who knew a name could hold so much meaning to you, and how much a name could change everything. Bob, how has such a simple name managed to become so deeply intertwined with your very being so effortlessly? Almost as if it was meant to be there from the very start.

"Are you even listening to me?" You tear your gaze away from the open skies and look over to the pilot's seat. Yelena is already looking at you. More like staring through you.

"Hmm?"

"What's with you lately? Your mind always seems to be," she waves her hand in the air, "not focused."

You look away from her piercing gaze. "It's nothing."

"Liar. I thought we promised each other no more lies."

"Lena, I'm just exhausted from the mission. That's all, promise." You try giving her your best fake smile. Which she obviously sees right through. It's a partial truth, partial lie. The mission had lasted longer than expected, and seeing as it was just you and Yelena on this one. It felt like you two did twice as much work.

"You know what I know," Yelena comments back while turning off the autopilot and taking over the controls.

"What do you think you know?"

"That Bob misses you." That simple statement makes you freeze, while your heart races a bit. You glance at her and see that she has a smug look on her face.

"Bob misses whoever is gone on a mission."

Yelena lets out her deep, throaty laugh. "Oh yeah, he definitely misses Walker when he's away for weeks at a time. Wanna try again?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"Just admit what you've been denying these past few months."

You start picking at your nails. "We're friends. That's it."

"And that's why you're a bad liar."

A few hours later, you and Yelena are finally back at the Watchtower. Yelena turns to you when you're both in the elevator. "Don't worry about the report. I'll handle it."

"Yelena-"

The elevators open, and Yelena gives you a slight shove. "Go see your man." The doors slide shut before you can protest. Turning around, you see that the open common space is mostly unoccupied.

"Hey! Look who's finally back. Thought you died or something." You brush off John's comment. Too mentally drained to deal with the usual back and forth. You head for the open kitchen and see that Ava gets up and follows you.

"How was Istanbul?" She asks once you've managed to chug down some water.

You raise your eyebrows at her. "Fine, and when are you one for small talk?"

"I'm not. Something happened while you and Yelena were gone."

That caught your attention, and your mind immediately went to Bob. Is he okay? Is he hurt? Even though technically he can't get hurt, there's still a possibility. Everything was going so well. He's been doing so much better. What had happened within 3 weeks?

Ava placed a hand on your shoulder to ground you. John had wandered into the kitchen and leaned against the counter, watching you two.

"Geeze, don't make it sound like that," he had a slight smirk on his face, "don't worry, your boyfriend is okay."

"He's not my boyfriend." Some of the tension was leaving your body. Bob's fine, everything is fine.

"My bad, boy who's just a friend."

You turn your attention back to Ava. "So, what happened?"

You find yourself standing in front of Bob's door. Hand raised, but hesitant to knock. Your mind goes back to the brief conversation with Ava in John. It's no big deal, everything is fine. This changes nothing. Why did Ava and John make it seem bigger than it was?

Just as you're about to knock, voices from the other side stop you.

Two voices.

One is Bob's, low and quiet, yet still self-assured.

The other was a girl's voice.

A sudden barking and scratching at the door makes you move back and almost run.

"Oh, someone must be on the other side." The girl's voice says, and the door is swung open. Two things happen simultaneously. One, a fluffy brown and white dog leaps at your chest, and two, a girl with glasses and a long braid meets your eye.

Bob rushes over, his concerned face changes once he sees it's you. The girl moves back slightly so Bob can grab the dog's collar, said dog is still trying to lick your face.

The way Bob says your name makes you wanna run and hide away. "You're finally back."

The dog has finally calmed down and is panting happily while keeping a fixed gaze on you.

"Yup, just landed." You're gaze meets the girl's, and you can't help but feel a twinge of annoyance.

Why was she in Bob's room? Since when did Bob let random people in his room? Does Bob feel more comfortable with her than you? What exactly happened within the three weeks you were gone?

"I'm Beth," The girl said, holding out her hand. "I'm one of the trainers at the dog shelter."

Bob watches as you quickly take her hand, give it a firm shake, and quickly drop it.

Beth turns back to Bob with a slight, shy smile. "I should probably head out. Are we still on for tomorrow?"

"Yeah, and Gus too."

You watch as the two exchange a few more words, and then Beth is leashing up Gus, and the two are off. One thing you do notice is that Beth is wearing a very familiar scarf.

"Shall we?" Bob's voice startles you, and you're being pulled back to his presence. You look at him and see that he's gesturing back towards his room.

You find yourself feeling cautious, like the first time you entered Bob's room all those months ago. You stare into his room, almost feeling like you shouldn't enter. Bob says your name again, this time a little hesitantly.

"I'm actually tired." Your voice sounds vacant and faraway.

"Oh...yeah, no yeah. Long mission and all that." Bob says with a slight chuckle. You avoid his gaze and start to head back down the hallway.

Bob says your name again, and you wish he wouldn't in that tone. A tone that holds such care and almost a longing. You plaster on your best smile and turn back to face him. Bob moves closer and gazes at your face. You hold your breath and wait. Your eyes move across his face as well.

He moves a bit closer. You notice how much his hair has grown in the last three weeks. His hand raises up to tuck a stray bit of hair behind your ear.

His touch is warm.

"Do you-"

"Hey, Y/N." Mel's voice calls from the other end of the hallway. "I know Yelena is working on the report, but I need to double-check some things with you."

You pull away first and head towards her without looking back.

"I can't believe Bob has a dog," Yelena says, lying upside down on your bed. Ava is camped out on a bean bag a few feet away. "Also, who the hell is Beth, and why is she always here?" Yelena looks over at you, but your face remains void of any emotion.

"I mean, it's good that he has a dog," you reply, "I know animals help when it comes to emotional support. Look at Bucky and Alpline."

"Yeah, but Alpine didn't come with a Beth." Ava chimes in.

You roll your eyes, somewhat regretting this girl's night.

"Guys, it's fine."

Ava and Yelena share a look. "Say it's fine again and mean it this time."

"Also, if it's fine, why have you been avoiding Bob?"

"Oooh! Good point! Answer, please."

You stand from the bed, making both of them sit up.

"Guys, it's not a big deal. I think it's great that Bob is expanding his social circle. Also, there's no avoiding whatsoever. Bob's busy with Gus and therapy. And I'm busy-"

"Avoiding him and Beth, we know." Yelena interrupts.

You grimace, thinking back to the past week. So maybe you have been avoiding Bob. But you can't help it. Three's a crowd, and you're not a fan of watching Beth not so subtly flirt with Bob. Either Bob is oblivious as hell when it comes to Beth's advances or-

No. You don't want to think about the or. At the same time, you feel slightly guilty for feeling jealous. It's not like you've admitted your own feelings out loud. You don't know if you will now.

Not with Beth hovering around.

"Just talk to him."

And you do finally talk to Bob.

A week later.

Only Beth talks to you first.

You're half watching a show that Yelena has abandoned when Beth approaches you.

"Hey, do you have a sec?" Her tone is hopeful.

You mute the show and look up at her. She sits down a few cushions away, and you notice that she's wearing that scarf again.

Your scarf. Your scarf that you left in Bob's room the night before leaving for your mission with Yelena.

"...you know what I mean?" It takes you a moment to realize that Beth has continued talking, not waiting to see if you've been listening. "like I know he's been through a lot, but I can see a lot of improvement with him and Gus."

Been through a lot is an understatement, but you don't say anything.

"Do you think he's ready? Or am I coming off as too pushy? Sometimes I feel like he might like me back, but I can't be sure."

That does get you attention. "Ready for what?" But you already know what she's talking about.

Beth shoots you a slightly peeved look. "Y/N. Bob, what do you think I should do?

"Uh..."

She scoots a little closer to you, her gaze imploring. "Bob talks about you a lot. I mean, you are one of his closest friends. So, I thought you could give me some advice on how to ask him out without scaring him off."

You take her in, her eyes wide and hopeful. The expression reminds you of one that Gus has given the team members during meal times when he's hoping one of them will drop some food by "accident".

Feeling like you're not fully committed to this conversation. Beth reaches out and takes your hand. "I really like Bob."

So do I

You gently withdraw your hand and turn to fully face her. "Look, I can't speak on Bob's behalf, but just be patient with him."

Beth isn't satisfied with that answer." Okay, but do you think he likes me back? What about his past relationships?"

This was heading towards a red no zone.

"You've only known him a few weeks-"

"I know, I know. I should be asking him that, but it's too soon for that, ya'know? And since you're such close friends..."

Your mouth moves before you can think. "You want me to him if he-"

Beth lets out a squeal and hugs you. "Oh my god, that would be amazing!"

The only thing you can focus on is the soft material of the scarf brushing against your neck.

It's late. Too late to be up, but your mind can't quiet down. Which is why you find yourself standing in the semi-darkened kitchen, aimlessly scrolling through your phone. Deciding whether or not you should make something.

You're just about to call it a night when Bob enters the kitchen. Half asleep himself. You're both caught off guard by each other, so the only thing you can do is stare.

You notice that Bob isn't wearing one of his usual sweaters. He's wearing a white fitted t-shirt and grey sweatpants.

"Did you finally overheat?" You try to ease the slight awkwardness between the two of you.

Bob looks down as if almost forgetting what he put on. He tugs at the bottom of his shirt as if it will magically turn oversized.

"Oh..uh, this? I think this is Walker's. There was this laundry mishap involving him and Alexei. Long story short, they managed to break more than one dryer. So...yeah," He gives a slight laugh before looking back up. "it was either this or one of Alexei's obnoxious Avengerz tracksuits."

"It looks good on you." You say before thinking, and you catch Bob's slight change in expression, from apprehensive to relieved, to something else. Something you chose to brush off.

There's still a slight awkwardness in the air. The last time there was an awkwardness between the two of you was when Bob was still adjusting to the team.

"Couldn't sleep?" His question echoes back to the first time he found you in the kitchen at the dead of night.

"Do you wanna go for a walk?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

The city is surprisingly quiet at 3am. You and Bob stop at a park near the Watchtower.

"This is nice," you motion towards the empty park, "Gus would've liked this. Why didn't you bring him along?"

It takes Bob a little too long to respond, but when he does, his words make your heart beat faster.

"I don't need him when I'm with you." You look over, and Bob is already looking at you with a soft expression. Some small voice in the back of your head tells you to reciprocate.

Instead, you think back to Beth and the scarf. Why does she still have your favorite scarf? Does Bob know that it's your favorite? That's a stupid question, of course he knows, you wore it all the time. So why give it to her like that? So easily.

Instead, you panic, withdraw, and deflect.

"Beth seems nice, and she's good with Gus."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Ask him, Beth's question floats around in your mind.

"I think Beth has a crush on you."

Bob lets out a semi-loud laugh. "Oh, you think?" You look over and see that he has a slight smirk on his face. Okay, so he wasn't that oblivious. Which makes it worse. "Beth is nice and all, but... I dunno."

You can't stop yourself. "Do you like her?" What you've been wanting to ask is why does she have my scarf?

"Why? Where is this coming from?" You can see him staring at you from the corner of your eye. You don't dare to face him. Instead, you keep your gaze fixed on a distant lamp post.

"I'm your friend."

"And?" He pushes gently.

You can feel a lump forming in the back of your throat. "And what else is there? If you like her, consider asking her out. Only if you're ready for that."

"Like I said, she's nice. But I'm trying to keep my options open."

You scoff. "What options? Robert, are you trying to tell me you've been sneaking around these past few weeks?"

"N-no nothing like that. But ya-know, there are always other... options."

"Well, there's her or someone from the team," you give a dramatic gasp, "Bob, don't tell me it's..."

Bob sighs, hangs his head low, and jokingly responds. "You caught me. There is something between me and Walker. We're in love."

You lean over and give him a playful shove. "Knew it. Enemies to lovers at its finest."

"What about friends to lovers?"

You catch his eye and give a small smile. "That's another good one. People love a good friends-to-lovers story."

"Really?"

"Yeah, what more could they want. It's romantic."

"Huh." Silence falls between you two, but this time it isn't awkward. Just calm and peaceful.

[ayexaye]

hiii making a request; Shidou x fem reader where she’s the force that kinda grounds him?? friends to lovers type beat. prettypleasecantheykiss

a/n; sorry this took me so long for some reason 😭 I took DAYS to write this I was struggling so much, mostly cause its hard for me to imagine shidou being calm in any capacity LMAO hopefully it turned out okay and thank you so much for the request <3

── .✦

˚⋆｡°✩₊ Let me into your heart ᡣ𐭩

Shidou Ryusei x reader, headcanons and a short fic [700~ words]

── .✦

-When you two first meet, you're one of the few people that don't flinch away when he says or does something crazy, which is what gets him interested in you in the first place

-Something about you makes him actually listen to you. If he's too “intense” you just give him a look and he just calms down

-Even though he pretends to brush you off and acts like he doesn't care about your opinion, he always ends up following whatever you want in the end

-You don't scold him for how he acts, and it reminds him that he isn't some kind of monster

-Once you become close friends, you're very much a safe place for him, a place he can be vulnerable, even if only a little

-Partly because you can tell so quickly when he's genuinely upset about something

Shidou was never good at staying still or being quiet, and you know that well from being friends with him.

His shoes scuffed against the floor with every bounce of his foot. He stared at you from across the café table, leaning against his palm. You paid him no mind, continuing to read through your textbook (much like he was also supposed to be doing).

He let out a groan, leaning back in his seat and dragging his hands down his face dramatically, loud enough to draw in glares and side eyes from other people in the café.

“You're so boring- this is so boring! Can't we go do somethin’ fun?? I don't wanna study anymore.”

“You're the one who said you wanted help with this chapter,” you replied, not bothering to look up from your notes.

“Well I lied,” he said, leaning closer to you. “I just wanted a reason to hang out with you.”

“Shocking.”

“You should be shocked,” he grinned. “I don't give my time to just anyone, babe.”

You glanced up at him with a half-hearted glare. He laughed, leaning back in his chair again—so far you think it might fall over.

“You're gonna get us kicked out…” You muttered as you closed your book. He scoffed, letting his chair fall forwards again, the front legs banging against the ground with a loud thud. “And don't call me that.”

“So you're done?” He asked excitedly, eyes lighting up when you shove your notes back into their folder.

“For now. Since someone can't seem to last 5 minutes without causing a scene.”

“Me?” He pointed at himself in mock offense, scoffing. “But I've been so well behaved!”

“Do you think threatening to punch someone on our way here is well behaved?” You countered.

“He looked at you weird! And I didn't actually punch him.”

You rolled your eyes as both of you stood up. Once you both got out of the café, he latched his arm around your shoulder. “C'mon, I'll walk you home. I deserve it for being such a good boy today, don’tcha’ think?”

You failed to hold in your laugh, and didn't try to shrug him off as his arm stayed comfortably slung around you. You walked together quietly for a while.

It always seemed like Shidou was calmer like this when it was just the two of you.

“I honestly don't understand why you like hanging out with me all the time,” you admitted.

Shidou shrugged. “I mean, you give me shit sometimes but… I kinda like that you can put me in my place, y'know?”

“Someone's gotta do it, or else you'll end up in trouble all the time.”

You finally arrived at your front porch, and you turned to face him. “Well... Thanks for the walk.”

Shidou didn't move, eyes focused on you. “Do you want me to leave?”

You paused. He was uncharacteristically serious as he waited for your answer.

“Uhm—It's kinda late.” You cleared your throat, suddenly unable to meet his intense gaze. Truth be told, you weren't sure yourself if you wanted him to leave. But saying that out loud.. “Probably should…”

Shidou must have been able to read your hesitation, because as soon as you turned towards your door, he grabbed your wrist and pulled you closer. Your heart pounded suddenly in your chest.

“I don't wanna leave yet,” he said quietly. “Especially if you don't want me to.”

You sucked in a sharp breath as he leaned closer to you.

“I can be good for you. I will.”

“Shidou—”

His free hand cradled your cheek. “Let me?”

His eyes bore into yours, desperate, hungry. But you could also sense a rare uncertainty from him, like he wasn't used to wanting something so badly without knowing if he would actually be able to get it.

You nodded, and it was all he needed to lean in and kiss you. His hand slipped from your wrist to your waist, shockingly delicate compared to how rough he kissed you. When he finally pulled away, you were speechless.

“You don't gotta say anything. I've just been wantin’ to do that for a while.”

“Then..” Your hand latched onto the collar of his jacket, pulling him with you as you opened your front door. “I think you should do it again.”

── .✦

𖹭.ᐟ Masterlist — thank you for reading! likes/reblogs/comments are greatly appreciated <3

[the-tv-lover]

HI HELLO I LOVE THIS ACCOUNT SO MUCH ALREADY--- If you take requests, would it be okay to ask for something with Tenna and a chubby reader who "forgets" to eat because they don't feel like they deserve to?

~ ☁️

WAAAAAUGH THANK YOU SO MUCH <3 Sure thing! As a chubby girl who struggled with doing this exact thing at some point, I'll be glad to. I hope you enjoy it!

Tenna x Chubby GN!Reader - Undeserved?

Content: Romantic relationship, use of Y/N, hunger, stomach noises, (very) soft force feeding (no stuffing), Elnina and a Swatchling are briefly in the story but have little relevance

Words: 1,479

MINORS DNI

You and Tenna were romantic partners, so you made it a point to visit him at work at times as he couldn't visit you as often, except on weekends when he had time off. Today was a weekday, though, so you went to his workplace to give him a little attention that he often craved from you while the two of you were apart.

You went to Tenna's office. He wasn't there, so he must've been busy with something at the moment. You went to the green room to hang out and play some video games for a bit while you waited for the opportunity to see him.

When you went to the green room, you caught sight of Elnina at the vending machine. She noticed you and you gave her a friendly nod and said hello, and she smiled and waved back at you and said hi. Elnina turned her attention back to the vending machine and she pressed some buttons before the vending machine dispensed a snack. She opened it up and, god it was so fragrant for a subpar quality processed food. Maybe you were just hypersensitive to the scent of food since you hadn't eaten all day.

You ended up staring at Elnina as she ate her snack, and you finally snapped out of it. She was so involved in eating her snack that she didn't notice you staring, thank goodness. You sighed and went to sit on a couch to play some video games, occasionally squirming uncomfortably as you kept feeling your stomach growl from severe hunger pangs.

After a while, Tenna had time for a break, so he went to the green room and caught sight of you. "Y/N! I was hoping I'd see you today!" He exclaimed cheerfully as he approached you.

"Oh, hi," you said without enthusiasm. You didn't have the energy to respond to him with somewhat matched joy.

One of Tenna's antennas twitched in unpleasant surprise at your tone. He almost panicked and asked you if he did something wrong, but he stopped himself when he noticed just how exhausted you looked. Something isn't right, he thought. "What's the matter? You don't look so good." He asked you.

"I, uh…" You tried to think of something to avoid admitting the real problem. "I didn't get good rest last night?"

Just after you lied, your stomach almost seemed like it wanted to call you out by making a loud growl. Your eyes widened in surprise at how loud that was and you desperately hoped Tenna would pay no mind to that.

He definitely heard that. "I don't believe that for one second!" He gestured for you to follow him. "Come on, follow me!"

You get up off the couch and follow Tenna. "Where are we going?" You ask.

"You're joining me on my break!" He answered you, leading you to an exit of his studio and taking you to the Color Cafe in town.

When you arrived at the cafe, the two of you got seated at a table. You fidgeted nervously. "You don't have to do this, Tenna," you said shyly.

"Isn't it my duty as your boyfriend to make sure you're taken care of?" Tenna asked before a Swatchling came to the table. "Pick anything you want now, sweetheart!"

"I'll just have a latte, I guess-"

"No!" Tenna interrupted. "Well, okay, you can have a latte too, but please get my lovely partner a stack of the chocolate chip pancakes! And I'll take a simple cup of black coffee."

"I- Uh-" You wanted to protest, but you couldn't bring yourself to.

"Yes, sir," the Swatchling said before leaving.

While you two waited for your coffee and food, you listened to Tenna ramble about his work day so far. Eventually you two got the order, and Tenna started drinking his coffee. You stared at your food for a good minute before taking a sip of your latte.

Tenna stopped drinking his coffee to speak up. "Did I not order what you like?" He asked.

"Y-you did! It's just…" You tried to find words to admit why you weren't eating.

"Well, don't let your food get cold! Nothing worse than cold pancake syrup, ew…" Tenna shook a bit in disgust at the thought.

"I just… I don't wanna eat, okay?" You admitted.

"But you're so hungry! I know you are!" Tenna said. "What's wrong?"

You sighed and looked sad as you explained further. "I'm just feeling insecure today, eating makes me feel bad when I feel this way."

"How could eating make you feel worse? It's good for you!" Tenna couldn't grasp why you might be afraid to eat.

"Tenna…" You sigh, feeling embarrassed that you have to explain this. You spoke quietly so no one else in the cafe could hear. "Look, throughout my life, I got bullied a lot for being chubby-"

"WHAT?!" Tenna shouted in surprise at that. Everyone in the cafe got shocked at the noise, so they looked at him, many raising their eyebrows at him.

"Shh, shh!" You tried to quiet him down, especially since you noticed people were staring now. You kept looking around to make sure everyone stopped staring before continuing. "Yes, people made fun of me for that, and… I just don't wanna gain more weight and be made fun of more, you know?"

"What's wrong with being chubby?" Tenna asked. "That's one of your best physical features! All those curves…" A faint blush appeared on his screen. "Oh mama," he said under his breath.

"H-hey, calm down, boy," you noticed him getting flustered.

Tenna straightened up and snapped himself out of it. "S-sorry! But honestly! You are adorable, all the chub on your body just means more of you for me to love!" He spoke quietly, yet still enthusiastically, to avoid letting others hear.

"I appreciate that, Tenna," you sigh as you look down at the pancakes sadly. "I just can't do it right now.

Tenna couldn't bear to see you neglect yourself like this. He finally just picked up your fork and picked up a bite of a pancake for you. "At least eat just one pancake?" He moved the fork closer to your face. You kept hesitating. "For me?" Tenna asked gently.

You made a small whine of humiliation before you finally caved in and took the bite of the pancake he picked up for you.

"Oh, good job!" Tenna smiled joyfully as his antennas perked up. He got you another bite and fed it to you. He just kept feeding you the pancake at a slow pace as you were still hesitant to eat it. It didn't matter to him how fast you ate it, just as long as you were eating at all, that's all that mattered. He was patient with you.

After a few minutes, you finished the first pancake. The pancake was pretty big, and all the butter, syrup, and chocolate chips in it made it seem extra heavy on your stomach, so now you actually felt like your hunger was rather satisfied.

"Do you want to eat another?" Tenna asked.

"I think I'm good," you say.

"You're not just saying that because you're ashamed of eating?" Tenna questioned you further.

You shake your head. "I promise I'm okay. These pancakes are quite heavy…"

"If you say so!" Tenna smiled. "I'm proud of you for eating at least a little something, Y/N! We'll wrap the rest of your food up to go, and I want you to work on eating the rest throughout the day, okay?"

You nodded. "I'll try to."

Tenna waved to the Swatchling. "Yes, waiter! We're done here. Can we get these pancakes to go?"

"Yes, sir," the Swatchling nodded and went to get a box for your food.

After paying the bill and getting your leftover food together, the two of you left the cafe. You started to follow Tenna back to the studio, but he stopped and looked at you.

"Y/N, why don't you go home today and work on that food? Don't worry about me today, okay?" Tenna smiled gently.

"Are you sure you didn't need me to hang out with you more today?" You asked.

"I will be fine! I enjoyed the moment we had today," he said. He picked you up and gave you a kiss on the cheek. The kiss tingled as a small jolt of electricity shocked your face, and you couldn't help but giggle from it. Tenna pulled away from you to look at you. "That's the happy Y/N I like to see!" Tenna said, clearly happy that you're in a bit of a better mood now. He set you back down on the ground. "Goodbye for now, then!"

"Goodbye, Tenna," you smiled and waved at him before he headed back to the studio, and you headed back home.

[despicer]

hello party people, fellow queer media enjoyers, menaces to gay society. please. please play lost records: bloom and rage. not enough people have been playing it nor talking about it and i am going insane. the last pieces of media that made me feel this way were Life is Strange 1, Before The Storm, and She-Ra: Princesses of Power. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is created by DontNod, the og developers of Life is Strange 1, and they truly captured the magic that made LiS so special while still standing out as its own story with its own themes and i need, NEED, to cry and scream and throw up about it.

you fuckin loved LiS 1??? you wanna have the option to romance 3 WOMEN rather than just the one, if you were a chloe hater?? you loved the Vibe and Story and Care that was put into it, a feeling that was lost in the Double Exposure? great news. play lost records. also its made by Dontnod so what are you waiting for??

you love Yellowjackets? GREAT NEWS! Lost Records is set in 1995 and also set in 2022, with a very similar past and present alternating POV that is handled INCREDIBLY well in my opinion. although there is not cannibals (unless...), there is still mystery and gay teen drama and The Woods and incredibly nuanced characters just like Yellowjackets and just. play Lost Records.

were you as emotionally devastated by She-Ra as I was? well great news!!! lost records just absolutely murked me and danced on my grave in the best way possible. also the relationships, both romantic and platonic, that are developed in the game are just so...chefs kiss. reminds me so much of she-ra in that way. and also the way trauma and conflict is handled...beautiful and gorgeous and wonderous. also catra kins will LOVE kat.

i could literally keep going on and on about all the amazing media from the past that has led into lost records. i would die for dontnod. this is not an ad i am just desperate for a sequel and to just. talk about it. to everyone and anyone that will listen. i am not someone who cries much or often but the ending of this game had me sobbing in a way i havent sobbed since i watched She-Ra for the first time. thank you for ur time have a good day play Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (or watch a playthrough i GUESS)

[sairaverse]

hii! i’m new to your blog and i absolutely love it 💕

i just had a few questions

-have u ever had any other appearance success stories besides slimmer face?

-have u entered the void state before? if so, what did u manifest in there?

-and my last question is have u ever manifested an sp or any person?

can i be 🩵 anon?

hii baby! ofc u can be 🩵

1 YES several times.

the first time, i was born with complete heterochromia, it was left eye brown right eye blue. I thought the brown was a bit boring so I change the left eye to green! all i did was affirm and listen to subliminals occasionally while visualizing

second time, I manifested 2c hair after 3 years of trying

third time, I manifested a smaller ribcage, narrow shoulders, and wider hips (basically a pear bod)

fourth time, manifested a hairless body!

fifth time, manifested a golden tan but now I'm manifesting light skin (im super indecisive lmao)

last time, manifested a barbie nose. Ppl think i got a rhinoplasty and never believe i was born with it, (revised) espically since my parents are well off 😭

2 not really,

i entered the void state once for like 3 minutes but unfortunately i didn't manifest anything 🙁 (i like conscious manifesting more!)

3 Yuppp a few times actually

first time, It was this boy i had a crush on when i was like 9, I really liked him but he was mean to me so when i manifested my dream life i scripted he was in love with me

second time, I used to be like super gay 😭😭 because i grew up in a religious household and if i couldn't talk to boys i just talked to girls lmao. So i manifested my best friend I've known for 10 years kissing me at a sleepover when I was around 12 or 13, it was my first kiss teww 🤭

third time, saw the finest shyt at school once and affirmed I'll find his insta,( i was too shy to ask for it lmao) 2 or 3 days later i see his account in the "you may know" suggestion. followed him and dmed him and we've been besties ever since 😍

fourth, i don't know if anyone remembers but i once posted i found out this girl had a crush on me so i was like omg bet so I asked for her insta and i ALSO manifested a kiss from her 😭😭😭 we were at the mall (at miniso specifically in a mall called zahia in sharjah) it was so cute lol, she had joked "what if i kissed u rn" and we went into a corner and she gave me a kiss 😝😝😝

(i just realised i've only kissed girls bc of this post 😭)

thanks for the ask love 💗

[gyusvalentinesz]

OFFLINE

Guys... I didn't reread this. Please let me know if there's any grammar errors. Anyways, enjoy reading!!! ˚₊۶ৎ˙⋆ You agree to accompany Ume and her family to the club her mom works at. Little did you know, this night will be the night you become somewhat trustworthy to him. ˚₊۶ৎ˙⋆ Chap 1, Chap 2, Chap 3, Chap 4, Chap 5 My Ao3!

!CHAPTER 6!- Club Classics

You’ve been taking your medicine for days now. Drinking water, talking less, letting your body rest the way Dr. Tamayo told you. The swelling’s gone down, but the bruises still linger. Faint smudges of green and blue are spread across your neck.

Every morning, you cover them up with concealer. It's become a part of your routine now.

Another new part of your routine is dreading going back to Ume’s house. The idea alone makes your puke jump, but one night, your phone lit up with a call from Douma.

“Ume misses you,” he said simply. “I came over the other day and she promised to keep her brother downstairs this time.”

And for whatever reason, Gyutaro actually listened…

So now, you’re here again. You’re sitting criss-cross on Ume’s floor, with a few worksheets spread between you two. She’s on her mattress, swinging her legs while gripping her pencil. Her tongue pokes out slightly in concentration as she stares at the crumpled worksheet on her lap.

“Okay, Ume. What’s nine times seven?” You ask as you lightly tap the paper.

She sucks in a breath, questioning herself. “…Sixty four?”

You give her a look. “Close, but no.”

“Wait— no! Sixty three! Sixty three!” She blurts out quickly, scrambling to erase her mistake. You can’t help but laugh, watching her scribble and rewrite the numbers like her life depends on it.

“That’s better,” you smile. “You’re getting way faster than last week.”

Ume perks up at the praise, rocking side to side proudly. “I told you! I told you I was smart. Nii-chan said I wasn’t dumb, just unschooled.”

You blink. “Wait, he actually said that?”

She nods, smiling with a little blush in her cheeks. “He said I’m the smartest girl in the world. And then he said ‘people should never judge a book by its cover’— and then I was like, then what's the cover of the book for? And then—“

She’s cut off by the sound of the front door creaking open downstairs, followed by a voice calling out, too cheery and sassy to be anyone else.

“Hellooo!~ The favourite former past ally of the one and only Gyutaro has returned!"

You both pause. You can hear the shuffle of his six inch platform boots slowly and exaggeratedly climb up the stairs.

“Guess who got rejected!” Douma announced loudly, swinging open Ume’s bedroom door without knocking. He stares at you like he’s walked into a party he wasn’t invited to.

Ume immediately squeals. “DOUMA!!” She yells as she drops her pencil and runs into his arms. “You’re back already?! What happened?!”

“Shinobu said, and I quote,” he lifts one finger dramatically, “‘I’d rather swallow poison than go on another date with you.’ Isn’t that lovely?”

You chuckle before you can help it. “Sounds so romantic.”

“I thought so too,” he grins. “I cried a little on my way here. Ume, do you need snacks? Uncle Douma needs some poison to swallow just for my butterfly. Kidding, kidding…”

Ew. His butterfly?

You watch him flop onto the mattress next to Ume’s pile of worksheets like a man who’s known her since birth… which he actually has.

You raise your brow, “Wanna help us with homophones?” You ask, nudging the paper towards him.

He blinks. “Like… gay, or ‘two’ ‘too’ and ‘to’?”

“Two too and to’s.”

“Oh, I got a good one.” He leans in towards Ume like he’s about to spill Victoria’s Secret. “What’s the difference between nien and nine?”

You gasp and whip your head towards him. “Douma! How is she supposed to get that?!”

Douma shrugs, a smug grin on his face. “I don’t know? Ume, you ever listened to German music?”

She squints. “Umm.. my brother listens to this metal German band sometimes? I think it’s called—“

Before she can finish, the door slams open with enough force equivalent to that one Taylor Swift's earthquake concert.

Holy shit. It’s her.

Ume’s mother stumbles into the room, mascara smeared under her eyes like war paint and heels still on, like she never changed out of her shift. But for once, her expression isn’t drunk— it’s furious.

Her eyes lock on Ume. “Ume, I swear to god.”

Ume freezes, clutching her pencil like it’s a knife.

“I saw those tabs. Omegle? Omegle?!” Her voice rises with each syllable until she sounds like a damn whistle. “I don’t go on Omegle, but you think I don’t know what that is?! Huh?!”

“Mom! I—“

“Have you been telling people where you live?! Are you stupid?! Do you want to get kidnapped?! My little angel’s gonna get kidnaaaaaaped!” Her voice goes high, mockingly sweet for a second before she slams her purse down on the floor and glares at all three of you.

You instinctively scoot a little closer to Ume, but you don’t say anything. Yet, that is.

Douma lifts his hand in surrender. “Okay, okay. She made a mistake, but she’s okay now! She’s been with me, and Y/N. This whole time.”

Her mother snaps her eyes to you. “Don’t act like I forgot about you, little miss. I’ve only been letting you in since you’re with Douma. How old even are you?”

You straighten as if it’s gonna save you from fumbling your words. “N—nineteen?”

“Nineteen? Seriously? She scoffs, loud and mean. “A nineteen year old babysittin’ my baby? What are you, a fuckin’ daycare?” She questions. “My son is one year younger than you, and I don’t trust him with my baby. What makes you think I’ll trust you?”

Douma steps in, quick and smooth. “Y/N is nineteen, but I’m—“

“I said no.” She spits it without looking at him. “I don’t want some teenage stranger alone in my house with my baby. You got it?”

You can feel Ume’s hands lightly grab onto the back of your shirt.

Douma just breathes in through his nose and flashes a tight smile, constipated looking.

Ume’s mom just stares at him, pacing around the room while muttering curses under her breath. She reaches into her pocket and lights a cigarette with trembling fingers.

Then abruptly, she stops. 

She turns, exhales smoke, and says, “Alright. That’s it. I’m taking you all to the club— my job.”

The room goes silent, and you blink. “Wait, what?”

Douma tilts his head. “The club..?”

She just glares. “Yeah. My work. I don’t trust this house anymore. I don’t trust her alone,” she says as she jabs a finger toward Ume. “I don’t trust you,” she adds, staring straight at you. “And I definitely don’t trust her near my laptop.”

Ume’s face immediately twists with panic. “No! Please, Mommy, please— if we’re going, then we have to bring Gyu too!”

Her mom groans like it’s painful to even hear his name. 

“Ughhh!” She shouts, “Fine. I’ll bring the boy. But I don’t wanna see any more fuckin’ Omegle shit on my laptop again. You hear me?! I catch you on the creepy-ass site one more time and I’m locking it up!”

“Okay,” Ume nods quickly, her voice wavering. “Okay, I promise.”

Her mom leans down, inches from her daughter's face. “You better.”

Then just like that— she stands upright, flips her purse strap over her shoulder like nothing happened, and walks out like she didn’t just drop a bomb on everyone’s night.

Douma’s eyebrows shoot up. “Sooo… field trip, I guess?”

Ume looks up at you, hands shaking as she reaches for your arm. “…Can you still come with us?”

You look down at her. How are you gonna tell her that you’re actually really fucking scared and don’t want to come? So instead of rejecting, you mutter the word “Sure…”

Ume’s eyes instantly light up. “Yay! Thanks Y/N!” Ume says, expressing her gratitude by pulling you into a hug.

Down the hall, you hear the stomping of her mothers platform heels. The moment she reappears, she’s got on a way too tight dress and a new purse that jingles with change, gum wrappers, and probably a vape or pepper spray.

She takes one look at Ume still hugging your waist and snaps, “Enough. We’re leaving in ten. I want that little weirdo up and dressed. GYUTARO!”

Her shriek echoes through the house, making you and Ume flinch.

Then— slam. A door swings open at the end of the hallway.

Gyutaro stumbles out, shirt half off, hair looking like a Minecraft block, and his eyes bloodshot and low-lidded like he just got dragged from the bottom of a swamp.

He doesn’t say anything. Just stares with the same exhausted glare he always wears when his mom’s around.

You don’t want to admit it, but he looks kind of cute… in a loser kind of way. Whatever.

His mom clicks her tongue. “God, do you ever look normal? Fix your damn face, boy. And why’re your eyes so red? Did you get into my fuckin’ coke— never mind.”

He doesn’t respond.

“I said get dressed. You’re comin’ to the club. You’ll sit your ass there, make sure your sister don’t get kidnapped, and keep her from showing her cooch to the internet again.”

Gyutaro groans under his breath and turns to shuffle back to his room, but she doesn’t let him get away that easily.

“Oh— and wash your ass! You smell like a pissed on mattress.”

Ume looks up at you like this is just another day. You watch Gyutaro pause at the doorframe, his jaw clenching as if he might snap. 

“I’d shower if you didn’t forget to pay the fuckin’ water bill again…Makin’ me get gnats n shit.”  He mutters as he walks out the backyard door.

Okay… so that’s just plain old disgusting, you think to yourself.

The clock ticks, and you’re just now realizing how your hands are shaking a little. Ume notices too, and takes them in hers.

“Don’t worry,” she whispers, smiling softly. “It’s not that bad.”

Yeah right. You don’t believe her. Not even for a second.

Has Ume ever been to the club her mom works at? Because you sure as hell hope not.

You glance again at the woman stomping around in the living room, cussing at her broken hell while downing vodka straight from the bottle. Her dress barely covers her thighs, her fishnets are already ripped, and she’s got red lipstick smudged under her nose like she’d applied it while having a seizure.

Just by looking at her, you can tell this club isn’t just some teasing here and there. It’s not glitter, dancing, and a little hip movement for tips.

This is something meaner, gnarlier. The kind of place where every man’s eyes are locked onto every woman working, half dead inside.

And now Ume, with her soft voice and frilly socks for christ's sake— is going to be there?

You try to keep your face neutral, but the thought keeps making your stomach churn. But Ume notices.

“Hey…” she tugs your sleeve gently. “It’s gonna be okay. Douma’s coming too, right?”

You nod.

You hate that she’s looking at you for safety. You’re nineteen. Barely old enough to keep yourself together, let alone protect some soft, thirteen year old from a place like that.

And still, Ume looks at you like your her guardian angel. Which you’re not, but it’s too late to go back now.

☆

Ten minutes have passed by. The front door creaks behind you, and already the night air feels heavy. It’s humid and sticky, like sweat is just clinging to your soul. 

You and Douma are walking behind the family like outsiders, following a mother who smells like vodka, a brother who refuses to look at you, and a sister who’s bouncing like she’s going to Disney Land. You bet she thinks the club is a fun, not scary place…

“No car?” Douma pipes, clearly joking, but also not.

Gyutaro turns his head slowly, like it’s taking everything in his body to not rip Douma’s throat out.

“What the fuck did you think we had?” He mutters with venom in every word.

Douma throws his hands up with a sheepish laugh. “Alright, alright! Just asking.”

Just like that, it’s silent. Again.

Gyutaro’s hands stay stuffed in his pockets, head down like he’s trying to pretend you aren’t walking an inch away behind him.

Every now and then, his shoulders brush yours— and every time, he flinches like he just touched fire.

He can’t look at you. He won’t look at you. Because when he does, he remembers the bruises around your neck.

He remembers how small you looked trying to fight him off. How quiet your choked voice was when you gasped for air. How Ume cried and begged him to stop.

He remembers that he’s a monster.

And now here you are. Walking with him like you weren’t afraid, like you’re not even mad.

Why? Why are you still here? Is what he’s been asking himself ever since that day.

He wants to believe you’re just stubborn, nosy, even. Maybe you’re too nice for your own good? But a part of him deep, deep down— thinks maybe… maybe you actually care.

Unluckily for him, that thought pisses him off more than anything else. Because what if he lets you get too close, and you backstab him?

So he keeps his eyes forward. Jaw clenched, and muscles stiff.

But still… When you stumble and almost embarrassingly face plant into the curb? He reaches out, and grabs your arm to steady you.

Just for a second.

Then let’s go like your skin burned him. You don’t say anything, and neither does he.

☆

The rest of the walk is painfully quiet, except for Douma humming something off key under his breath.

Eventually, the neon lights come into view. It’s buzzing, and flickering. A faded sign that says “RR STRIP” buzzes above the club door.

You’ve arrived.

The bouncer at the door doesn’t even look up from his vape until all five of you are standing in front of him. His eyes scan the group, landing on you, then Ume, and then Gyutaro.

“No minors,” he grunts, crossing his arms. “The fuck is this, a school field trip?”

Their mom clicks her tongue, and steps forward with a sultry saw in her hips. She leans in, fingers dancing up on the guy’s arm.

“Oh come on, baby. They’re with me,” she purrs, voice dripping with fake sweetness. “Don’t you trust me?”

The guard snorts. “Not even a little.”

She laughs, grabs his collar, and whispers something just out of earshot. By the way his face shifts, and his eyes glaze over, you can tell she’s seduced him into getting her way.

He then sighs, and steps aside. “Whatever. Go.”

And just like that, she saunters in, dragging Ume behind her like it’s casual. The moment the door creaks open behind you, the air hits you like a nasty slap. It’s thick with sweat, cheap perfume, and something sour that makes you scrunch up your nose.

Women in tight and short dresses are draped across men in suits that reek of money and cigarettes. One girl’s on her knees in front of a guy who doesn’t even bother to look down at her, because he’s too busy scrolling on his phone.

You freeze when you see a man at the bar slap a dancer's ass and laugh when she flinches.

Ume tugs on your sleeve and looks up at you. “It’s not that bad,” she whispers, almost like she’s trying to believe herself.

Douma, somehow, is smiling. “Charming,” he mutters as he steps over a broken heel on the ground.

Gyutaro grabs Ume’s hand without looking at her and starts leading her through the crowd. You and Douma follow close behind, trying not to slip on all the spilled drinks in this repulsive place.

Eventually, the four of you cram into one of the cracked leather booths in the corner, far from the stage.

Their mom, already half turned to leave, blows a damn kiss at Ume like this is a fucking playground. “Have fun, sweetheart!” She chirps.

Gyutaro whips his head toward her in shock. “The hell does that mean?”

She pauses. “It means behave. No wandering, no crying, no ‘where’s mom?’ every five minutes.” She flicks her gaze to you, then to Douma. “You all better not start any shit while I’m working, or I swear to god—“

“Yeah, yeah, we get it.” Gyutaro cuts her off with a dead stare. It’s clear he’s seconds from snapping.

She scoffs, flipping her dead hair over her shoulder. “I’ll be back when I’m done my shift, or when I find someone worth bringing home. Whichever comes first.”

Just like that, she’s gone.

Gyutaro curses under his breath, then immediately grabs Ume and pulls her into his lap, wrapping an arm tightly around her. 

“Dont look around,” he mutters into her ear. “Just talk to us. You don’t gotta look at anything.”

“Okay…” Ume nods, burying her face into his hoodie.

Douma chuckles lightly and fans himself with a bar menu. “God, I missed the ambiance of this place… so nostalgic.

You ignore him. You’re focusing way too hard on the way your thighs are sticking up to the booth. It feels gross.

You’re lost in thought until he shows up.

A man in a black suit with long, dark red hair, and three pairs of sunglasses arrives.

“Evening,” he says smoothly, eyes fixed on you. “Didn’t mean to intrude, but… you look new. Ever consider working here?”

What the hell. You’re not even the legal age to drink. In fact, you shouldn’t even be here.

But before you can answer, Gyutaro’s head jerks up. “Fuck off,” he growls.

The man blinks, just once before smirking slightly. “Ahh, you must be her boyfriend.”

Oh? Gyutaro looks stunned, blushing, even. “Fuck. Off.” He repeats, louder this time.

The man raises his brow. “You should smile more. It’d make you look less—“

“Say one more thing,” Gyutaro says, adjusting Ume in his arms, “and I’ll fuckin’ rearrange your face in front of your boss.”

The man gives a slow, sharp smile. “Noted.”

And then he’s gone. The man vanishes into the crowd of people, and the silence that follows is unbearable.

All you can do is stare at the table… Boyfriend? With you?

Gyutaro’s still looking off to the side, like he might kill the next person who breathes too loud. His arms stay protectively wrapped around Ume, hands fidgeting with each other and peeling the skin off his fingers.

You can literally hear your heart beat in your ears.

“…Oooooooh,” Douma breathes suddenly, leaning forward across the table like this is the most exciting thing he’s witnessed all year. “Was that what I think it was?”

You don’t even look at him. “Douma, shut up.”

“I’m just asking!” He says, eyes bouncing between the two of you. “Boyfriend. Boyfriend?? Someone’s feeling possessive!” He giggles.

“I wasn’t protecting her,” Gyutaro grits, but his voice wavers just a little— and that’s all Douma needs.

“Oh? Then what was that? Just pure territorial energy? Because… wow.” He fans himself dramatically.

You finally glance up, and Gyutaro meets your eyes.

Then he instantly looks away like he just saw the girl of his dreams. His jaw tightens, and his cheeks are flushed pink.

You turn away too, your stomach won’t stop twisting. The room is too hot, you’re sweating like crazy, and the cherry on top? Douma won’t shut his fucking mouth.

“You should’ve seen your face,” Douma continues with glee. “Like ‘back the fuck off, that’s my—‘“

“Douma,” you say again, sharper now.

“I mean, look at him! Gyutaro’s blushing!”

“I’m not.” Gyutaro growls, still not looking at anyone.

Ume, blissfully unaware, turns in Gyutaro’s lap. “What’s ’chemistry’ mean?”

“Oh honey, I love you,” Douma says, grabbing a pen and a napkin. “Let me draw it for you.”

“DOUMA.” You and Gyutaro exclaim at the same time.

But it’s too late. He’s already doodling stick figures holding hands, one with long lashes and one with a ratty hoodie and bad posture.

“Fuck off, man…” Gyutaro mumbles, his words directed at Douma.

Douma puts down the pen and blinks. “Huh?”

Gyutaro doesn’t even look up. “Go get me somethin’. I don’t care what. Just get me something strong, yeah?”

Douma looks around, then raises an eyebrow. “But you’re eighteen? You can’t drink.”

“And you’re twenty one,” Gyutaro mutters through gritted teeth, his tone sharper now. “So go fuckin’ buy it.”

You watch the exchange quietly, confusion crawling up your spine. Is he… serious?

Douma hums, tapping a finger to his lips. “Oh, I don’t know, Gyuuutaro~ wouldn’t that be illegal?”

That’s when Gyutaro looks at him. Really looks at him, dead in the face. The kind of glare that makes the insufferable Douma go quiet for once.

“Buy the fuckin’ drink,” Gyutaro growls. “Or else I’ll tell her what you did.”

Douma pauses, then points at you. “Her..?”

Me? You think to yourself. Suddenly, you feel out of place.

Douma exhales through his nose, and his lips twitch. “Hmph… Well, when you put it that way…”

He stands up, brushing imaginary lint off his pants. “Vodka? Tequila? A surprise?”

Gyutaro says nothing.

Douma shrugs. “Bartender's choice… I’ll be back.”

You watch him disappear into the crowd, and when you look back at Gyutaro, he’s still got that haunted look. He doesn’t say anything. Just stares forward like he’s counting every second until the glass hits the table.

Eventually, Douma returns with two glasses. One shot, and one short glass. He sets them down on the table with a flourish, winking at you before sliding the stronger drink toward Gyutaro.

“Here we are. Liquid painkiller, I’m guessing how you’d like it.”

Gyutaro doesn’t say thank you. He just takes the glass and downs half of it in one go.

You blink in surprise. He didn’t even flinch! Not even a cough, or a sour face. He just swallowed it like it was water.

Douma whistles in awe. “Not a lightweight, huh.”

Gyutaro doesn’t respond. Just wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, eyes scanning the room again.

Meanwhile, you notice Ume fidgeting in his lap. Her gaze is fixated on the remaining drink.

“Ume,” you warn, but it’s already too late.

While Gyutaro and Douma are distracted and the music blares overhead, her small hand darts out, and she takes the quickest, tiniest sip—

Her entire body freezes.

“Blech!!” She exclaims, slapping a hand over her mouth, face twisting into the most offended look you’ve ever seen.

“It tastes like soap and mold!” She gasps.

Gyutaro turns so fast you hear his neck crack. “Did you just—?” His voice spikes. “Ume!!”

She scrambles off his lap like she’s just been caught stealing snacks before dinner. “I didn’t mean to!” She yells. “It looked like it tasted good!”

Douma is wheezing in the corner of the booth. You’re too stunned to react. Gyutaro drags a hand down his face like he’s aged twenty years in three seconds.

“I swear to fuckin’ god, Ume.” He mutters, rubbing his temples. “I’m gonna push my fingers into my eyes. I just need one night. ONE night.

“She’s fine!” Douma laughs. “A sip won’t kill her. Though she is about to learn what a hangover feels like in a few hours.”

Ume gasps, and clutches her throat dramatically. “Why would adults drink this on purpose?!”

“Good question,” you mutter under your breath.

☆

The night continues to carry on. Gyu eventually pushed Ume off his lap with a grunt, slumping deeper into the booth and napping as the pounding music blares throughout the club. 

Douma lounges nearby, sipping his drink and snapping pictures on his phone. Ume is also asleep, leaning on Douma’s arm. You on the other hand? You’re staring blankly into space, wishing you were back at home with Mitsuri.

Everything is fine until—

CRASH!

Glass shatters somewhere nearby. The sharp sound slices through the music and chatter like a bullet.

“The fuck was that?!” You say, snapping back to attention.

Before anyone can answer, the sound of footsteps echo through the club. Ume and Gyutaro’s mother stumbles in front of your booth, eyes wild, and breath reeking of alcohol. 

“You useless piece of shit! Get up and fight for your mom!” She yells, slapping Gyutaro hard across the face.

Gyutaro jerks awake, eyes blazing with anger before he fully opens them. “The fuck, Mom?! Don’t call me useless when you can’t fight for yourself!”

“You think you have a choice?! You’re my son, and I’ll make you do whatever I want.” She says as laughs bitterly, stepping closer.

Gyutaro stands up, towering over her. “No the hell you won’t.”

Before she can react, a burly man— one of her angry clients, steps out of the shadows, cracking his knuckles. “Look at you, little bitch. Your mama’s a joke! Selling herself to every sorry bastard that walks through this door. No wonder you’re such a fuckup.”

The words hit like a punch to the gut.

You freeze, heart pounding in your chest. Douma’s eyes widen, his jaw tightening. Ume’s small body starts to tremble as she buries her face into Douma’s shirt, silent tears escaping.

“You wanna know somethin’, little man?” The guy continues, “Your moms a syphilis ridden turbo slut.”

Wrong move.

Gyutaro’s eyes snap open like a beast unleashed. His fists ball so tight his knuckles go white. “The hell did’ya say?! You wanna say that again?! Or maybe you should just SHUT THE FUCK UP BEFORE I RIP YOUR FUCKIN’ THROAT OUT!” He roars, voice booming over the loud music.

The man laughs like he just dared him to try. “Big fucking threat from a drunk little bitch.”

Without hesitation, Gyutaro swings. His fist crashes into the man’s nose with a CRACK! A gruesome spray of blood explodes from the man’s nostrils.

“FUCK!” The man yells, stumbling back with blood dripping down his nose.

“You think this shit’s funny?” Gyutaro snarls, stepping forward. “I’M GONNA FUCKING DESTROY YOU.”

The man wipes blood from his face, grinning like a total madman. “You’re nothing but a wasted little fuck! Just like your mom!”

That’s the spark that sets Gyutaro off. “YOU WANNA SAY THAT AGAIN? SAY IT TO MY DAMN FACE!” He bellows.

“FUCK YOU!” The man screams back, throwing a sloppy punch.

Gyutaro ducks, his breath heavy and his eyes wild with rage.

“You’re pathetic. A drunk joke with a deadbeat mom!” The man spits.

Gyutaro’s jaw clenches tight before roaring, “YOU WANNA GO, ASSHOLE?! I’LL TEAR YOU APART!”

Gyutaro exclaims, barreling into the man, landing blow after blow. Blood and sweat mix in the thick, stifling air as fists slam faces and bodies crash against tables.

The man stumbles, bleeding from his nose and mouth, still trying to fight back. “You’re a FUCKING FAILURE, just like she is!”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Gyutaro screams, his voice raw, filled with hatred and pain.

Suddenly, everything crashes down. Gyutaro stumbles, mouth opening and closing, but no sound comes out. A hot wave of tears bursts from his eyes, blurring his vision even more. His body starts shaking uncontrollably.

“I… I can’t…” Gyutaro whispers, panic starting to eat him alive.

Is he… crying? You can’t just sit here and watch this. So you rush over to his side, and crouch down beside him. “Gyutaro? Hey, I’m here. Just breathe.” You say, voice soft and steady.

Douma stands frozen nearby with Ume sobbing into his shirt. “Is he crying?” You hear him whisper.

From the corner, their mom slurs, drunk and impatient. “What the fuck are you doing?! Get up, you useless pussy!”

You wrap your arms carefully around Gyutaro’s shaking shoulders. “It’s okay. I’ve got you. Just breathe with me.”

He tries to steady himself, wiping at his cheeks, but the tears keep falling. You know his mind is flashing back— late nights filled with yelling, slaps, and terror. You can almost feel the weight of it crushing him.

By now, the man who Gyutaro was beating already scurried out of the club like a coward.

Suddenly, flashing red and blue lights flood the club. Police officers rush in, shouting orders. “Everybody, hands up! What’s going on here?!”

Before anyone can react, a tall man steps forward from the crowd. He has white hair, and a fancy suit on. He moves with confident ease, calm and collected.

“Officers, please,” he says smoothly, raising his hands. “Everything’s under control here. Just some… guy who got too drunk and started crying. Guess the alcohol addiction got to him, y’know?”

The police exchange uncertain glances but seem convinced. They lower their weapons and start to back away. You start to think to yourself, they somehow didn’t see the blood on the floor? Or the obvious minor sitting right there? Damn, they’re stupid as hell.

As the officers leave, the man turns toward you and Gyutaro, a slow smirk curling on his lips. “Well, well. What a pathetic little scene. Not flashy at all.” He sneers, crossing his arms.”

His companions, three damn women on his arms, each laugh softly behind him.

Gyutaro’s jaw tightens, and you can see the mix of humiliation and anger burning in his eyes.

Who is this guy? Because you sure as hell don’t recognize him. Neither does Gyutaro, or Douma, or Ume.

He looks at all four of you up and down, that smirk on his face never leaving. “Shit, you guys must be new around here.”

You narrow your eyes. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

He shrugs. “Just sayin’. You walk into her club,” he jerks his thumb toward the stage, where their mother is pretending to fix her top, “start fights, cry in the middle of ‘em, nearly get cops involved… kinda embarrassing.”

Gyutaro’s eyes snap up, bloodshot and wild. “The fuck did you just say?”

The stranger just grins wider. “Relax. You already did enough performing for tonight.”

That’s it.

You feel Gyutaro twitch beside you, his fists clench, but his body is still shaking from earlier. You step in before he can do anything stupid again.

“Back off,” you say, voice low. “You don’t even know what happened.”

The man doesn’t flinch. He just tilts his head. “Don’t need to. I watched the whole thing from my booth. Kinda hard not to notice when some cracked out mom starts beating her kid into a fight and the little emo tries to cry his way out of it.”

Douma’s mouth is wide open now.

Ume, who’s still pressed into Douma’s shirt, trembles harder. You can tell she’s listening.

Gyutaro growls, stepping forward, but you press your hand against his chest. “Stop. Don't give him the reaction he wants.” 

Your words make the stranger laugh. “Tch. She’s the only one with a functioning brain cell.”

You don’t know who this man is. You don’t know why he’s even still standing here. But the glint in his eye tells you something dangerous. He enjoys watching this all unravel.

His gaze lingers on you a little too long. “Hm… you’re pretty cute, though. You his girlfriend?” He jerks his chin toward Gyutaro.

God damnit. This is the second time tonight. Why does everybody keep mistaking you two for a couple? It’s embarrassing.

You roll your eyes. “No.”

Gyutaro doesn’t say anything.

“Interesting,” the man mutters. “Well… guess I’ll be seeing you around.”

He turns his back on the mess like it bores him, the three women with him following close behind.

As the group disappears into the back hallway, Gyutaro finally exhales, loud and shaky.

Douma mutters under his breath, “…What’s that man’s deal?”

You wish you knew the answer to that too. Whatever, he’s gone now.

You help Gyutaro up from the floor, gently looping your arm under his. You don’t know why you didn’t expect him to be heavy— because he’s heavy as hell.

When you look up at his face, you see that he’s still sniffling. He keeps rubbing his face like he can scrub the tears away. You don’t say anything. Instead, you let him lean on you until you’re both back at the booth.

Douma is flipping through snaps on his phone like he didn’t just watch his friend spiral, and Ume’s curled up against him.

You help Gyutaro slump back into the seat beside you, your hand still lightly on his back. He flinches, but doesn’t try to pull you away.

He still won’t look at you.

So you sit in silence, letting him and yourself breathe. Until—

“…Thank you.”

It’s quiet, like he hates saying it. But he means it all the same.

You glance over to Gyutaro. He’s staring at his hands. His hair’s a mess, his eyes are puffy from crying, and his bottom lip is bleeding. But the way he said it— so honestly? That made something ache in your chest.

You nod, whispering back, “You’re welcome.”

A second passes before his eyes dart to the cup sitting by your elbow. Your drink from earlier, barely even touched.

“You gonna finish that?” Gyutaro asks.

You blink. “Seriously?”

He manages a tiny, guilty smirk. “I’ll take it off your hands.”

You scoff, pushing the cup toward him. “Fine.”

He chuckles softly. Softly. That’s the first real sound of peace that’s left his mouth tonight. It’s quiet enough that only you hear it, and it surprises you more than it should.

You watch him take a sip, cheeks flushed from both alcohol and emotion. And you think that’s the end of it, until later.

You’re talking to Ume and Douma about something stupid. Something about her times tables and how she swore the answer to four times seven was thirty, and you glance to your side, ready to tell Gyutaro to stop digging through your purse when—

He’s asleep. On your shoulder.

His heavy body is leaned against yours, head slumped against your arm like it’s natural. Like it’s safe. His breathing evened out. The sight of it alone makes you freeze.

Douma notices before you say anything, then he wiggles his brows dramatically. “Aww, he trusts you now!”

“Shut up… he’s just drunk.” You say as you give Douma the most brutal side eye you can muster, but it’s too late.

You can’t stop your heart from racing and your face from blushing.

He literally nuzzles further into your neck, his curly hair feeling like heaven against your jaw. It’s so warm… and even a bit intimate in a way that sends goosebumps fluttering down your arms.

His arms wrap around your arm, tightening like he’s afraid something might be taken away from him.

So you stay still, letting Gyutaro breathe, and letting your heart beat a little faster than usual.

Gyu in his affection era? #lovecore

[anabetel35]

Thanks for the taggg ^^ <333

Last song: Thank you for the music -- ABBA (we were listening to abba in the car with my family I think :) )

Last movie: The Guardian (2006) bc it's one of our summer camp instructors' fave movie ever and we watch it like. Every year. 👍

Last book: The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

Last TV show: uhmmm What we do in the shadows I think? It's been a while since I watched any show in particular, but I remember rewatching some episodes lately

Sweet/savoury/spicy: spicy! But more importantly crunchy!!! Love love love crunchy foods <3

Relationship status: romance is a joke right. Like seems fake to me I think. (<- aroace) but in all seriousness love my friends sm and that's my fave (and primary ig) kind of relationship ever ^^

Last thing I googled: when did The Guardian come out/if it's really called that so I could specify which movie i meant. Barring that it would be my larp summer camp's website to see if they finally published the info that I need to choose my character's class wisely (they haven't :,))

Looking forward to: my larp summer camps! Also also seeing @the-amazeeng-idiot and my other friends at pride if we end up going! (I really hope we do<333)

Current obsession(s): the aagnus marchives + the pagnus mrotocolll. All of it. And perhaps I feel a slight hyperfixation on Mr. Jonny Simswriterman himself. But we'll see about that :)

I'm tagging @baxieblur-turnip @flippedcat-blog @the-amazeeng-idiot @uhwhathappenedhere @fallen-child-escapism @bethevaquero @fanaticalfunhouse @willisek @verydepressedglungsterr @justicek-9bunny @lettuceeeee but no pressure <3333 :)))

Thanks for the tag @witchy-capri <33

Rules: Tag 10 people you want to get to know better.

Last song: ...Baby One More Time by the goddess herself Britney Spears

Last movie: Rush (2013) It's about rivalry in F1, good movie but it's more fun watching it with fujoshi lenses XD

Last book: Reading Making Money by Terry Pratchett but it's on hold due to obtaining um... this silly ecchi novel "I'm the Strongest Zombie in this World, but I Can't Beat This Girl!" XD

Last TV show: Ranma 1/2, the Netflix version (genderfluidity on another level!!!)

Sweet/savory/spicy: ALLLLLLLLL!!!!

Relationship status: In a committed relationship :)

Last thing I googled: "exploring synonym" I write sometimes ':D

Looking forward to: Seeing my gf again <3333333333

Current obsession(s): Yakuza has infected every part of my brain I am unwell I am having time of my live I have never expected to be so much into something I know so little about help

Tagging: @vectorofsins @eeriefeelingsat3amuwu @athenaspetsnek @sparkly-trashfire @the-second-visitor @just-a-gender-fluid-puddle @fuck-the-gender @no-soul-no-sleep @ohlooh @ctiren (no pressure :))

[hinamie]

*catboys ur shounen protag*

[bu99erfly]

2024 RECAP – MY TOP 18 ARTISTS (playlist + list of artists under the cut)

MY TOP 18 ARTISTS + TOP SONG FROM EACH ARTIST 1. SZA – Snooze / 2. Victoria Monét – Touch Me / 3. Tyla – Truth or Dare / 4. FLO – Caught Up / 5. Tinashe – Nasty (No.1 Song) / 6. Beyoncé – Bodyguard / 7. Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe! / 8. aespa – Supernova / 9. Rachel Chinouriri – So My Darling / 10. Sabrina Carpenter – Bed Chem / 11. Red Velvet – Cosmic / 12. Charli xcx – 360 / 13. Jae Stephens – Body Favors / 14. YVES – LOOP / 15. ARTMS – Virtual Angel / 16. Doechii – Alter Ego / 17. Loossemble – Confessions / 18. Chuu – Strawberry Rush + HONORABLE MENTIONS: Megan Thee Stallion & Raveena PLAYLIST (3 hours of my top and fav songs of this year): apple music / spotify

[localsamalicer]

Spoilers for TMAGP episode 39

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I’m sorry

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Explaining some life stuff a lot and yapping in tags

[smartzelda]

Sometimes it's frustrating having worked in video game retail and knowing anything about game/console prices and deals watching people just. Say things online

"Look at this nintendo add for the SNES you could get the console and super mario world for like $100! Companies never do that anymore they're so greedy hahaha"

Yes, companies still bundle consoles with games. And yes, often this means the games come at a reduced price. (Mario Kart World for Switch 2 is $50 in the bundle versus the $80 for physical. When Gamestop was bundling games and controllers with new ps5s to keep away scalpers in like 2022, the games included often would be discounted between $10 and $20 for that bundle.)

Don't get me wrong. Of course less than $200 for a console and a first party game would be swell these days BUT. When you decided to get up in arms over prices these days, did you adjust for inflation? (Because like. It's one thing if the new console you're doing comparisons with the old one is much more expensive even when factoring in inflation. But also like some of those old consoles adjusted for inflation are worth about the same if not more than a switch 2, then it's like...okay? At that point the prices aren't the problem. The root issue is the companies not paying you in accordance with rising inflation.)

Believe it or not YES. Nintendo still does console deals where you can buy their most recent home console with a first party game added in for free! (Listen to me. Listen. In 2021 and 2022 for Christmas it was possible to walk into a video game store and buy a $300 switch bundle that included Mario Kart 8 deluxe and like 3 months free Nintendo Online. In like 2022/2023 for Christmas they also did $350 switch oled bundles that included Mario Kart 8 deluxe and 3 months nintendo online for free. The price of a console for a $60 video game and 3 months of the online service. This isn't some mythic business practice that stopped happening in like 2005 or something. I promise.)

Yes obviously the companies are greedy. They use deals to pull you in to get you to spend more than you expected. They also often have more sales than you're even aware of because they benefit more from people paying full price. They underpay people and they use whatever excuses needed oftentimes to raise prices to keep that profit rising. But it does no one any real good other than allow people to get pissed off to lie or assume things which aren't true. There are so many reasons to dislike companies (esp. Nintendo), you don't need to rely on acting like things used to be so much better in cases that they're not, or treating things that are industry wide standards/issues as something one company is the sole perpetrator of.

Moral of the story, maybe perhaps like do a bit a research instead of assuming whatever thing that pisses you off greatly is 100% true, and direct your ire in the right direction. Ground yourself emotionally and mentally, know what's going on. Be pissed at corporations. You're allowed to be fuckin pissed at corporations. Just please know what tf you're talking about and what exactly the root issue is

[brianwilsonmpreg]

haven't fully listened to the beach boys' entire catalogue of music but so far, my fav album (aside from pet sounds, i love pet sounds) is The Smile Sessions

[dismembered-narrator]

i was like "promised consort radahn can't be that hard, people always exaggerate" after the other dlc bosses took <15 tries and. well