#but hopefully I'll have some time to reply to some of your asks sometime soon ^^

[hibiscusandmilktea]

Happy New Year everyone and happy holidays ヽ(o^ ^o)ﾉ

[angelbaby-fics]

Thanksgiving (Pt. 2)

Pairing: Cg!Stucky x Little!Reader

Word Count: 850

(part 1)

A/N: And here's part two!! I tried to pack it full of cozy fluff because thats what I've been needing lately 💕 I hope you guys like this & hopefully I'll have more soon!

“So, what's the verdict?” Bucky whispered to Steve as the two of you emerged from your bedroom. 

“We’re going to say hello,” Steve replies.

“All three of us?”

Steve rolled his eyes.

“Oh, Buck, not you too. It took me long enough to convince this one.” “Kidding!” Bucky laughed, ruffling your hair. “It's gonna be fun, right babydoll?” 

You nodded. Steve carried you to the front door, setting you down on the bench to help you put on your shoes. As he tied them, Bucky secured your hat onto your head, pulling it a little too far over your eyes. You giggled as you waited for him to pull it back up like he always did; when he did, he greeted you with a smile.

“Alright, ready to rock baby?” Bucky asked.

“Mhm!” You nodded, reaching your arms up to him. 

Bucky picked you up and carried you to the car, strapping you into your car seat while Steve started the car and turned the heat on. 

“Do you want me to sit with you, or do you want alone time on the drive?” “Lone time, please,” you answered, and so Bucky planted a kiss on your forehead before getting into the front passenger seat beside Steve. 

The drive was peaceful, your daddies’ quiet voices just audible above the soft jazz drifting from the car stereo. The holiday meant traffic was scarce, so the journey to Tony’s place didn’t take quite as long as it usually did. Still, you used this time just to breathe and think. You fidgeted with the stuffie attached to your car seat, running your fingers over its silken ears to soothe yourself. You knew you weren’t going to be at 100% social battery today and that was okay, you just needed enough energy to get through it without pushing yourself too far. As you pulled into Tony’s driveway, Steve ran through your gameplan. 

“I’ll do most of the socializing, alright? All you two need to do is say hi to your friends and thank Tony and Pepper for inviting us.” Bucky rolled his eyes before Steve added “I saw that!”

Bucky got you out of your car seat and carried you up to the front door, one hand cradling you in his arms and the other holding Steve’s hand. Steve knocked on the door and it quickly opened to warm light, lively chatter, and the smell of home cooked food.

Steve hugged Tony, quick to say hello and explain the situation. You’d all be staying for just a bit, not for dinner, but that you were happy to be there nonetheless. Tony was more than understanding, no stranger to not wanting to be around other people sometimes. When you entered the main party space, Steve broke off from your trio to make his rounds, hugging everyone he recognized and introducing himself to everyone he didn’t. Meanwhile, Bucky carried you over to the food table, grabbing some snacks for the two of you to munch on while you waited to leave. 

It really wasn’t such a bad time. You sat on the couch curled up into Bucky’s side, your head resting on his pecs, his vibranium arm protectively wrapped around you while you enjoyed some of the homemade fudge that Bruce had brought. Bucky chatted with Sam on the couch, occasionally pausing to say hi to an acquaintance as they walked by, citing you on his chest as the reason why he couldn’t get up and mingle like Steve was. You’d wave at them and give a little smile, your greetings getting slightly less enthusiastic as the evening went on. 

You weren’t getting antsy; on the contrary, where you were afraid the party would overload your senses, you found it actually soothed them. Everyone you loved was gathered together yet still giving you space, respectful of your energy. You had delicious snacks in your tummy and the taste still lingered on your tongue. The light in Tony’s home was tinged with soft orange as the sun started to set, and your eyelids started to feel heavier. Bucky’s fingers combed through your hair, his chest rising and falling and soothing you like a rocking chair. Even at a party full of people, surrounded by love, you felt safe enough to sleep. You’d just drifted off by the time Steve came back around, having successfully mingled with everyone there. 

“Ready to head out?” He asked his husband.

“Shh… this party animal’s sleeping,” Bucky replied, putting a finger to his lips. 

He carefully lifted you from the couch, keeping your position mostly the same as he transferred you fully into his arms. The three of you made your way to the front door, your daddies waving at the other party guests who cooed at your precious sleeping self. 

“Same time next year?” Tony joked as he held the front door open for your family.

“Of course! And thanks for having us,” Steve replied, hugging his friend.

Your head perked up from Bucky’s shoulder, bleary eyed as you remembered your very important mission.

“Tank you Uncle Tony!” You said sleepily, waving as you were carried back to the car.

[stitchau]

————————《《FAQ》》————————

This post will be updated over time.

Main artist account: @centfornothing (both tumblr, twitter and soon bluesky)

Currently, i am very busy with university, and I'm not gonna be free any time soon...(except holidays, obviously) BUT I am really trying to put at least SOME time into what I've created here, so there's that. (Hopefully I'll survive all that)

— Usage of Stitch/Fanart

1. Q: Can I create fanart of Stitch?

A: Yes, I'd be more than happy if you do! ^^

Also, do not be shy to tag me! I will, from time to time, check if i was tagged somewhere.

2. Q: Can I use your character in my comic/animation/fanfiction?

A: Yep! I don't see why not.

3. Q: Can I ship *insert character name here* with Stitch?

A: Sure, have fun! But I sure do hope that the character in question is not a child. I am strongly against it.

4. Q: Can I create NSFW🔞 content of Stitch?

A: Yes, unless it involves children/incest. Do not draw stuff like that.

5. Q: Can I voice act your comics?

A: Any day!! Just don't forget to put credits, everything else is up to you! ^^

— NOT ALLOWED

I'm being repetitive here, but whatever. These are the only things I don't want people to do with my character, and I hope you understand why.

DO NOT create content depicting Stitch engaging with children in sexual manner.

DO NOT create content depicting Stitch endorsing incest/racism/f*scism/n*zism or anything similar to that.

As advice, I'd kindly ask you not to create stuff like this at all. Please be a better person and be responsible with what you create and put out there on the internet.

— About asks/questions

Questions that I have already answered won't get a reply.

Not all the questions will get their answers. Either because it's not the time for the answer yet or because it's irrelevant/not a question at all.

If there's too many questions, yours might be missed/might get a late reply(currently i have 70+ questions, no joke, and i just cant answer all of them, especially when there's more of them every day). But don't be shy asking questions anyway!

Other reasons for your questions not getting an answer:

I might be busy because I also have to live a life.

If your question is something like "I love your au sm," then thank you. I really appreciate your kind words, you are making my day💞

I might not want to answer your question for reasons. (Provocative questions, personal questions, etc)

If you are asking something related to YOUR OWN mental health. Please, PLEASE, if you have real problems, do not try to find a solution for them from internet strangers, go and talk to a real, qualified professional.

Please do not vent to me, I am not qualified to offer you help. I wish you the best, please stay safe.

And just a separate point about roleplays. Sorry, but I don't really do them. I can play along to something unserious and small, but whole roleplays are not for me.

— About Stitch

Stitch uses any pronouns, but they/them is a preferred one.

They are aroace.

The place they live in is called "Treatment space"(the info on what it is will be elaborated on sometime later). It is accessible for anyone in Omega Timeline at any given point through a door. But it can also be accessed from anywhere if you have one of 2 special keys: small red key that will create a door for 1 person leading to the Treatment Space or the bigger dark red key that will create a much bigger door, also leading to the Treatment Space(backyard). Keys can be mostly found in Omega Timeline, but some are scattered throughout the Multiverse.

They mimic the voice according to the form they have at the moment. So Sans' voice for a form of Sans, etc.

For all the different parts of plush bodies and clothes, there is a separate big room in Treatment Space.

Stitch doesn't need to sleep, eat, or drink.

Their most preferred forms are Toriel(convenience) and Sans(frequency of use).

The forms they don't like to use the most are the ones that are small(like Temmie, annoying dog, Flowey, etc.)

— The Lore(WIP)

Prologue

Chapter 1: Lucky streak — part 1

— Stitch's forms

I have some forms drawn separately, and some that I drew with some other sketches. I MIGHT be a bit too lazy to draw every from individually for now, so here's what I have:

Papyrus

Muffet

Mettaton

Alphys

Gaster

Monster kid (MK)

Grillby

Frisk and Chara(want to change them)

Toriel(if you can't tell, I like this one a lot)

Asgore, Flowey, Sans, Undyne, some stuff

More info will be added later

[grandline-fics]

Hi! Hope I’m no bother but I fell upon your blog and I couldn’t help but love it. I wondered if I could have a hcs, drables, one shot, any format who arrange you, with Shanks and Mihawk (Sorry if you aren’t comfortable with those characters, pick up other if you prefer) who meet their first love after years and years of no see? I heard a lot that you will forever love your first love, so I wondered how they would reacted to meet them/her once adults and mature. They stay with their first genuine love quite a long time, 5-7 years, and broke up for no real valid reasons, just because they were young and else, they met their first love maybe at 16-17 yo. Sorry my English is awful :,)

DESCRIPTION: You’re their first love and reunite after so many years

WARNINGS: none

CHARACTERS: Mihawk, Shanks

WORDS: 2,388

A/N:  Sorry I've gotten so behind on these, it's been a rough few weeks but I'll hopefully be back on track soon. Thank you for this request. I really hope you like it!

*REQUESTS ARE OPEN*

MASTERLIST

———————

MIHAWK

Love wasn’t a word Mihawk considered to be heavily used in his vocabulary. Some would call him heartless and cruel but he was a realist. If anything he thought the world overused it to the point of it losing it’s depth and importance which was why he tended to rarely let it fall from his lips. Yes he had ‘lovers’ from time to time but were they ever considered someone he loved? No. None of them even came close to that. How could they when the one that had claimed his heart, the one that taught him the true meaning of the word love, was you. 

Although it had been so many years, the memories he had with you were still so clear and sharp that they could have rivalled any blade. Your paths had crossed at the very beginning of his travels across the world in the hopes of training and claiming the title of the world’s greatest swordsman as his own. He had been pointed to your home by the locals after asking who the best sword fighter was, eager to add another victory to his steadily growing list. However when he appeared at your home he was a little thrown to find you tending to a small plot of farmland. Mihawk knew you were the only one living here as the locals had told him that much, so there was no confusing you were the one he was looking for. He wasn’t expecting someone who looked as young as him to be his supposed opponent. Still he was proof that age had no bearing on talent. So he challenged you.  

Quickly he was thrown once more when you lifted your head from your work to fix him with a look he’d never forgotten. Your eyes were bright and silently assessing and whatever it was you saw in him made your lips quirk into an amused smirk that in his youth had made Mihawk skin prickle with an unfamiliar warmth. He could only watch as you rose with the basket of freshly pulled vegetables in your arms and firmly refused his challenge and walked towards your house. He’d never been refused before and demanded to know why, following you inside. “I don’t need to give you a reason.” Had been your cool reply before you looked over your shoulder at him. “I just don’t want to.”

“I’m not leaving until you fight me.” Mihawk had boldly declared, the intense sincerity of his words causing you to laugh. At the sound, he had originally bristled but it wouldn’t be long before he found that it was his among his favourite things in the world. True to his word, Mihawk had stayed on the island far longer than he had intended. Every day he came to your home and challenged you. Every day you refused and watched him storm away. Eventually though after your refusal you would invite him to stay; sometimes to share something to eat, or even to go on a walk, or to help you with your chores. At first he hadn’t understood why he so readily spent the time with you but then he did. He wanted to be with you more than he wanted to fight you. When he realised that, his time with you each day grew more and more until he didn’t go and stopped challenging you completely. 

You loved him completely and never wanted to be apart from him, because even though you were both young you knew what you felt was real and unshakable. However you knew that it wasn’t right. He couldn’t remain on a tiny island when his ambition lay out in the large and unseen world. As much as it pained you to do so, you insisted it was time to stop things. Mihawk had to go and become the greatest swordsman and you had to stay on the island because as it stood, you were the only one that could protect the others living there. Your reputation kept many away but as Mihawk had proved, some would come looking for a fight or to cause harm to the innocent. Begrudgingly Mihawk saw the sense in your words and he left but you were never forgotten. 

Now here he stood in some nowhere town on some random island, watching you talk to an elderly woman tending to a flower stand in the middle of the market square. It was you, he knew it was you. Time had aged you like the finest of wines, your beauty matured for all to see. Then you laughed and it proved what he’d already known. After all this time without you and even though any free moment he had he thought of you, to see you now and know that you were just a few feet away from his touch he couldn’t help but let his mind wonder about you beyond his fondest memories. What if you’d married? What if you didn’t remember him? What if you didn’t want to see him? 

When you said goodbye to the woman and started to walk away, Mihawk found that his previous worries disappeared instantly, not wanting to risk losing this chance. Immediately he set off through the crowd in the direction you went in. Thankfully you hadn’t gotten too far and when he was close, his hand lightly touched your shoulder and took a step back when you turned suddenly to face him. 

Your expression flickered from confusion to shock and then joy at the unexpected sight of your first love standing in front of you. It gave Mihawk a feeling of relief to see the smile light your face before your expression became playful. “Well? Aren’t you going to ask me?” Mihawk blinked in confusion but quickly he realised you meant a challenge and let out a small breath of amusement. Slowly he shook his head. 

“No, I just don’t want to.” He answered simply, smirking when you finally stepped closer and slid your hand around his arm.

“In that case, I’m not leaving you until you do.” Mihawk chuckled and started walking down the street with you. Finally reunited with the only person he ever loved? There was no way he was going to let you go again. 

SHANKS

When Shanks was young he never fully understood why Roger, Rayleigh and the other older members of the crew got so distracted and frankly stupid in his opinion when they were around ‘attractive’ people when they were visiting an island. It always went beyond just enjoying being off of the ship for a while and making friends. Curious one day as they sailed on a calm stretch of water, he turned the question to the vice-captain who laughed at the question. So Shanks pressed more. “It just doesn’t make sense. What’s so special about them that makes you all so goofy and red faced? The Marines would lower your bounty if they saw you like that, the Captain too.”

“Oh, you’ll understand when you’re older Shanks.” Rayleigh told him with another laugh and light clap on his shoulder. Still that answer wasn’t good enough for him and he stared at the older man. If he was old enough to ask the question, surely he’d be considered old enough now for an actual answer. Seeing that the issue wasn’t going to drop, Rayleigh relented just a little more and sighed. “Look Shanks, it’s a little hard to explain but it’s another way of enjoying life and our adventures. We don’t know how much time we have at sea before finding a new island so it’s best to enjoy all it has to offer. Company with attractive people who feel the same about you is another aspect of that.”

“Doesn’t it make you sad though? You never see them again. Don’t you miss them?”

“Not really. It’s not love and they know that.”

“Huh…” Shanks felt even more confused then. The older crew always had a sickly loved up expression during the encounters he’d witnessed before they disappeared with their new ‘friends’ for the evening. So if it wasn’t love what was it? More to the point a new question came out of his mouth. “So what does love feel like?”

“Love? What’s with the hard questions today, lad?” The vice-captain muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean it’s different for everyone. Sometimes it’s slow, other times it’s fast and comes out of nowhere. Still I suppose at the same time, love feels similar. It’s like lightning hitting you mind, body, and soul. It’s powerful. When you’re in love and know it, it’s like nothing else matters but them. It’s like their very presence can calm and excite you all at once.” Shanks slowly nodded. He could understand that in theory but one person being the only thing he could think about seemed dangerous to him. Satisfied with the answer given, he finally let Rayleigh continue with his day.

Looking back on that conversation now that he was older, Shanks would laugh at his own naivety as lust was certainly something he knew when he hit puberty just as Rayleigh had predicted and know it a lot. Love however, he only ever experienced once. Only a year after the conversation about love, the crew had docked on an island and headed straight for a restaurant in desperate need of plenty of good food and drink. Taking a seat, Shanks sat back and waited for the usual fun to start. Given the sudden increased size of customers, the owner called for you to help out the family business and take the orders. 

You made your way to Shanks’ table and took the orders. Shanks was distractedly looking at the menu and had zoned out, only snapping out of it when your hand lightly pushed the rim of his straw hat up and leant in to smile at him. “Anything catching your eye or do you need more time?”   

Shanks’ lips parted as he stared blankly at you, feeling like something shot right through his body. He was frozen in place and yet he felt warm, lost completely in your eyes. It felt like an age before his mind began to work again but really it had been only a few seconds. Quickly he managed to clear his throat and picked the first thing he saw when he forced his eyes back onto the menu. At the sound of you moving onto the next table, Shanks let out a breath only to wince when Buggy’s elbow caught him in the ribs. “Jeez, what came over you?” He’d asked, finding his friend and rival’s reaction to you funny but at the same time it was concerning to see Shanks so out of sorts. However the others at the table smirked, knowing the signs immediately. 

It seemed like luck was truly on Shanks’ side when he was told they would be staying on the island for a few months to ensure they had enough supplies and preparation done before continuing on the next stretch of the journey. That meant he got to spend more time with you which was all he wanted. Luckier still, you seemed to be as equally taken with him. It had been just as Rayleigh had described love, you were all that mattered in his waking and sleeping moments and you brought him a sense of calm he’d never felt before but at the same time just being near you made his entire being feel restless and excited. 

While he fell in love first you fell in love with him just as fast. Sadly it never got to last because in what felt like a blink, he and the rest of Roger’s crew were saying goodbye to those they’d gotten to know in their time on land. You’d done your best to keep a brave face and seem cheerful for Shanks’ sake. “You can always come back and visit some day, right?” You told him with a tight smile. “You’ll have plenty of stories of your adventures to tell me when we see each other again.”

“I promise each one will be more impressive than the last. The next time you see me, I’ll be Captain of my own ship.” Shanks promised with a proud puff of his chest that made you smile through the hurt of having to say goodbye. 

True to his word, Shanks did become captain of his own ship and his great adventures took him over the world, some distracting him from the promise he had every intention of keeping. However as the years passed, he’d idly considered had time only made his feelings for you seem stronger than they had been through mere nostalgia. When he did finally manage to return to your island, he had been shocked to hear that you’d left many years ago. The disappointment he’d felt at the news told him that no, it wasn’t nostalgia; his feelings for you had been real. 

Another handful of years passed and one evening in a tavern, Shanks and his crew talked and laughed as drink and food flowed freely. As Shanks drained the drink in his hand he faintly heard the sound of the chair beside him being taken. At first he thought it was Benn or Yasopp but when he glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw you there, his entire body locked. Choking on his drink, Shanks felt the painful burn in his throat as he forced his drink down instead of coughing it up. Wheezing he slammed his hand against his chest and could feel his heart beating rapidly and he knew it wasn’t because he nearly drowned on his drink. “Y-you!” He managed out, finally able to look at you, the same feeling he’d had in his youth crashing into him hard. “Wow.”

“Wow yourself.” You grinned, taking in the sight of how much the boy you’d fallen in love with had changed yet still felt the same. “So, got any stories for me, Captain?” Shanks laughed and turned properly in his seat to fix you with his full attention, his eyes set firmly on your face. 

“I’ve got a lifetime of stories for you, just as promised.”

“Good, because I’m not going anywhere.”

[moonlightspencie]

part 2 of the fake dating!james drabble as suggested by @simp-for-fiction!

part 1 here : part 2

pairing: james potter x reader

——————————

It had been two weeks since the night he kissed you and then proceeded to pretend as if he hadn't. You really couldn't blame him considering that you had also been hesitant to bring it up. After all, it was a part of the act.

But then again, it felt so real.

He was dragging you to yet another event today, telling you to dress nice. You complained, of course, but the second he mentioned that you'd be getting a nice fancy dinner for free... who were you to turn down such a compelling evening?

You showed up at his flat in your sleek black evening gown, feeling quite pretty, and knocked on his door. He opened it a moment later, looking a bit frazzled: his hair was a mess, his tie undone, and his glasses absent from his face.

"...hey?" you greeted.

"Hi," he replied quickly, ushering you inside before scurrying through the flat. "Sorry, promise I'll be done soon!"

"You okay?" you asked hesitantly, following him to his room.

He shuffled through things in his room, spraying himself with cologne and trying to smooth out his hair.

"Fine. Just... maybe, accidentally fell asleep and only started getting ready fifteen minutes ago," he winced a little.

You snorted a laugh. "Alright, that's fine. Do we need to be there right on time?"

"No... I guess we don't, but," he sighed, finally taking a good look at you. "You showed up on time looking... beautiful. The least I can do is get you there when I said I would."

"James, we've known each other for years. I'm not exactly expecting you to turn things around for a girl you're pretending to date."

He smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, I guess that's true. Still, though."

"Don't worry about it," you reiterated, sitting on his bed.

He continued getting ready, now quite a bit less frazzled, and you were on your way before you knew it. He led you inside some charity event that he'd been invited to. You knew his family was rich, but this... this was something else.

"So... Lily is gonna be here?" you ask in a bit of surprise as he walked you through the ballroom.

"No," he replied simply, bringing you to sit at a table with little place-cards indicating your seats.

You furrowed your brow. "What... then, why are we here?"

"Photos, of course. They go in the Prophet. Evans will see them, and hopefully get jealous."

"Thats a pretty elaborate plan, Potter."

"It'll work," he said, waving off your concerns. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing here."

You snorted, but didn't really feel like complaining the second the food and drinks came out. Even more, you were perfectly happy once dancing began. It felt like a really fancy school ball with a bunch of people who were much more intimidating than your classmates. But... James made it easy.

"And spin," he instructed with a laugh, twirling you around. He caught you, pulling you into his chest again. "See? You're a natural."

"Far from it," you laughed. "If it weren't for you, I'd be tripping over my own two feet."

"Nah. You're great," he smiled brightly, annoyingly charming as always.

"I didn't grow up with this stuff. You dont have to lie to make me feel better."

"I'm not lying. Swear. You're good."

You smiled a little, shaking your head. "You know, we should really hang out more. I think I like hanging out with you when I'm not being paraded around for you to get Lily's attention the whole time."

"We hang out," he said, tilting his head a little.

"Not really," you smiled a little. "I hang out with Remus and Sirius, and... sometimes you're just there. I wouldn't quantify us as friends, per se."

"I would. Per se," he snorted a laugh. "We are now at least."

"Maybe."

"Don't maybe me," he laughed cheerfully.

You chuckled right back, about to respond when a flash went off. You blinked, looking in the direction of the light.

An older man who looked far too happy with himself, held up his camera. "Beautiful young couple! That will make a lovely photo for the papers."

"Oh, we're not--"

James cut you off. "Thank you! We've been told."

"Oh," you nodded a little. Right. This was the whole point of the event.

The photographer gave you another overly-peppy grin, then bid you adieu. You glanced at James.

"You really think she'll see that?"

"Everyone will see it," he shrugged.

"Everyone?" you swallowed. "Ugh. James, I don't know if that's a good thing. For everyone to think we're..."

"What, am I not enough for you?" he teased.

"That's not what I mean, James. It's just that people talk. Do we really need a public break up from a relationship we were never in."

"Eh," he shrugged. "We'll burn that bridge when we get to it."

"It's supposed to be cross that bridge."

"Either way," he grinned.

"Quit worrying," he kissed your cheek. "Now, come on. We have the whole rest of the night to have fun together, now."

"Right. Lead the way, Potter."

[sunnys-out]

I've loved you for so long (1) | Lucy Bronze

A/N: Hello! I haven't written in so long but here is something that I have been working on since the WC (she's a short one I know). I didn't post it earlier because I was moving and starting a new job but everything has calmed down and I had time to edit it. Please let me know what y'all think and hopefully, I can post the 2nd part soon! If you like my writing maybe through in a suggestion and I'll try my best! :D

Content: Angst, Fluff if you squint

{Word Count: 2004}

______________________________________________________________

I've loved you for so long

Oh, I'd forgotten how it feels

Feelings come back strong

'I've Loved You For So Long - The Aces'

Lucy and I had met, informally, in 2015 in Canada, we never played against each other in that World Cup but that didn’t stop us from bumping into each other at Tim Hortons. The couple of times that we ran into each other at the World Cup caused small conversations and laughs that left me wanting more. God, even just her smile left me wanting. 

I didn’t message her throughout our respective seasons right after the World Cup but sometimes I’d click on her Instagram profile and just scroll and see her thrive in Manchester City. Well I did drum up the courage to message once.

‘It’d probably be weird if I messaged her out of the blue right?... I mean it has been weeks  since Canada?’ I told myself as I lay on my small apartment couch in Portland.  

My thumb hovered over the send button with a slight tremble.

“Fuck it” My thumb harshly hit the screen and the quick ‘Wanted to say that you had an amazing tournament. Shame we never played against each other ♥️That goal against Canada was a banger meant to send that in Canada lol!”  message was delivered.

 I swear I threw my phone onto the other side of my couch and took a shower not expecting to see two notifications sent five minutes after me.

‘Lucy Bronze liked your message’

‘Lucy Bronze: ‘means a lot. Hope to see you again soon, miss world champion ⭐️⭐️⭐️’

I didn’t notice the smile growing as I looked at the notifications on the screen. I probably read it 20 times, setting the phone down on my coffee table and pacing the room debating whether I should respond or what I even should respond with. 

“Lucy is funny, maybe I can joke about how it’s been long or maybe just a ‘feeling is mutual’” I said aloud to myself.

‘Why am I getting worked up about this?” My hair is now messy by how many times I redid my ponytail pacing the room for 13 minutes. I kept procrastinating and just settled with getting ready for bed.

‘I’ll just respond tomorrow,’ I said, confidently,  plugging in my phone and placing it on my nightstand. That sentiment lasted about 2 minutes before I walked quickly back into my room picking up my phone, opening the message, and liking Lucy’s before responding. 

Y/N: I would love to see you again! I hope it's somewhere other than Tim Hortons even though I loved that place lol 🙂

My phone immediately locked as I got into bed and turned away from my phone. I closed my eyes tightly trying to go to sleep quickly so that in the rare probability that Lucy would continue the conversation, I could deal with it tomorrow morning, maybe ask Klingenburg for advice. Though she might scold me for fraternizing with the enemy, jokingly of course. Defenders knew other defenders right? Kling would find it funny that a right winger is flirting with a right back.

My thoughts were interrupted by one vibration and then two more in succession. My body slowly turned over to see my phone lit up still and then slowly dimming. My hand, subconsciously, went over, picked up my phone, and opened the messages seeing Lucy liking my message.

Lucy: Let me buy you a cup whenever you’re in Manchester; there are some cafes you’d like here.

Lucy: I would love to show you around 🙂 

I smiled at the messages and immediately replied without a second thought

Y/N: I will let you know because I do need a vacation 🥲

Y/N: And I would love to give you a tour of Portland, the coffee capital of the world. Worth it.

I stared at the messages until I saw a little heart appear on my last message. The little dots of a message incoming made me nervously tap the side of my phone. 

Lucy Bronze: I’ll take that as a promise 😉

Y/N: And I expect that cup of coffee in Manchester is a promise too ☺️

Lucy would only like the message and I would promptly go to sleep after waiting 15 minutes for a message that never came. I tried my best to not think about it but the feeling that came from reading her messages and the smile that would creep onto my face…I wouldn’t forget. 

Hayley Raso came into my life slowly after that. Glances turned to long stares. The lingering touches throughout practice became more than a pat on the back for a job well done. The smiles and laughs echoed off the walls of Providence Park as we walked to our cars until it was just to my car.

The weekly movie nights at my place turned into watching a show and cuddling together after practice for days on end. Another toothbrush appeared in the bathroom and suddenly my queen-sized bed wasn’t as empty. 

Mornings were met with a quick kiss, a hug from behind, and sweet nothings whispered in each other's ear.

Going to practice wasn’t done alone anymore and it was nice to have someone waiting on you if you had to stay behind to see the physio.

It was easy since we were both playing for Portland at the time and the team weren’t surprised when we told them.

 Little by little the Australian would appear in my Instagram photos and I in hers. 

The one that “broke the internet” was Hayley’s post of her kissing me on the cheek at the end of a game when the USWNT and Australia had a friendly. The one that sealed the deal for everyone was my Christmas post of photos of the party I had at my apartment. One, a particular one at the end, Hayley was in my lap while I kissed her. 

Something, however, nagged at me every time I saw a certain person's name pop up “Lucy Bronze liked your post” but I ignored it. I now know it was the feeling of the “what if” and “what could have been”. 

‘Did Lucy not want this with me? Maybe that’s why she never followed up. I probably said something to scare her away. Hayley didn’t run away’ I remember thinking to myself and as if on cue two arms snake their way around my waist. 

“Everything alright babe?” Hayley said into my back, I, immediately, felt my shoulders relax at the sound of Hayley’s voice.

I whispered, “I'm alright, just read some rude comments. You know how some people get”. I lied to Hayley; I was happy in our relationship and shouldn’t be wondering about the “what could have been” with someone that wasn’t her.  

Hayley would then go on to say that she’s told me to never look at the comments because when have the mean ones ever done something for us? She’d led me back to the bedroom to get ready for bed as we had an early practice but not after she promised to take my mind off the “negative comments”...it worked. 

______________________________________________________________

She Believes Cup March 6th, 2016, 

Lucy Bronze’s POV

We hadn’t played the United States in Canada which is a shame to not be able to play the future World Champions. Once, we had heard that we would be playing them in the She Believes Cup. I was excited for multiple reasons.

The US call up was released and I would be playing against (y/n). Since the World Cup, (Y/N) was making a name for herself as a strong right winger and playmaker for Portland and the National team.

On the pitch, she seemed cold and intimidating, but I met her as the complete opposite. 

I was able to just watch her tap her lip with her finger with her US cap on backward as she decided which pastry she wanted with her coffee at that Tim Hortons. She whistled quietly as she waited her turn and then adorably, fumbled through her order. Then humming to herself happily as she waited on the side with her warm croissant covered by a napkin.  

I was in awe of her. I had seen her play before and was always impressed by what I’d seen but never played against her. 

As I went up to order my own coffee and pastry I noticed her scrolling through her phone, laughing to herself. (y/n’s) eyes crinkle when she laughs or smiles really big. She hadn’t noticed me when I stood next to her, also waiting for my drink, there I took notice that she was at least three inches above me and that she sticks out her tongue when she is reading something. 

I breathed in and said loud enough for her to hear as she read, “I won’t tell your trainer if you don’t tell mine” I shook my little bag containing the coffee cake I had just ordered. I chuckled at the little jump she gave when she noticed me.

“Shit, sorry you scared me” a nervous laugh leaving her mouth

I extended my hand, “Sorry bout that. I’m Lucy, Lucy Bronze with England”  

She completed the handshake, “(y/n) (l/n) with the US…obviously” She pointed to her hat that had USA stitched on the back.

The conversation had good enough banter that we both remained at a table for about 2 hours talking about life and football. I could tell you that I fell for the way she looked at me with her gentle (y/e/c) eyes as she described the antics of her new golden retriever puppy named Chili she had adopted when she went to Portland.

I never really was intimidated or made nervous by any American player, especially on the pitch but watching her warm up with an icy cold expression during the She Believes Cup match made me question if the person I met at Tim Horton’s was the same person. 

I don’t think I was nervous but I lost count of how many times I would try to get a glimpse of her as she warmed up. Every time I did I’d feel the blush on my cheeks as I remembered the short text conversation that we had shortly after the World Cup. 

I regretted so much for not following up immediately; I got scared. If (y/n) asked me today why I didn’t respond, I wouldn’t have known what to say to be honest. Lack of courage was what Jill had told me as Jordan patted my back while reading the messages.  

The moment that I finally gained the courage to message (y/n) on Instagram to invite her to Manchester for a visit, was the day when I saw the picture of Hayley Raso kissing her cheek at a friendly. It was the first thing I saw when I opened the app to message her.

I remember my stomach dropping like the feeling when you don’t feel the bottom of a pool. 

I had it all planned in my head that she’d accept and I had a mini itinerary in my head of things she would’ve enjoyed and sightseeing spots. But the photo of her with her face buried in Hayley’s neck as she hugged her made the feeling worse.

Raso had beat me to (y/n) and she didn’t even know it. I kicked myself for not being brave. I would’ve had her in my arms sooner. I tell her all the time that I fell for her immediately and from meeting her I wanted more of her every passing day. 

Just seeing her across the field filled me with the tucked away feelings I had for her. I remember thinking…What I would have given to be there again talking about the most mundane things over coffee. Hearing her try her hardest to tell a joke but failing as she laughs remembering the punch line or even unconsciously speaking with an English accent when we spoke… God, I really loved her for so long.

[ahgasegotarmy116]

Who is My Heart Waiting for? | Park Jimin One Shot | Teaser

Summary: Getting closer to one of the staff on tour didn't seem like such a bad idea...that is until Jimin realizes that his feelings for her are more than just platonic. Pairing: Rockstar!Jimin pov x Staff f!reader (Strings is her nickname) Warnings: Explicit language but that's about it at this point (I'll add more when I post the full version) a/n: This is my first Jimin fic and my first fic that's written from the idol's pov so hopefully you guys will enjoy the switch up this time. Not sure when I'll post it but I wanted to see if I have an audience for it since I mostly just write for Jungkook 😅 p.s. It's not a surprise that this is based on the lyrics from 'Who' by Jimin because holy shit that song is incredible so I had to write something about it. Hopefully you guys'll like it 🤞🏼

"Come on loser let's go! I'm hungry" she says and I scoff, jogging over to her. "Hungry? From what?" I ask and she glares, looking me up and down. "From taking care of you guys. What else would I do all day?" she asks. I know she works hard but it's fun to tease her like this sometimes. 

"Sit back and relax while admiring me" I say and she rolls her eyes, so much so that I would be concerned that they would get stuck at the back of her head if she tried to do it again.

"More like running ramped and being at all of your beck and call. Do you know how difficult it is to take care of five man childs and one very strict overlord" she grumbles, the last part in reference to our manager.

"Man child?" I ask crossing my arms and she nods her head without hesitation. "You sure you there's five of them? And all this time thought we were friends" I say, feigning offense and she doesn't give in. 

"What would you call what we're doing right now?" she asks, sitting down at the booth that the waitress leads us to as soon as we walk in the diner.

"A date?" I say with a smirk on my face and she shakes her head and starts looking through the menu. "More like feeding a whiney hangry baby who needs my help to survive" she say and now I'm the one rolling my eyes.

"I swear your favorite insult is getting a little bit tired isn't it?" I say and she smirks. "Well what would you call that thing that you do when you're singing?" she asks

"A cry or sometimes a growl depending on the song" I tease, throwing an arm around the back of the booth leaving her sliding away from me to create some distance between us but I slide towards her to keep her close. 

"Why do you feel the need to be so close to me?" she grumbles, accepting defeat once we're almost all the way at the other end of the booth with one good scoot, if she had taken it leaving her falling on her ass. 

"Because I like being close to you. Plus you're always mumbling whenever we're in public so this is the only way I can hear you" I explain, making excuses and she scoffs and mutters something inaudible under her breath. 

"See I couldn't even guess what you could've possibly said even though I'm this close to you" I say to prove my point. "Because it wasn't for your ears dumbass. Now figure out what you're gonna eat before I let you starve" she says, shoving a menu towards me. 

I chuckle and flip through it and eventually we're giving the waitress our orders and I turn to face Strings once she's gone.

"Why do you always treat me like I'm a nuisance when we're out in public?" I question and she takes a very long sip of her water to avoid answering right away.

"Because you are" she answers and pulls her phone out to check a message that just came in and when I see the name 'Alex' pop up on her screen I get a little disheartened for some weird reason. 

When she unlocks her phone I catch a quick glimpse of their conversation and it's full of messages planning for them to meet up. "Who's Alex?" I ask and she locks her phone immediately. 

"A friend, not that it's any of your business" she replies curtly and her pointed answer kicks me in the gut. "What kind of friend?" I ask, trying to get more information before making assumptions but she gives me nothing. 

"Just a friend alright?" she says and takes a drink of her water and I let out a sigh, scooting back and giving both of us some air to breathe.

She takes it as a chance to respond to the messages and when more come in I catch a hint of a smile and I scoff. 

"What?" she asks, clearly confused with my reaction. "Seems like they're a lot more than just a friend from the way you're smiling at their replies" I nod towards her phone and she locks the screen again and places it in her bag. 

"Fine, happy?" she says, showing that she'll give me her full attention now in hopes to change the subject and before I have a chance to the waitress comes back...

Okay that's all you're getting for the teaser because I couldn't find a good stopping point but comment down below if you'd like to be tagged!

[orcasoul]

Remember Cyar'ika part 2

Okay here goes. This is my first fanfic ever. I'm by no means a writer but hopefully someone will enjoy this Din Djarin story...

Summary: Reader and Din are in a relationship and have been tracking bounties together. She gets injured during a hunt and has amnesia and can't remember her life with Din. Din promises to be there for her no matter what.

Warnings: angst, swearing, violence, use of Y/N

Italics indicate inward thinking

Word Count: 3,080

The next morning you wake with a sense of dread. You know you have to tell Din about your decision today. Tears start to prick at your eyes knowing that you are about to hurt him, again. This will be the last time I hurt you, you sadly think to yourself. You know it's for the best, for his sake. Without you around to constantly remind him of what is lost he can move on and try to rebuild his life, maybe even love again, sometime in the future. It hurts to know that kind of rare love won't be shared by you both and you begin to feel anger and frustration, knowing that you as well as Din have lost something so pure and meaningful. Blinking back the tears you open the bunk door and see Din in the cargo bay, checking his supplies. "Morning Y/N," Din greeted you with that soft modulated voice you've grown accustomed to. "We'll be leaving soon to deliver the bounty to the client on Coruscant. But first we'll need to make a quick trip into town for some supplies before departing."

You just stare at him, knowing today will be the last day you ever hear his voice, that soothing gentle voice, the last time you will ever see the way he moves; Everything that makes him uniquely Din. In this moment you want nothing more than to memorise everything about him and you have to swallow the lump that's forming in your throat. "Are you okay?" Din asks almost nervously, snapping you out of your thoughts. "I...uh...yeah..." is all you can muster. Din's helmet tilts to the side and you know when he does that he's not convinced. Before he can press any further you rush to the ladder and climb for the cockpit. "I'll just grab my bag and we can go," you say, trying to sound casual.

As you both walk through the town you take notice of the buildings around you and come across an Inn, making note of the location as this will have to be your new abode for a while. Having collected all the necessary supplies Din informs you it's time to go. Reaching the outskirts of the town you slow down and come to a complete stop. It's time. "Mando," you whisper sadly, causing him to stop and face you. "We need to talk." He stands silently and you find yourself lowering your head, hating yourself for what you're going to have to say next.

"What's wrong?" he asks, hesitantly. "I heard you last night. I followed you to the woods and I heard.... everything." Looking up you see his shoulders slump slightly. "I'm sorry," he sighed. "You weren't supposed to see that-" "No," you quickly cut him off. "You have nothing to apologise for. I'm sorry! For everything I've put you through over these months. I'm sorry that I don't remember you, remember us!" All of a sudden tears spill down your face as the crushing weight of the guilt you've been suppressing for the last four months becomes too much to bare. "I'm so sorry Mando, I never wanted to hurt you but I can see now what this is doing to you and and I can't.... I won't do it to you anymore."

Din felt as though his heart had dropped to his stomach. He can't imagine his life without you in it. He would take any and all emotional pain if it meant you'd stay with him. He could feel tears building behind his eyes but he blinked them back, trying to calm the situation. He quickly put down the supplies he was holding and walks over to you, taking your supplies and placing them on the ground. He delicately takes your now trembling hands in his own and you look sorrowfully into his visor through tear soaked lashes. "Please don't talk like that," he replies, his voice starting to crack with emotion. "It's been hard for both of us but I love you and I'll always be here to take care of you. I'll never leave you so please..... don't leave me!" His hands tighten on yours with the last three words and his voice trembles as a single tear escapes him. You begin to sob and you throw your arms around his neck burying your face in the crook of it.

He reciprocates the hug by holding you tightly against his body and placing a hand soothingly at the back of your head, stroking your hair. He has been desperate to hold you for so long and embraces you with a burning intensity, fearing to let go as this will be the last time, and that realisation shatters his already aching heart. Slowly you pull away to look where his eyes are behind his visor and place one hand on the cheek of his helmet. "I care about you too much to see you go through this everyday. We tried...." you sigh, defeated, while shaking your head. "I've tried so hard to remember ...anything, but it's been months now and I think we both know nothing is going to change. It would be selfish of me to stay. You deserve a life and to find love again with someone in the future-" "Don't!" He sharply interjects and you can tell by his voice that he'd been crying with you. "I don't want anyone else, ever. I want you! I love you so much that words could never express the depth of what I feel for you. You are my....everything."

He pulls you back into a gentle hug and you both just stay there for a few moments, absorbing the feel of one another, the only sounds being your mixed cries. "I hope someday I can love the way you love me," you whisper into the side of his helmet. "I'm sorry, but I can't go with you to Coruscant. It's.... tearing me apart, but I have to do this, for you." "But where will you go? What will you do?" Din asks with clear concern in his voice. The thought of leaving you behind, not knowing if you'll be okay is unbearable for him. "I have enough credit's for lodging in the town and I'm sure I can find a job somewhere. I'll be okay," you try to reassure him. He sighs and shakes his head. "Is there anything I can do to change your mind?" You so desperately want to change your min. It's all you can do to not give in! But it's for his sake you're doing this and you must see it through. With a sad smile you shake your head. "I want you to know I'll always be your friend Mando. I can never repay you for all you've done for me. I don't know what else to say except... thank you".

A moment of silence passes before Din proclaims in a soft voice, "I'll always love you, Cyar'ika." You wish you could tell him you love him. You do as a friend but it's not the same. You gently squeeze his hands and tiptoe to place your forehead against his helmet. "I know," Is all you can say. Slowly you turn to pick up the supplies off the ground, telling Din you'll help him bring the supplies back to the ship and collect your belongings. Din collects the items he'd put down and slowly and quietly you both make your way back to the Crest. You pass through the outer town walls and approach the outskirts of the woodland, the Crest being a 15 minute walk away. It's peaceful here with the odd rustle of an animal passing by and the lazy breeze blowing and rustling the leaves. You turn your face to the sun, trying to find some comfort in the warmth of it's rays when suddenly... BLAST!!

You turn sharply to see the shot bounce of off Din's armour. He instantly drops his supplies and launches himself at you, cocooning you with his broad body until he reaches a boulder you can both hide behind. Once he's certain you are unharmed he pulls his blaster out and frantically scans the area. "This has been a long time coming, Mando!" A deep voice booms. "Come out now and make this easy on yourself." "What do you want?" Din shouted, in confusion. "Revenge!" The voice retorts with a sickening glee. "You remember that Togruta you hunted down and killed two years ago?... That was my brother, you son of a Nerf Hearder!" "I had no choice," Din tries to reason. He remembers the quarry well. "He shot first so I took him out. Just walk away now. This doesn't have to get ugly." Of course Din can handle himself in a blaster fight but he's terrified for your safety right now. "Walk away?" the Togruta scoffs, incredulously. "I've been waiting for this moment for years. You're not leaving here alive." As he says that you both hear multiple blaster clicks, readying, coming from the surrounding trees, and you realise this guy has brought some muscle with him.

The Togruta walks into full view accompanied by two Cereans. "Come out and we'll spare the girl," he demands. "Mando, don't," you all but beg him, but he slowly and confidently walks from behind the boulder to face the group head on. "Last warning, Walk away," Din warns in a cold voice, hand at his blaster. Without warning the Togruta fires his blaster followed by his two companions. The shots ricochet off of Din's Beskar armour. Din returns fire, taking out one of the Cereans immediately and jumps out of the line of fire. The Togruta and remaining Cerean duck for cover behind the trees. You realise there are more shots coming from two other locations on your left. Suddenly the blaster shots aren't the only things flashing before your eyes! In your mind you can see yourself ducking behind a large wooden crate, blaster in hand. You are cornered by four Twi'leks. you return fire with expert precision, taking out two of them. You look to your right and see Din decimate several enemies at once with his Whistling Birds.

The memories hit you like a tidal wave! It's as if you've woken up from a bad dream, a bad dream that has kept you captive for the past four months. But now you're awake. The memories keep coming; You see Din turn in your direction, running as fast as he can to assist you in your fight. As he gets closer he fatally blasts one of the Twi'leks but before he can get a clear aim for the last one, the Twi'lek throws a grenade in your direction. After that everything is hazy and painful, then all goes dark. The sudden onslaught of memories and the situation you now find yourself in is too much to process in your overwhelmed state. It's hard to breath and focus. But as you look to see if Din is okay, you suddenly feel grounded and focused as you take in the image of the man you love. Love! Your breath catches in your chest as you suddenly feel the love, care and devotion that you have for him flood your heart. You remember him! You remember your love for him! You remember all the bounty hunts you'd embarked upon together, all the laughs you'd shared, all the intimate and loving moments where you were both like one being. Upon remembering everything you are filled with a sudden determination; Protect the man you love, kill your enemies!

You creep around the trees to your left where the blaster fire is coming from. You spot a shooter about 15 feet in front of you. You look in the direction of his fire and see Din returning fire from behind a tree close by. He suddenly disappears back behind the trunk as shots fly at him from his right. He can't take all of them on, you frantically think to yourself, terrified that you'll lose him if you don't do something. You just have to get your hands on one of those blasters. With the attacker's attention solely focused on Din you stealthily creep closer, taking full advantage of the fact he is oblivious to your approach. You pick up a large rock and silently stalk up behind him. In one swift motion you bring the rock down on his head as hard as you can, hearing his skull crack from the impact. He drops lifeless to the floor. You grab his blaster and immediately feel at one with it as the training Din had given you effortlessly returns.

You seek out the source of the remaining blaster fire on your side and eliminate him with a clean headshot. Close by you can still hear blasters firing and you rush back the way you came to the boulder and nervously search for Din. As you approach in his direction you see him fling a lifeless body to the ground and everything becomes silent. But before you can call to him the Togruta sneaks out from behind a tree, blaster raised at Din's back! Din is still too caught up in the moment to notice his approach. You raise your blaster but it's jammed! Terror seizes your whole body and in an act of desperation to save the man you love you throw yourself in the way to shield him from harm. You will give your life to save Din, if needs be. A white hot pain shoots through your thigh as you let out a blood curdling scream and drop to the ground. "Noooo!" Din roars as he turns too late to stop the harrowing scene playing in front of him.

He raises his blaster and shoots the Togruta in the chest. Sprinting over, he drops to his knees beside you examining the deep wound on your leg. He rips a strip of his exposed flight suit off to tie tightly around the gushing wound. "You're gonna be okay, Meshla, I promise!" His voice is fraught with panic. "I have to get you back to the ship, now!" His chest tightens at the thought of losing you again, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. But at that moment he knows he must stay focused for your sake. He gently but swiftly lifts you off the ground bridal style, making sure to avoid your injury and runs as fast as he can for the Razor Crest. Everything is a blur of sky and treetops as you try to focus on Din but you feel yourself slipping into unconsciousness from the loss of blood. "Stay with me!" you hear him beg, even though his voice sounds muffled to your ringing ears. You force your eyes open, desperate to tell him you remember him but find you don't have the strength to even speak! Once again everything fades to black.

As your senses sluggishly come back to you, the first thing you notice is a dull ache in your leg accompanied by Din's pained voice. "Can you open your eyes? Sweetheart I need you to look at me." You blink a few times until the distorted T- shape visor becomes clear. "Mmmm..." you groan as you absent mindedly reach for Din's hand. He immediately grabs your hand and presses it to his chestplate. "I thought.... I thought I'd lost you again," he says in a quiet and broken voice. "I don't know what I would have done if he'd killed you. Why did you do that? Why did you risk yourself like that?" You stare at him with heavy eyes. "I managed to cauterise the wound and but it could have been so much worse." "I-" a cough constricted your throat. "I'll get you some water," Din began as he stood to walk away. It's in this moment you find your voice. "Din..." you croaked as you grab his wrist. Din promptly turns back to you, wide eyed under his helmet.

"Cy... Cyar'ika?" he asks, almost afraid to believe what you had just called him. You smile up at him, tears glistening in your eyes and reply, "Yes!" At that instant Din rips his helmet off and let's it drop to the floor with a loud clank! His warm chestnut eyes search yours and your heart skips a beat at seeing his beautiful face again after so long. "I remember!" you cry out while while lifting your arms to him. Din released a breath he didn't realise he was holding and quickly pulled you into his warm embrace. "I remember you, our life together," you cry into his shoulder. "And I remember how much I love you!" You pull away to look into his eyes, glistening with tears of his own. You lovingly cup one side of his face and he stares straight back into your eyes. "I truly, deeply, love you," you declare to him as tears now run down both of your faces. Din tenderly places his hand over yours and lifts it to press a kiss to your palm. He looks back into your eyes with such joy and relief at hearing those words. "I love you so much," Din breathed and you both lean in together for a kiss that neither one of you thought would ever happen again.

Your lips gently meet each other's and you both desperately hold onto one another, deepening the kiss. Your hands wonder to his wavy brown hair as his hands wander to your hips. You gasp as he starts to place soft kisses down your neck, to your collarbone, then to your shoulder. He buries his face in the crook of your neck and stays there, breathing you in. You place your cheek on the top of his head and close your eyes, humming in contentment. He slowly begins to rock you from side to side and you both become lost in each other's embrace, each other's warmth, each other's bodies and each other's love once again. "I've missed you so much, Meshla," Din cooed into your neck. "I never thought I'd get to hold you again, never get to hear you say you love me. I'll never let anything happen to you again, I swear it" "I'm back, Din..." you lovingly respond, slowly pulling away and tilting his chin to look into your eyes. "And I'll never leave you again."

[onelocket]

Hello Krei! How are you? So I was wondering if I could request Fyodor with a fem s/o who does ballet? And like, her teacher is super hard on her, so she keeps practicing at home and he is always cheering for her and maybe even helping her (like holding her waist for support, and all). Not a NSFW but like this closure of touches and kisses? uwu

hello fyodor’s beloved cello!! i love this idea so much and incase this is more than just an idea, i do hope you’re alright! always prioritize yourself and your health,, i’m so sorry this one took a while, but thank you for requesting ♡

pas de deux Fyodor D. x fem!ballet dancer reader

involves -- domestic relationship, possible inaccuracies but i tried to limit them! ;_;

headcanons

Initially would he only keep a quiet eye on you.

Because personally I find that Fyodor wouldn't be direct with expressing his worries to you at first, even if you have a strict teacher. He trusts you knew what you're signing up for, but sometimes it gets a bit concerning. On certain days you'd see him on a seat nearby where you practicing so he can 'look', or rather — watch over you. Because be as your talent may, if concern for you was a topic, Fyodor has a lot in his head.

"Oh- Fedya, hi." You mutter with a tiny smile, sweat cradling your cheek. He didn't like seeing it. He'd rather have his hand there.

"Milaya," He smiled back, stepping closer to you. "Was that a sauté you just did?"

"...Yeah!" You eventually reply out after a minute of surprise, smile growing. When did he learn that name?

Indirect as his words were, he deep down meant each sentence to check if you were still actually thinking in that head of yours. But he only really asks when you practiced overtime, checking if you still actually had control of your head and wasn't just practicing like a bot with scripts she couldn't comprehend in her head for world forbid what her teacher said.

As time goes, he'd be there for your small break sessions

For you did one day promise you'd take breaks in between the hours you almost comically stretch to unnaturally long sets. At first he wouldn't be there, definitely busy with his own work — but eventually did he appear more often, like he knew when you'd take your breaks. He wanted to just be there for your comfort and his assurance that you're fine, but he speaks sometimes.

"(Name)," He calls out your name in his voice you'd always relax your head to, "Would you like more water? I'll get some for you."

"Ahaha, you're a bit more caring today Fyodor." You joke out quietly, a laugh to hopefully let him take the word as something light. "But yes please, thank you."

A laugh to momentarily break the pressure you put for yourself and the concern you put for him was enough to make him smile in that same moment.

Your loyal fan

If you didn't mind it; Fyodor is always delighted to watch your practices at home, especially because he's one of the firsts to see all of your dedication before the crowd gets to see your angelic play of ballet. May it be as long as practicing a section of a dance you were going to preform soon, or even just as warming up with positions — he loved watching you, soothing his mind away from his continuous thinking.

"I must say, milaya, I don't believe I've seen that position before." Fyodor's chin rests on his intertwined fingers as his elbows meet the desk he was sitting at.

"Mm? Ah- emboîté is more of a set of steps though." You reply back, staying in your position to let the talk settle. "I still find myself a bit stiff with it, so I'm practicing it right now."

"Is that so?" He puts his hands down. "I'm intrigued then. Do continue."

Usually those points get you to explain the steps you're doing if you're still energized for talk, your voice able to make your lovely viewer also a listener. Sometimes he lies about having no knowledge to it, sometimes he just wants you to explain it to him. For you would he listen to your talk and ramble about ballet, even if he didn't do ballet himself.

Your own, visible worry breaks Fyodor's barrier of hiding his

He wouldn't want to overwhelm you with his constant check-ups like "are you okay?" or "want me to do anything?", because he'd rather have you ask for it or allow his eyes to see your physical body speak for its status. Plus, he knows you're an independent beauty who can handle herself. But when you start involuntarily stressing out however.. it's not so pretty to him.

"Shh, shh shh. Milaya, I'm here." He coos to you as he leans on the mirror behind him, holding you close in his arms with your sobbing face on his shoulder.

"You did that step so well," Fyodor whispers, one hand stroking your hair. "Be proud of yourself."

Deep down it wasn't so easy for him to know what words he should say to you, finding your fear and anxiousness unnecessary for such talent you hold in something not everyone can just do. But of course was it understandable, so he tries. Be it speaking words when he thinks you need it, grabbing you something or just holding you — do expect a lot of care to try and soothe you.

Taking care of your body gently like you're a rosebud

It doesn't happen so often, Fyodor knowing you were still able to tend to yourself. But to say something doesn't happen often doesn't mean it never does — Fyodor always there for you when you ask for it.

"Milaya, perhaps its time for another break, wouldn't you say?" He quietly suggests like a lullaby, not wanting to interrupt whatever may be in your head right now.

"I'm okay." You try to assure, "My teacher requires me to perfect this in a week... I'll perfect it, and rest if I can."

"'If I can' won't do.." He replied with a more audible voice, hands meeting your feet as he gently rubs them, "While a flower like you gets watered daily, she needs her sunlight as well."

The most he can usually do for you is to massage you or rub your sore feet from all the practice, set aside the other things he can do that mostly treat your mental being than such physical. But every time he caresses your aching body is it always so careful and much more delicate, also attentive to your own saying about your comfort.

scenario

It'd been a few hours since your practice for today. You ended up promising to Fyodor that today would be shorter than the ones you took these past consecutive days, but you deep down feel guilty for doing so.

The days to attending practice in an actual dance studio again were nigh. You were going to see your teacher in two days, and you still had to compose yourself for whatever word they'll tell you.

Of course, their criticism also helped you and your progress to the world of ballet. You were treated as if a unique flower each time you hear something you can learn from — a bit overwhelming to the ears, however important to know for being the one seen with improvement.

It still made you nervous though.

As your foot finally feels the hard pressure of the floor after having your toes balance you the whole session, you pause with your hands holding onto the barre you swore was cold this morning, now all matching your body temperature.

"Milaya, are you taking a break?" You suddenly hear a familiar voice welcome itself in your ear, a smile reaching your tired face as you see your boyfriend walking inside your small studio.

He didn't visit as much today, which honestly made you a bit upset. But at least it also aided you into giving your all earlier, even if that such was for him anyway.

"Hi, Fedya." You greet, your feminine and angelic voice equally meeting a smile on your lovers. "I'm done for today. Like I promised you."

"I'm glad to hear that." Fyodor steps closer to you with a hand gesturing its desire to touch you, to which you allow.

His slightly cold hand meets your forehead as he wipes a small bead of sweat off, head tilted a little as if concerned for you. "Would you like me to get you anything?" Was his first set of words, his other hand meeting your waist as if to give you some sort of closure.

"No, I'm fine." You deny, although as you spoke you did feel your throat a bit dry.

I do need water.. but I don't want him to leave yet.

Until a thought sparks in you.

"Mm, there is something I kind of want right now." You imply with a rather smug, yet still an adorable little smile. This wouldn't slip away from Fyodor's eyes, replying to it with his own chuckle. "And what would that be? I'm here to give what I can."

"I still feel guilty for finishing practice early." You start to explain, one of your own hand meeting to press on the hand which held your waist. "I feel like I should be giving more time, since I'll be seeing my teacher soon."

You see a temporary look on Fyodor's face. A look that indicated his own dislike for you finding the need to have your own time be controlled by another person, even if you weren't in the studio of which they have right to parry through.

But he doesn't discuss it. Instead he softens his gaze, unwilling to argue with you. "I am not forcing you on this matter, milaya. I am simply suggesting you breaks in between your hard work."

"I know," You reply, an expression of what deemed to be curiosity on your now tilted head. He knew this was just to get his ears in lead, but regardless was your face cute. "But I'll finish todays practice.. after we do something first."

"(Name), I'm not experienced in ballet." He immediately recalls to you, a genuine look of his own curiosity written on his face. You nod to the note, "I know. But you're good in blending in, right?"

Silence temporarily controls the room, although Fyodor reassuring you no anger was present in the moment with his gaze on you — hands carefully holding you.

"Oh, I see." He eventually speaks up, letting go of your waist. "You'd like us to have a duet?"

His grasp of understanding your point makes you eagerly nod, "Yeah. A pas de deux is what we call it." explaining its term to your clueless looking boyfriend.

A smile meets his lips to the answer you have thoughtlessly given, enjoying your disregard to hide vulnerability with your sleepiness. "Pas de deux is French. A step of two?"

"Yes!" You exclaim rather excitedly, both of your hands finding its fingers to interlock into fists as your right palm leans back, earning you this.. almost pleading pose. "But don't worry- I won't make you do work.. I just want us to have an adagio."

"As long as I've seen you do such pose, I could give you the possibility of me doing it." He puts a side comment to before replying properly; "But of course. An adagio is where the danseur supports the ballerina's movements, am I right?"

"How do you know that..?" You furrow your eyebrows to, a small yet blithe pout on your face. "My, you suddenly rambled about that before." Fyodor hums out, a hand on his chin. "But nevermind that, milaya. We can do that if such is your wish," He stops to escape a little laugh, "however I'm not a danseur exactly."

"No but you're certainly my partner." You fight back, taking a swift glance at Fyodor's appearance. He was simply wearing a turtleneck and pants, which would do. Because really, you just wanted to feel him while you did what you loved.

Your remark makes Fyodor laugh before you two knew your place — him behind you with arms supporting your waist, toes returning into balancing yourself. You wanted to impress your lover, but with how tired you actually were you internally doubted what balance you had left in you.

So you chose one you could do right now. Little less of what you wanted, but you hoped it could impress him somehow.

One of your leg was supporting your body, the other is extended into an arabesque. You felt Fyodor's grip on you tighten a little bit, the corner of your eye catching his head turned to you.

Your arm which was adjacent to your lifted leg stays where it is as your left makes its attempt to draw its move... till you find yourself yawning.

Immediately did you bashfully cover your mouth as pink meets your cheeks, Fyodor holding onto you tightly in case you trip due to the sudden surprise. As you yawn he carefully adjusts you, enough for you to get the hint and let your feet meet the floor again.

You didn't want to see his face right now out of pure embarrassment, but his move tells you to as he turns you around, hands locking on your waist to support you.

As expected, not a look of mockery or humorous find was in his face, rather.. concern, but also still soft.

"You're too sleepy." He whispers, one hand letting go of the latch to meet your face, brushing away those strands of hair. "This lovely ballerina should sleep now."

"But the..." Your voice trails, a tiny frown painting on your face as he wipes it away with a kiss on each side of your lip, turning that into a better look. "There now, there's no need to frown." He spoke quietly, "If you want it that badly, we can try it tomorrow."

"...Okay," Defeat mourns your words in, trying to conceal the topic of your embarrassing yawn with a lean in, asking for a proper kiss by Fyodor. And it didn't even take a minute for him to allow the need, pressing his lips with yours.

Gentle and delicate circles rub your back as you melt at both the kiss and at the sudden but welcoming massage, hands holding onto his shoulders for support.

His kiss felt warm, tranquilly and clement. While his earlier, very rare visits to your practice room were gifted with kisses, they were all tiny and lacking.

And you could tell he enjoyed this as well, his fingers making subtle movements that felt like little shivers down your waist. A comforting one, at least.

The kiss takes shorter as you desired, however he makes up for it by peppering sweet kisses on your knuckles to the hand he picked up with his free one, eyes closed.

"я тебя люблю, my milaya." He mutters in between those kisses. "You're such a strong girl. Be mindful of that."

Your mousy pink cheeks meet the peachy hue he knew it'd blend to, a smile meeting your lips again as you let your fingers rest on his, your thumb catching his own to rub the skin. "I love you too."

His hand lets go of yours as he stops. His hand on your back would glide down to your waist to touch again as he pulls you in closer, you taking that as a hug. Both of your hands wrap around him, whilst his free hand continued the relieving massage.

"It's alright. Let's get yourself changed then head to bed, okay?" He whispers in your ear, to which you hum a sleepy sound to.

You didn't want to sleep right now, as much as how warm and serene he was to lean onto. But knowing he probably was also too tired to be carrying a girl even if such was his girlfriend, you had to stay awake till the envelope of sheets surround you two.

Yet staying awake till then wouldn't be as bad either. You'd get to hear and see your lover take care of you.. to rub all those sore spots away, and importantly be here for you.

"Besides, if a pas de deux means a step for two — you can technically count this in... wouldn't you think?" He suddenly adds, finding his unexpected thought carry through vocalized words.

His own surprise for himself makes him let out a tiny chuckle from it, muffling the noise with a soft peck on your shoulder.

"Because you being so strong with everything you're dealing with is already a step for us two."

⚘

[falseclosure]

let the games begin - part 1 (fem!oc x fem!oc)

part 1/?

summary: the one where they fall in love (kinda) in one of the biggest stage of their lives.

pairing: fem!oc (auswnt) x fem!oc (usa swimming)

warnings: none

word count: 2.8k

a/n: hello! it's my first story here! this has honestly been sitting in my drafts for a year. i'm back in my swimming phase so it has sparked some inspiration hopefully someone will like this. not proofread btw! also, there's a hint of kellex in there somewhere :)

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July 19, 2021

Kaiden (kay-den)

We just arrived in Tokyo after our Pre Olympics training camp in Nara. Even though I slept the entire time we were traveling, I'm still exhausted, so it's a good thing our coaches offered us a day off tomorrow. I'm ecstatic to be participating in the Olympics. I'm not sure if I'll start any games, but I'm happy to be a substitute when my team needs me. My seniors are incredible; they have supported me when I was first called up to the senior team. This Olympics, all I care about is gaining experience with my teammates.

“Hey Kai, let’s go explore the village with the others!” my ‘mom’, Chloe Logarzo, said touching my shoulder to divert my focus away from stowing my belongings

“But I still have a lot of things to put away and besides I’m really tired. Do I really have to go with you guys?” I answered her while pouting and scrunching my eyebrows together.

“You’re cute, almost gave in. But you know we’re leaving the village after a few days because we’re gonna transfer to another venue for the final group game right? Don’t take everything out of your bags, you're the only one that’s gonna have a hard time.” 

“Okay, I guess my signature pout did not work.” I said with a shrug of my shoulders. I straightened my face and nodded, indicating that I would be joining them.

Chloe tugged me towards the lift entrance with her right arm across my shoulders. We went downstairs and waited outside our apartment for our other teammates so that we could explore the village together.

“Hey bitches!” Sam Kerr yelled at us while obnoxiously flailing both of her hands. Steph Catley tried to put Sam's hand down because a number of people were looking at her; while Emily Van Egmond slapped her mouth. Soon after, Ellie Carpenter and Caitlin Foord trailed behind the three of them.

“Where are the others?” Chloe asked the five of them after observing that no one was following them anymore.

“They said they’ll follow behind.” Ellie, who was engrossed in her phone, answered. I went up to Ellie to see what she was up to because the other four women continued bickering as we were walking.

“What’re you doing?” I asked Ellie, leaning in close enough to see her phone screen. 

“On Bumble trying to look for hot Olympic athletes.” Ellie replied in hushed tones, fearful that the older women would hear her. I just chuckled and wrapped my arms around her shoulders.

“Don’t curse in front of the kids!” Ellie and I heard Emily say behind us scolding Sam. 

“You guys know we’re not kids anymore right? I’m like 19 and Ellie’s 21.” I said. 

“But you’re still our baby!” Steph stated, and I just rolled my eyes as she said it. I'm not sure if I enjoy it or not that they continue to treat me like a child. It can work in my favor sometimes because they do what I want, but when I want to do 'adult things,' they always become protective for some reason.

"Yeah, right. Please, let's go eat first; I'm starving. I think the last meal I ate was breakfast." I remarked, dragging Ellie after me as I hurriedly proceeded towards the dining hall, oblivious to the group of athletes from various countries who were walking around us.

"Do you know how to get to the dining hall?" Ellie inquired from beside me, her right hand now held in my left. 

I looked back at her while still walking and said, “I’m sure it’s this- ow!” I crashed on someone's back and came to a halt; Ellie almost collided with me since I was dragging her.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," I apologized to the girl. 

“It’s alright. I also wasn’t aware of my surroundings.” she replied with a smile. She caught a sight of my hands intertwined with Ellie's, which I noticed. She looked up and smiled at Ellie and Ellie returned one back.

“Uhm, do you possibly know the way to the dining hall?” I awkwardly asked her since I think she was also on her way there. 

“Yeah! I'm on my way there. Do you want to walk with me?" she asked me and Ellie. I turned around to check whether Chloe and the others were following us, but I was dismayed to see that they weren't. I returned my gaze to Ellie, who was watching the person I had collided with. I tugged on her hand to see whether she agreed to go with the stranger. Ellie gave me a little nod and let go of my hand.

“Sure! I can’t see our teammates behind us and we don’t want to get lost. We should just meet them there." I replied, gazing down at her a little because I was a few inches taller. We began going in the direction of the dining hall, with her leading the way. Ellie was standing right alongside me, observing the woman in front of us.

"What sport do you guys play?" she inquired, her gaze returning to us as she listened to my response.

"Footy for Team Australia." I said, peering into her light brown eyes.

Before responding, she returned her gaze ahead of her. “Oh! So you're on the same team as Sam Kerr?" I was taken aback when I heard that, but not for long because I knew our skipper is a well-known football player all over the world. Nonetheless, I asked how she knew Sammy.

“Yeah, how’d you know her?” She looked me in the eyes once more before responding,

"My cousin’s also a football player. I know Sam since I've watched a couple of games." I nodded and didn't press the issue any further because I realized we were getting close to the hall.

"This is it," she said as we approached the doors. "Are you guys waiting for your teammates to arrive before you come inside? I think mine are already here.” She questioned and informed me at the same time.

"We should, but I still don't know your name or what event you're participating in. I'd like to support you." I told her with a smile.

She smiled brightly at me. "My name is Raegan, I swim for Team USA." she said, shaking my hand. 

"Oh, Team USA!" I exclaim. "I’m Kaiden, and this is Ellie." Ellie extended her hand to Raegan to shake. 

"It's great to meet you, Raegan, and thank you for accompanying us to the hall. You'll undoubtedly have a tough time against Team Australia, but I'll be rooting for you." 

"That's cute," she remarked with a playful smirk. "We'll see about that." Before entering the hall she looked back at Ellie and me and said, “It was also nice to meet you guys too!"

“Ells, why were you like gawking at Raegan?” I looked back at Ellie and questioned her after Raegan went into the dining hall.

“Girl I was not gawking at her,” she answered with an eye roll. “She looks familiar. I can’t tell where I saw her before though.” Ellie’s phone rang after she told me why she was looking at Raegan.

“Hey, Cait.” I heard Ellie say, letting me know that it was Caitlin who was calling her.

“Yeah, just in front of the right-side entrance.” I was trying to look for them while Ellie was talking to Caitlin. As I spotted Emily’s short ponytail I raised my hands so they could see us. Chloe spotted us first and ran towards me.

“Why didn't you two wait for us? What would happen if you both got lost? " Chloe questioned us right away. 

"It's fine, Chlo, and we met someone on the way here. She helped us in getting here without getting lost." I tried to hide my smile but failed miserably because Chloe saw and teasingly smiled at me. I looked at her sternly and signaled her to keep her mouth shut.

"Just for now, Chlo?" I pleaded with her. She gave me a nod of her head. I adore Chloe for this reason. She simply understands what I'm thinking and feeling, and she always respects my decisions. She's a little protective of me, but I don't mind. We went inside together after we had all gathered at the entrance to eat.

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Raegan (ray-gan)

Oh my gosh. Did I just meet Kaiden fucking Moore? The Kaiden Alexandre Moore (yes I know her middle name), the girl I've had a crush on for the past year? I believe I did, and I'm currently floating on cloud nine. I'm not sure how I kept my calm as we were talking and heading towards the dining hall together! 

When I walked into the hall, I dialed my best friend and teammate Emma's number, and she answered on the fifth ring. “Oh my gosh! Where are you? I just met-oh my gosh I can’t do this over the phone!” I said when she picked up.

"We're near the Filipino food bar because we figured you'd want to eat Filo food. Who did you meet, though? " Emma calmly said, as I examined the map on the side of the doors to determine where they were.

“I’ll tell you in person, oh my gosh I don’t even know how I managed my cool. Can you stand and wave your hand? I'm on the escalator and I can already see the food bar, but not you guys." As I approached the top of the escalator, I surveyed the hall for Emma, who was standing and waving her hand to attract my attention. I dashed up the remaining stairwells till I reached her.

“You know you could’ve walked right?” I heard Emma exclaim as I approached her. “I-i just met Kai-Kaiden Moore.” I told Emma while catching my breath. I saw her scrunch her eyebrows but smile at me after she realized what I said. Emma drew me down to a chair and demanded that I tell her everything that had happened during our encounter. I told her about how Kaiden had bumped my back and how I tried to hide my surprise when I realized it was my crush who had done it.

After informing Emma what had happened, I took her to the food bar with me so I could get something to eat. “I was about to scream at her when she bumped into me because I was still upset at you for leaving me in our room. But oh my gosh I don’t know what to say. I didn't expect to meet her here.” I told Emma while we waited in line at the food bar.

“I’m sorry about that. I didn't want to wake you up because you were sleeping soundly and I didn't want to dist—wait, don't you follow her on Instagram? " Emma inquired, interrupting her explanation. Gosh, she’s so random sometimes.

"Yeah, I follow her. Why? What's wrong with that?" I replied. "By the way, she was with Ellie when I saw her, and they were holding hands." 

"What's wrong with that? Rae! Are you kidding?!? She'll think you're odd because you pretended you didn't know her. You need to unfollow her or it'll be awkward the next time you see each other." she reasoned, “And Ellie? Ellie who? Carpenter?”

"If we see each other again and yeah, Ellie Carpenter, their hands were like, linked." I remarked, a bit confused and sad. I took my phone from my back pocket, went to Kaiden’s profile but contemplated on unfollowing her or not.

"Well, the odds of you seeing her again are high, you know, considering Kelley's playing against them; aren't you planning to watch that game?" Emma inquired as I surveyed the food bar for possible options. I saw grilled pork and it made my mouth water, but I decided to go with the fried tilapia because I had a race coming up in a few days. Of course, I got some rice with it and a delicious squash soup.

“Yeah, I am. Our teammates are only swimming heats that afternoon and we would be done with our event before the 27th so I decided to come and support my dear cousin. Do you want to come with me?” I answered Emma after I got out of line with my food.

“Are you sure you’re coming for Kelley and not dear Kaiden?” Emma teased, a knowing grin on her face. I pretended not to hear what she said and continued walking towards where our other teammates were. I sat down in front of Katie, the youngest swimmer out of all of us. 

“Hey Katie! How’s your day so far?” I asked her so that I could continue avoiding Emma’s question. I think Katie knew what I was doing because she was holding a laugh in while she gave me her answer.

“Good! So excited to be here! How about you Rae?” She questioned me back. I smiled a bit but that faded when Emma answered for me.

“She met Kaiden!” Emma blurted out. Everyone at our table heard what she said and looked at the both of us. Some of them gave me teasing gazes and smirks. I immediately felt my face heat up. I felt my phone vibrate saving me from this embarrassing moment caused by my best friend. I took my phone out and saw that Kelley was calling me. I excused myself and went out to the outdoor seating area of the food hall to answer Kelley’s call.

“Oh my gosh! Thank you for saving me from that embarrassing moment!” I told Kelley.

“Why what happened? You seem a bit nervous. You’re on speaker by the way. Alex is here” I don’t lie to Kelley, so I was contemplating if I was going to answer her question. But in the end, I took a deep breath before revealing the reason behind the nervousness in my voice.

“I met Kaiden before lunch today.” I kind of whispered to the phone afraid that people would hear what I just revealed to Kelley. On the other side of the phone I can hear Kelley trying not to laugh at how I told her what happened. 

“Babe!” I heard Alex shout at Kelley, a bit of disappointment in her voice.

“Don’t fucking laugh at me Kelley Maureen! That was the most nervous I’ve been and you know how nervous I get before my races.” I rant out to her. I can hear Alex scolding her a little bit on the other end of the line and I can’t help but smile a little bit about their relationship. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop teasing her now.” Kelley replies to Alex. I heard her shuffling around followed by the door being slid shut. “Sorry Rae, just really love to tease you.” 

“I know. I need your opinion, by the way.” I asked her. 

“Go on.” She replied.

“Emma said I should unfollow Kaiden on instagram because she’ll think I’m weird. I acted like I didn’t know who she was when she bumped into me.” I said with a sigh. Looking back at our interaction, I really think I was a bit stupid for acting like I didn’t know her. It’s just that I felt an overwhelming feeling in my heart. You know when people say that they have butterflies in their stomach? I felt that but I felt all those butterflies fluttering their wings around my heart.

“Well, she can just think that you followed her after your interaction earlier. From what I've heard from Sam she’s really not that big into social media she probably won’t care either way.” I groan at her answer. I really feel stupid right now. I don’t really know how to explain how I feel. I’ve had a big freakin’ crush on that girl for the past year. I never thought I would meet her even though the odds are huge with KELLEY O’HARA being my cousin. Am I in a state of gay panic?!?

“Kels I think I’m gay panicking.” I tell her as I feel my heart beat faster. I could feel my breathing pick up a bit and Kelley noticed it too.

“Okay, Rae calm down. Deep breaths for me please I don’t want you to go into a full on panic attack. Inhale, Exhale.” I followed her instructions. “That's it, very good sweetie. Again. Inhale, Exhale.” It took a while but I felt myself calm down a bit. 

“Thanks Kel. You’re the best cousin ever. I might have to end this call now though I still haven’t finished eating my lunch. I’ll see you soon.” I heard Kelley sigh a breath of relief after hearing normalcy in my voice.

“Don’t let Erin and Jerry hear you say that. Love you kid! See you soon!” I laughed and ended the call with a sigh of relief. 

*ping*

[raegan.gvr]: Kaiden Moore (kai.mooreee) started following you.

Oh. I guess it’s too late to unfollow her now.

[itshirohi]

𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠 ℙ𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖!

Long overdue but... hey, here it is! Anyway, here I'm going to list my socials, specific tags to help navigate the blog and other useful crap like that :> 𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭: 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐲 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐦𝐞 :>

𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥:

● ʜɪʀᴏ / any pronoun works, I really don't care. ● Pixel & Digital artist (hobbyist). Making pixel art since 2020 and digital since 2023 ✌(long traditional art background though). ● I tend to hyperfixate on a LOT of things, sometimes at once so please bear with me lol. ● Main hyperfixations and fandoms I'm participating heavily in: Kengan/FOTS, Golden Kamuy, Baki and DMC . ● I also love Bleach, Dragon Ball, OPM and JJBA. ● I have a *lot* of OCs so expect to see some content of that too I suppose. ● These days mainly focusing on fanarts and my current favorite fandoms. ● Probably won't reply to a "hi" message. Please, please PLEASE tell me your reason for reaching out to me in your first message or my brain WILL automatically mark you as a potential bot/spam/scam </3 ● I accept doodle request and asks! Depending on how well I feel at the moment you might even get a fully rendered drawing O_O ● Sometimes I take breaks from posting/ socials in general. It's usually because of health issues. If you leave something in my inbox or chat, I'll get to you whenever I feel well enough to do so! ^_^

𝕋𝕒𝕘𝕤:

(Note: some older posts might not be tagged with these, sorry for that @_@) ● # Hiro's art - all my art posts. ● # Hiro's writing corner - anything writing related. ● #Hiro's OCs - all my OC info and art. ● # Hiro's doodle asks - the drawings made for YOUR doodle asks! (open pretty much all the time, but it might take me some time to get to making them- I'm so sorry lol). ● # Hiro's rambles - any non-art related stuff, updates, etc. ● # Hiro's Kengan edits - this where you'll find my Kengan Ashura/Omega manga edits/animations. More coming soon! ● # AU! The Devil Weeps in the West - my DMC cowboy AU. I haven't forgotten about it, just don't really have as much time as I'd like to focus on it. More content (hopefully) coming soon!

𝕄𝕪 𝕤𝕠𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕝𝕤:

● Tumblr - (main) you're here! :D ● Twitter - (pretty much abandoned) ● Instagram - (also kinda abandoned) ● Pixilart - (pretty active) ● My commissions - idk why you'd want that, but here you are. Keep in mind I haven't done commissions in ages and might be rusty lol

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔼𝕟𝕕!

Phew... This one's a long one. I hope I covered all the most important things. Aaaanyways... Congrats in getting to the end, you're a real superstar! ✮⋆˙ As a reward, grab this super rare, shiny variant of Eugene!

[f1-stuff]

hi hi!! I’m the anon who asked about hickey fic :D I saw your reply and honestly an epilogue of sorts told through social media post and speculation would be soooo cool. It would def add a diff perspective and I think would turn out rlly well!! also I read your escort au and holy shot I was in my feels the whole time, I absolutely loved it, the ending was so lovely and sweet and I loved the resolution. also when I was scrolling through your ask tag I came across the Mallorca au and img I am hooked, I hope you can publish it soon even as a wip because I’m already obsessed. I absolutely adore your writing, I cant wait for anything else you post 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

Ahh thank you!! I know some people don't like to read WIPs until they're completed/I sometimes don't like to post them bc I'm always afraid I'll lose the inspiration to continue and abandon it 🥲 But I think for that Mallorca one, I'm intending on posting it as a fully finished fic, no chapters or anything. So hopefully, I can work on it this spring and have it ready for the summer break!

[writermask-0807]

zenitsu agatsuma x (kitsune hashira) reader.

A/N: To the @kitsunehashira :) my apologies for not being able to answer your request sooner. Its just that I've been v busy lately, with school and everything, and I'm rlly sorry to all the other wonderful ppl who requested!!! I'm still working on your requests, and hopefully I'll be able to answer them all soon. Also, I'll be more active on this blog from now onwards, so please request from here.

Warnings: just Zenitsu being insecure ig. Also very mild violence, sort of??? I totally forgot to add that in your previous request with Genya, sorry. And there's also me saying "ugly ass" once but Idk if that counts 🤷‍♀️ oh and I made the reader's hair red again I hope you don't mind-

When Zenitsu first meets you, it’s out on the field; he’s badly injured with his conscience ebbing away, and there’s this terrifyingly strong demon just ready to pounce on him- his Nichirin blade is too far away for his broken fingers to reach out and fend it off.

He thinks, with all the last remaining strength he has left, his dulling eyes pooling with tears, that this is surely the end, that he’s actually, really going to be dinner for this ugly-ass demon and the fact that he wasn’t even much of a hassle for it, along with the fact that he probably disappointed his grandfather with this easy defeat, makes the blood welling in the back of his throat taste that much more bitter.

And then, all of a sudden, you’re there, descending from the heavens like some sort of angel, and Zenitsu doesn’t even see you finish the demon with a clean slice of your sword.

All he sees before he blacks out is the red of your hair haloing you in a crown of flames, and he remembers thinking, how beautiful.

When he comes to, he’s in the infirmary of the butterfly mansion and you’re by his bedside, your foxy grin only growing disturbingly wide when you see him wake up.

It sort of creeps him out at first, that smile- but he gets over it quickly, and actually doesn’t mind it except the first time.

After all, he’s got better things to do- like asking you out before he even knows your name.

And whereas other girls were disgusted with his behavior and off-put by his forwardness, you simply smile indulgently, humming a “maybe someday,” in reply.

And he is so taken aback at this that he actually wonders if the demon finished its job because he can’t believe that someone as wonderful and perfect as you would humor his flirtations.

(He’s not dumb enough to think that you actually, really like him, him of all people, and as much as that thought stings, he knows that it’s the truth.)

Whereas Genya was distant and hesitant to trust, Zenitsu abandons all reservations and unashamedly clings to you like some lovesick teenager (considering he is one), touchy and intimate and loud, and it still surprises him that you allow him to do so, and it’s… it’s weirdly nice.

And sort of confusing too, because he likes you.

He really, really, likes you, even though he knows you’re only indulging him because you’re kind like that, (or rather, unintentionally cruel), but sometimes he wonders how things could be if you’d smiled at him like you meant it- like you don’t think he’s kidding every time he asks you out.

And, well, it gets sort of depressing for him once he realizes the true capacity of his feelings for you, because someone as wonderful and amazing as you couldn’t possibly love someone as despicable and weak and cowardly as him.

You, with your indulgent and mischievous grins that makes his heart race and your cunning mind and your coral-red hair and your tinkling laughter and the sweet curve of your mouth.

You are warm and beautiful and loved, and he’s simply a shadow to your sun.

But this does not stop Zenitsu.

Or rather, it does not stop his advances despite the ache in his chest, because he’s used to hiding the heartbreak by now, and while he cannot have you, he thinks, he’ll still be lucky to be in your presence.

But his misery finally takes a turn for the better one rainy evening; he’s sat on the engawa with you, Fox purring in his lap as Zenitsu absently pets it, and your presence is a warm one by his side as he stares out into the drizzling rain, gaze lost and searching.

You’re unusually quiet as well, so much so that he almost forgets that you’re even there.

Almost.

It’s only when you nudge him against the shoulder that he’s hauled out of his reverie, turning round to stare at you.

And what he sees absolutely steals his breath away.

Your coral-red hair is even more vibrant in the rainy mist-world that’s enclosing in on the both of you, and there’s this subtle shine to your eyes that makes them positively glow; and the curve of your pink petal lips looks soft enough to kiss.

It’s enough to make him lean in closer, entranced, face burning red, and his stupid big mouth is saying, almost feverishly, “will you go out with me?” before his brain can think properly.

And it probably sounds different, this time, probably sounds more like a confession rather than a question because your eyes widen slightly, lips parting in gentle surprise as you look searchingly at him.

And as soon as the words are out he’s slapping his hands over his mouth, cheeks flushing, cursing his stupidity because oh my gosh he sounded so desperate and you’re probably going to-

“Sure.” you hum casually like it’s no big deal as you turn to turn to stare into the rain again, like you just haven’t accepted his confession, like you don’t know how desperately he’s been wanting for this moment, wanting and wanting and wanting so much that it hurt.

Zenitsu chokes on his breath, heart hammering in his chest at your words, and when you turn back to meet his gaze, mouth twitching, he knows you know.

“How does tomorrow sound?” you ask converstaionally, and he nods, mutely, mouth still hanging agape, his mind still reeling, finding it hard to believe that this is actually, really happening.

You smile, and then get up, dusting the imaginary lint off of your clothes.

And as your leg brushes his shoulder as you walk past, you say, “Oh, and if it wasn’t clear earlier, I like you too Zenitsu.” and he feels his heart soar.

FIN-

[seokgyuu]

Hey!

I'm not good at expressing myself but I'm writing to you to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for "Challenge Me". TBH I was intrigued when I first came across this fic but now as I have re read it again and again, I just LOVE IT!

I was hooked from the first sentence and couldn't stop reading until the end. You have such a brilliant and captivating way of telling a story, with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogues, and unexpected twists. You made me feel like I was there with the MC, experiencing all emotions, struggles, and triumphs.

You explore themes of sexuality, friendship, and self-discovery in such an amazing way. You show MC's growth and transformation as she faces the challenge and learn more about herself and others. You also portray the guys and the best friend as complex and diverse characters, not just stereotypes or props. I especially loved Seokmin.. no maybe Mingyu more ... No it's definitely Soonyoung or even Wonwoo... No how can I forget Chan!!?! ... Vernon!!! Damn it I like them all and how they have their own characteristics and plot lines!!!!!

Thank you for creating and posting your amazing work on tumblr. You are such an awesome and talented writer, and I loveeeee your workk so much! You always make my day with your stories. I look forward to reading more from you. Please keep writing and sharing your creativity with us. You rock! 😍💕🌞

hi hi hi!!! omg it took me a bit to reply, i'm sorry!! i read this yesterday and literally almost cried, this is so so incredibly sweet and made my whole day, fr!!

first of all, thank you so much for your kind words and the love for Challenge Me!! It makes me so happy to see someone love this work as much as I do. What started as pure porn basically, turned into something I don't even want to end at this point, but sadly will have to let go sometime soon.

I'll forever be grateful for you guys reading the story and especially for you sending this ask because this literally keeps me going. I had some uni work to finish and I have some other (mainly dirty) thoughts I have to bring to paper first, but the next Challenge Me chapter has been outlined and will be published hopefully before March ends!!

I don't even know what else to say except another big ass thank you for this message, for taking the time to write those words and make me feel appreciated because as a lot of writers know, sometimes it's hard to feel that way when we get little to no feedback on our writing. So, thank you, really, from the bottom of my heart!!! It's not me who rocks but YOU!!! sending you a big ass hug (or if you don't like hugs a big ass high five or something!!) and wishing you a wonderful rest of your day!! <333

[crimson0lake]

Bsd: One Time Sanity

Chapter-2:

THERES TWO OF THEM NOW-

Main M.list

BSD: One Time Sanity M.list

A.n: The chapters might come early or very late than what it planned sometimes but normally I try to post a single chapter two one fic. I felt like I should explain the schedule so this is it. Some weeks might not even have a chalet posted cause of many things (holidays, birthdays, some rest days, exams or etc) but I'll try to be active on Tumblr and AO3. Also I didnt know how a mafia would break in a house, so it turn out like a little bit of police breaking in a house.. sorry in advance there.

Warnings: Swears (both in English and Spanish), Mentions of blood and stitches, guns, beaten up coffee machine-

.

.

.

...

At the midnight of the day, while the earth was ready to turn for another day, the port mafia executive was roaming in a back alley with a irritated look and three paper reports in his hand.

'Im roaming all the city for the past two days... Those troublemakers better be one of these three buildings or I might fucking lose it' he thinks as he grith his teeth, making his way towards the one of the tallest skyscraper's back door.

The backdoor was oddly empty, which caused a slight uncertainty place in Chuuya's mind yet he didn't have that much of time now. He just wanted to finish this mission and forget about all of this even happened in first place.

The back door was connected to the storage room for the employees and kitchen tools.

As Chuuya examine the room, he spotted a box, which looked out of the place with how damaged it looked. He made his way towards the box carefully and lift the box's lid. Only to find a coffee machine with a broom stabbed through it.

'Why there's a broken coffee machine down here?..' He questioned 'and why there's chilli and milk on it-?'

He looked at the machine again before closing the lid and leaving, hoping to forget what he just saw.

.

.

.

The way to the room, number 99 was a bit more messy than he thought it would be.

First the employees and cleaners were all around the main hall, he almost trip and fell and reveal his identity in his disguise.

Then there was a pair of old couple and three body guards in the elevator, the whole elevator ride was not soo much stressing but he had to answer soo many questions from the elderly couple and the guards keep staring at him.

Yet it was over now..! Hopefully...

As he walk in the halls of the 50th floor with careful and silent steps he was on alert for anyone might be in the hall or the same floor. But maybe for his fortune it was all empty. And the room he needed to go was in

He finally stood near the front door of the room 99 and leaned his ear close the door before start listening.

'...Seems like they are in the room.' Chuuya thought before waiting some more minutes before finding the perfect time to break the door with his pistol in his hands.

—Drop everything you have and raise your hands! 

He speak firmly before a head peek from one of the rooms he guess was living room.

—Oh, You were right, they sent a executive here!

The man with black short hair speak in the flat before another voice spoke with annoyance and irritation.

—So? GET RID OF IT THEN.

The man turned to Chuuya before the ginger could even utter another word and cough on his tea so hard that it come from his nose.

—Da Fuck-!?

Chuuya grimaced his face with annoyance, how can this man could have made fun of his height while he point a gun at hi-

—... Just one question, what's your name-?

The man finally speak between his coughs and the paper towel he is pressing his nose to wipe the tea.

—It doesn't concerns you.

Chuuya replied with annoyance, irritation and seriousness before tightening his grip on the gun once again.

—So you two were the ones who mess with the Port Mafi-

—Yeah, yeah. Can you wait a second, you'll understand why I asked that soon.

The man stuffed Chuuya's words in his mouth, taking him back of how casual and calm he sounded despite BEING FUCKING THREATENED BY A GUN. 

—ANDRES GET YOUR ASS HERE!!!

He shouted towards other hall which replied with a loud chair throwing and soon a door opening.

—¡¿Qué carajo quieres?!

A boy get out from the room with an annoyed and mad face before completely freezing (like a computer-) as soon as Chuuya and his eyes met. Same ginger hair, same blue eyes and the fucking short height-

Chuuya was no different than him too... Did he just found his lost twin??? 'No it can't be, he is way younger than me... Than can he be a cl-. NO. There should be a proper explanation to this.. this.. this fucking coincidence' 

The man looked at the both before rubbing his templates with an "I'm not getting enough money to deal with this" expression. 'THERES TWO OF THEM NOW.. MY WALLET CANT HANDLE THIS ANYMORE'

The other young ginger sip his coffee before suddenly turning away and walking back into the room he just get out and close his door with a loud crash

—Thats too fucking early to deal with this now-

...

After some minutes in the silence, the short black haired man turns to Chuuya with a nervous and yet somehow fatherly smile-

—Do... you want to drink tea?

_______________________________________________________

H—So you are a Mafia Executive?

It been an hour since that.. "coincidence". The young ginger boy, who Chuuya learn was Andres still haven't get out of that room since than and he was sitting in the living room with a tea cup in his hands with Haruto.

C—Yeah...

And for the past hour he was there even though Haruto tried to make things less awkward with a conversation but it wasnt exactly helping with how everything was mixed and tied to every other thing was now more getting complex by every minute.

H—You should drink your tea... It's.. getting cold, you know..? Don't worry I didn't put any poison or anything in it, you watched me pour mine and yours an hour ago.

Haruto mumble calmly with a small hint of a little sadness and disappointment yet still calm and firm as a stone like an hour ago.

Chuuya nod as a reply yet couldn't bring himself to drink more than a small sip.

H—Confusing and... A little scary, right?

C—Hm..?

The ginger executive turns to short black haired man with a confused and curious look as Haruto just smiled with a understanding and fatherly expression as he glance back at Chuuya with a smile.

H—Hearing you might have sibling, after so long by all yourself. You current job doesn't helps at all too...

C—You sound like a very experienced man with your words now.

H—Heh, I might not look like it, but I am very experienced with gangs and mafias. Like you.

Haruto laughed loudly before putting his tea on the table.

H—All of my body was covered in scars and stitches!

C—What-?!

Chuuya speak loudly back at him with the same loud voice Haruto spoke just then.

H—Yeah! I was sent to hospital took much that the old lady once didn't let me get in the shop!

C—What-!?

Haruto was laughing while Chuuya was just all confused and shocked yet he couldn't lie that Haruto's this acts were helping feel less awkward and less serious than an hour ago.

Yet like every good thing, this comes to an end as well.. With a loud door opening Andres get inside the living room with a small box in his hands

A—Okay, you two stop now. I could hear you two laugh even in the office.

Haruto sigh before speaking calmly, somehow this man got a stone's patient and can put up with this.. gremlin.

'I despise you, Haruto.. how can you just not get irritated with this child' Chuuya thought as he look at Andres with confusion, he was slightly scared and worried about the small box in his hands, yet he won't ever admit this out loud.

H—What are you holding, Andres?

A—I found one of the DNA tests we sneak out from mom's office. I didn't know there was one left but I managed to find one.

C—A.. DNA test? For what..?

Young ginger turned to Chuuya before speaking in a casual yet still distant tone, he acted like he was speaking about a casual day of school.

A—For you, dumbass. 

Chuuya raise one of his eye brows yet before he say anything, Haruto was first to reply to young creature.

H—This is the worst way possible to inform someone that they might have meet with their siblings.

C—A WHAT-??!

A—Well i wasn't planning on saying him anything if he wasn't but you just revealed everything so I'm just leaving every fucking explanation from this point to your hands, my dear brother.

Haruto looked at Andres before Chuuya's wide and just shocked, questining life face before slapping his forehead with a small curse under his breath.

Andres just stayed calm even though how much he looked like he wants to kick Haruto and just slap his mistake to his face over and over again for the next few years. He then clear his throat and turned to Chuuya with a firm and serious look.

A—Anyways, give me your arm so I could get blood from you.

C—wait-. WHAT-?!

_______________________________________________________

"Why are you doing this to yourself, Hirotsu?" Short blond haired man spoke with a sigh as he continues to bandage the teen on the chair with a calm yet worried look. 

"But I win the fight.." Hirotsu try to protest as he keep his gaze on the floor of the small bar.

It wasn't much to be corcerned about, it was yet another fight the two boys encountered. Like every other fight they keep getting in their still short lives.

Hirotsu hissed at the burning of the medical alcohol that Lupin pour on the towel he is using to clean Hirotsu's cuts. 

Lewis was in Lupin's position at front of the bar, getting the orders and helping Lupin to worry less about the work and focus on Hirotsu.

"You two... Hirotsu, just remember, you can't win every fight! Even if you are stronger than your opponents, there always will be a chance and there be a time when you lose to someone that is weaker than you. Your ability isn't the only thing that makes you stronger." Lupin spoke under his breath with barely audible voice, only enough for Hirotsu to hear him.

Hirotsu in the other hand, turned to Lupin before looking away slowly with a sad and guilty face. "Sorry.."

"Don't be sorry, just don't die. I don't think neither you or Lewis can go on without neither of you."

"You think so?"

"I don't think so, I know it. You two aren't just called double black for nothing. I even thought you two were twins when I first met you two.."

Hirotsu smirked before hitting Lupin's arm with a playful gesture "Don't mess with me! You knows I thought you were 40 years old when we first met!"

"HEY! IM NOT THAT OLD"

"YOU ARE-!"

Lupin hit Hirotsu with a newspaper he rolled with a angry and offended look

"IM NOT OLD"

[aikaterini-drag]

Chapter 17 Courage

Find more chapters of the "Fading Scars" Series here ♡

It was a quiet day. Almost two months passed since the last time Grace had seen or heard from James. Sometimes, Natasha would reveal a tiny bit to her. Until now, Grace knew they were on the hunt, looking for Silas, aiming to destroy Hydra. Their group had apparently expanded, receiving support from the people of Wakanda.

It was a relief... that James was no longer a criminal in King T'Challa's eyes. Finding Silas could clear James' name, leading to a pardon from the government. He could finally lead a normal life, safe and no longer chased by anyone. Grace sighed hopefully, sinking into the chair beside her. She imagined James enveloping her, his musky scent and warmth embracing her.

Longing and need replaced her frustration.

Ever since arriving in Stark Tower, she had made a promise to herself; to find her inner strength and help James. She understood and accepted his rush actions to protect her but she refused to remain a powerless pawn in Hydra's game. She wasn't powerful and strong in matters of strength but she could help him.

"Grace?" Braylon's honeyed voice interrupted her thoughts. "What's with the deep frown?"

Grace turned to him, her lips curving into a small smile. "Nothing. Did you bring the files I asked for?"

"Sure did," he replied, placing envelopes, papers, and a USB on the table. "I'm just curious why you wanted this info."

Grace opened a file, pointing to the name on top. "See this? Felicity Landon."

Recognition dawned in Braylon's eyes. "She has the same surname and... and she looks like you!"

"She's my mother, of course, I resemble her greatly," Grace said with a nostalgic smile. "I need to study these and meet with Tony Stark. Can you arrange it?"

"Consider it done," Braylon said, contacting Tony through his phone. "He'll come down in a jiffy. How can you read these?"

"My mother and I bonded over her work."

Grace delved into the papers, with Braylon curiously crouching beside her. There were reports, medical charts, and mathematic formulas that he had no idea what they meant. Soon, Tony made his entrance, waving his arms in a grandiose manner. He noticed the mess of papers and leaned down, his sunglasses sliding down his nose.

"What's all this?"

"My mother's files. Thanks for hacking Hydra's database," Grace said, acknowledging Tony's effort.

"No problemo. So, your mom was an anti-Hydra researcher?" Tony asked with interest.

"Yes. She was a brilliant scientist, struggling to take down its most cruel power; brainwashing."

"I'm curious... How did they brainwash people?" Braylon asked, genuinely intrigued.

"They manipulated personal memories, used hypnosis, and some sort of mental reprogramming," Tony answered. "They came up with certain trigger words for those who held great potential for their operations... like Barnes."

Grace tried to remain calm and push aside the haunting images of James's ordeal. His every scream was embedded in her mind and she thanked God that he was so resistant to Hydra's brainwashing, fighting against it with all his might. With her mother's knowledge, she could help him once and for all and free him from the Hydra's sickening control.

"However, even if you save him, you can't guarantee his safety..." Tony's voice carried a somber note. "The knowledge of what he did for Hydra... the burden is too heavy. It will be hard to make amends, to confront the person he used to be and the person he has to be."

"And what should I do?" she muttered, troubled and weak. "Leave him be? With those things they've put in his mind?"

"I think what boss means to say is that James deserves to be saved but he might never return to normal..." Braylon explained. "It's not easy to escape from one's past."

"I understand that," Grace replied weakly. "But I'll stand by him, help him if he lets me."

Tony exhaled. "Did your mother have a plan to revert the process of the brainwashing?"

Grace smiled bitterly. "She developed an algorithm to neutralize the vocalized codes without erasing memories. She named it Project Meminero."

"Smart," Tony mused. "Meminero means 'I will remember' in Latin."

"Yes..." Grace said, her features pale. "And that was why Silas approached her. He seduced her by pretending to be a kind, soft-hearted man in order to gain intel about her project. They married and I was born. I was always afraid of him... I could tell that he did not want me. Though an excellent scientist, my mother failed to see his true colors until it was too late."

"What happened next?" Braylon asked.

Grace's lips trembled as she spoke. "When I was a child, we joined SHIELD's protection program. I was eighteen when tragedy struck. Natasha was the head of our security, still, Silas managed to find us... he killed my mother but I managed to escape with knowledge of her work."

Her tone shifted, mournful. "I changed my identity, but he still... well, you know the rest."

"What a terrifying man," Braylon said.

"That's why I need your help," she said and met Tony's stare. "Hydra is also your enemy. We can combine our data and cooperate to take down their most monstrous project."

"And what is it that we must do?" Tony asked, eager to get this mission going.

"This is where it gets tough." She paused meaningfully then added, "My mother hid everything in a place only I know of."

"Then all we have to do is take it," Braylon said. "Grace... you hold the future in your hands."

"You've found your strength, your courage," Tony smirked. "Revealing all of this shows your dedication to him."

Grace let out a nervous chuckle. "I just want this nightmare to end. Ignoring the pain won't lead me forward. Confronting Hydra and Silas is the way to save James and myself."

Tony nodded. "You have my unwavering support. Prepare yourself. We're heading out. Let's uncover your mother's work and make her proud."

"But... what about Natasha?" Grace asked, well aware that the redhead spy wouldn't let them off so easily.

"You forget who I am," Tony smirked. "So... where are we heading?"

▪️▪️▪️

James rolled out of bed, a long groan escaping him. Once again, his sleep had been plagued by frightful images and screeching voices. He rubbed his throbbing temples and swallowed hard, tasting the agony, the disrepair. The nightmares persisted, he couldn't rest, and not even the sleeping pills could help rid him of the nightmares.

With a heavy sigh, he lifted himself from the makeshift bed on the floor, berating himself for being so foolish, so heartless with Grace. Leaving her had affected him more than he had imagined. She had been a comforting refuge, a warm embrace in a world rife with chaos and pain. And he had turned away from her, deceiving and abandoning the only person who managed to make him feel such precious feelings.

For all the above, he refused to break his resolve. He cared for Grace, more than words could possibly describe, and it was precisely the reason that compelled him to keep his distance. Danger followed him at every corner and she had to remain safe, pure, and gentle. That was what he repeated to himself day after day. It had turned into a mantra as he focused on his mission.

With these thoughts in mind, Bucky navigated the corridors of the jet, eventually reaching the upper level. In a matter of hours, they would reach Croatia, following one of T'Challa's leads. He stared outside blankly, lost in the sight of the night sky and its shimmering stars. He stared blankly until the sound of approaching footsteps grabbed his attention.

"Can't sleep?" Steve's voice carried through the air.

"Got a lot on my mind," Bucky muttered, discomfort and vulnerability in his tone.

"You're having nightmares..." Steve was now only a few steps away.

"Every damn night," came Bucky's response, hoarse, almost inaudible. "But I can handle it."

Steve narrowed his eyes. "This is not good, Buck."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, it's just... the same old stuff," he replied, though his haunted eyes betrayed the true weight of his ordeal.

"Why don't you call her?" Steve suggested. James yearned for Grace. He called out her name in his sleep, begging her to come to him.

"No," Bucky said, ignoring the bittersweet pull on his heart at the mere thought of hearing her voice.

"Why are you so strict with yourself? Why deny happiness?"

"What happiness, Steve?" James said, his red-rimmed eyes focusing on him. "I'm a lab experiment, a bomb about to go off. Silas can hurt Grace just by using the goddamn words on me."

"You are strong and resilient. You always find your way back."

"What if I suddenly can't come back? What if I break down?" Bucky replied, the context of his words more frightening than death itself.

"Buck..."

"Look. I need to eradicate Hydra and disappear from the world. Find peace, someplace where I can no longer hurt people."

"Grace trusted you. Even with her memories gone, she trusted you." Steve knew he was venturing into sensitive territory but refused to give up. "You must speak to her. No more hiding the truth."

With a pathetic sigh, Bucky covered his face with his hands. "After what I've done?"

"She might lash at you. I'm sure. But once I tell her what a moody slump you've been ever since you two separated, I'm sure she will forgive you."

For the first time after so long, Bucky laughed. "Really?"

"Really," Steve half laughed. "Think it over. If you lose her, you'll regret it forever."

Bucky cleared his throat and changed the conversation. "So what's our plan once we arrive?

"T'Challa's intel suggests unusual activity at an abandoned house in Krapina, Croatia," Steve explained. "CCTV spotted a jet resembling the one Silas used."

"It's worth checking out."

"Silas might have created more super soldiers with the new serum," Steve said and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "And judging by what we saw from Rumlow, it is incredibly strong."

"Hydra is more dangerous than ever. With nothing to lose, I say they definitely injected most of their agents," Bucky said, coiling in disgust.

"We'll manage—"

Steve's words were cut short by the insistent ringing of his phone. It was the ungodly hour of the call and Natasha's number flashing on the screen that instilled a sense of urgency. And once he did, her news plastered a worried expression on his face.

"What's wrong?" Bucky strained his ears, catching snippets of conversation, and his heart skipped a beat as he heard Grace's name. "Grace?"

Steve grumbled. "She and Tony Stark have left the tower."

James released a heavy breath. "We should figure out where they're headed." Without waiting for a response, he strode forward. "I'm altering our course to track her down."

"Hold on!" Steve interjected, grabbing his shoulder. "No need to change direction. Grace is actually quite close by."