#but it turns out. spending money on things you like does improve your mood slightly

[risingsunresistance]

ONE MORE CURIOSITY POLL!

[m0nsterqzzz]

Paying Attention

pairing: katniss everdeen x reader

summary: you girlfriend never pays attention....or at least nobody thinks she does

a/n: two fics in one night? I promise I have a life yall.

ahhhh this is so short but i haven't written for my girl in way to long. this is kinda based off that one request you sent me, @drima but I also kinda added my own thing. hope thats okay my love!!

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Your girlfriend has a short attention span.

Everyone knows it; her friends at the Hob who have to remind her over and over again how much she owes them after she gets distracted by some pretty butterfly, her mother and sister who listen to her tell the same story over and over again because she always forgets she told them when she’s busy cleaning up the house or cooking dinner, and you, her person, the one who gets all her love, who knows how to keep on her task and focused most of the time.

It’s one of your most impressive skills really; the ability of turning the girl who can't seem to sit still for more than a few minutes into a contented statue with only a touch or a word. You don’t even know how you do it, but it works and that’s that.

Or at least, it usually works.

Right now, as you sit down with her in the forest surrounding district 12, explaining some of the plants you just planted while she sits next to you, knee bouncing up and down as her eyes scan the forest. Her bow held loosely in her hand, though you know that at any given second she could grab an arrow from the quiver hooked to her back and have dinner in less than five seconds.

“Did you know that some plants actually help improve air quality indoors? Plants like spider plants and peace lilies are great for removing toxins from the air and keeping it clean.” You speak softly, eyes moving from the garden Katniss helped you make a few months ago to look at her while scanning the small clearing in hopes of finding hunt and uses her free hand to pick at the grass beneath her.

“They’re low-maintenance and don’t require as much watering as others. They’re perfect for people with busy lives who don’t have the time to babysit their greenery.” You chuckle at your own joke about her hectic schedule and lack of ability to keep a plant alive for more than a month due to it, but it dies down in your throat when you realize your words are falling on deaf ears.

Katniss’s eyes dart around, only stopping on you when she realizes you stopped talking. “Mhm. That’s cool honey.” 

You stare at her side profile for a second before you scoff quietly, standing up and grabbing your woven basket that contains veggies, herbs for Mrs. Everdeen and Primrose, and a few flowers. “Let’s just go. I know you want to hunt.” She immediately takes notice of your mood, seemingly a bit upset about her not focusing on the conversation at hand. She’s always been good at that; being able to tell what you’re feeling and fix it in a quick second.

Right now though, she doesn’t seem to care, just nodding slightly as she stands up and follows after you. “Alright.” The archer mumbles, lining up an arrow with her bow as she slowly walks ahead of you as to not disturb any animals around.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

You get over it, and everything goes back to normal with you and Katniss over the next month. You go with her to hunt almost every day, spending a bit of time at your garden tending to it before you join her to quietly walk through the forest in hopes of finding an unsuspecting animal. 

Tonight, you’re going to have dinner with the Everdeen family, invited by Primrose, Katniss’s sister, and reassured by your girlfriend that her mother would love to have you around. You help them out a lot whether it’s vegetables from your garden or part of the money you get from selling them in the Hob so they can enjoy a fulfilling dinner, and you try your hardest to hang out with the youngest girl when you have free time so that she has as many supporters as possible or go help out at their home by cleaning up and cooking so Katniss doesn’t have as much to do at the end of the day. It’s fun for you, and it’s great for them.

Anyway, Prim is the one who answers the door when you knock, grinning at the sight of the cookies you spent the last of the money you earned today to buy from some boy named Peeta at the bakery in town. “Katniss! Your lover is here!” You chuckle, and your girlfriend groans from somewhere in the house before gently shoving Prim out of the entryway so she can tug you by your arm inside.

Her mother is sat at the table, a book in hand as Katniss cooks and Primrose tidies up. No matter how many times you come over, the Everdeens are always trying to make their house in the Seam as clean as possible as to impress you.

Katniss goes back to cooking once she knows you're comfortable on the couch, brushing off your offers to help with a quick wave of her hand. She always feels the need to do everything possible to insure her loved ones don’t have to work too hard, and the urge includes you.

Before you know it, you’re washing dishes with Primrose after finally convincing your girlfriend to take a break, and said girl comes up to you two and leans her back against the counter while similtasntly holding something behind her back by the time the last dish is washed.

With a quick nod to her sister, the younger girl sighs before putting the last dish away and walking out of the room while mumbling about not even being thanked before she’s kicked out of her own kitchen.

Katniss holds out the item she was hiding for you to see, and your smile only grows at the sight. It’s a round flower crown, looking almost exactly the same size as your head. The adorableness of your big scary girlfriend holding such a pretty, delecit item is pushed into the back of your mind as you take notice of what flowers are on it. Peace Lilies.

“I was listening. I’m sorry it didn’t seem like it. And you were right, you know. I found some of these in the forest, re-planted them in a pot, and they’ve been growing on my nightstand ever since. I barely ever watered them yet they grew faster and bigger than any plant we’ve ever owned in this house.” The Everdeen girl chuckles, gently placing the crown on your head. “I want you to know that even when it seems like I’m not, I’m always listening to you. I love hearing you talk, and there’s a little file in my brain that holds every single thing you’ve ever told me.”

You nod with a small blush, adjusting the crown on your head before you hoist yourself up to sit on the counter. “I didn’t know you cared.”

 She stands in between your legs, her hands lifting to gently caress your cheek and then she places a chaste kiss on your forehead. “I care.”

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[oumaheroes]

Stargazing

Word Count: 2030

Characters: England, France- FrUK

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‘If you could go back to any era, which would you choose?’ There is a stone in-between France’s shoulder blades, something that finally tips the scales from being comfortable into not, so France rolls onto his side, cradling his head in his hand.

From his spot in the grass next to him, England turns his head lazily, the movement long and slow. His eyes are the last to move, fixed on the stars, and they find France’s with a sharp flick, ‘What?’

‘Are you too drunk to listen?’ France lifts a heavy arm and reaches across the small distance between them to brush some errant hair away from England’s forehead and lets it stay there, tangled in his roots. France himself is wine soft and slow, warm in his stomach and chest from both the day and the drink which settles within him.

England huffs, ‘More like drunk enough that I can stop pretending you’re worth listening to.’

France hums indulgently, far too jovial at the moment to search for any unintended offense, ‘oh, the lies you tell yourself. They do amuse me.’

England frowns, head still facing France and cheek pillowed in the grass.  Wine is not enough to soften him entirely, it seems, ‘that is rich, coming from you.’

France brings his hand down from England’s hair to lay it across his mouth, ‘I’m not starting anything with you this evening, I’m too full.’

England opens his mouth and, very gently, bites the meat of the pad of France’s hand. Just to show that he could and to be difficult, showing that he won’t go down without a fight. France’s small input in the ridiculous battle is to leave it there, refusing to give in. Eventually, England lets go and moves his head away, although not before pressing his teeth down just that bit harder. France reclaims his hand and allows him escape without protest.

‘What drivel did you ask me?’ England looks back up at the sky again, high and cloudless above them.

‘If you could be in any era again, any that we have lived through,’ France repeats, ‘which would you pick to go back to?’ He has caught England in a good mood, one where he has allowed himself to be seen, for a time, without anything sharp covering him. Drink has made him pliant and loose tongued and France, in a similar mood, is keen to make the most of it.

England rolls his head slightly back, considering the question, ‘How long do I get in the era?’

‘No, don’t do that, don’t make it technical. It’s not a difficult question.’

‘It most certainly is, running water always influences things,’ England’s mouth twists in a wry hint of a smile, ‘and it’s one thing to pop back to the Tudor times for one of the court parties and quite another to have to spend more than a week there. I do not lament the loss of hose and codpiece.’

‘I do, they made my legs look fabulous.’

England snorted and rolled his eyes, ‘Why am I not surprised.’

‘You’re avoiding the question,’ France twists away from him briefly to feel for the wine bottle they’d been drinking from. It had rolled away slightly, the slight incline of France’s garden causing it to move easily as they shuffled about and he takes a long swing of it before laying it between them, neck resting on England’s stomach. He’s past beyond the point of using glasses now.

‘I’m not avoiding the question, I was trying to-‘

‘No stop, you’re ruining it; I’ll go first,’ after brushing the grass underneath to clear it of stones, France returns to lying on his back, arms behind his head, and ignores England’s tut of annoyance, ‘I think I’d actually want to go back to the days under Rome, just for a visit.’

England sits up on his elbows and takes a sip from the bottle himself, ‘I hadn’t expected that of you.’

‘No?’

‘God no. I would have thought you’d want to go back to one of your King Luis. You know, peak opulence, decadence- all that faff. You still love the fancy balls and the clothes, and the needless tat that came with it,’ England takes another sip of wine and runs his tongue over his teeth, ‘the dances and the jewels, the silly little court rules of behaviour. The gossip.’

France chuckles, ‘you were so funny every time you were dragged along- so out of place! You couldn’t go more than an hour before letting your true colours slip free.’ England was never truly refined for very long, especially when it came to the Versailles’ court standards.

‘Anyone with a lick of sense was immediately out of place,’ England quips drily and lays down again, placing the cork back in the wine as he goes.

It sounds nearly empty- shame. It was a nice year and the last of the bottles that they’d brought out to the garden. Dinner had been a late, informal affair in France’s kitchen- homemade bread and creamy, locally made cheese with chicken. Simple and filling, comfort food for the both of them. The summer heat made them both unwilling for anything too excessive and the entire day had been spent doing lots of nothing much at all; England lounging about in shorts that France refrained from teasing him about lest he stop wearing them.

‘Yes well,’ France lifts his head and clumsily bats him in the stomach with the top of his hand, ‘despite that indeed being extremely enjoyable, I do mean it. My choice of era, I mean.’

England makes a soft noise that gently demands elaboration, a low rumble in the back of his throat but France needs no prompting. He presses a knuckle into the softness of England’s stomach and feels him breathe in deep and slow.

‘I’d love to have nothing to be responsible for again. Everything was done for me, as a colony- the way my cities were built, the improvements made to my industries, the negotiations for trade and commerce, everything. I’d like to revisit being a child, in the closest sense of childhood our kind has,’ France pauses, mulling that over, ‘Imagine that again, being small but without fear of being so. No politics, no money driven economy, no push for growth. We have spent so much of our lives racing to get somewhere, striving to be more that I can hardly remember what it was like to be nothing more than an idea, existing just to speak for the lives that called themselves mine.’

France turns and catches England watching him, eyes searching and heavy, ‘Does that make sense?’ he asks him.

‘No,’ England’s answer is immediate, ‘no, and yes. The desire to be I understand, but I detested that age.’

France smiles at him, understanding masked by the dark. England does not, and never did, like being anything other than in perfect control of himself. Relinquishing that to someone else, even for his own benefit, has never been anything more than a horror.

‘Well,’ France says, ‘that is my choice. I liked being looked after and I have so much to do nowadays that it would be nice to have nothing to do once again. Nothing more than wander about my fields and see my people, or visit a northern barbarian across the sea.’

‘Don’t talk about Scotland that way, you’ll hurt his feelings.’

France laughs and reaches down to find England’s hand, open palmed and curled fingers by his side. He intertwines his own with it and brings them upwards, watching as together they cut across to block the light from his house and silhouette into a tangle of them both.

‘So,’ he says, running a thumb across the skin of England’s knuckle, ‘what era would you choose?’

England sighs, a light thing but France can hear a yearning there, ‘Any of the years I was at sea. The 1500’s when I was first starting out and even up to the 1700’s when things became more regimented- any of them. To be able to just get in a boat and go, no one knowing when I would come back or even where I was going.’

France shudders, the idea of being out in ocean that deep and so alone chilling him. For creatures that revive after death, who can wake again and again and again as long as there is a body to return to, the ocean is a lonely, painful place to die. To sink lifeless into murky depths, only to reawaken there in the dark press of salty sea; most nations avoided it as much as they could, wishing to avoid the long, drawn out death choked by waves and forgotten on the seafloor.

England never had such a healthy fear of the oceans. He went out into thunderous storms and monstrous waves as if enchanted, unable to resist the pull of something untamed. England sailed off as soon as he was able, going out for further and longer than anyone else dared and losing himself in the harsh life of the brine. He was a different creature far out at sea, something so strangely alive and perfectly at home for a man made from the soul of the mountains and land.

‘You always were a strange one for the macabre,’ France drops their hands back down and finds England once more looking at the sky, the reflection of stars glinting in his eyes.

‘The seas never change,’ his voice is quiet and distant, ‘some things do change, of course- the boats we sail on, how we do so. Things shift on the sea, the lands we travel to and from are washed away and changed with time but the sea itself is always the same. I appreciate it for that, it is predictably unpredictable. Constantly refusing the press of mankind by being the one thing we can never truly understand, for all of mankind’s new fancy gadgets.’

England gives a sudden, dry laugh, ‘I used to navigate the world by constellations, now I have to travel just to find some stars. To the highest peaks I have, or deep in my countryside to avoid as much light pollution as I can. But out at sea they are as they have always been, the same things I have watched and tracked for thousands of years. That is when I can just be as I have always been.’

The sky hangs overhead, speckled and bright and now, France notices, startlingly empty, ‘I often forget that they’re there,’ France speaks to the sky, ‘Funny, isn’t it? How something so fundamental can disappear and mankind not even notice. How odd to forget that stars are there, then to not notice they’re gone.’

‘We are cursed or blessed to remember what’s past,’ England offers, ‘which one depends on who we remember for.’

They lay in silence for a moment. France feels the collected years sit with him openly, laying on his chest and heart like tiny weights. The ground pushes against his back, firm and unmoving, and he breathes in deeply, smelling the heat of the summer in the air. He is here. He is now. He is. Still, after all this time. He watches.

To exist is to change, to live is to evolve and move with the flow of time, but France understands the want for something constant in the flood, something that stays recognisable and the same throughout the years. The older he gets, the more he yearns for it keenly.

‘You’ve gone and made things serious,’ he lifts himself back up on an elbow, England looking at him without moving his head, ‘just like you to take a light conversation and ruin it.’

England raises an eyebrow, “Oh the lies you tell yourself; they do amuse me.”

His French is accented with a Norman dialect, a gentle dig and refusal to fully let France have what he wants and France laughs at it, at this one unchanging constant he is stuck with. He leans down to kiss him, hair curling into England’s face and hiding what remains of the night sky.

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AN: Every time I try writing one of these small drabbles, I start out with a particular idea and tone in mind but gosh darn it they never go where I intend for them to.

Today we have ended up with this, two old men talking themselves in circles in the summer grass.

[bouncingkadachi]

Blessed Rain

Summary: A Hunter’s weapon of choice says a lot about them. OR: Kyle upgrades his weaponry and gets caught red-handed in the act. Luckily (?) for him, only Tsukino seems to know exactly why he's having an emotional crisis over this.

Word count: 3,260

Note(s): set post-game

Also available on AO3!

Kyle’s had his new bow for a good couple of weeks before the feel of the limbs and the weight of the draw became comfortable enough for him to consider upgrading it. If he’s going to be injured, he reasons, he’d rather it be purely by way of monster and not because he pulls a muscle wrestling with a bow that hasn’t been properly broken in. His wallet despairs as he forks over the zenny, but this’ll hopefully let him take on some of the bigger hunts like the ones that Reverto goes on. It’ll all be worth the investment up front once he has his completely finished bow and restocked his coatings and finally drops the last of his coin on a couple new talismans.

He refuses to think about the implications of his reasoning with a literal coin, rolling it around and around his fingers as he pushes through the market throngs towards the smithy’s. Perhaps he ought to have a change of scenery—the fog-shrouded summits of Terga were said to be particularly beautiful at this time of year, and the heat in Lamure was becoming just shy of unbearable.

The final product that the blacksmith puts into his hands when he finally makes it to collect is nothing short of gorgeous. Blessed Rain is sleek where his old Rex bow was bulky, far lighter and certainly not as clunky. The upgrades on the riser gives the entire weapon a pleasant solidness in his hand, yet the delicately reinforced plating on the limbs doesn’t retract at all from its flexibility. The decorative grip protector gleams. Just looking at it makes Kyle excited to shoot.

“Bring her back if you’re finding that you need anything adjusted,” the smith tells him after Kyle’s diligently inspected every inch of the bow. “Kept the poundage the same for you, but added another inch to the draw length like you asked.”

“Thanks,” Kyle says. Eventually, he’d like to work up to the point where he can up the poundage again. Even just another five pounds would be good. He can do most of the hunts in his skill range alone now, but extra firepower would make him just that much more efficient, or that much of a better support for team hunts. 

The smith laughs when Kyle sheepishly admits this. “Well, I always like to help a Hunter improve, and you know where to find me,” he says cheerily, clapping Kyle enthusiastically on the shoulder. “Come by again anytime if you need a tune up or want to test out something new.” 

And with that, he waves Kyle away so that another Hunter can step up, holding a tired-looking sword and shield and looking equally exhausted. “Aye, rookie Hunter?” Kyle hears as he wanders off to find a more relaxed corner of the market in which to admire his new bow some more. “If you’ve got the materials I can repair and upgrade that for you.” The conversation peters out and melts into the general din of the marketplace as Kyle slips into the crowd, taking care to step out of the way of a Felyne carrying an absolutely massive basket groaning with produce. He watches the precarious load totter away, trying and failing to locate Tsukino in the brief respite the parted crowd affords him. They’d split earlier that morning and he hasn’t seen her since.

He still hasn’t managed to find even a whisker of Tsukino’s whereabouts by the time he settles into a decently quiet nook next to a stall selling all manner of spices. Pity, because the dappled light spilling through the colorful drapes of the marketplace catches so beautifully on the milky-white sheen of the bow, and he’d been looking forward to showing it to her. As a Hunter, Kyle will always care more about weapon practicality than aesthetics, but as a normal human being he certainly won’t turn down the opportunity to have both an aesthetically pleasing and perfectly functional weapon. He’s still grinning a little when he goes to strap the bow to his back, and it’s in the process of looking up that his gaze catches onto wide eyes staring plainly at him from across the street. 

He freezes, arm suspended awkwardly halfway to sheathing. His beautiful bow glints damningly in the bright Lamure sunlight as his unexpected friend wades through the throngs of people towards him, gesturing for him to stay put with a wave of her hand that really can’t be mistaken for anything other than a greeting.

“Hey,” he says cautiously and lamely when she finally reaches him. Belatedly, he remembers to lower his arm. He is momentarily thankful that she doesn’t try to reach up for his face in the Mahanan greeting, although his goodwill evaporates when she leans in to inspect his bow, body thrumming with unexplainable anticipation.

“Oh, that’s pretty,” she says finally. Kyle can’t help himself from preening just a little, shifting his grip so that she can get a better look. After all, what was the point of spending all that money and materials if there was no one to excitedly show the end product off to? Besides, it’s been a while since they last saw each other. Last he heard, she had been traveling, keen to finally see the world on her own terms and at her own pace.

“It’s fresh off an upgrade,” he answers smugly. “Easier to handle than the Rex.”

“Slightly less intimidating though,” she chimes in, and Kyle bristles, not liking where this conversation is going. And true to form, she goes in for the kill: “Mizutsune? I recognize the plating.”

Kyle can feel the flush crawling up to his ears. Logically, he knows that there’s nothing for him to be embarrassed about. It’s a mark of good smithing that one can tell at a glance which monster a weapon was inspired by, and a Mizutsune was both powerful and extremely iconic. This bow in particular had good stats and the ability to fire rapidly, which admittedly took him some time to get used to after focusing mostly on piercing shots. The paralysis coating that works so well on this bow has also already saved his skin on more than one occasion. There is little more a career Hunter can ask for out of his weapon. It’s not like he’d been heading out to Pomore Garden at any given opportunity and holding onto an increasing multitude of Mizutsune materials just because he wanted some physical reminder of what was probably the most pivotal moment of his life, something that never failed to put a very complicated and jumbled mess of emotions deep within his chest whenever he thought back to it.

He’s starting to feel very, very hot under his collar. The sun is terrible. He resolves that his next big hunt really needs to be somewhere outside of Lamure.

His friend, however, just looks more and more baffled as he launches into an unprompted defense of his newest purchase. Every time she opens her mouth, Kyle talks a little faster. Eventually, she doesn’t even bother trying to interject, which is arguably worse, because instead she just looks progressively more and more thoughtful. Kyle wished desperately for Tsukino to peel away from whatever hidey hole she was tucked in. Then, his train of thought screeches into a rude and abrupt halt.

“What,” he croaks. “What are you doing.”

One of her brows quirks up. “I sure hope your eyes are still working because that’d be a detriment to your job,” she says plainly. “What does it look like I’m doing? I promise it’s not a trick question.”

What she’s doing is holding Kyle’s hand—the one not clutching his new bow—the one that had apparently been waving about with increasing agitation as he jabbered on and on. What Kyle doesn’t understand is why. It’s not like he just did some impressive shot to give them the edge in a battle or anything else that was cool and hand-holding worthy. He’d just been yammering about bow mechanics, and maybe embarrassingly dipping into his talisman hopes and dreams. He stares a little helplessly at his trapped hand. Her kinship stone winks up at him.

“Look,” she says patiently, when it becomes very clear that Kyle is going to need a moment before he can get his brain back online. “There’s nothing wrong with a bow made from Mizutsune parts and I am the last person who will ever turn down pretty things. What I was going to say was that this is an interesting departure from your whole—” She pauses, as though looking for a specific word. “Well, your whole image as a very grown-up and serious and intimidating Hunter or whatever it was you were trying to convey with that scowl you used to like so much. And you weren’t letting me get a single word in.”

“You’re getting plenty of words in now,” Kyle scowls, just to be contrary. “And I’ve grown since then.”

“Someone’s in a mood today.” She smiles, crinkle-eyed, up at him. Kyle very seriously debates wrenching his hand out of her hold like he did the last time this happened and then pointedly doesn’t act on the impulse.

“Why’re you in Lulucion?” he asks instead with a truly remarkable level of self-restraint. “Thought you’d never want to come back again after what happened.”

She shrugs, the greatsword on her back heaving with the movement. “Guess I’ve grown too,” she says loftily, though she sobers quickly. “I was actually visiting my grandfather. He used to go back to Mahana around this time of year… he can’t do it anymore of course but I’ve got Ratha now, so I figured I could do it instead. And then I figured I’d stop by Rutoh before going home, to see Ena and Alwin and wheedle a few more stories out of them.”

She lets go of Kyle’s hand. He tries not to miss it. “Even Ratha can’t make the trip in one go, and Lulucion was closest, so we’re stopping to rest. I dropped by the Scrivener’s Lodge earlier because I was hoping Reverto could give me a few weapon pointers as I’ve saved up just about enough for an upgrade, but they told me that he was out on an urgent mission and wouldn’t be back for a while.”

“Oh,” Kyle says, a little stung that she hadn’t come specifically to see him first, out of all the Hunters in the city. He’s slightly mollified when she grins at him, though.

“And then I met Tsukino by the cannons. She said I could find you here, so here I am.”

“I don’t know anything about greatswords,” Kyle blurts out, and immediately wants to kick himself. She blinks at him, and then bursts into laughter.

“I was just going to ask the smith,” she wheezes when she’s got herself somewhat back under control. “Can’t I see a friend just to say hi to him anymore?” Kyle stares very intently down at some of the finer detailing on his bow.

“Where is my Palico anyway?” he finally settles on, falling into a tried and true grumble. “I haven’t seen her all day.”

She waves her hand vaguely in the air. “Navirou said something about getting donuts. I wasn’t really listening.”

But there was a donut stand right here in the marketplace, Kyle wanted to cry out. He should have seen Tsukino by now if they’d really been going to buy snacks! And how was it possible that he had missed Navirou in his entirety, between the Felyne’s penchant for wearing ridiculous little outfits and his inability to shut up?

“Why? You have a hunt you need to run off to?” 

“Yes,” Kyle says hotly. It’s a lie. He’d accepted a subquest that wouldn’t depart until later that evening for the sole purpose of testing out his new weapon in a relatively stress-free environment. Before that, he’d just planned on hitting up the shooting range in the training arena to break in the new string. His schedule was very, very free. Tsukino was perfectly aware of that.

His eyes widened. Tsukino had been with him on every excursion into the Gardens. She went where he did (usually), and it’s not like Kyle would ever begrudge her a visit home. But she’d been with him every step of every single Mizutsune job he’d ever taken—had watched him craft traps when he needed to capture and had kept watch for opportunists hoping to sneak up as he’d carved. She’d been the one who’d recommended the spinner for all the excess purplefur he was ending up with. At first, he’d simply thought that she’d wanted the thread to mend some of her own items, or to send back home to her brethren, but instead she’d tucked each skein of vibrant, silk-soft thread into the bottom of his pouch with gentle paws, cryptically talking about how strong a material it was, and how nice it looked when woven. Kyle has never touched a loom in his life, but now he’s looking at someone who he definitely knows has.

His stomach drops. Hadn’t Tsukino looked particularly smug ever since he’d lingered on the blueprints for Blessed Rain after getting a look at its stats and required materials?

“She got me,” he groans. His friend just looks at him bemusedly, though perhaps with a touch of wariness at his ferocious frown. Hastily, he tacks on: “It’s nothing. I, uh—I just remembered that I needed to tell Tsukino something. Important. Later, when I find her again.”

“Alright,” she says, though she doesn’t quite look like she believes him. “A quest’s a quest, though, so I won’t keep you here. The bow really is pretty though. I know I just said it doesn’t match your image and all but I really don’t think you can go wrong with something you like. You’ve got the skills for it, anyway.”

“Thanks,” he croaks, feeling a little overwhelmed. He manages two whole steps out of the nook before he pauses, worrying at his lower lip. “Actually,” he says sharply, spinning around on his heel and nearly causing his friend to startle right into a spice display. “How long are you staying for?”

“However long it’ll take to upgrade my sword, I guess,” she says after she collects herself, the words lilting into a question. “Three days or so, I guess?” She skirts nervously away from the glaring vendor, careful not to overbalance on her greatsword.

“Cool,” Kyle says with a nod, steeling himself. “Great, even. Look, how about this. Your last visit to Lulucion was terrible—” an understatement, “—so when I get back from my hunt I’ll show you some of the better sights Lulucion has to offer. There’s a hole in the wall that I think you’ll like. Dad used to take me after hunts—they grill really nice queen shrimp. And the parapets—you can climb them, and they’ve got all these little carvings in the stone that you can search for like a scavenger hunt.” He’s keenly aware that he’s rambling again, but she looks interested, so he barrels on. “I’ll come pick you up tomorrow just as soon as I can get a nap in. We can stay in the city or take Ratha out to the Barrens, down by the water. Just make a day of it.” He’s pretty certain that he looks at her with something akin to hope as she considers. It feels like a lifetime before she finally comes to a decision. 

“I want to take Ratha out in the evening,” she says finally. “I don’t want him to be cooped up too long here ever again.”

“Yeah,” Kyle breathes out, the word rushing out of him in a flood of relief. “Yeah, I can work around that.” She beams at him.

“I’ll look forward to it,” she says, sincere and looking more than a little surprised despite herself at the prospect of looking forward to doing anything in Lulucion. “I’m staying at the inn closest to the stables. Pretty sure I’m the only Rider there currently so they’ll know who I am.” Kyle nods, and lets himself get his hand squeezed again, though not without her hands first hovering in an instinctual bid for his cheeks before she remembers herself.

“Good luck on your hunt. If I see Tsukino I’ll let her know you’re looking for her.”

“She’ll show up in due time,” he mutters darkly. “I’ll let you know if Reverto gets back early or if he’s just been loafing around this entire time. For your next upgrade or whatever.” She laughs, bright, and then slips off into the crowd to wrestle her way into the smithy’s queue. Kyle is left staring in her wake before his gaze is drawn back down to his bow.

“This is all your fault,” he tells it. Predictably, it doesn’t answer. Also predictably, Tsukino takes that exact moment to drop down from seemingly nowhere. 

“I didn’t know we had another job lined up,” the Felyne says delicately, carefully brushing crumbs off of her coat. Kyle groans, sheathing his weapon.

“Don’t tease me,” he huffs. “I’m going to the shooting range. Are you coming?”

“Hmm,” says Tsukino. “I suppose I can spare the time.”

“Of course you can spare the time!” Kyle hisses, indignant. “You just spent the day eating donuts and eavesdropping!” He pointedly doesn’t look towards the smithy, where his friend was patiently browsing the display while another Hunter was getting their hammer looked at.

“One must always be prepared with the latest intel,” Tsukino says mildly. “I’m glad the upgrade went well.” 

“It’s got good stats,” Kyle protests weakly in what is quickly becoming a tired argument. “The rapid shots have been going very well. And I had a surplus of Mizutsune parts.”

 “Yes,” his hunting partner agrees readily enough. “Have you thought of what you’re going to do with the thread?”

“This conversation is finished,” Kyle says abruptly, making a very determined push towards the market’s exit. “Either come or don’t, so long as we meet at the gate for tonight’s hunt.”

Tsukino looks at him with exasperated fondness, which is frankly a little insulting, but readily falls into step next to him. Kyle wonders how many rounds he’s going to have to shoot in order to clear his head again and rid it of thoughts of Hazepetal Garden or Mizutsune or high-grade thread that he’ll never use himself. He’ll examine them again someday—because he’s not a coward—but that day is most certainly not today.

He does his rounds in the training arena and marvels at the way the string slides off his fingers with a satisfying twang, even though it’ll still be a good few days before it’s fully broken in to his liking. Tsukino’s saved him a donut, the cakey sweet sticky with honey and practically melting in his mouth. He’s got some free time even after stocking up for the evening hunt, so he takes a few minutes to browse the quest board, taking careful note of the jobs that were situated near the Harzgai Rocky Hill, or the ones from further afield in Alcala that’ll take him closer to Rutoh. And when he leaves the city, he pointedly doesn’t look up at the familiar shape circling in the dusky sky, even as he knows that they’ll surely see the last rays of the setting sun winking off of the plates of his bow like a beacon.

[i-cant-sing]

Daniel and YN part 9 🌗🌗

“Sensei, I think we have a lead on Daniel and YN.” “Tell me more, Tomura.” Shigaraki’s spine tingles when his master speaks.

His father figure, his sensei. Desperate to please, he pulled up the file his rat in the police station grabbed. “Last week there was an incident at the cafe in the pink district. There were several vases destroyed from an unknown explosion. The windows were cracked from trembling so hard. Almost all the footage tapes were melted, melted in the camera holder. When examined, the broken materials were giving off radiation. Radiation so bad it left a cop in the hospital.” “Interesting… you said almost all the footage?” “Yes. My rat got me the only tape that survived. When I watched it, I think I saw them.” AFO tilted his head. It was progressing faster than planned, but of course he was prepared for that possibility. Daniel seemed to be more subject to his emotions than his sister. Over the years AFO did not see an improvement on his mental development. It seemed that he would need to intervene sooner than expected if he did not want to lose his child to a hero. “Sensei. There’s also news that All Might and his protege are investigating the incident.” Now that was a complication. All Might and his other child should not be allowed total influence over the two. It was time to enact a different plan. One that involved seeing his past wife. “Thank you Tomura. I want you to keep an eye out for them. They are not to be harmed. I have to make arrangements. When you find them make sure you keep a nullifier on hand. In case Daniel needs to be calmed down.” With that, AFO hung up and opened a portal to the Midoryia household. He hasn’t gone by Midoryia for a long time, but even so he did not expect a warm welcome from his past wife. And when she opened the door to him, the look of worry on her face confirmed his suspicions. “They’re not here. Izuku is out trying to find YN. You can’t lash out at him or All Might. They’re-” “I plan to find them first. Izuku is not capable of handling Daniel’s quirk if they upset him. And you underestimate YN. She is very adept at hiding and defense.” “How would you know?” “Because I keep a watchful eye on all my children.” “All your..?” “Four years before we conceived Izuku, I donated my DNA for a little… experiment. The mother had a minor quirk involving radiation. From that pregnancy cane Daniel. Four years later, months after we conceived Izuku, I had my DNA donated again. YN was born from that.” “They 're just experiments to you?” “At first, yes. I did not plan to get attached. But I did. And I have been attached since. I was there when Daniel first displayed reminances of a quirk. I was there when YN learned to balance herself on a high wire. I found them when they were lost. I arranged for her mother’s job to move her to this district and apartment building. I’m the reason you gained custody of them if you recall the deal we made.” “I…” “My point is I may not have been there for Izuku’s life but I have been there for my other two. And I don’t plan to relinquish my children to All Might or those heroes. Is that understood, All Might?” Inko turned around to see her son and his mentor standing in the doorway. Both were glaring at the villain. Ready to ounce at him if need be. But without him she would lose the children. “Mom get away from him.” “Is that any way to speak to your father Izuku?” “YOU LEFT!” Before the fighting could get any worse Inko stood between them. “My baby, my love.” She turned to All Might and Izuku. “We may not like it but he is their father. And he probably would be useful to returning YN and Daniel safely. We have to sit down and figure this out. For them.” So with great tension, Two rivals sat across a dinner table along with a green haired boy and a troubled mother. All discussing the custody of two individuals that didn’t belong to them. 🌗🌗

Daniel and YN part 10 🌗🌗

Sometimes YN wished she had made more of an effort to make friends. Yes Daniel was her best and closest friend, but it would be nice to have a girl or boy her own age to talk to. Someone that she could talk about stupid crap with. She tried being friends with Izuku when she and her brother officially moved in with the Midoryia’s, but they never saw her or Daniel as their own people. Izuku never really cared that YN was great at math. The best in her class. That she had a tiny interest in math because the answers were always exact and never had to be debated. He didn’t bother to care that YN liked reading romance and horror stories, that she really liked cheesy murder mystery movies with a twist villain hidden in plain sight. Izuku knew those things about her, but he just wrote it down in his notebook and filed it away like she wasn’t a person. They were no better to Daniel either. He was treated like an incompetant child. Like he was stupid and a baby. Sure he was disabled but he wasn’t incapable of everything. If they bothered talking and treating him like a person they’d see how complex he was. They’d see that he was so talented when he painted, that he could find a focus on the small important details. That Daniel, while he couldn’t understand complex emotions, could create beautiful things. Daniel had a delayed mind, but he loved figuring out puzzles. Daniel loved pinwheels and painted windmills, loved when they spun to beautiful colours. But did they care, no they saw only a child that needed to be coddled and kept away from how beautiful the world could be. YN couldn’t help but tear up as she held her knees to her chest. Why? Why couldn’t Izuku have been the friend she needed when her parents died? Why didn’t she try harder to make friends when she was at public school? Why did she act so introverted and angry at everyone? Just as she was about to cry, YN felt two long arms wrap around her. “Why you sad?” “It’s nothing really. I just… I really miss momma and pop. I really wish they were here.” “....Me too.” So the two hugged tightly. For tonight and every night that will come, they’ll have each other. In another place, a skinny blue haired villain placed a severed hand on his face. Determined to please his master, his father figure, Shigaraki set out to find the two troubled teens. They couldn’t be hidden forever. Besides, AFO should be allowed to see his children. He was their father, by blood. Shigaraki wasn’t an idiot though. He knew that the incident caused a commotion for those hungry for power. Ready to use quirk off the Boy. Shigaraki made sure to send some of his underlings out to gather intel and report whether or not other crimelords had their sights and claws on the teens. He had to be careful not to cause a scene and bring the heroes upon them. As the cold night blew his hair slightly, Shigaraki pondered the situation. Sensei had a wife, and three children? But not all share the same mother. He didn’t raise his three children, but he looked after them. But out of all of them Sensei chose to raise Shigaraki. He felt special. Sensei wanted to be near him. Nonetheless, these two were family. His sorta siblings. And he would bring them home. 🌗🌗

Daniel and YN part 11 🌗🌗

Young Izuku had the foundations to be a great hero. He was kind, string in heart, brave, and a little stupid. Toshinori knew that he would make a fine owner of OFA. And when he trained the boy he saw the makings of a new symbol of peace. Inko was a beautiful woman, even if she was too anxious to notice. He felt this urge to love and protect her. And over the months with her and Izuku, they formed a genuine love. Toshinori was a little concerned at first when he met YN and Daniel though. He did not really understand why they were kept so sheltered and why they were so babied. YN seemed like a capable young woman. But like with Izuku and Inko, the more time he spent near them, the more he felt protective, loving, obsessive. “Ah, good morning young YN. How was your night?” “What do you think. You stole my switchblade.” Inko seemed to bristle a bit at YN’s angry tone. “Sweetie.. We just thought that you could get hurt. It’s for the best. You know that w-” “That you only want the best for me. Yea I heard the same argument over and over again. And each time it’s still bull.” Before either could reprimand her, she stomped to her room slamming the door. Mornings usually weren’t so great. Especially when the night before they had to make big decisions regr=arding her safety. On All Might’s days off he would spend time with the Midoryia’s, sometimes it would go smoothly and sometimes the mood couldn’t surpass a funeral. All Might felt that he should’ve noticed the signs that YN was going to run away sooner. Perhaps then he could have intervened and then the whole family could air out why things were the way they were.

The first signs had to be when YN kept interfering with the way Inko felt was right to take care of poor Daniel. “Come on Daniel, It’s time to go to the learning center.” “Oh sweetie, I forgot to tell you that we pulled Daniel out of the center classes.” “What?” When YN’s face turned, All Might could see that a screaming match would begin, well not really a match considering young YN would be doing all the screaming. He was just here to pick up young Midoryia but he couldn’t help but stop in. “Well it’s just that Daniel learns so much better at a home, and the center is full of so many people that would be mean to him. Besides, he doesn’t really need to be at the center when I can take care of him.” “Yes he does! How is he gonna learn to cook and clean and manage any type of money if you refuse to let him learn!?!” “Daniel’s mind can’t handle all the new information. He might start to panic and his quirk might-” “YOU don’t know a GODDAMN thing about him! About what is best for him! You wanna do what’s best for my brother?! Than STOP treating him like he’s completely incompetent!” Before she could yell another word All Might stepped in with his trademark ‘I AM HERE’ . “Now young YN that’s no way to speak to your foster mother. She just believes that someone more personal should be teaching Daniel these things. That's not so bad is it?” “But-” “IS IT?” “Fine.I’ll get my school work done early so that I can teach Daniel in the afternoon.”

With that the argument was resolved. If only that was the last time she lashed out at them. If only he prevented the biggest fight that broke out between Izuku and YN. “Will you stop pestering him about his quirk?! It obviously makes him uncomfortable!” YN had walked into the room seeing Izuku asking Daniel all sorts of questions about his quirk and how he used it. It would’ve been fine had he stopped at the first two questions, but he kept going on and on. Wouldn’t stop asking about the destructive qualities, or about how his mind sometimes couldn’t comprehend his own quirk. Izuku didn’t notice how uncomfortable Daniel was getting. “I was just asking him some questions!” “You were being a jerk!” Before Izuku could yell at her again, the table and the mirrors broke. Both turned to see Daniel staring furious and scared, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Don’t scream at my sister!” He spoke angrily. He was so brave, so ready to defend his baby sister. Daniel could’ve brought the whole room down, had All Might in his ultimate form not stepped and stopped him. All Might should’ve known not to grab him and held him down. He should’ve known that the constriction made Daniel panic. Made him destroy more things to make it stop. The screaming continued, until YN grabbed her brother and calmed him. They barricaded themselves in her room that night. And in the morning, the three tried to act like it didn’t happen. All Might took the kids out for the day. Celebrating Izuku’s placement in the hero program. The signs were there that day. The signs that they were going to run. That they were going to leave. If only All Might had seen the signs. If only Toshinori hadn’t gotten attached to them. 🌗🌗

Daniel and YN part 12 🌗🌗

Toshinori was a good man. He wasn’t perfect but he was a good man. He had a moral code and knew right from wrong. Though selfish desires sometimes took his attention more than the moral desires. He knew it was wrong to smother and coddle Daniel and YN, but he couldn’t help wanting to protect them. Even if they didn’t want it. He felt like Izuku, YN, and Daniel were like his children. He felt just as protective over Izuku as he was over YN and Daniel. But he couldn’t coddle him like the other two. He had a duty to Nana to pass on OFA, Izuku had to live up to that power now. And he was so dedicated to being a hero. Toshinori wanted to do right by all the kids. He felt that it was his duty to find his missing kids, and bring them home. Let YN know that he didn’t feel angry that she left. Let Daniel know that he was sorry. So before he could work with his arch enemy, he decided to learn more about the two. So that when they were found again, he could show them that he was ready to be a real mentor figure, a guardian. When he entered YN’s room, it was not what he expected. He thought the sullen looking problem child would have grunge posters, a dirty room, torn up clothes and what not. Imagine his surprise when he saw colourful mini lantern lights strung over the walls. A math book along with several romance and horror storybooks. Her bedspread was a mix of several pillows and a giant comforter. Something that he’s sure would look inviting after a long day. There was a fluffy rug that cushioned his feet. The curtains were dark and cut out all light. On her bookshelf there was a collection of old murder mystery and comedy movies. When he popped one into the small tv player, he felt a stronger connection than before with her. Laughing at the cheesy twists and overacting. She was more than just a quirkless victim. She felt like a daughter to him. Toshinori never understood why he never went into Daniel’s room before. Of course Inko was there. Holding Daniel’s favorite pillow. This room, like the other, was a window into someone that Toshinori never actually knew. For some reason he thought Daniel would have soft light wall colors and some doodles on the wall. But the walls were an earthy dark blue. His blankets were patterned with prints of old paintings. There were canvases of unfinished pieces of art littered around the desk and bed. Notes and papers of unconnected thoughts all tucked away in a drawer. He spotted a framed photo of what he assumed were Daniel’s parents. Hidden under his pillows. When he saw the ceiling, it was a mix of a starry night sky but had handprints all over. In various colors. Touching his own hand to the print, Toshinori felt a connection to the boy. It was like a click happened. He wasn’t just a boy struggling with his developmental disability. Daniel saw the world in colors and was just frustrated that no one could understand those colors. Daniel wasn’t an emotionally compromised person with a violent quirk, he was a boy who wanted to be happy and understood. That day, Toshinori finally felt the wall that was preventing him from really understanding these two was finally lifted. And had he been listening to his moral side he would’ve known to not pursue them. But his selfish side won that fight. With his new understanding came an ugly obsession. A protective instinct to hold and protect them even more. Whilst quirkless YN might be strong and smart, she was too emotional and easy to provoke. Daniel might not be safe out there either. He loses control when people don’t understand. But Toshinori understood now. He would keep his children safe. Izuku, Daniel, and YN. Even if he had to work with the devil. “I’ll bring you home. Everything will be okay. Because I am here.” 🌗🌗

Amazing work as always moon anon! The story has become quite interesting! Its inspiring me to write for platonic AFO, something that I've not talked about for quite a while. Him and well, Erasermic

[obeymefictionwriting]

The Biggest Treasure [Mammon fanfiction]

I had a tough day, okay? I had an exam, then I had a dumb project partner (because Belphegor never cared to show up in class) so all I wanted to do was to bury my face in Mammon’s chest and whine a bit about it all. His goofiness and happy attitude always lifted my mood and that was among other reasons why I loved him. 

I didn’t even notice how I grew so attached to him. It was weird at first because well, he always wore that “I don’t care” mask. But then I started noticing him always being around, and him always being worried if I am okay, and him always trying to catch my eye or hold my hand… It reminded me of my high school relationship a bit - sweet and innocent - but unlike my previous experience, I kind of knew he really loved me. 

There was one thing though that slightly annoyed me and did not let fully dissolve in your emotions and that thing was…

“Hey stop it! Everyone’s watching!” 

Mammon was trying his best to keep it cool and show that he doesn’t care much about a random human when his friends and other demons were around. He hated showing his soft side for some reason and that was one thing that I never really understood. Like, he was a complete softball when I was in his room or in the House of Lamentation but other than that, he was really trying hard to play the “I don’t care” role.

“Are you ashamed of me?” I finally got the guts to ask this question.

Actually, I’ve been thinking quite a lot about it. Maybe that was it? After all, I am just a human and Mammon is… well. He is in a student council, he is a second-born brother, he is a well-known model (you’ve heard Asmo talking about it just a few days ago). And I am… well, a human. That’s it. Not to mention all the witches that have been trying to get their hands on Mammon. 

That’s it, I’ve thought of it again. Tears appeared in my eyes against my will and I simply slipped out of his arms and rushed to the exit. Mammon just stood there, completely surprised, and had no idea what caused my reaction.

“Stupid humans” he muttered through clenched teeth. “And one idiot of a demon!”

I really didn’t watch my way when I entered the house so no surprise I bumped into somebody.

“You should really watch where you are going,” a soft and tired voice said with a sigh.

I looked up and sighed again. Out of all brothers, it was Lucifer. 

“What are you doing here so early?” I asked him, in an attempt to change the subject.

“Diavolo asked me for help and I figured I’d be more productive at home”, he replied. “But don’t try changing the subject. Why red eyes and a sad look on your face? Care to tell me?”

I nodded. He took my arm and gently led me to his study.

“I’ll have some tea ready while you calm down. Need anything?”

That was so Lucifer. At first, I was a bit scared of him but as I knew him better, I understood he was the ultimate parent figure for his brothers - and for me too, apparently. He was always worried about us all and this is why he had this strict, non-approachable attitude. But I knew he cared and it was nice that he included me in his circle of close people.

“So,” he sat near me and handed me a cup of a wonderfully smelling tea. “What’s wrong? After all, I need to keep the exchange students content or Diavolo will be really unhappy”.

He was smiling a bit in order to show me that he worries not because of Diavolo but because he likes me. That encouraged me to open up.

“Well, the thing is… It has to do with Mammon.” I really didn’t know how to say that.

“Is he being rude with you? Does he act in an inappropriate way?” 

I saw Lucifer growing more and more concerned so I quickly said:

“No no, nothing like that. It’s just… Ah, okay. Whenever we are in a crowded place, like school or in the streets, it’s like he doesn’t want me to show any affection. He is always trying to play it cool and I really don’t understand him! When he is in my room, he is all around me, being clingy and extra loving. But then, once we get out, he acts like he HAS to be around me. Do you understand?”

Lucifer was quiet for some time. Meanwhile, I was sipping on tea. Finally, he sighed and looked at me:

“I will tell you something. Mind though that I am not a person who gladly discusses other demons’ personal lives. I am only doing that because I believe that would do good both for you and Mammon and would contribute to the improvement of your relationship”.

I became all ears. It was rare to see Lucifer talking about such matters.

“Some time ago, long before you came here, Mammon was involved with a witch. It was his first relationship and obviously, Mammon just threw himself into it. I remember he’d spend ridiculous amounts of money on keeping her entertained and he was really eager to show the whole Devildom how much he cared for her.”

Lucifer’s voice suddenly became sadder.

“I never liked her but I kept silent because when it comes to love, both demons and people are simply blind. And unfortunately, I was not surprised when it turned out she just used him.”

I gasped when he said that. Why did Mammon never tell me about that?!

“He probably didn’t want to admit his weakness”, Lucifer seemed to read my mind. “But yes, she was only interested in his status as one of the most powerful demons and she was really interested in his money. She made him spend awful amounts on all her whims and then she left - just like that. She even found the courage to admit it all in a letter. No need to say, Mammon was furious.”

Lucifer paused and I saw the sadness in his eyes. 

“No matter how much of a moron Mammon can be, he is a really good demon. He has a heart of gold and I’ve seen him doing the right thing so many times. He is my little brother and I love him. So I was heartbroken to watch him being devastated. And now you came into his life and he feels the same strong feelings again but this time, they are more intense. Can you imagine how scared he is right now?

Here you are, right beside him, he loves you and he feels loved. But what if you also fade away? What if you disappear one day as she did? He doesn’t want to be vulnerable again and he doesn’t want to show any more weakness to anyone. Think about it.”

Lucifer stood up and I heard someone entering the house.

“Must be him”, he said. “I think you need to talk, so I won’t hold you anymore”.

His words caused tears in my eyes and I couldn’t help but hug Lucifer tightly. 

“You are a wonderful brother”, I whispered and I felt his hands squeezing my back. He needed these words because he was still feeling guilty he couldn’t protect Mammon back then.

“Go now”, he said, getting back to his usual cold self. “Don’t make him worry or he might go and steal something”.

I headed straight to Mammon’s room and knocked. Aе first, there was silence but then the door swung open and there was he.

“I’m sorry”, he grabbed me tight. “I really am.”

“Listen”, I took a deep breath. “I know about the witch. And... I wanna say that I won’t leave you, okay? I���m not her. I love you for who you are, not for your money or whatever. I love how you make me happy, how you bring me noodles at midnight, and how you smile when I look at you. I like being around you, either in our rooms, in a club, or in the forest out for a walk. I love you for being you, idiot.”

He stood there in complete shock, mouth wide opened. I could see the range of emotions going through his mind: anger (how could Lucifer say that?!), disbelief (there must be a trick, it can’t be real right?), and finally, understanding.

He hugged me again and buried his face in my hair.

“I’m sorry”, he whispered again. “I was just scared, okay? You are so perfect and my brothers are always around and I just… I thought that without my cash and my status, I’m just useless. A moron that pisses everyone off. I was scared I’d lose ya.”

“Are you still scared?” I asked, kissing him.

“The Great Mammon is not scared of anything!” he laughed and I saw in his eyes that he no longer held to the past. “But everyone else better be if they wanna mess up with us!”

Back in his study, Lucifer heard Mammon laughing and smiled. He missed his little brother being so happy.

[some-dr-writings]

Shuichi, Kokichi, Kaito and Kiibo’s crush tries to wake them up, but accidentally naps with them instead

Shuichi Saihara:

·       You groaned, lifting your head off the table. Looking at your phone you found it was about three thirty. You lightly pat your cheeks and face, trying to wake yourself up. You barely had enough time to finish this project as it was, you could not afford to lose a moment to sleep. You looked down to your notebook, the scribble you had scratched down giving you a throbbing headache. “Sorry Saihara. W-what did I miss?”

·       … You got no response.

·       “Saihara?” You tried rubbing the sleepiness from your eyes, looking up to finding your partner was asleep on the floor beside the table.

·       You sighed, slipping out of your seat. “C’mon sleepy head.” You kneeled down beside him, placing your hand on his arm, gently rocking him. “We need to get back to work.” A gigantic yawn escaped you. You couldn’t even stay on your feet, opting to lay next to Shuichi, still rocking his shoulder.

·       …

·       … As Shuichi woke up, he was confused as to what was on his face.

·       A paper?

·       It was a note stating that if you were asleep, to please wake you up so you both could get back to work.

·       Asleep?... Work?...

·       He abruptly sat up realizing he had fallen asleep as you were working. “Y/N I’m so-… Y/N?” He looked to where you were sitting, finding you were not there. He almost panicked before his gaze landed beside himself, where you were sound asleep. He stared at you for a moment, the cogs in his mind slowly turning before a furious blush exploded on his face. It was silly, but the mere thought of sleeping beside you sent his heart racing.

·       He took a moment to compose himself before waking you up. As you couldn’t help but notice how Shuichi would occasionally blush and how in those moments he’d look in any direction away from you. Though confused, you decided to leave that be, getting the project done was more important.

    Kokichi Oma:

·       “Oma!... Hey, Oma! Where are you!?” You sighed in frustration. Were you really just forced into a game of hide and seek? “Oma! Just come out here! Please… I’m REALLY not in the mood for any of your shenanigans right now.” It was evening and the campus was giant. You just wanted to eat dinner and go to sleep, but knowing Kokichi, if you ate without him he’d ‘punish’ you for ditching eating with your lovable dictator, with a day filled with nothing but pranks. It wasn’t the worst thing in the world but eating dinner with Kokichi to avoid that wasn’t so bad. He was a good friend; albeit clingy at times.

·       You searched around for any sign, uproarious laughter, perhaps a scream or the boy’s signature troublesome Nishishis. Maybe even Kirumi or some staff at the school cleaning up some giant mess. Yet you found nothing, no matter where you looked. Every classroom, every hall, every closet, every lab, every field, you found no sign of the supreme leader anywhere.

·       Tired and hungry after having ran around for so long you leaned against a wall, sliding down against it till you were sitting. A cool breeze rolled past, catching your eye as it shifted the grass, lines of tiny bright reflections of that deep orange setting sun racing across the ground. Well… even if you would up getting endlessly pranked for skipping out on dinner, this view of the empty field was well worth it. Simply gorgeous with those rays harshly cast against the mountains, trees, and buildings off in the distance. You watched for a while, letting yourself get lost in it.

·       But then. As the wind picked up, you heard something. In looking for it, you found that unmistakable checkered infinity scarf Kokichi always insisted on wearing with his school uniform in a tree. You quickly climbed up finding Kokichi asleep amongst the branches, slightly shivering with chattering teeth, the strange sound you heard. “Hey, Oma. It’s dinn- AAH!” Somehow you were pulled onto the branches with such a strong, viper like grip the air was knocked out of you momentarily. Next thing you knew Kokichi was curled up atop you, hugging you tightly as he nuzzled into you. “Well… I guess this is my life now.”

·       …

·       With a loud yawn and a stretch, Kokichi sat up. It was rather dark out, nightfall. Perfect, he successfully avoided curfew so he could set up his prank in the gym. Though his hiding place in the tree was notably much more comfortable and soft than he had recalled. Then he suddenly realized why that was. He was very confused as to how you had gotten yourself into the position of being his pillow, but he simply shrugged his shoulders, sure you’d tell him later. Instead he laid back down, quietly snickering, giddy out of his mind.

·       He decided to stay asleep and set up that prank some other night as he snuggled into you, his smile absolutely beaming.

    Kaito Momota:

·       You loved your body. You always worked out, exercise, ate healthy, and rested well. You never found any of this to be a chore, it was always fun for you. Pushing past your limits to see if you could get any better. It was like you were always challenging yourself, always in a competition and you were determined to always come out on top, to be the best! It was for those exact reasons Kaito admired you.

·       The moment after meeting you he practically insisted you be friends and train together. As much as you liked the guy, he infuriated you to no end. HE ALWAYS SKIPPED OUT ON TRAINING! He could be so much better, but he never tried! The few times he did, he actually gave you a run for your money, but it was only on the most rare of occasions he’d put in enough effort to do so. Why was he like this you wondered. It was just so dumb. You could not see why anyone would not want to keep pushing themselves if they were that good!

·       The testing period was coming around, and you! Were! Ecstatic! You could always motivate yourself but getting the opportunity to show off how much you improved!! This was the best! And since Kaito was being tested too, you got to train with him when he was going all out and it was amazing! You’d both challenge one another helping one another push the other to keep going even when you wanted to stop and rest.

·       One night you decided to do push-ups and see who could do more. You were so focused on yourself you weren’t keeping track of how Kaito was doing. Though you did know that neither of you was going to last for too long, given you had been challenging one another like this all day so you were rather exhausted.

·       After some time you lost count, and quickly after you collapsed, unable to push up any more. Out of breath you rolled onto your back, finding Kaito was out of breath, laying against the ground. “Heh, l-lost count. How, how many you got?” “Uh… don’know.” “Rematch tomorrow?” “Yeah! And let’s get Makiroll and Shuichi to join.” “Hah, I, I think they’d just end up keeping count for us!” Kaito rolled onto his back, landing right next to you.

·       Watching the stars, you lightly chatted, feeling that sleepiness slowly but surely taking hold of our mind. You tried telling Kaito that you should hit the showers and get to bed, since staying out in the cold, covered in sweat would likely get you guys sick. But neither of you were up for moving and you’d also get so absorbed in listening to Kaito speak of his dreams and space and you’d end up forgetting all about that.

·       …

·       Kaito slowly awoke, greeted to the brilliant sight of the rising sun. For a moment he was thinking of challenging you to running some laps when he realized that he was seeing the sun rise, he was not in his dorm. He also realized he held someone in his arms. You, the very person he was just thinking about… As he thought more about it something dawned on him. He thought of you a lot, much more than others, and you always inspired him, getting him to want to seek you out and spend time with you.

·       Did he have a crush on you? He decided he’d tell you after you had woken up, after all, you needed rest for all the training you’d be doing together… and maybe as partners if you liked him too… Having a partner like you… he rather liked that thought.

    Kiibo:

·       “Kinda feels weird drinking this in the day. I usually just have this when I’m trying to get to sleep.” “I don’t believe hot milk and honey have any sleep inducing properties. How does it help?” You though for a moment, humming as you took a sip of that soothing sweet drink. “It’s calming…” You gently rocked the mug, seeing that white liquid swirl around, almost reaching the rim and spilling out. “Say, Kiibo, since you don’t need sleep, do you ever dream, like have night terrors or something?”

·       The pair of you sat in your kitchen, you huddling near the oven, a mug of hot milk and honey in hand, desperately seeking warmth since the heater in your apartment broke. You glanced to the window, seeing that gray landscape dusted with white, like dusted powdered sugar over abeleskivers.

·       “No, I don’t believe so. When I recharge, I do reexperience all my memories from last I recharged, but that’s for sorting out where those memories are to go in my memory bank.” “Hmm… So nothing new. No memories mixing and melding together. No warped past. Nothing to send you back years ago to worse times. No fears or terrors resurfacing. No…” “Y/N?” “Ah! Sorry, guess I just got lost in thought for a moment there.” You nervously chuckled, taking another sip of your drink, hoping it’d calm your nerves.

·       “A-anyway, we still up for meeting next week?” “Yes! I’m always free for our weekly hangouts.” “I know, just making sure. I don’t want to have to go through all the trouble of setting up all your recharging equipment only for you to not show up.” “I- That was only once! And that only happened because Oma found my address and thought it was a brilliant idea to lay pranks all through the house and lab!” You chuckled, seeing Kiibo so easily get flustered. “I’m only teasing. Go and recharge now, I’m sure Idabashi is missing you and want’s you back home already.” Placing the mug on the counter you went over to the corner of the room where strange, misshapen looking equipment lay, you plugging it in set a few lights to gently blink on. “I’ll be doing chores if you need me, go and rest now.” Kiibo happily obliged, quickly getting out of your way, secluding himself in the corner.

·       …

·       Suddenly his emergency system went off, forcing him to turn on, and he awoke to the sound of a scream, then heavy breathing. “Y/N!” You were on the floor. He raced to you, but you flinched away, looking absolutely horrified. “K-Ki-Ki-Kiibo? Kiibo. I-” You placed a hand over you heart, taking deep breaths, trying to slow them as to not start hyperventilating. “What happened. How are you?” He moved slowly, kneeling beside you. “I…” You looked around, seemingly confused as to where you were for a moment. “Yeah, I’m fine.” You winced patting your head, feeling a bump at the top. It was then you noticed the broken vase by the high shelf you were dusting. “Ah… so I was knocked out. Explains why it was worse than usual.” You sighed, lightly shaking. “Y/N, what’s worse than usual?” Kiibo placed a hand on your shoulder, causing you to tense up for a moment before forcing yourself to relax. “… You know things weren’t so good a few years back. And… I have nightmares. Frequently. Remember how I was always napping in High School?” He nodded. “Well, my therapist and I were experimenting with medication, seeing which could repress the nightmares and get me enough sleep at night and NOT day, but… clearly it took us a while to figure it out.” You nervously laughed recalling the many times you had fallen asleep in class, or at the cafeteria, or during P.E. or when walking to class or in any number of other places, only for Kiibo to wake you. The first few times he’d reprimand you, but after getting closer you opened up about your past a little and how you were on medication because of it. “But you never told me you had night terrors.” “Well… I would have told you if it had come up, but it just never did.”

·       “Here, rest on the couch, I’ll call the hospital and clean the vase.” “Hey, I’m fine. I just need an-” “Oh no! You are going to see a doctor! That’s final! You got hit hard enough to be knocked unconscious for who knows how long! You are seeing a professional!” Knowing there was not going to be any way of convincing Kiibo otherwise you accepted your fate and waited to see if you got a concussion or not.

·       “Happy now?” “Yes! Now we know you are alright for certain.” You shivered, tugging on our scarf. You glanced up, recognizing the building you were approaching. “Sorry for my clumsiness making you late for getting home. Tell Idabashi that and he still doesn’t have to make a better heating system for the whole building.” “I’ll tell him, though I’m not sure he’ll listen. See you, Y/N.” “See you next week.” Kiibo simply watched you leave till you rounded the corner, out of sight… Strolling to the door he thought of those days in High School. You likely never told him before, not wanting him to worry or shed those days in a different light, but you told him now, so you trusted him. Back then you had slowly opened up to him, and… well… it hurt knowing you still had secrets from those times locked away, but it was completely understandable as to why. Kiibo just wished there was something he could do to help you.

·       You fell face flat on the couch, exhausted from another taxing day at work. You grumbled, hearing your phone, thinking it was your boss calling you AGAIN with the exact same information they had been nagging you about all day. You were relieved to see it was just Kiibo. “Hey, Kiibo. What’s up?” “What I mailed you, do you not notice it? It’s supposed to be as if it were your own skin.” You stripped off your stuffy suit seeing the sticker like ring that wrapped around your wrist and the square patch that you placed over your heart as instructed, the tiny lights on it in a heart shape lighting up in time with what you assumed to be your actual heart. “Yep.” “Good. Could I stay over for the night tomorrow?” “Hmm? Well… My schedule should be clear, but I thought you’d get enough of me in one day. Now you want to stay the night. You realize I’ll be asleep, so it’ll be boring, right?” “Yes! That’s the plan at least!” “… Huh?” “Thank you! I’ll see you tomorrow!” You were confused with the call being ended so abruptly. You were disappointed, not getting the chance to ask why Kiibo was using these to keep track of your vitals, but you didn’t have long to dwell on it, seeing moments later your boss was calling.

·       Thankfully the next day you were able to relax, gleefully chatting with Kiibo and exchanging brief words with Idabashi, Miu and Soda as they went about installing a new heater in your apartment before moving on to ‘improving’ the place as they saw fit effectively kicking you and Kiibo out for a few hours to wander around town. When returning you were expecting to not recognize the place, but it seemed Idabashi was actually able to restrain Miu and Soda from transforming our entire building. Idabashi was even kind enough to leave out some tea for you.

·       “Okay, can I finally ask why you’re keeping track of my vitals?” You pointed to your wrist then chest. “I’m seeing how you are normally and comparing it to when you have a nightmare. That way, I can see the signs and wake you up before you can even dream it! You still have nightmares, even if the medicine lessens the severity, I don’t want you to have them all together! So I’ll wake you up before you can have one!” “… Kiibo.” You smiled, but it wasn’t happy, Kiibo couldn’t quite tell what it was expressing. “Well I guess it couldn’t hurt to try, but won’t you get bored just waiting for me to get a nightmare?” “No need to worry! I have plenty to occupy myself with, though for this first night, and other first few if this works out and we keep doing this, I’ll solely be paying attention to you!” “Hmm… seems kinda weird, but… Sure.”

·       Kiibo sat beside you bed, lost in thought, hoping this would work. You deserved to have a restful night’s sleep. This had to work! And he was going to make it work! He never had a nightmare before, but… it sounds horrifying for one’s own mind to conger up terrifying specters of any kind, digging up the past even if it was long dead and buried, unable to escape. One top of that, in his research Kiibo had learned of sleep paralysis and the supposed ‘demon’ many spoke of seeing. He wondered if you had experienced that. He feared he’d wake you into that state, if he’d appear to you as the demon. The longer the night wore on the more Kiibo’s fears kept pilling and pilling, to the point he was questioning this plan.

·       That was till he was snapped to attention, noticing the signs of a nightmare starting. He gently rocked your shoulder, softly speaking to you. You flinched and softly gasped. “Ah… hey Kiibo.” “How are you doing?” “Uh… feeling kinda funky but… better than last I awoke in the night.” “Good. Huh, wait, why are you sitting up?” You mumbled ‘warm milk and honey’ as you shuffled out of the room. After heating the milk, you went straight back to bed. Nursing the mug, you and Kiibo chatted about nothing, mostly doing so to fill the stagnant air. Soon though, with a yawn, you placed the mug on the nightstand.

·       Your movements were slow, your hand lingering on the handle before retracting it. “Kiibo.” “Yes.” “It feels weird having you just sit around, and I’m still feeling kind of off, would you get into bed with me?” Kiibo froze, a studder escape him, completely caught off guard by the request. “YES! U-uh, well… I did some research and there are lots of health benefits of sleeping with someone you have a great attachment too, like someone you love, so, I- uh… y-yeah… if it’ll help.” His voice wavered and his entire face flushed a bright red. However, in your sleepy state you didn’t completely take in what he said, more so confused why he looked different, but he said ‘yes’ so it was fine… you thought. You scooched over and lifted up the quilt… Though it didn’t leave much room given it was a single person bed. Hesitantly Kiibo slid under the sheets, having to lightly press against you as to not fall off the bed. “A-are you comfortable?” “Uh huh.” You simply pulled the chain attached to the lamp on the head stand, shutting it off.

·       Internally Kiibo was screaming, panicking, having no idea what to make of this situation. Especially more so when you wrapped your arms around him, hugging him tightly. Did you like him back? Were you just acting like this because you were tired, or were you already asleep and didn’t even realize it? Wait he could just check, but then you’d be doing this subconsciously so then was it possibly you liked him and you didn’t even know it? Kiibo sent himself into a panic as these and other questions of similar nature raced through his mind.

·       …

·       Then he awoke. Sunlight shone through the curtains, softly illuminating the room. After a moment of his systems turning on, he realized he shut off due to overheating, likely due to you hugging him and OH FUDGE! He flipped over finding you drowsily opening your eyes. “hmm? Oh, hey Kiibo.” You yawned, sitting up and stretching. “… Don’t know how the night actually went, but I’m feeling great.” “You are!” “Yeah. Guess your plan worked. Thanks, Kiibo. Guess I can actually get sleep once a week now, so that’s good progress.” You chipperly smiled, crawling over him as to get dressed for the day. Leaving Kiibo stunned, a bright blush dusting his cheeks, a goofy smile plastered on his lips. So it worked! Or was it sleeping with him… Kiibo really needed to stop this line of thinking before he overheated again. Though if him sleeping with you helped…

·       You sat at the kitchen table, eating some breakfast as Kiibo sat beside you. “Hey, Kiibo. I’m guessing you could probably see this since you can compare it to other nights, but… well, even if I didn’t have a nightmare, it was nice to wake up and not be alone. This is a small apartment, but… it can still get creepy. Especially if you can’t move. So again, thank you.” “… Then, if I helped so much, maybe I could stay with you every night.” “If you did that, you might as well as move in.” Kiibo fell silent for a moment, thinking. “Dr. Idabashi likes you, and we have plenty of room back home. You could move in with us!” “… Wait, you’re serious?” “Yes, I’m being serious! Let’s do it!”

·       If he could help you, Kiibo would do just about anything. Though… if you were going to move in together, he should probably confess, as to not let you find out later and you possibly think he had you move in under false pretenses.

·       “Um, b-but, before you can, I have to tell you something!”

·       He just hoped this would go well.

[jtrokujo]

𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔑𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱 𝔚𝔢 𝔐𝔢𝔱

✩｡: * • .───── ❁ ❁ ─────. • * :｡ ✩

❝ 𝐆𝐎𝐉𝐎 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐔 ❞

word count: 1.6k

It is evening.

But even though it's the spring season it is still fresh, but still cool.

However, it goes without saying that spring has just started.

There's a prom today, or better said now, and of course I don't have a partner.

But I don't care, why do I need someone for a dance?

In general, I haven't been a big fan of it since the beginning of the school year, I don't know why myself.

With my (color) dress and a mug with a full drink, I made my way outside.

I immediately sat down on the stairs that were in my perspective, even if it is cool I prefer to stay there instead of being lonely with my classmates again.

Out of nowhere, I was an outsider, I was never mean, I was respectful of everyone, things that a nice person does.

Or rather jujuzist.

There was still someone in my class who is a jujucist, because of my sense of smell I was able to find out, otherwise I would probably never have found out.

Although I still have 2 skills, I rarely use them because they can do more harm than the opposite.

Thought manipulation and manipulation of reality.

It's actually pretty cool and I would be lying if I said changing reality would be boring, but I'm sure a lot of people think of one thing or the other.

For example, I cannot erase the existence of someone or an animal.

Does that mean I can neither revoke extinct animals nor let animals become extinct, again should I?

I had a little hamster when I was little, she was cute and quite fluffy because of her weight.

After that day from school, I came home with joy.

Everything was good, I got a good grade, played hide and seek with some of my old friends and happened to have enough money to buy sweets on the way home.

I still remembered the tearing of my heart that no one could hear.

Because my hamster passed away.

Like I've been pushed into nowhere, into nothing.

I was lonely, even though I had family and friends, she was different, I didn't know exactly what, but I think it would be better not to know anything like that.

Grinning sadly, I drank the strange drink from my mug and looked up at the moon until someone broke the pleasant silence "Yo!"

I turn around, jerking in shock, the jujuzist, what's his name again?

Yes, I, (Y / N) (L / N), have forgotten the names of the most popular boys from my school, but I don't care that I would marry him.

The funny thing was that he always wore this blindfold, I seriously wonder if he's blind.

"May I keep you company?" he asked immediately, but he did not wait for my answer but sat right next to me.

The only thing I know right now is that he's a little weird, I don't know why, he's pretty big and a little close, too close.

I can even feel his breathing.

As uncomfortable as I feel, I just try to ignore him, because apparently he doesn't feel like having a little chat, which is why I just sit down until tonight comes to an end.

"What's your name?" the white-haired asked me, shattering all my hopes, sighing softly, I answered him "My name is (Y / N) and yours?" "Gojo."

Immediately the silence returned.

Gojo sat down in a more comfortable pose, through this pose there was finally a distance between us, but our legs touched.

I'm not that kind of girl who'd go mad about little things like that.

I'd rather go back inside instead of spending my last day of school sitting down with a classmate in silence and looking at the sky.

After a few minutes I got up and was already on my way when the voice of Gojo rang out behind me "(Y / N), wait!"

I turned around in amazement and saw that he was coming towards me and I automatically looked up because of his size.

"Yes?" I asked immediately and looked at him in amazement, only where should I look?

I can't see his eyes through his blindfold, and besides, what for?

However, this is not my business.

"Would you like to dance with me?" he asked out of nowhere.

"I beg your pardon?" surprised by this sudden question, I was glad to be able to answer normally.

"If you want to dance with me." giggled my counterpart and immediately reached out his hand with slightly pink cheeks - which luckily he could hardly see due to his blindfold - I took his hand.

Due to the loud volume that could play in the sports hall as well as hear the music, it was a bit slow, but still suitable for the mood.

He quickly put my empty cup down a little far away from us and began to guide me.

After a certain point, he turned me around so that my back was touching his abdominal muscles.

Either he just dances a little differently from the others or he does it on purpose.

Now my cheeks turned red like a tomato.

His soft lips found their way to my ear and whispered, "You're not a bad dancer, (Y / N)."

The tall man fastened both of his classmate's hands with one hand and pulled down his black blindfold with the other.

Immediately afterwards he turned her back into a normal pose so that she can move around while dancing.

That was interrupted by his eyes.

While (Y / N) tends to dance with his mouth open, Gojo prefers to grin and continues to lead (Y / N).

When the song was over, the two youngsters had stopped dancing and looked at each other rather lovingly.

A few seconds later he put his blindfold back on where they were before and the conversation continued. "What do you want to do after graduation?"

"I have no idea what about you?"

The white-haired man proudly said, "I'm going to be a teacher at a school where I teach jujuzists."

The joy is clearly written on his lips and it makes me happy to see him happy even though I have known him for about 10 minutes.

"Why are you not coming?"

"I am-“

Out of shock, which was more of an irony, he took a deep breath and acted like a drama queen. "But I guess I know you're a Jujuzist."

"But how?" I asked puzzled, still stay normal.

Gojo told me that it didn't matter and offered me one more time if I would like to work with him at a school.

I mean, I have no particular career aspirations, I am a Jujuzist, I like to help everyone as best I can and I can probably improve and improve my skills.

"Yes, of course." I answered him dearly, you the silence came back again, but this was a little different from the previous one.

Gojo sat down where he was sitting before and knocked his hand next to him, hoping that I would keep him company, but I mean why not?

I sat down next to him in silence and immediately laid my head on his shoulder and looked at the moon.

TIME SKIP

Today is a special day at Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School.

Rather said for the students, because today the classes compete against classes.

I just hope no one would overdo it, but since I found out that someone was eating Sukuna's fingers, I've given up.

Luckily it hadn't eaten such a psycho, well, this person would probably have died by like Itadori had luck by his side.

However, I kept an eye on Gakuganji's students.

Because one of them had languished one of my students, but if I should find out that one of his students, or even all of them, one of my students is only a hair too crumbly I break every bone of Gakuganji.

But back to reality right now, all the teachers are in the room looking at the monitor.

While Gojo now and then tries to be in a conversation with someone from this room, the others prefer to ignore him.

But I can't hold it against them and even though I'm his girlfriend, I love heart, right?

Almost an hour has passed, but I can feel an uneasy feeling, I appreciated a look out of the window.

Immediately I turned around and said "We have to get out quickly, our students will probably be attacked!"

Gojo got up amusingly, of course with his comments, but it was Gakuganji, not Iori, who got the stupid comments.

We ran out as fast as we could, the so-called 'shield' leaned on the ground, but as much as I accelerated my pace I was apparently not fast enough.

Surprised, Gojo touched the 'sign', but immediately let go.

There was a small bruise on the palm of his hand, but as well as I know him and his abilities it will go as quickly as possible.

But in contrast to Gojo, Iori can go through half her arm right away.

"Is that an 'Anti-Gojo Satoru Shield'? Gojo asked us, to which I replied," Would be possible. "

The two teachers decided to watch the spectacle inside.

Gojo held my wrist, just like he did at prom, "Gojo, I have to go." "I know, but please take care of yourself."

I tiptoed a kiss on his cheek and walked away.

"You're not either, Gojo Satoru!" Suddenly a stranger yelled at me out of nowhere, well that could be something.

[heyhey-heyward]

NO I DON’T | part three

series masterlist

summary: In which JJ sneaks into your house and you make a mistake.

word count: 2.2k

let me know what you think!

You woke up with a headache and a dry mouth. Not to mention the uncomfortable piece of furniture John B called a couch that you had slept on left you sore. You blinked your eyes open, gathering your surroundings. You had crashed at The Chateau after the party, and though Kiara usually stayed the night too, her parents had made her go home after, and Pope walked her, so it was just you, JJ, and John B at the shack.

“Mornin’ sleeping beauty.” JJ spoke as he came out of the spare room he had been crashing in. You waved, digging the heels of your palms into your eyes to try and wake yourself up some more.

“If you’re awake before I am, then the world is ending.” You joked, though it was a bit awkward. You hadn’t talked to JJ since your argument the night before, but now that you had slept, some of the nerves you felt about your newly realized feelings dissipated and were replaced by annoyance.

“Oh, ha ha.” He rolled his eyes, a small grin on his lips. He lifted up your legs before taking a seat on the opposite end of the couch and placed your limbs across his lap. “Listen, I, uh, wanted to say sorry for last night.” You nodded, waiting for him to continue. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, looking anywhere but you. “So, sorry.”

“I just don’t get why you got so upset?” You questioned, sitting up further on the couch.

“I don’t know, you’re happy with JB and I just—” He started, but his explanation was doing nothing to alleviate your confusion. If anything, you were left more puzzled with each word.

“You think I’m with John B?” You asked, internally grimacing as you thought about what it would be like to date the brunette. You were so confused, and honestly a little upset, about JJ thinking you were seeing one of your closest friends in a romantic light—well, anyone other than himself—that you didn’t stop and think about the implication behind his words.

“Yeah, aren’t you?” He sounded so sure of himself and you scoffed.

“No, I’m not.” You said decidedly, standing up from the couch. You were starting to get annoyed with everyone assuming that you had feelings, no matter if two of them had been right. If Pope even so much as joked about you having a crush on JJ or even John B at this point, you were going to lose it.

“Why are you getting mad?” JJ asked, standing up from the couch as well. Some of his frustration was gone, like he had just heard some good news, but now he just looked confused.

“Because you were acting like a jerk last night without even talking to me!” You snapped, running a hand down your face in exasperation. JJ wasn’t given the chance to respond, because just as you finished talking, John B came flying into the room while buttoning up his shirt.

“Hate to interrupt this argument, but if you want a ride home we’re leaving now, or else I’m going to be late for work and you’re walking.” John B called, blowing past you and out the front door. You shot JJ one more look before grabbing your stuff and slipping on your shoes and following the brunette out of the door.

The van was silent for a minute as John B drove, giving you a moment to cool off. You dug around in your bag before pulling out a granola bar and handing it over to John B, knowing he hadn’t had the chance to grab something to eat before leaving.

“Thanks, mom.” He mumbled between bites. You rolled your eyes at the nickname, though you wouldn’t deny it helped improve your mood slightly. You watched the extravagant Figure Eight houses blur by, the ones worth three times as much any property on The Cut. “So are you going to tell me what JJ did?”

“He just accused me of having a thing for you.” You huffed, arms crossed over your chest and very obviously annoyed. John B laughed at the idea, and you couldn’t help but agree with him. You loved JB, you have for as long as you’d known him, but the idea of anything romantic happening between you and him made your skin crawl.

“He’s just jealous.” John B told you, earning a scoff. You were just coming to terms with your own feelings for JJ, no way were you ready to entertain the idea of JJ having a thing for you. You didn’t want to get your hopes up, especially when getting let down would mean ruining one of your oldest friendships.

“I don’t think so, but I’ll talk to him later.” You replied just as John B pulled up your driveway. You had decided that JJ probably was annoyed by the thought that you and John B broke the ‘no Pogue on Pogue macking’ rule that had been set in place for years. “Thanks for the ride.”

“I was right once, you know.” He called just as you were about to shut the door behind you. You laughed, sticking your head back inside the van to throw him one last comment and a wink.

“I try not to think about it.”

Later that day, Kiara showed up at your house just as you were getting out of the shower in order to take you shopping. Your mom had given you money to go, and sent you to some of the fancier shops on the mainland.

That was how you found yourself trying on a dozen different dresses, trying to find one that you actually liked. If asked, you would have denied the fact that you were trying to pick a dress that not only you loved, but one that JJ would like too. You weren’t shopping to please him, but you definitely kept him in mind.

“So, are you going to tell me what’s going on with you?” Kiara questioned as she watched you absentmindedly smooth out the fabric of the dress you had currently tried on. You hummed, looking at her in the mirror as she raised a brow in question. “Does it have something to do with JJ?”

“What? No‚ no of course not—!” You spoke way too quickly, gaze bouncing anywhere but Kiara as she gasped dramatically, sitting up straighter in her seat. She had found her dress on the first try, and had been waiting outside the dressing room while you tried on your options.

“Oh my god, it is him! What’d he do?” She exclaimed, and if you hadn’t been so flustered you would have laughed at the fact that she was the second person that day to ask you that.

“He didn’t do anything. It’s just, maybe I do like him.” You mumbled the second sentence, slipping back into the dressing room to try on the last dress you had picked out. You could hear Kiara laughing on the other side of the curtain, and you knew it was at your timid behavior, it just wasn’t like you.

“Anyone with eyes that has been around you for five minutes could tell you liked him. And I think he’s got a thing for you.” You rolled your eyes as you zipped up the dress. You smiled at your reflection, loving the way the dress fit your figure and the color complimented your skin tone.

“He doesn’t like me, Kie, we got into an argument last night and this morning because he thought I was with John B.” You dismissed as you pulled back the curtain. Kiara went to argue your comment, but her words died on her lips as she took in the dress.

“Oh, this is the one.”

For the first time in what seemed like forever, you weren’t spending the night at The Chateau. Instead, later that night, you were in your own room, your Midsummers dress hanging on the back of your closet door in the bag to keep it clean.

You were in the middle of your latest Netflix binge when something hit your window. You paused your show and waited, and when something else hit your window you climbed out of bed. Peeking out the curtains, you weren’t surprised to see JJ with a pile of pebbles he had been tossing at your window.

“I have a front door you could use, you know.” You told JJ as he started to climb up the lattice that went up the side of your house. It wasn’t the first time JJ had snuck into your house, but he had been caught in your room enough times that your parents usually would just let him in. Your mom was fine with JJ coming over, but your dad was more strict.

“What’s the fun in that?” He grinned as he reached your window. You crossed your room to lock the door so your parents wouldn’t just barge in, and when you turned back around he was sitting on the foot of your bed with a sheepish smile.

“What are you doing here, J?” You questioned. The nickname rolled off your tongue easily, despite the fact that you were still annoyed at him. It was easier to be frustrated with him than acknowledge the way your heart rate sped up at the sight of him in your bedroom—a place he had been a hundred times before.

“I wanted to apologize for being a jerk, for real this time.” JJ said, flashing a grin at the end of his sentence to try and lighten the mood. You nodded, moving back to sit beside him on the bed. “I don’t know why I was an idiot, but I was, and I just want things to be good between us again.” You sighed, resting your head on his shoulder. You felt him relax under your touch, the small bit of affection from you letting him know you had forgiven him. You still wanted to know why he got so upset, not willing to accept John B’s answer that he was jealous, but you didn’t want to push him.

“What’d you get up to today?” You hummed, looking up at him while keeping your head on his shoulder. He turned his head to look down at you, flashing a grin that made your heart soar.

“Oh, the usual. Mowed some lawns, got high. What about you?” His tone was light and playful, though you knew that he probably did exactly that.

“I went shopping with Kie on the mainland and got my Midsummers dress. Which, by the way, we have to go tomorrow to get your stuff.” You explained and he threw his head back with a groan.

“I can’t believe you tricked me into going to this Kook event.” He whined, as if he hadn’t willingly agreed to go when Kiara brought it up.

“You agreed to go with me because I am irresistible.” You lifted your head and bumped him with your shoulder. It felt nice, to be able to joke around with him like you had before you realized your feelings. Part of you wished John B had never brought it up, but you knew you couldn’t suppress your crush forever.

“Yeah, yeah.” JJ brushed off your joke with a grin. His gaze drifted across your room, landing on the black dress bag that you had hung up hours earlier. “Is that the dress you got?” When you nodded, he stood to go investigate, but before he could even reach the dress you spoke up.

“You’re not allowed to look at it yet, Kiara’s orders.” You explained the explicit instructions your dark haired friend had given you earlier. JJ turned to look at you with raised brows, but before he could comment on it, there was a knock on your door and your dad’s voice called to you.

“Honey, are you in there?” Your eyes widened, matching JJ’s expression as he shot towards the window.

“Uh, one sec Dad! I’m changing!” You lied to buy JJ some time. Once he was out on the lattice, he stuck his head back in the window and shot you a charming grin and bid you goodbye.

It was then that your brain short circuited. You were so used to planting kisses on the boys’ cheeks, it was like second nature to you. But as JJ was smiling at you while climbing out the window, you acted on instinct and pressed a quick kiss directly on his lips.

Your eyes went wide and so did JJ’s. You were frozen in fear, waiting for him to let you down easily. Instead, his grin only widened and the mischievous look shone in his eyes.

“Did you just kiss me?” There was a lightness to his voice that you weren’t expecting to be there. You had assumed that he would have been embarrassed, or annoyed, by your actions, but he seemed to be taking it well. You recognized the look in his eyes, it was the one that usually came before he made some teasing comment—and the idea of him making some joke about how you kissed him or your feelings was so much worse than pity. So instead, you said the first thing that came to mind as you ushered him out and shut the window behind him.

“No, I didn’t.”

—

taglist:

@pixelated-pogues @obx-direction-sos @emptycanvasposts @rudethchalamet @drizzlethatfalls @obxlife @fangirlvoice @jayjaymaebank @k-k0129 @starryblueeyesandstarryblueskies @perfektionsmakel @teamnick @sspidermanss​ @jjs-housekeeping​ @cece-lives-here​ @aliciamarie515​ @jjsmaybcnk​ @rudyypankow​ @99sxuxii​ 

[chickensarentcheap]

Best Part of Me -Chapter 57

Warnings: none

Tagging: @innerpaperexpertcloud​, @c-a-v-a-l-r-y​, @alievans007​, @ocfairygodmother​

Even with five children under the age of six, she can’t remember the last time she experienced this level, this particular brand, of exhaustion. Not even when caring for infant twins and a one year old or during the most difficult pregnancies that came with numerous complications, more than a handful of legitimate scares, and eventually complete bed rest. Not even the three years that had followed Tyler’s initial return to the game, which saw her practically raising three little ones alone while he  devoted every waking moment to Nik and whatever job she brought his way; hostility and anger quickly building and joining the ranks with profound stress and worry. Even then she hadn’t felt like this; the seemingly chronic brain fog, body running on autopilot while simply going through the motions of everyday life. So tired that she actually can’t sleep; her body ready to give in and surrender completely, yet her mind running on all cylinders. So many things running through her already troubled and worried brain. The last minute questioning of if she is doing the right thing for her children and if everything needed is packed away in the staggering amount of suitcases cluttering the living room. Is her sanity going to survive not only travelling with that many kids? And will she be able to keep them happy and occupied and oblivious to all the drama and chaos once they get there?  There’s no telling how long they’ll spend in Mumbai. It could be just a few days. It could turn into a few weeks. It may even stretch into a month of two. It all depends on just how smoothly things will actually go.  There’s no such thing as an easy, uncomplicated job. Each one is dangerous and unpredictable in their own way. And with someone like Mahajan serving as agitator, the stakes have never been higher. Money and influence go a long way. As does intimidation. And he has plenty of all three.

Tanner stirs in his sleep; a handful of quiet whimpers and heavy sighs and tiny sniffles. He’d had a rough day both at school and upon his return home; dissolving into tears at the drop of a dime, complaining about both stomach and headaches, turning down even his preferred activities and favorite foods. Not even Saju and his puppy antics and cuddles with Mac who refused to leave his side had done the trick. Not even the slightest of smiles playing on his face when his twin brother and older sister did their best to try and cheer him up. He’d been his worst at bedtime; crying for nearly half an hour in the darkened room, until his sobs became so powerful that they actually made him throw up. After giving him a bath and getting him into fresh pyjamas, she’d taken him to bed with her. His mood improving slightly at the idea of being able to sleep in the big bed with her and being able to use his dad’s pillow, yet refusing to settle until he was allowed to wear one of Tyler’s hoodies. The garment miles too large, but effectively soothing him when the zipper was pulled  up as high as it could go and the hood over his head.

He’d quickly fallen asleep after that, comforter by the familiar smell clinging to the sweater and the warmth provided by both it and his mother’s body. Laying on his side with an arm across her chest and his head in an awkward spot on her upper arm; hand falling asleep a long time ago, and the accompanying -and almost painful- pins and needles serving as yet another thing preventing her from finding rest.  Even with his baby face and smooth, flawless features, Tanner looks even younger in his sleep. Smaller, even. Seeming much more fragile and vulnerable than she knows he actually is. He’s the tinier of the two boys, but far tougher than he’s ever given any credit for. So sick, fragile, and weak when he’d been born that none of the doctors or nurses had thought he’d ever make it out of the NICU alive; even given her and Tyler numbers for social workers and bereavement counsellors and contact information for funeral homes that were considered the best at handling babies and their grieving, distraught parents. It had come as quite the surprise to all of the naysayers when he’d fought back as hard he had; released from the hospital a month and a half later without any of the long term and life alternating complications they’d been told he’d have.  

Now he’s the healthiest of all the kids. Barely getting even a runny nose or an ear infection let alone something more serious like the flu. He’s not a big kid; not nearly as tall or as heavy as his twin. But he’s a strong one. And she watches him as he sleeps; lips slightly parted, impossibly long, dark eyelashes skimming the tops of pale, smooth cheeks, those wayward locks of hair -the exact ones his father has when sporting that same haircut- falling across his forehead. So pure and so innocent; so many deep and powerful emotions existing in such a little body. And when she reaches across her body with her free arm and uses gentle fingertips to push his hair from his face, he gives a long, shaky sigh and his hand grabs a hold of her t-shirt; fist tightly gripping the fabric.

“Mommy…” Tanner whimpers, lips curving into his infamous pout.

“It’s okay, baby boy.” Her voice barely above a whisper as she combs her fingers through his hair and presses a kiss to his sweaty brow, each eye, and then the bridge of his nose. “I’m right here. Mommy’s right here.”

“Don’t leave,” he pleads. “Don’t leave too.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Esme assures him. “I’m staying right here with you. But can you do me a solid and lift up for a second? You’re on my arm and can’t feel my fingers anymore.”

His eyes are still closed as he sits up; groggily swaying from side to side. And she breathes a sigh of relief when she’s finally able to pull her arm free. “Daddy falls asleep on that same arm all the time,” she says, as he settles down next to her once more, this time in a fetal position with his butt pressed into her side.  “You’re awfully heavy for a little guy.”

“I’m not little,” Tanner protests.

“To me you are. You’ll always be little to me.”

“I’m strong.”

“Yes, you are. Very strong. Like your daddy. You’re both very, very strong.”

“One day I’ll have big muscles too.”

“One day. But not for a long while. I don’t want you growing up that fast. I want you to stay little for a while longer, okay?”

“Okay, mommy,” he sleepily agrees, then yawns noisily.

“Now go back to sleep,” she gently orders, rolling  over onto her side and wrapping an arm around that slender frame when he wiggles closer to her; always needing the security of touching her in some way. “It's late and we have a long day tomorrow.”

Tanner slips over onto his side to face her; blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight that streams through the windows. “I wanna see daddy.”

“You’ll see daddy as soon as he can come and see you. I know you miss; I miss him too. But what he’s doing...the people he’s helping...it’s very, very. VERY important and he can’t just drop everything to come and see us. Even if he DOES want to.”

“He wants to see us?”

“Of course he does. He’s not staying away because he wants to. It’s because he HAS to.”

“Are the people he’s helping more important than us?”

“Baby boy, no one is more important to daddy than us. Everything he does is for you and your brothers and your sisters. And me. You’re little right now and it doesn’t make much sense, I know. But daddy loves you so much. More than else in the world.”

“Even more than surfing and vegemite?”

“Even more than those.”

He manages a small smile. “That’s a lot. He loves me THAT much?”

“There are no words to even describe how much he loves you. If you tried to count how much, you wouldn’t be able to because you’d run out of the numbers; none of them go THAT high. And you remember what he told you? About how it was his idea that we go to India?”

Tanner nods.

“It was his idea because he wanted us to be closer to him and not so far away. Because he would worry about  us THAT much. Everything your daddy does is for you. For all of us. It’s hard to understand when you’re little.”

He’s silent as he considers her words, fingers fidgeting with the pendant around her neck. “He’s going after bad guys, yeah?”

“There’s a few bad guys he needs to take care of,” Esme confirms.

“Is he going to die?”

“Why would you ask that? Why would he die?”

“He almost died. Before I was born. Before you found out Millie was in your tummy.”

“That’s a long time ago.”

“But it still happened. He still almost died.”

“But he didn’t. And that’s what matters. Is that what you’re afraid of?”

Tanner nods, lower lip and chin wobbling as tears sparkle in his eyes. “I don’t want daddy to die. I’d miss him so much. And he said he wasn’t ever going to go away again and he did. So what if he dies this time?”

“Tanner...come here…” She gathers him into both arms, pressing kisses to his forehead and his cheeks and his lips.  “Daddy’s very strong and he’s very smart. Way smarter than the bad guys. He’s going to be fine. He may get some bumps and bruises and maybe some stitches and a broken bone or two, but he’s going to be okay.  He’s tough, right?”

“He’s the toughest.”

“That’s right. He is. But he’s also very smart and very careful. Especially knowing that he has you guys to come home to. And there’s no one else in the world that you can trust like you can trust daddy. He’s the person I trust.”

“I trust him. And you. ‘Cause you’re mommy and no one loves me like you do. When I was a baby and I was sick, you used to stay at the hospital with me.”

“You were really tiny then,” Esme muses. “Like Addie. Well, no one is tinier than Addie. But you were a wee, little baby. How do you know I was there?”

“Daddy told me. He said you wouldn’t leave me there by myself. So he stayed home and took care of Millie and Teej and you stayed at the hospital to boss the doctors around.”

She laughs. “Is that what daddy said? That I bossed the doctors around?”

“He said that you’re tough and you’re like a momma bear and no one crosses a momma bear when it comes to her babies. And you made the doctors and nurses take care of me properly and that’s why I’m here. ‘Cause you wouldn’t let them give up on me.”

“No. I wouldn’t. And you’re here for MANY reasons. Because you’re tough and you’re strong and you’re smart and loving and so damn cute.”:

Tanner giggles when she covers his face with kisses.

“And you’re meant to be here,” she adds. “Just like daddy is. Which is why he didn’t die and why he won’t die this time either. So don’t ever worry about that, okay? Nothing can stop daddy from coming home to you guys. Nothing. Trust me. I’ve known him for a long time.”

“Like a hundred years?”

“Okay, maybe not that long.”

“Fifty?”

“Just how old do you think I am, young man?”

“Not as old as daddy.”

“You are so lucky you said that,” she places a noisy kiss on his forehead, and he once again dissolves into giggles when she tickles his sides and tummy. “Do you want to try and sleep in your own bed again?”

“I wanna stay here with you. So you won’t be sad and lonely either. I know you get sad when daddy’s gone. So I’ll stay with you to make sure you don’t cry.”

“You have such a big, good heart. I want you to close your eyes and try and sleep, alright? We have a very busy day tomorrow. An exciting day. Can you do that for me? Try and sleep?”

Tanner nods.

“That’s my boy.”  She kisses her forehead once more, then pulls him even tighter against her. Gently combing her fingers through his hair until she  finally hears his breathing soften and even out and feels his body relax against hers.

****

It’s eight in the evening in Mumbai when he calls home. Hesitating at first; it’s after midnight in Australia and their flight for India leaves at seven in the morning. It won’t be an easy trip to make with five kids in tow; even with Kyle helping and being able to travel by one of Anil’s chartered jets instead of a commercial airline. But his earlier promises to Millie that he’d call her mother had been somewhat waylaid when a two hour workout in the hotel gym had been followed by a long, hot shower and a two hour nap. Only woken up by Yaz pounding on the door; a bag of take out food in one hand and a carry tray of drinks in the other. It felt good to hang out with him again. Sharing tales of old jobs both dangerous and relatively smooth and easy, laughing over the rare lighthearted and humorous times, even shedding a couple of tears for all the friends and colleagues that they’d lost during their years in the game. And then the talk turned to marriage and kids and Yaz’ fears and worries about becoming a father and time seemed to get away from them far too easily.

He calls her cell instead of the landline; less chance of waking either Kyle or the kids or sending Mac -with his bizarre gear of the ringer on the phone- into a frenzy. And she answers on the third ring, voice quiet and tone calm and even, but sounding very much awake.

“Someone should be asleep,” Tyler teases, as he relaxes in the middle of the bed, back against the headboard, legs stretched out in front of him.

“Someone was supposed to call hours ago,” Esme playfully retorts. “Are you okay? Is everything alright? What time is it there?”

“Only eight. And yeah, everything’s fine. I’m good. Time just got away from me. Worked out for a bit, fell asleep, Yaz showed up and we hung out and got talking. I wouldn’t have called so late, but…”

“I don’t care how late you call. As long as I get to talk to you. Hear your voice. Are you sure you’re okay? Nik called earlier and told me about the shit show that went down. That you almost throat punched Koen.”

“I didn’t even come close to throat punching him.”

“But you wanted to, by the sounds of it.”

“Well if you hadn’t have told him to babysit me…”

“First off, it’s not babysitting. It’s keeping an eye on you. Making sure you keep your head in the game and not fall back into old habits and bad patterns. And I know you know what I’m talking about. You admitted yourself you were slipping and if you’re alone, it WILL happen. And I know it’s the last thing you want; going back to the way things were. Drinking, the pain meds.”

“I’m not THAT weak. At least not as weak as you think I am.”

“I don’t think you’re weak. I think you’re stressed. I think you’re anxious. And when all that mixes together and the PTSD kicks off, the result is not good. I’m worried about you. And it makes me less stressed if I know someone is keeping an eye on you. I’m trying to hold it together too, you know. And it helps if I know you’re okay and that there’s someone that cares about you like I do.”

“I don’t need him up my ass twenty four hours a day. You’re not up my ass twenty four hours a day.”

“I agree that maybe he’s going a little overboard and he’s been a little protective.”

“A little?”

“But he’s your oldest friend and he’s seen you at your worst and he doesn’t want you going back to that,” Esme reasons. “And I trust him. Because I need you to be okay and come home to me and the kid and if I know he’s watching out for you…”

“You act like I don’t know what I’m doing. Like I’ve never done any of this before. I was into this long before you came along.”

“And long before I came along, you were an alcoholic addicted to pain meds and you were maybe a week away from killing yourself. I asked him to keep an eye on you because I love you, you insufferable, stubborn, pain in  my ass. You are the strongest, toughest person I know. But even tough, strong people can break and I don’t want that happening to you. And I also don’t want to fight. Especially over this. And you can’t tell me you just called to fight. It’s like we can make up in our favourite way.”

“Of course I didn’t call to fight.”

“Then just accept that this is an argument you won’t  win. I do what I do because I love you. Because I want you to keep your head on straight and you shit done so we aren’t stuck in Mumbai forever. So we just call it a day and come home and go on with our lives. And I know that’s what you want too.”

“What I really want is to be home right now,” Tyler says. “With you. With my kids. And not even worrying about all of this shit. That’s what I really want.”

“Trust me, that’s what I want too. There’s nothing in this world I want more than that. Well, except for that thing you do with your tongue.”

He grins. “What thing? There’s about two dozen. You gotta narrow it down.”

“You know which one. Besides, I can’t go into too much detail. Phone sex is off the table for tonight, sorry. I’m not alone.”

“Which one of the five?”

“Tanner. And two dogs. No wonder I can’t sleep. Both the dogs and the kid snore almost as bad as you do. And he pouts like you do. EXACTLY like you.”

“I don’t pout.”

“Yes, you do. I’ll even take a picture of him and send it to you. He’s doing it right now. In his sleep. It’s so cute. HE��S so cute. He’s looking more and more like you every day. You’re both so cute.”

“I’m going to let you have that.”

“You ARE cute,” she insists. “In your own way. You have your cute moments. He’s starting to sound like you, too. His accent is stronger than Millie’s  and TJ’s put together.”

“Is he alright?”

“He had a rough day at school. The teacher said he was distracted and emotional. It didn’t get any better when he got home. Just crying at the drop of a hat, nothing cheering him up. He made himself sick he was crying so hard at bed time. He’s having a hard time. He misses you. We all do. But him most of all.”

“I remember when he practically didn’t even bother with me,” Tyler recalls. “Like he forgot he had two parents.”

“He’s always been a momma’s boy. Since he was a baby. But you saw him after New Zealand; when you came back. You saw how he feels about you; how much he loves you. And he’s so sensitive, Tyler. And he feels and loves so hard core. He’s so much like you. More than either of us realize.”

“I fucking hate that he’s going through this. That he has to deal with it all. Crying until he makes himself sick? Because of me? And you wonder why I think I’m selfish for bringing kids into this? That’s why. You think I want him feeling that way over me? He’s five. He doesn’t deserve this.”

“Have you ever stopped to think that maybe this is a sign you’re doing things right as a dad?” Esme counters. “That your child loves you THIS much? That he misses you like he does?”

“But he shouldn’t have to suffer like this. He’s a little kid.”

“He’s not suffering. He just has a lot of emotions inside that little body of his. He loves you. He loves being with you. When you were a kid and your dad left for even a couple of hours, were you sad or were you relieved?”

Tyler frowns. “What does that...?"

“Did you cry over him? Or were you happy he was gone?”

“Happy. He was a fucking dick, you know that.”

“Well your son is miserable when you leave. Because he loves you with everything that’s inside of him. He misses his daddy. Because he loves when you’re around and he loves all of the things you do together and all the ways you make him smile and laugh and make him feel loved right back. I hate him seeing him so worked up, too. But don’t think it’s an amazing thing that your child loves you THAT much? Or would you rather he not give a shit whether you’re here or not?”

“I’d rather he not have to deal with this shit at all.”

“But we ARE dealing with it. And we’re dealing with it as a family. Doesn’t this prove to you that you’re doing it right? That you’re NOT screwing them up? That’s you’re an amazing daddy and they love you and worship you. I mean, your Millie’s entire world. If that doesn’t make you realize that you’re a good dad, I don’t know what ever will.”

A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. “You know what…?”

“What, Tyler James? What possible argument could you have to topple me?”

“I love you. So much. And you keep me sane when I think I’m fucking losing it.”

“You’re going to be okay,” Esme assures him. “Just rely on your gut. Your instincts. Those two have never, ever wrong. I mean, your gut told you to still go along with Nik’s Dhaka plan even AFTER you were told you had to be ‘pretend married’ to a mess like me. I think listening to your gut worked out pretty damn well for you.”

“Yeah,” he grins. “It did. I’m glad I went along with it. No matter how stupid it sounded.”

“The best thing I ever did was let her talk me into that job. Everything should have been telling me NOT to do it. That it was going to be a big mess.”

“Well it did kind of turn into a big mess. At the end, anyway.”

“But we made it through. And we got a beautiful out of Dhaka. If there ever was a silver lining, Millie’s it. She made the bracelet by the way; to match yours. She wouldn’t go to bed until she made it. There’s no one earth she lives the way she loves you. I guess she takes after me in that respect. I feel the same way about you. No one else on earth the way I love you, either.”

“If you’re trying to make me cry, you’re doing a pretty good job.”

“I’m not exactly trying, but you’re beautiful when you cry. You’re a beautiful crier.”

“You’re a little off the reservation, you know that?  Are you okay? You’re feeling good about all of this?”

“As good as I can, I guess. I’m holding it together. Mostly for the kids. And for you. And this whole thing with Nik…”

“I wanted someone there with you,” Tyler explains. “When it comes to the job, there’s no one I trust like I trust her.”

“It was a good call,” Esme says. “I trust her, too. At least when it comes to that. And she seems sincere; about wanting to patch things up and be friends again. I just don’t know if I can do that. Trust her in THAT way. Look how far she was willing to go to fuck things up between us. I don’t know if I can forgive her for all of that. Can you?”

“I don’t know,” he admits. “Her shit caused a lot of fucking damage. And it could have been a lot worse if either of us were weaker people.”

“I want to trust her. I even want to forgive her. But when someone is continuously trying to get your husband to cheat on you and she goes to lengths she did to make it happen…”

“But I didn’t. Cheat on you. I never have. I never will.”

“It’s not you I don’t trust, and you know that. And some of the things she said? Even when I was pregnant with Millie? Even the night before we got married? That was hurtful shit. It never...ever...should have been questioned if Millie was yours. And it’s been six years and sometimes I still think Nik feels that way.”

“I don’t know how she can. Look at the kid. It’s pretty damn obvious she’s mine.”

“That shit hurt,” Esme continues. “Everything she did hurt. And I can trust her to keep us safe, but I sure as hell can’t trust her around you. And if that makes me an insecure, possessive, overprotective wife…”

“I know how to say no,” Tyler reminds her.

“You’re not the problem and you know that. I’m just not ready to trust her that way yet. And I hope you can understand if I never can.”

“Baby, I always have your back. It’s a strictly business relationship. That’s it. We’ll keep it that way with Nik as long as you want us too. But I want her there at the house with you and the kids. Because it would be a huge weight off my shoulders if I didn’t have to worry so much about you guys. So if you could at least try and be a bit friendly…”

“Can you kiss and make up with Koen if I promise to?”

“You’ve seen him. You think I really want to kiss that face?”

“He’s only worried about you. He doesn’t know ‘job you’ like I do. I know you can handle it by yourself. He doesn’t. So cut him some slack, okay? He’s your friend. He loves you. He just wants you to keep it together.”

“Esme, I’m fine. I don’t need him constantly up my ass.  Especially when I’m trying to get shit done. I know what I’m doing.”

“I know you do. But he doesn’t know THAT Tyler. He’s never been around him, So give him a break; he means well.”

“If I cut him some slack, you do the same with Nik?”

“I already said I would. And I appreciate her even offering to help you or even agreeing to come keep an eye on us. Are you really okay?”

“A little better today. I’m homesick.”

“I never thought I’d actually hear you admit that out loud.”

“There’s a lot of things I don’t say out loud that I should,” he says.  “Never been able to swallow all  my pride, I guess. But  I love you. So much. And I’m sorry; for every time I hurt you or broke a promise or I made you feel like the job was more important than you. I know I’ve been a shit husband a lot of the time.”

“No. You haven’t. We just went through some bad times,” Esme reasons.  But we got through them, right? Every single one. Hey, we’re the ones that are still together. Remember when everyone thought we wouldn’t get past the first year, never mind six?”

“I’m pretty glad you showed up on my front porch that day.”

“I’m pretty glad I lost all my common sense when Nik told me about the job and I actually went along with it. I know you think you’ve done a lot of things wrong, Tyler. That you don’t see yourself the way I do. But my life would totally suck without you in it. I should be pissed off at you for knocking me up in Dhaka, but I think it worked out for the best.”

“Yeah,” he grins. “So do I.”

“Hang on for a second. Someone is awake. And by someone I mean your son.”

“Let me talk to him. Maybe he’ll feel better if I do.”

“Okay,” she says. “Hang on.”

There’s a slight rustling as the phone is passed from one person to the other, followed by whispered conversation between mother and son.

“Who is it?” Tanner sleepily inquires.

“Someone who wants to talk to you,” Esme replies. “Say hello and find out.”

“Who dis?” The five year old asks, and Tyler can hear his wife both laugh and gently scold their son.

“Who do you think it is?”

“Daddy!” It comes out as a choked sob. “Daddy, I miss you!”

Emotion chokes at him, and he swallows noisily and blinks back his own tears.   “I miss you, too. What’s going on? Mommy says you’re having a hard time. Wanna tell me about it?”

“I’m just really sad that you’re gone. And you won’t be there when we get to India. Why can’t you be there to see us? Why won’t you come and say ‘hi’ at least?”

“I wish I could, mate. But there’s reasons I can’t. Because I have to stay away for a little bit.”

“Are you sick? Is that why? Are you sick and you don’t want us to get sick?”

“Naw, I’m not sick. There’s just some things going on I can’t tell you about.  And I wish  I could tell you about them, but it’s adult stuff. You don’t need to know those things.”

“Adult stuff with the bad guys?”

“Exactly.”

“Why can’t you just beat them up and then come see us after? You could do it. You could beat them up and then come right away to visit.”

“It doesn’t work that way. I need to stay away for a little bit. Just a few days. And then I’ll come and see you guys.  I’m not staying away because I want to. It’s because I need to. Because it’s what’s best for you and your brothers and sisters and your mom.”

“But you want to see us, right?”

“Of course I do, mate. I didn’t want to leave. I HAD to leave. I’d never leave you unless I had to. You believe me, right?”

“I believe you.”

“You don’t need to worry so much. I’m fine. Nothing’s going to happen to me. And in a few days I’m going to show up to see you and you’re going to see that for yourself. But right now, I need you to be strong, okay? For your mom. She needs you to be strong. Because she’s pretty lonely and she’s pretty sad and I need you to cheer her up.”

Tanner sniffles. “How?”

“I don’t know. Whatever way you can. Tell her she’s pretty.  As often as you can. Tell her you love her. That she’s the best mom in the whole world.”

“She is. She IS the best mom in the world. And the prettiest.”

Tyler grins. “We’re pretty lucky, yeah? That she’s so pretty and she’s the best mom and wife in the whole world?”

“Yeah. We are.”

“I need you to get some sleep. It’s a long way to India and I don’t want you being grumpy and giving your mom a hard time. And once guy guys are here, I can call more often. No more time difference. You tell our mom I said to call me as soon as you guys are here, so I know you’re safe.”

“I will. I love you, daddy.”

“I love you, too mate. So much. Now go to sleep and let me talk to your mom  again. I’ll see you in a few days.”

“You promise?”

“I promise. You be good.”

“You be good too,” Tanner says. “Give the bad guys shit.”

He can’t help but chuckle. “I will.”

“I think he’ll be okay now,” Esme says when she gets back onto the phone. “He’s smiling again, at least. And he’s wearing one of your hoodies. The brown Emery one. He looks so cute in it. I’ll send you a picture of that, too. We always say TJ is your mini me, but with the hair and now wearing your clothes, I think Tanner is taking over. Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I always am when I talk to you.”

“And tomorrow’s the day?” she asks. “Everything starts?”

“My part at least,” Tyler sighs. “I’ve got two guys to take care of. In the morning.”

“At the same time”

“Yep. In an elevator.”

“Intriguing if not a little worrisome. Do you know how you’re going to do it? You can’t really walk into an elevator and start shooting. Or wearing a vest. They’ll see that for sure and know something is up. You are going to wear a vest, right?”

“Under my shirt. Hoodie over that. Doubt they’ll be paying enough attention to notice it. But you’re right; definitely won’t be able to just go in shooting. I’ve got it all figured out. Should go okay. Good thing is they won’t expect it, and we’re in a tight space so they can’t run.”

“And that means you can’t get away either if you need to. Please be careful, Tyler. I know you’ve done this hundreds of times, but it doesn’t mean I won’t worry. I know you can do it. I’ve seen what you can do. Still…”

“I’ve got it under control, baby. I promise. You need to get some sleep. Gonna be a long day.”

“Still wish you could be there when we arrive. Maybe I’ll just go ahead and keep my fingers crossed that you’ll somehow manage it.”

“Stranger things HAVE happened,” he reasons.

“Yeah. Tell me about it. I got with the likes of you,” Esme teases.

“Now THAT’S cold.”

“You know I love you. And I miss you and can’t wait to see you. Be careful tomorrow. Be safe.”

“I will,” he assures her. “Call as soon as you get to India. So I know you guys are okay. I’ll see you when I see you.”

“You definitely will. I love you, Tyler.”

“I love you too, Esme. I always have. Always will.”

“So you say. I bet you’re still going to trade me in for two thirty year olds when you turn sixty, though.”

“Never,”  he grins. “I’m trading you in for three twenty year olds.”

“You wish,” she laughs. “Talk soon.”

“Very soon,” he promises, and then disconnects the call.

[thatshithurted8]

When You Grow Up (III)

Summary: As Y/N’s wonderful day comes to an end, Tom seems to ruin it by asking questions that need to be answered.

Length: 2,259

Series Masterlist 

A/N I’ve decided that this is going to be a series!!

                                    --------------------------------------

When you first read the message Tom sent, you simply turned your phone on silent, rolled over and tried to go back to bed. Tried is the key word. You wanted to answer him in the morning when you are well rested and are thinking clearly, but your body had other plans. 

After a few minutes of tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable again you groan out of frustration and pick up your phone. As you type away you delete, rewrite, delete and rewrite the message over and over again. You finally send a text back, deciding to keep it short. 

Y/N: Marv’s diner tomorrow (technically today) at 1?

Almost instantly Tom responds.

Tom: See you then :)

His quick response makes you wonder what is he still doing up at this hour? Then it dawned on you, he was partying and he was drunk texting you.You grumble as you slam your phone down annoyed, that your ex woke you up from texts he won’t even remember in the morning. 

                                  ----------------------------------------

“Where the hell are we going?” You ask your sister, Faye as you waddle down a long hallway in a hotel near your house. Faye woke you up early and decided to take you out on a girls day. The first thing you two did was go out for breakfast at your favourite restaurant. Then the both of you guys got your nails done, you opting for a shade of light blue. And now you were in a hotel you’ve never stayed at following your older sister with confusion evident on your face. 

“You’ll see in a sec.” She says stopping in front of two wooden doors with a smile on her face. 

“Well go in.” Faye says looking at you expectantly once you catch up to her. 

You follow her orders and as you open the door family and friends pop up yelling, “Surprise!”  

You jump slightly in your spot as your right hand flies up to your heart, a shocked smile forming on your face. You were at a loss for words as you look around, Faye threw you a surprise baby shower. 

As the party commences you stand in the same spot, shock still on your face as your mom and dad walk up to you and your sister. “Surprise!” Your mother says, placing a blue flower crown on your head. 

You couldn’t believe this was happening. Ever since you were little you dreamed of what your future baby shower would be like, but now that you’re a single mother you decided that spending money on a baby shower wasn’t worth it, when you could be buying Alexander necessities. Your family knew you were secretly disappointed at the fact you weren’t having one so everyone secretly chipped in to fulfil your dream. 

You and your parents exchange hugs before you start to walk around the medium sized conference room, greeting friends and family. As you walk around music starts to play and you marvel at the decorations around the room. 

When you first walk into the room the first thing you see is a table set up at the wall directly in front of you. On this table are two flower arrangements at each end and the table itself is filled with cake and sweets. Above the table hangs a white stuffed bear holding onto a bunch of blue balloons to make it look like it is floating away. The second table on the other side of the room is filled with refreshments, snacks and games. The third, and last table is stacked with presents on top. There’s blue balloons scattered around the room and a make shift photo booth area could be found hidden in a corner.

To your dismay the party flew by in what seemed to be minutes with all of the fun you had. This is the most carefree you’ve felt in awhile and if you were honest it felt refreshing. You make sure to say goodbye to all of the remaining guests before leaving yourself. 

Faye and your parents told you to go home, that they will see you there in an hour or so after cleaning everything up and putting the gifts in their car. You wanted to stay and help after all, they just threw you a baby shower, it’s the least you could do. However, they persisted for you to get some rest. 

So currently you found yourself turning into the driveway of your childhood home. Once you shut off the car you remain seated for a few minutes as you lean your head against the steering wheel of Faye’s car with a giant smile on your face. 

As you finally get out of your sisters car you clutch your prominent stomach and hum while you walk up the stairs of the porch, looking at your belly. Once your eyes look up they instantly land on a figure sitting on the wooden bench your dad built. 

Your smile instantly disappears and you can feel your happy mood diminish when your brain registers who’s sitting on your porch. 

It was Tom. 

He didn’t look happy as he looked up at you from his spot. “W-what are you doing here?” 

“Well I was at Marv’s diner waiting for you, but you never showed up.” 

Your eyes widen at the statement Tom made. “Tom I thought you were drunk when you texted me.” You say with a sigh. 

“I wasn’t drunk Y/N.” He says while standing up. “What made you think I was?”

You roll your eyes at the man in front of you. “I don’t know, maybe the fact partying and getting drunk is your favourite past time.” 

“I was at a party, but I wasn’t drunk.” 

“How am I supposed to believe that?” You ask with a raised eyebrow and a hand on your hip.

“Because after Chelsea and I saw you yesterday I realised how much I miss you.” 

You could feel your heart wince at this. This can’t be happening, after months of getting used to being on your own he has the audacity to come back and say he misses you? After all of the emotional and mental turmoil he put you through? 

“You should’ve thought about that before telling me to abort Alexander and leaving.” You say with venom laced in your voice. Tom was clearly hurt at what you said, but you didn’t care after all, does he think everything is going to go back to normal just by saying he misses you? He has a girlfriend for fucks sake. 

As Tom stands in the same spot you turn towards the front door and insert the key and open it. While you take a step to walk into the house Tom grabs your hand and says, “Wait!” A little too loudly, making you have deja vu to Target.  

You turn around to look at him, but you look down at your connected hands, trying your best to ignore the butterflies in your stomach. Tom notices you staring and instantly disconnects his hand from yours. 

“Can we please talk?” At first you were going to say no, but then you thought about the precious baby boy growing inside of you. Maybe this chat can benefit him. 

“Fine, but you can’t stay long.” You say walking into the air conditioned house with Tom following behind you. Both of you take off your shoes and the brunette follows you up the stairs towards your bedroom. 

When you guys walk into your room Tom is taken aback at how much it’s changed. While you guys were semi-dating Tom came over to your family home numerous times, especially since it was so close to your apartment on campus. 

Once you reach your room Tom watches as you grab a few articles of clothing from your dresser. “I’ll be right back I’m going to get changed.” You say before exiting your room and walking down the hall to the washroom. As you change Tom takes this time to look around your new and improved room. He notices how you got rid of most of your teenage stuff and replaced it with items that were appropriate for your age.

Instead, of keeping the purple walls from your teenage years your room is now beige. You got rid of your bean bag chairs and replaced it with a grey rocking chair. Tom noticed how you moved your dresser to the other side of the room and on top is a changing pad. Beside the dresser is a small bookshelf filled with books from your childhood and framed pictures of Alexander from ultrasounds. On your bed is a giant pillow that Tom thought was a person at first, but in reality it was your pregnancy pillow. The last thing Tom’s eyes land on is the light brown crib beside your bed. 

As Tom inspects your room he can’t help, but to pick up one of the framed ultrasound pictures and walk over to the crib. He didn’t realise he was doing these actions it came naturally. 

He looked down at the black and white picture in awe before looking into the crib and seeing stuffed animals along one side and a fuzzy blue blanket. He looks up and see’s a baby mobile hanging above the crib. Tom reaches up and touches one of the animals attached to the mobile. 

He could already tell his son was already loved so much. So why didn’t he love Alexander the same way as you did with the same intensity when you told him? 

“What are you doing?” You ask as you stand in the doorway of your room. 

Tom instantly turns around feeling adrenaline course through his veins as he didn’t expect you to catch him. “I-I don’t know.” He chokes out as he takes in your appearance. You took your make up off from earlier, had your hair up in a messy bun and were wearing black leggings with an over sized shirt with the name of your college on it. Despite, the shirt being oversized your stomach still stood out. Tom loved it when you dressed like this and seeing you wear this particular outfit is making the brown eyed boy be reminded to when you two were together. 

You simply shrug your shoulders while putting your dirty clothes in a hamper and walking over to your bed. Tom puts the picture back where he found it as you do this. You climb into your bed, getting under the covers, while leaning against the headboard of your bed. You simply nod over to the rocking chair in the corner and Tom silently understands what you mean. 

After Tom sits down in the grey chair you speak, “So what do you want to talk about?” 

“I think I want to be in Alexander’s life.” He breathes out. 

“You think or you know?” 

“I-I know. I know I want to be in his life.” Tom stutters looking around the room before finally meeting your gaze. 

“Why?” You ask as you fold your arms over your chest. 

“What do you mean why?”

You sigh. “Well there has to be a reason right? Just a few months ago you were adamant you didn’t want him and now all of a sudden you do. What changed?”  

It took Tom a few minutes to gather his thoughts before he spoke, “When you first told me I was scared and I’m sure you were too, but at that moment in time I didn’t even know if I liked kids, let alone wanted them and then I find out you’re pregnant with my child. I was so shocked and scared that I acted immaturely and said some really stupid things Y/N and I’m really sorry for that.” He pauses looking at you in the eyes and you could tell how he truly sorry he was. 

“I’d be lying if I said every day away from you I didn’t think about you because I did. I thought about you and the baby all of the time.” Tom’s statement causes a blush to creep onto your face and you hope that he doesn’t notice it. “I wanted to reach out to you I really did, but I was scared that you’d shut me out. And to be honest after our last talk I thought it would be impossible to fix things.” Tom says looking at your hands caressing your stomach then back up to your eyes. 

“But then Chelsea and I saw you at Target and once my eyes landed on your bump I felt ashamed. Ashamed for what I put you through, ashamed for letting you go through this pregnancy alone, ashamed that I missed watching Alexander grow along with your belly. So please Y/N can we do this parenting thing together? I’ve already missed so much please don’t let me miss anything else.” He asks - begs you. 

You sigh as you gather your thoughts. You know you can’t let your emotions get in the way for what’s best for your son, but a part of you is scared that he’ll leave again. No matter what your answer is it won’t fix everything, you know that for sure, but if it will have a positive impact on Zander then you’re all for it. However, you will never forget what Tom did. 

You chew on your bottom lip knowing what you’re about to say will make or break yours and Alexander’s future. “Yes Tom we can do this parenting thing together.”

                                   ------------------------------------------

Tags: @livasaurasrex @bellamyblakemorley @mutuallynotmutual @cheshire-salvatore-mikaelson @badgalll88 @ilyholland @bangtan-serendipity @itsbebeyy @ghostinparker @onelovesr @newleta 

[besidemethewholedamntime]

Happy birthday to the wonderfully amazing bean @bobbimorseisbisexual ! I hope you still manage to have an amazing day because you most definitely deserve it for being such an amazing bean! Here’s some FitzHunter to show you my love for you. Thank you for being you!

the (not so) great british bake off 

Summary: 

"There’s a rather unsettling noise, and he turns just in time to see the cake completely cave in the middle, ruining any last chance there might have been of salvaging it. Fitz sighs deeply, a real lung-emptying sigh, and pinches the bridge of his nose tight. This thing has been such a headache, and if he didn’t love Hunter so much then he wouldn’t have even bloody bothered in the first place."

Fitz tries to bake a birthday cake for Hunter. Perhaps it doesn't go according to plan

{Read on Ao3}

or read below!

There’s icing on the floor and a cherry has gotten itself stuck on the ceiling. The cabinet doors are sticky with melted butter and the toaster has miraculously ended up coated in flour. In the middle of it, Fitz stands with his hands on his hips, surveying the attempt of a cake in front of him. The cake is drooping slightly in the centre and the edges are crispy and black. The pathetic attempt at icing drips off the lopsided top, not at all in an appetising way. The cherries, possibly long past their expiration date, seem to have collapsed in on themselves, and as Fitz attempts to tell himself it’s not really that bad, one drops off the side with the running icing and lands with an audible plop on the counter.

“This is ridiculous,” he tells himself. “Bloody ridiculous.”

It’s not Hunter’s birthday until tomorrow, but he’d wanted the cake made today so he could spend tonight organising the decorations, so when Hunter left for work at 7am tomorrow morning, all he had to do was put them up, put out the food, and wait for the guests to arrive. Parties have never been Fitz’s strong suit, and clearly neither is baking, but he just wanted to do something nice and lovely for the man he’d quite gladly spend the rest of his life with.

The ingredients for the cake weren’t the best, that he’ll admit. They were bought rather cheaply from the newsagents at the bottom of the street. London rent and London shopping eats away most of their money each month, and as a result it’s 39p flour and 15p eggs that currently litter the kitchen worktop. In all honesty he hadn’t really thought it mattered, and perhaps it still doesn’t. Perhaps it’s his technique which is sadly lacking in quality.

His mum was never really a baker, and she still isn’t. A nurse in the hospital, his birthday cakes were always made by his gran and then when she died it was always something from Marks & Spencer if there was money, or Tesco if there wasn’t. Unfortunately, the state of Fitz’s finances doesn’t even stretch that far, the last of it having been used on the party decorations and the train fare for Hunter’s parents to come and surprise their son at the weekend.

“Looks like it’s a trip back to the shop,” he mutters, without hope. This is his third attempt at such a cake, and he doubts four, five, or even six will be of much improvement.

He’s never been much of a cook, but he thought even he would be able to manage a cake. He’s an engineer for goodness sake. He can build marvellous things from nothing, can see in his mind exactly what he wants to create and then create it, just like that. His talent clearly only covers inedible things. Add a bit of flour or an egg and the whole thing is a disaster, as evidenced by the buttery handprints that make it a task to even turn on the tap to wash his hands.

There’s a rather unsettling noise, and he turns just in time to see the cake completely cave in the middle, ruining any last chance there might have been of salvaging it. Fitz sighs deeply, a real lung-emptying sigh, and pinches the bridge of his nose tight. This thing has been such a headache, and if he didn’t love Hunter so much then he wouldn’t have even bloody bothered in the first place.

Maybe he can ask someone else to bring a cake to the party tomorrow. Mack’s coming, and he’s probably a pretty good baker. It seems like something he’d be good at, but then Fitz remembers his own skill set and how it’s not always transferable. Or Jemma? Jemma’s good at everything. Then, with a slight wince, he remembers the time in university halls when she’d set fire to a tea-towel trying to get a pan out of the oven and he thinks that this is probably the one thing she doesn’t excel at. Daisy doesn’t even pretend she can cook, and told him as much when he asked her about bringing a little something. There’s Elena, but whenever she makes food, she tends to rush it, as if forgetting that not everything can be as quick as her, and so everything tends to come out slightly raw.

It’s unbelievable, it really is, but Fitz comes out as the best baker except he’s really, truly, completely awful and the cake currently slinking down the kitchen cabinet is a testament to that.

One wallet-emptying trip to the newsagents later and he stands in front of the now slightly cleaner kitchen worktop, the ingredients for attempt number four weighed out into separate bowls in order to try and be absolutely perfect. He has the recipe printed in front of him and takes a deep, cleansing breath and starts methodically following through, hoping that by some divine miracle his luck changes.

It is of absolutely no surprise when, forty-five minutes later, the cake is as flat as a pancake on the cooling rack, the icing is horribly lumpy, and there’s a dismal looking yolk from an unfortunate egg accident sitting in pride of place on the floor.

“Shite,” Fitz says, feeling his bottom lip poke out and a deep sense of failure fill him from the toes up. “Shite shite shite.”

-x-

Hunter walks through the door in a surprisingly jovial mood. Today’s shift wasn’t so bad and it’s a whole thirteen hours before he has to be back, and he gets to finish early tomorrow to celebrate his birthday which he’s sure (if he knows Fitz, which of course he does) involves some sort of surprise.

The smell of burning is what hits his nostrils first, followed by the smoky haze that fills the flat. This is certainly a surprise, but just not of the variety he was expecting.

“What the hell?” He shouts, knowing there’s no fire because the alarm is surprisingly silent, but also not seeing any other explanation. “Fitz? What the hell’s happened?”

Fitz appears out of the haze, looking as though he’s aged ten years. There’s flour in his hair which does nothing to help his aged appearance, and there’s something on his shirt which just looks as though it has a weird consistency. Hunter’s heart skips at the sight of him regardless, the way it always does after a hard shift, knowing the man he loves can take all of his cares away in a second.

“What happened to you?”

Fitz’s sighs so deeply it’s a wonder it ever stops. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”

“And it is, believe me.” Hunter’s eyebrows draw together. “Not the kind you were expecting though, eh?”

“No.” Fitz rubs the back of his neck, staring at the ground as though it will provide him with a way out. “I tried to bake you a cake.”

His jaw almost drops to the floor, and it’s a conscious effort to keep it clamped shut. “No,” he exclaims.

Fitz nods mournfully.

“You can’t cook.”

Another mournful nod

“What in the hell possessed you to bake a cake?”

“It was supposed to be a surprise, you know, for your birthday. Thought it would be a nice thing to do considering it’s not like I can do much for you this year.”

Hunter’s heart feels like the size of a watermelon in his chest but he can’t get over the shock and the utter stupidity of a man who is literally a certified genius.

“You’re insane. Actually insane.” He smiles though, because for how insane it is, it’s hilarious. “Can I see it?”

Fitz winces. “I’m not sure if you’re going to want to do that. It’s pretty bad in there.”

Hunter rolls his eyes. “Go on. Show us the damage.”

In Fitz’s defence, cake number six hasn’t turned out as terribly as all the others. It’s risen slightly and it’s definitely more golden than charcoal, but the shape of it is strange and there’s an odd lump on one of the sides that doesn’t quite go in when pressed. The best attempt though it may be, everything about it still screams please don’t eat me.

Hunter can’t contain his laughter. “Oh my God.”

Fitz crosses his arms a little defensively and huffs, “I tried.”

“You tried something alright. There was an attempt, if it can be called that.”

His churlish attitude only makes Hunter laugh louder. Strangely enough it’s the best birthday present he could ever get. He clocks the ingredients on the side of the counter. “No wonder it didn’t work, with stuff like that.”

“It was all I could get,” Fitz huffs again. “The second time there was less choice.”

“The second time?”

“Uh, yeah.” More rubbing of the back of the neck, avoidance of Hunter’s eyes. “This might not be the first attempt.”

There’s a reason that Hunter does all of the cooking, and it’s a very good one. There’s a reason there’s a ban on Fitz making anything more strenuous than plain pasta, and if they ever needed any more proof then it’s staring them right in the face.

“How many attempts?” Hunter laughs, expecting a reasonable number and not the murmured six that barely comes out of Fitz’s mouth.

“Six!” He all but screeches, eyebrows rising almost off his head. Fitz sheepishly shows him the evidence, which is currently lined up on the kitchen windowsill for no good reason at all.

“Sorry,” Fitz says. “Just wanted to make something nice.”

“I wouldn’t apologise, love. From what I can see, I’ve had a lucky escape.”

Fitz smiles but his eyes are still sad and it’s unbearable to look at so Hunter brings him in for a side-armed hug. For all the laughing and joking he’s actually deeply appreciative, and he knows it’s not something he’d ever be able to put into words.

“You didn’t have to, you know that, yeah? I thought we agreed no big birthday things this year.”

Money’s been tight, no getting away from it, and they had agreed that this would be a low-key affair this year. Not that Hunter can find fault in it, he knows he probably would have tried to do the same thing.

“I just didn’t want you to have nothing for your birthday, is all.”

“How much did all this cost though?” He sighs gently as Fitz rests his head on his shoulder. “I didn’t want you to bankrupt yourself for me.”

“I didn’t-” Fitz starts but cannot finish. “Doesn’t matter. I’d bankrupt myself for you any day.”

“You’re an idiot,” Hunter sighs, looking at the sad remnants of cake and feeling nothing but a rush of love and his watermelon-sized heart beat rapidly in his chest. “A bloody idiot.” He looks at Fitz, pulls him closer. “You’re lucky I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

[fantasiesandbooks]

Tenerife Sea iv

I don’t own any of the photos.

Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15

You were starting to get nervous as you look into Chanyeol’s hard gaze upon you and then focusing on a very uncomfortable Baekhyun standing almost next to him.

“I got out of the studio earlier and thought to stop by to have dinner with you here but It looks like you already had other things in mind” He said in a harsh tone returning his gaze towards you.

“I can explain” you said trying to sound calmed.

“Why did you lie to me?” Chanyeol said starting to sound upset and crossing his arms by his chest “You said you were going to do chores and cleaning but by the looks of these -he said gesturing at the table where there was a couple of empty bowls and the bottle of wine with two empty glasses left- it seems you already had this planned on your to do list“.

“I didn’t lie!” you rushed to say “I did spend the rest of the day cleaning and went to the supermarket”.

“To buy that.” He pointed out. “No” suddenly Baekhyun intervened and you and Chanyeol turned to look at him, both with a confused look as if you almost had forgotten he was also there. “I brought the wine” He said matter-of-factly and he  slightly shrink at the stares the two of you gave him. “You are not helping” you said to Baekhyun and the boy shrugged his shoulders “I was trying to lighten the mood” he said.

“Are you dating?” Chanyeol asked to nobody in particular, seriousness in his voice. “WHAT?!” Baekhyun and you almost yelled at unison, looking at him as if he had gone mad. “No” both said firmly and you hold Chanyeol’s gaze to show him you were saying the truth. Chanyeol didn’t quit the hard staring –usually, that was the first step he does when he gets angry, boy if you know… Chanyeol and you have had fights before, mainly due to fact that sometimes you can be very stubborn and he on the other hand coud be the same depending on the topic. Nevertheless, you two tried to solve it at the moment or leave each other until time calmed things up which normally is in two or three days depending on why you fought in the first place-.

You gave a heavy sigh “Listen… Baekhyun and I had dinner together because I owed him and I said I’ll treat him dinner”. “Yeah, although she didn’t give me a choice about the place or the food” Baekhyun said, “You didn’t complain about it while you were eating it” you scoffed, “It was delicious!, I’m just stating the facts. Go on…” he smiled and gestured you to continue your explanation. You rolled your eyes at that and kept going “Anyway… we’d just finished dinner and you arrived when we were starting to cleaning up”.

“Why did you owed him?” Chanyeol asked, his voice starting to sound less serious. “Because…” You tried to come up with a reasonable excuse but your brain was blank with an answer. “Because she had asked me to lent her some money and she hadn’t pay me until now” Baekhyun quickly answered, you turned to look at him with wide eyes and just nodded at what he said.

Chanyeol unfolded his arms, starting to seem a little bit more calm “Why didn’t you asked me?” he sighed “I could have lend you the money” he was looking straight into your eyes now, “You were with Sehun in LA when she asked me” Baekhyun answered again, leaving the playfullness aside and looking as serious as he could be while Chanyeol returned his gaze on him and slightly frowned at his response, letting out an awkward “Oh” as if he didn’t know what else to say. “I didn’t want to bother you so I asked him instead” you said.

“I understand” Chanyeol said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok. I didn’t mentioned it because I thought it wasn’t important to brought that up and let alone I would have imagined you’ll come here so late” you said trying to comforting him in a way.

“Yeah, everything’s cool Yeol” Baekhyun said approaching him and gave him a pat on the back “You know how can we get all this argument behind and end the night in the best way possible?” He suddenly returned to be his cheerfull self. “With a nice beer in the new bar at downtown” His eyes sparkled, turning to look at you and Chanyeol.

“You are a little drunk already” you pointed out. “I’m perfectly fine” he said as he staggered slightly to his side and bump Chanyeol in the arm causing the last one to throw him a judging look.

“Ah! Come on guys, there’s been ages since I last went out” Baekhyun whined and tried to pull the puppy eyes on you so you would give in.

“You said there has been two weeks since you went clubbing” Chanyeol said, remembering his friend complaining at the dance practice with the guys.

“I mean… yes, but I don’t count that as a social get away. At the club you mainly dance and drink but at a bar you can talk and drink. See my point?” He asked.

“You can also talk in a club” Chanyeol pointed out. “My point is… I just want to drink, eat and talk for the rest of the night” Baekhyun replied, tiredness in his voice, “You’d just literally did that about 30 minutes ago” you said to him, “I want to do it without all the nagging about Sehun” he replied frustraded, immediately widening his eyes at the realization about what he had just said while Chanyeol gave him a questioning look and you on the other side, a half shocked- half murderous one.

“Sehun?!... What are you talking about?” Chanyeol asked him, confusion readable on his face as if he had missed half of the movie and was trying to make sense of the finale. If looks could kill, Baekhyun would had been long gone by now but you tried to keep calm so Chanyeol couldn’t see your nerves spiral up and prayed that Baekhyun will come up with a clever answer.

“Ah… I might had drunk too much, I’m starting to feel dizzy and nauseous” Baekhyun said, making a grimace, lounching himself againts Chanyeol and tried to put his arm  around the other boy making him crouch awkardly “I think we should go now” he put his other hand against his belly and made a pained face -the acting he has done had improved his skills, you have to give him that, but right now your best friend-crush wasn’t buying the act 100%-. Chanyeol took the arm of his roommate off and reluctlantly agreed to leave “Fine we’ll go but y/n, do you have a bottle of water or something like that? I don’t want him to throw up on my car” he made a face of disgust thinking about that. “Sure, they’re in the fridge, you can go grab them and I will give him a plastic bag just in case” you said and Chanyeol nodded, going straight to the kitchen for them.

You turned to look at Baekhyun and slapped his arm “Aah” the boy exclaimed while he rubbed the part where you had hit him and turned to look at you “I’m sorry”, “You better be” you said in a low voice so only he could hear you and go grab one of the plastic bags from the takeout food, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep pretending and he’ll forget about it by the time we’ll get to the dorms” he whispered.

Chanyeol came out of the kitchen with two bottles of water and gave one to Baekhyun “Here, start drinking it” Baekhyun grabbed it and took a zip from it “Well, It was a wonderful dinner, thanks y/n, we should do this more often” the boy gave you a cheeky smile and started walking towards the door, you sneered at his comment and shook your head, he really loves to push my buttons- you thought to yourself, your mind coming back to reality as you locked eyes with Chanyeol “This is the bag for him” you stretched your hand for him to take it, “I took it it from the takeout I assumed was for me, and here” you stretched your other hand with a heavier bag “It’s the one with your food” you gave him a little smile as he took both of them “Thanks” he said and the both of you started walking to the door where Baekhyun was waiting for him “Wait, What about your car?” you asked Baekhyun as he was drinking from the bottle “You can stop by the dorms tomorrow and bring it” he shrugged and gave you his car keys, “If something happens to it, I’ll torture you for the rest of your life” he warned you “Don’t you do that already?” you asked him “Right now I’m considering do that until you’re 70” he smiled mischiveously “Got it” you laughed, he waved goodbye at you and turned to go to the elevators.

Chanyeol sneered at Baekhyun’s comment and look at you “So…mmm…” the tall boy made and awkward gesture and started playing with the bags straps “Sorry again for the misunderstanding” he said sounding regretful, “It’s ok. I’m sorry for not mentioned it and also because now you have to take him home” you said, turning to look quickly at an impatient Baekhyun pressing all the elevator buttons and returning your gaze to the other “Well I have done that plenty of times so one more it’s not big deal” he said trying to sound as if it didn’t matter “But if he does throws up and stains my car you will owe me big time” he said trying to sound serious “Fine, I’ll pay for the washing” you stretched your hand to seal the deal and Chanyeol took it while a crooked smile crept up his lips “That and a home-made dinner. You have never cooked something for me in all this years of friendship” he gave you a reproachful look, “What are you talking about? Sometimes you have eaten things I cooked here” you answered incredoulously “But that are the leftovers you have from things you cook to take with you at work. I want to pick what I’m going to eat” He said smugly and you gave a long sigh “Ok, just remember I’m not Gordon Ramsay” at that Chanyeol smiled a little and nodded “Chanyeol come on” Baekhyun yelled as he was holding the elevator door to prevent it from closing, the other boy turned to look at you “See you tomorrow”, “See you, now go” you smiled and gaved goodbye at him, he turned around and started jogging towards the door to catch up with his friend.

You watch them go and closed the door from your apartment, releasing a breath you didn’t even notice you were holding, “Well, at least this problem was solved” you said to yourself. Suddenly you remembered you still have to talk to Sehun about this “situation” and wanted to dissapear from this planet. Your life was taking a lots of turns so sudden and you didn’t know how to go on with them  but at this moment you just tried to put your mind in blank as you continue with the cleaning.

 The drive to the dorm was particularly quiet this time, mainly because Baekhyun was pretending to be drunk and looking through the car’s window and Chanyeol well, he was just tired from the hectic days he has had for the upcoming album with Sehun and the rehearsals for Exo’s concerts. He gave a quick glance at the other boy “How are you feeling?” he asked, turning his look back at the road “Ah… I feel better now” Baekhyun said trying to sound tired and keeping his gaze on the streets, “So can I ask you why didn’t you  tell me about the dinner?” Baekhyun turned to look at him “Seriously? You are gonna come up with that, again?!” he  asked annoyed, “I just want to know, curiousness gets the best of me” Chanyeol said not turning to look at him.

“Y/N already told you, she didn’t think it was important and neither am I” he pointed out. “Ok” Chanyeol gave a little nod and continue focusing on driving until they stopped at a red traffic light “Do you… do you like her?” Chanyeol asked hesitantly, “Of course I like her” Baekhyun said as if stating the obvious and Chanyeol turned abruptly his face, looking at the orange-pinkish haired boy with wide eyes, “I mean she’s my friend too, I could even called her the sister I’d always wanted to have” Baekhyun finished and the tall boy let out an annoyed sigh “I didn’t mean in that way, dumbass. What I meant to asked is that if you like her as a woman; as a girlfriend material” he explained to which he only got a chuckle from his friend “Oh my god no!. Listen I consider her attractive, I mean her body is insane nowadays, haven’t you seen her at the gym? I was shooked went I picked her up and the out…”

“Ok I got it, you like her physically, moving on…” Chanyeol interrumpted him, frowning a little bit but not that little for that to go unnoticed by Baekhyun.

“Well there’s that part and most of the times I like her personality but I don’t know, the love I feel for her is more…familiar in a way.” He finished, “maybe because she is like me in a certain way”. Chanyeol laughed at the last statement “Boy, you really must be drunk if you think that. You two couldn’t be more different” he said and started the engine again, “I’m not saying she’s my female version. It’s because of the things I do people say I’m funny and she can be funny too in a different way, even if she hasn’t intended to.” A crooked smile crep up his lips as he remembered the embarrasing moments he has witnessed of you “Don’t you agree?” he asked Chanyeol and the boy smiled too, maybe sharing the same thoughts about it “Yeah, I guess so”.

“So what about you?” Baekhyun turned to look at him, “What about me?” Chanyeol asked not turning to face him, “Do you like her in that way?” the other boy said with curiousness in his voice, he could see his tall friend stiffen his grip on the steering wheel a little and trying to avoid his gaze upon him. “I haven’t thought about that really” he cleared his throat and kept looking at the traffic signs –Usually the road from your house to their dorms wasn’t that long but after the turning this conversation had taken, Chanyeol was really hoping to get at soon as posible- “Oh Really?” Baekhyun asked inquiringly not taking his gaze from him, dawn it, I shouldn’t have asked him Chanyeol thought to himself “Yes, right now I’m to stressed about our schedule and the album that the only think I want is to sleep for a whole month straight” he tried to sound nonchalantly and gave the other boy a quick tired look. Baekhyun knew their lives and specially Chanyeol’s were very busy at the moment so he decided to go easy on him for now althought he knew his friend was not being completely honest with him “Fine Sleeping Beauty, I won’t push it but eventually we’ll have to had a deep talk about this” he said as he turned to looked outside and saw they were entering the street to where the dorms were located. Chanyeol didn’t reply at his last comment, too tired to have a discussion with Baekhyun as they entered the parking lot and both men got out of the car.

Once in their apartment both boys parted ways to each of their rooms which were almost one in front of the other, “Yeol” Baekhyun called for the tall boy while the other was opening the door from his room. His friend turned to look at him “Thank you for the ride” he gave him a little smile “anytime” Chanyeol said as he returned the smile, “I will make sure y/n pays you” the smaller boy said cheekly and entered his room “good night” he said and closed the door, leaving Chanyeol laughing and shaking his head as he also entered his room and closed his door.

 The next morning you were feeling a little bit better overall, you took a shower and changed into a casual outfit, had breakfast and decided to go the boys dorms to return Baekhyun’s car. You arrived at the apartment, rang the doorbell and waited a couple of minutes but nobody answered it so you decided to call Baekhyun.

“Hey! I’m outside the dorms. Can you open the door?” you said to him, in the meantime looking around your surroundings as you were getting bored.

“Hi y/n! There is no one at the dorms. We are heading back from practice and we’ll be there in 10 minutes. I can give you the enter code so you can wait for us inside” He said.

“Fine, tell me the code” you said and began pressing the numbers until the door made a sound that meant it was unlocked. “Great! Thank you, see you guys in a bit”. “Sure, bye” and with that both of you hung up the phone. You entered the apartment and took off your shoes, everything was unusually quiet as most of the times you had come most of the boys were here doing a mess of the place –It was a beautiful apartment, spacious, modern decorated, with a lot of rooms althought some of the guys shared the bedrooms- you decided to put some of the new music you had wanted to listen and were not able to until now. You were joyful as most of them were up beat songs and out of nowhere you started to dance- there has been 5 months now since you decided to take dance lessons from every kind of music. Of course your skills weren’t any like the boys but you felt happy because you were improving as time passed by and also going there was like a little escape for a part of your soul you haven’t let anyone see due to your shiness.- You were having your own little party, swaying your hips and wining to the rhythm of the music and were so into it that you didn’t hear the door opened. The first ones to entered was Suho and Chen, who stood frozen in their places with a shocked look on their faces followed by Chanyeol and Sehun with a bewildered look, the last one trying to supress a laugh and lastly Baekhyun and Jongin with an excited look on their features.

“Wow y/n” Baekhyun shouted and you turned to look at them, shocked and embarrasment evident in your face. Baekhyun cheered for you while Jongin and Sehun started laughing, following by the others and you just wanted for the earth to make a hole in the ground and swallow you up. Suho approached you and gave you a pad on your back “enough guys, let her be” he chuckled, you just laughed and hide your face from the others on his chest “I’m so embarrased” you muffled against his chest to which he only laughed more and patted your head. “You should teach me how to dance that” Baekhyun said smirking at you. You were so focused on your embarrasment that you didn’t notice the new hair looks in the boys when you first saw them- Baekhyun was blonde again, Sehun with a silver-platinum hair, Jongin brownish, Suho black, Chen chocolate-brown and Chanyeol White- oh my god! he looks so good, that’s what you thought when your eyes landed on him and felt your cheeks started to flush again making you quickly looked away from him.

The rest of the boys greeted you and most of them went to their rooms leaving you only with Baekhyn and Chanyeol. “So y/n, seems you were having a lot of fun by your own, weren’t you?” Baekhyun said as he was spreading himself on the sofa while Chanyeol went to sit on the couch across from it. “Ahg… leave me alone Baek” you whined and went to sit next to him “I have never seen you dance like that before” Chanyeol said turning to look at you.

“I… yeah… well… I’m improving my skills” you said, eyes on your hands.

“Clearly” Baekhyun snorted and you hit him on the arm to which he only made a pained grimace. “Anyway, why didn’t you tell me you had dance practice his early?” you asked both guys, “We didn’t know, our manager send us a message at 5am. We were supposed to be back three hours ago but after that they decided to dyed our hairs” Chanyeol answered. “Well you look good with them” you said and Chanyeol smile softly at you.

“Thank you, we are getting ready to stop some hearts at the concerts, don’t we Yeol?” Baekhyun said proudly and Chanyeol just shook his head and chuckled “Sure” he started getting up from the couch “listen guys I will go and get a shower, I have to be in the studio with Sehun in 2 hours”. “Oh ok” you said to him “I’ll see you next Friday?” he asked you. “As always” you smiled at him and he returned it, “Ok, see you around” he started to walk towards his room “Bye” Baekhyun and you said at unison “And eat something before you leave” you shouted and heard a “Yes” from Chanyeol and a door closing after that.

You turned to look at Baekhyun who was kinda sleepy on the sofa “Hey”, he turned to look at you with sleeply eyes “Here are your keys” you stretched your hand and handed them to him “thanks” he yawned. “Listen, do you think it will be a good idea if I talk to Sehun now?” you whispered. Baekhyun turned to look at you eyes wide open “Are you sure  you want to do that?” he said doubtfully. “Well, I don’t have a choice since you already told him. Besides, I can’t live with the daily fear of him telling Chanyeol anything about my crush for him”, “Well, in that case I agree with you it would be better if you talk to him now” he said getting comfortable on the couch and closing his eyes “Geez, thanks for encouragement” you said sarcastically and got up from the couch in order to go to Sehun’s room, “Anytime” he yawned and waved at you to which you rolled your eyes and kept walking.

Ok, you can do this, just be honest with Sehun and he might help you or at least wouldn’t mention a Word about it, you thought to yourself as you were standing outside his room. You gave a heavy sigh and knocked on his door, “Who is it?” you heard him asked from the other side of it “It’s me y/n. Can I come in?” you asked, feeling your nervousness starting to increase and tried your best to put it down, “Yeah” he said. You opened the door, step inside and close it again. You found him laying on his back on the bed, “What’s up?” He leaned on his shoulders to look at you.

You didn’t know how to start this conversation so you tried to bring up the subject smoothly “I want to talk with you about something…mmm…personal” you said avoiding his gaze. “Oh! please don’t tell me is something about your period or some other girls stuff” he whined “WHAT?!... Of course not. Why would I talk about that with you?” you asked frowning at him, not knowing how that topic came to his mind. “I don’t know. You said it was personal” he pointed out. “Yeah well, its not that so relax” you assured him. “Ok so, what is it then?” he asked you, “Well… I know Baekhyun mentioned you something about Chanyeol and me” you sighed, standing awkwardly under his gaze, “Ah yes! About your infinite love for him” he said. “Ssh… Could you said it louder? I think the people from next door didn’t hear you” You said sarcastically and sending him a hard gaze, “Wait… infinite love for him?” you asked. “His words, not mine” he stated shrugging. Fucking Baekhyn you thought “Aah…Yes its about that. I’m here to beg you that for all the love you have for Vivi, please don’t mention a word of this to Chanyeol” You pleaded him, approaching to sit on his bed next to him.

“Why?” He asked, standing his upper body so he could be face to face with you. You sighed “Because… I’m not ready to talk to him about my feelings and honestly I don’t know if I ever will be ready to. I have a great relationship with him as my best friend and I know there could be a chance to have that too as a boyfriend but there is also the chance that I might loose the first one if I tell him and I’m too scared to test it” You said, feeling as if the heavy weight you have been carrying all along had been diminished. Sehun could see in your features the worry that came upon you when you were telling him your thoughts and feelings. Although he wasn’t that close to you like Chanyeol or Baekhyun, he really likes you. You’ve been always nice to him and as time went by he’d started to look at you as a sister. “Fine… I won’t say anything to him” he sighed and gave you a small smile, your eyes lighten up and a smile crept up on your lips as you throw yourself at him making you both fell into the bed. “Thank you thank you thank you” you squeezed him in a big hug and the tall boy gasped for air “Ok… too much love. Let go off me” he said in between short breaths and tapping your arms so you could released him. You laughted at this and turned your back, both of you staring at the ceiling.

“Have you make a plan or something to tell him?” He asked you. You considered not telling him about  Baekhyun’s plan to get you a fake boyfriend, specially the part where he was one of the options You were sure he wouldn’t agree on that as he considered Chanyeol like his brother just as the other guys and honestly it would just feel weird if you pretend to be in love with one of them. “Not really” you sighed “Baekhyun suggested I should pretend to date someone but I'm not very keeing with that idea”.

“I think it could work” he said after a couple of seconds of thinking about it, “You think?” you asked doubtfully, “Yeah, like Baekhyun I have seen the way he looks at you sometimes and the way he takes care of you and let me tell you that is not just a “besties kind of affection”. Maybe seeing you with someone else will make him show his true intentions” he said thoughtfully.

“I hope you guys will be right about it” you said, “I could say I’m 93% sure this would work” he said smugly.

“Really? That’s very bold for you to say” you turned to look at him and he turned his head so he could face you “Yep, that’s how I’am” he gave you a crooked smile. You slapped his chest and both laughed at his response. “Ok so I have to go to the studio with Chanyeol today but later on the week you, me and Baekhyun can meet up and discuss the plan. Are you agree?” He asked to which you nodded. “Cool! so I’ll call you to set up the meeting” he said, “Thanks again Hunnie” you smiled at him.

“No problem” he said smiling at you “Now let me sleep” he got comfortable on the bed and you gave a short laugh as you were standing up from his bed. You got out of his room and leaned back on the wall next to his room, so operation “getting Chanyeol�� begins now you thought and were feeling kind of excited at that thought.

Thank you for the support and comments. I hope you like the series and enjoy this chapter. I’ve been having busy days with homework but I’ll try to come up with the next one soon. ^^

[ctl-yuejie]

the grandmaster of demonic interior design or mound squatting & a smitten renovator

⇨ for @howdydowdy​ who wisely suggested a home renovation tv series au based on my crack gifset

Ia . IIa . IIIa . Ib . IIb . IIIb. Ic . IIc . IIIc . Id . IId . IIId . Ie . IIe ⭐︎ . IIIe ⭐︎⭐︎ . extra

Id.

He hadn’t expected to see Lan Wangji again. Meeting him on top of Burial Mound was even more of a peculiar twist of fate.  During their school days he’d never been sure whether Lan Wangji liked him or was just too well-mannered to tell him to get lost. Well, he had been told to get lost at one point, but that had been after a rather crude practical joke so maybe it doesn’t quite count.

However, being a nuisance on purpose had let to the great discovery that beneath his cold demeanour Lan Wangji’s way of thinking was quite alike to his and he had gotten to enjoy detention, Lan Wangji proving to be a worthy opponent in an argument when riled up enough.  There had been a lot of detention.  He’d just correctly assumed that their relationship wasn’t to be long lived after they graduated and went different ways. The family heads sometimes met at conferences but Wei Wuxian was never interested in attending those. Lan Wangji must have sat there every single year, looking attentive while possibly being bored out of his mind. How couldn’t he have been without him there.

He hadn’t realized that he had actually missed the level stare he often was the recipient of.

People who follow the old customs talk about Lan Wangji with the greatest respect. Nevertheless, most accounts of meeting him don’t miss a pitying comment on his icy stare and aloofness. These people are just not able to see what he does. The warmth that radiates off his good deeds, just a vague taste of how compassionate Lan Wangji truly is, and the way his face pulls into a tiny smile when he’s truly happy.

Wei Wuxian tries to remember Lan Wangji’s smile.

It’s way past midnight, and while he long has gotten used to the eerie silence on Burial Mound he’s still rolling around in his sleeping bag, not able to stop the thoughts running in his head. The stone plateau he’s sleeping on doesn’t help in the frontline of comfort either. How soft Lan Wangji’s hotel bed must be.

He could bet that Lan Wangji doesn’t even appreciate it properly. No jump test, no pillow fights. Lan Wangji would just lie down, perfectly still on his back, hands folded over his chest and fall asleep immediately.  As if hotel beds could be exchanged with just any bed.  Whenever he and his siblings had shared a room at hotels or traditional inns, they had pushed their beds or futons together to create one giant cushy paradise to roll around in. He’d always wake to Jiang Cheng laughing at his weird sleeping position, mocking his hair that always looked terrible in the morning before smacking a pillow back at him in retaliation. 

Lan Wangji would look pristine in the morning, no puffy cheeks and no grit in the eyes.  Very boring.  Maybe if they’d share a room some time he’d be able to see it. Have Lan Wangji’s immaculate face turn to him to take in his disheveled state.   Would he have to smile? Would he scold him? At five in the morning he’d probably have to deal with a very grumpy version of himself. He might lie down in Lan Wangji’s bed and pull him down with him just to get him to sleep some more.

Now he regrets not pestering Lan Wangji about sharing a room during his stay at the Cloud Recesses. If Lan Qiren would have ever found out he’d crawled into his nephew’s bed he would have burst with anger.  But down at the hotel they could’ve just slept in, take their breakfast in bed and Lan Wangji would’ve definitely fixed the strands of Wei Wuxian’s hair that were in danger of falling into his coffee. Would his fingers feel soft against his cheek? Or calloused from his Guqin practice?  Wei Wuxian falls asleep to the thoughts of Lan Wangjis fingers carding through his hair.

The shooting starts early in the morning with Wei Wuxian guiding an unusually meek Nie Huaisang through the outer area of the compound. His excited voice easily carries over the soft footsteps of the elderly who tend to the fields.

The air is still cold and crisp, morning dew lazily gliding to the centre of lotus leaves, waiting to get scooped up by the tiny hands of Ah-Yuan.

It’s the first time that Nie Huaisang is commenting on something other than the lack of Wei Wuxian’s sense for interior design. He looks genuinely amazed, voicing his confusion at how Wei Wuxian had managed to build a lotus pond in this hostile environment.   He is rather proud of the pond and even though the seeds are inedible it is a piece of home in this wasteland.

Around noon Wei Wuxian finds himself rambling on about the importance of the cause, his inventions, what farming has taught him, the community in shared values, and really just how brilliant his inventions are. Sometimes the producers have to intervene because he gets too caught up in his stories, and name dropping the Wen family as one of the instigators of the astronomical rents doesn’t help either.

Throughout shooting, Lan Wangji doesn’t say much. He’s mostly tagging along, having quickly gotten used to putting in minimal effort to fulfil his sole role as eye candy.  After all, most people aren’t that well-versed in cultivation anymore and it might be for the better not to dig too deep into the demonic kind.

Even so, despite not saying much and the cameras definitely not being able to catch it, his silence is contemplative. It looks like Lan Wangji is actually listening to him. Listening very attentively. Just really listening. And that hasn’t happened before.

Wen Ning just enjoys the company in general and spending time with Ah-Yuan. Wen Qing is brilliant but also can’t be arsed to put any ounce of her energy into humouring him. Shiejie is supportive as always, but he knows that she doesn’t fully get it. Jiang Cheng, well, he listens and somehow understands totally different things. The other squatters are mostly just fondly exasperated. He doesn’t blame them. For them the cause is much more important. This project means their survival in the city.

But it is nice to show someone how he views the world, to share his interests and light eyes meeting his in understanding. He shoots a cheeky but appreciative wink back but Lan Wangji simply looks away.  Well, that’s not fun then.

Nie Huaisang is filming a solo-portion on appropriate colour schemes.  While the remodelling itself is unnecessary in Wei Wuxian’s mind, some of the ideas on how certain colours can improve moods actually don’t sound half-bad. He has to admit that he has underestimated Nie Huaisang and his dedication to deliver not only a perfect house remodelling but genuinely try to improve the lives of the inhabitants as well. Nie Huaisang is obviously stumped by how little he has to work with in terms of traditional architecture but he makes a commendable effort, even venturing into the historical significance of the statue guarding the cave.

Lan Wangji steps a little bit closer, robes flattering in the afternoon wind. “Isn’t this illegal?” His whisper tickles Wei Wuxian’s ear. “Lan Zhan-ah, Lan Zhan-ah, of course it is. That’s why it’s called squatting.”  He can’t believe that now is the time for Lan Wangji to question the legality of this project. “Wei Ying. You could get in trouble.” He sounds forceful. “That – is the point?” Lan Wangji looks like he has trouble finding the right words. “Wei Ying could just leave, you have a home!” Something squeezes him on the inside and his arm shakes when he points to the collective around them. “You know I can’t leave them behind.” Lan Wangji doesn’t relent. “You could take class-action. My family’s firm could help. If you are willing.” His voice goes soft at the end.  “What the Wen’s do isn’t against the law, they are just using the system to their benefit. Much as I hate them, they’re not that innovative...and Lan Zhan, you are great–“ Lan Wangji’s face softens in surprise– “but I know your dad.” Lan Wangji’s eyebrows ever so slightly draw together. “He does pro bono work.” Wei Wuxian laughs in delight at this. The confusion on Lan Wangji’s face that’s just visible to him is hilarious.  “Money isn’t the issue. Would he really want to have his firm’s name associated with going against the Wen clan?” The associated with me part is left unsaid. Lan Qiren is wise and righteous, but had never been fond of seeing Wei Wuxian pestering his nephew.

It seems like Lan Wangji has many things he wants to say. Maybe berate him like he used to. Wei Wuxian is amazed that even though they haven’t seen each other in a long time, he has gotten better at reading Lan Wangji. Standing this close he not only sees the inner fight Lan Wangji’s seems to be having for the second time today, but how despite the diffused light his eyes are gleaming, how his long hair softly falls against his cheeks, how long his eye lashes are.

The cultivator world calling him the second most eligible bachelor really is a deserved title. Zewu-Jun might be attractive to other people, but compared to Lan Wangji he appears to be rather boring.

No mask to crack with playful banter, no smile to coax out with a teasing remark, nothing Wei Wuxian could do that would make Zewu-Jun wear the same expression of soft surprise, to have that something in his eyes that almost seems to shine through when he is looking at Wei Wuxian and that Wei Wuxian can’t seem to pin point even after 13 years.

Even after getting better at reading him.

“It’s against the law.” Lan Wangji’s voice interrupts his musings. “Well, the law is bullshit,“ he retorts pointedly. Wei Wuxian knows that what he’s doing is the right thing. They stand in silence.

The last scene of the day features the last chamber of the cave.  Wen Ning is delighted at Wei Wuxian’s invitation to join them. The crew has already set everything up for filming and Wei Wuxian, Nie Huaisang and Lan Wangji are politely ushered inside.

Lan Wangji halts in his tracks immediately after entering the chamber. Wei Wuxian is very much delighted at surprising him successfully. “I tried to go for a hyggelig vibe,” he says cheerily as if nothing was amiss. It is very hard to not just laugh out loud at how everything about Lan Wangji screams ‘incredulousness’.

“Wei Ying – there is a demonic blood pool – in your cave!” Wei Wuxian is very adamant on finding out how much it takes to break adult Lan Wangji, so he just hums in affirmation. “Wei Ying, too much blood,” Lan Wangji says with stronger conviction. “It does go great with Wen Nings goth attire!” That is a good enough reason to have a spring spew blood into a big pool in your home in Wei Wuxian’s books. Wen Ning pats down his black, heavy robes in satisfaction.

There is a tiny smile tugging at the corners of Lan Wangji’s mouth.

“Beautiful.”Is the only thing Wei Wuxian manages to think. 

IId 

[thebeethathums]

Observers - 44

Pairing: Sherlock Holmes x Reader

Warnings:None

With your voice what it was, you took a few days to recover and you spent that time avoiding Sherlock to appease John as you coped with all the emotions that had come up. It wasn’t hard, Sherlock was focused on the case and both he and John speculated about the involvement of whoever this Moriarty person was in hushed whispers when you were out of earshot. At this point, you didn’t have the energy to be curious and instead let them be, opting to spend the time drawing by the window or down in your flat. Days seemed to meld into each other and before you knew it, John was tentatively approving you to go back to a somewhat normal schedule.

At the end of the week, you went back to work intending to make up for the missed time to Annie by working the entire day without pay and found that, as usual, Mycroft came in and sat in your section. You could feel him looking you over as you moved to finish serving a couple of other patrons before coming over to greet him, “Bonjour, Monsieur Holmes. How may I help you today?” He gave you a soft smile, “Just tea for me today, (F/n)… You know you can drop the formalities. It is good to see you back. Your injuries are healing well I take it?”  You gave him a wide grin, placing a hand on his shoulder, “Yes, quite well and I know, Mycroft. I just enjoy greeting you that way so very much. I’ll be right back.” He chuckled softly, watching you skip away to get what he’d requested of you. You got someone to cover the rest of your section before returning to sit down across from him as he noted, “You look nice today. I see you’ve been shopping.” You blushed lightly with a nod, “John insisted I get a work outfit that fit me properly.”

You felt pretty today, funny how a change of clothes could do that. You were wearing the same simple outfit as before, a white button down and black trousers, but your pants now hugged your waist nicely and the button down had a more feminine v-neck then the one you had had before. You’d also gotten a little fancy with your hair and covered the bruises on your neck expertly. You had only been chatting with Mycroft for a few minutes, mostly about the case, when Sherlock walked through the door looking for you. You gave him a little wave, motioning that he should come over, and he did, glaring daggers at Mycroft the entire way. You greeted him warmly, “Bonjour, Sherlock, What are you doing here?” Mycroft smirked at him, “Yes, little brother, what are you doing here?” He narrowed his eyes at his brother suspiciously as he flatly stated, “I could ask you the same thing,” and then turned to you, his expression softening, “I need to speak to you alone for a moment.” You tilted your head at him and then looked to Mycroft politely, “Would you mind, Mycroft? My break is nearly over as it is.” He shook his head, “Go, my dear, he will behave like a child for the rest of the day otherwise.” You let out a soft giggle, making Sherlock’s fists clench, “That is very true. Shall I see you tomorrow?” He gave a small nod, “You shall. Goodbye, (F/n).” Fed up with the situation, Sherlock pulled you away as you called, “Au revoir, Monsieur Holmes.” You let him lead you to the other side of the café, as far away from Mycroft as possible, and slid in across from him when he picked a cozy booth, “What’s up, Sherly? I hope you aren’t going to make it a habit of showing up at my work simply because you're bored.” “You don’t seem to mind when Mycroft does it,” he stated flatly, pursing his lips unhappily. Your lips twitched up in a smile as you teased, “My, my, is the great Sherlock Holmes jealous?” He didn’t respond, working his jaw slightly, and you brushed your hand across his knee, making his eyes snap to you curiously, “Sherlock, I have no interest in your brother, certainly you can see that. Not to mention the fact that he hardly has any interest in me either. If anything, we are friends and even that is a stretch. He acts the way he does when you are around because he knows it bothers you.” He was still pouting and you sighed, getting up to sit next to him and cautiously lean your head on his shoulder, “You may come to visit me every day if you’d like. I would gladly give up my time with Mycroft for time with you… but I warn you it’s pretty boring. Now would you please tell me why you’re here before I have to get back to work?” He seemed satisfied with this, as well as your little display of affection, and a hesitant expression crossed his face before he leaned his head lightly on yours, murmuring, “I brought you something.” You pulled away from his shoulder to look up at him in confusion and he reached into his jacket, producing a new set of art pens and a single teal daisy before hurriedly shoving them into your hands. You let out a surprised giggle, putting the daisy behind your ear as you ran your hands over the pens, and then looked up at him with a questioning frown, “W-Why? You don’t have to buy me things just because John said to treat me right…” He tucked the daisy more securely behind your ear, letting his fingers stroke down the curve of it as his thumb traced along your cheekbone, and softly explained, “I couldn’t help but notice your pens were running low and I knew you were planning on replacing them when you had enough money, but based on the amount you draw, the fact that the final two you have left from your old set are both running low on ink, and your average weekly wages… you were going to run out long before you could afford them. I’ve saved you from having to wait.” Your breath caught softly as the skin under his fingers warmed, a fact that he noted as it made his heart flip. You flashed him a giddy grin before leaning up to press a quick kiss to his cheek, “Thank you, Sherlock. I really appreciate it.” He was glad to see you genuinely happy, hoping that it could distract you from the sadness he noticed in your eyes, and let a tiny smile tug at his lips despite rolling his eyes at your little public display of affection. In truth, it had been the only way he could think of to improve your mood that didn’t involve an overt touchy-feely type moment and he could write it off in his mind as a practical gift for both him and you in that he could avoid the feelings as well as your inevitable annoyance at running out of pens. Your phone buzzed, notifying you that your break was over and you needed to get back to work, and you sighed, “I have to go… Would you like me to get you anything? Coffee? Or maybe a biscuit?” He had watched your expression go from happy to flat and almost dejected and didn’t like it one bit, catching your wrist as you got up to straighten your apron, “Come home with me.” You tilted your head at him as you frowned, “I can’t, Sherlock. I already skipped out on Annie last time I worked.” “I need you for an experiment.” You rolled your eyes, “Can you get John to do it? Just don’t tell him what you're doing. By the time he realizes-“ “It needs to be you.” You sighed, trying to hide the excitement over what it could possibly be that was bubbling up inside you, and firmly tried again, “Sherlock, I can’t. I’d be happy to when I get home but for now, you’ll have to wait. I’ll bring you some tea and a croissant.”

He made a small face but nodded, watching you leave the table to get it for him, and then locked eyes with Mycroft across the room. His eyes narrowed when his brother gave him an amused look with a teasingly raised brow as if to say ‘I saw all that just now’ and he was about to retaliate when you returned with his tea.

“Stop allowing him to antagonize you, Sherlock,” you hummed softly, setting it in front of him, “Enjoy your tea and then go home. I’m sure there is some way you can annoy John for entertainment until I’m finished.”

“I’ll wait here.”

You blinked a few times, processing that, “Are you-”

“I am perfectly capable of waiting, (F/n). Don’t ask pointless questions.”

You rolled your eyes and went back to your work, glancing at him occasionally, and after about an hour, it because very clear that he was not, in fact, capable of waiting. He was certainly trying... but failing, rather like a cat that wanted attention. When he ‘accidentally’ spilled the small bowl of sugar cubes you’d brought for his tea across the table and the adjacent floor with a small crash, you came to clean it with a hiss, “Quit making a mess and go home.”

“Only if you come with me,” he insisted and you gave up, “Fine. I will go ask Annie if I can leave… again.”

He gave a smug smirk as you swished off to find Annie and came back with her trailing you, a look of guarded curiosity on her face. She offered him a small smile, “May I ask why exactly you need (F/n) to come home with you?” Deducing a number of things from her in a blink, he decided to answer honestly, “I intend to conduct an experiment that will allow her to begin painting again.” You gaped at him for a moment, “That’s what this is about? I’ve given up, Sherlock! I can’t dwell on something that’s never going to happen again.” Both he and Annie ignored your protest and she gave him a small approving grin, “For that, Monsieur Holmes, you may have her. I wish you success.”

Tags <3:

@team-free-sherlock  @multifandom-ramblings @madshelily @severusminerva @yes-but-theyre-my-dorks @smitemewiththysherlock @not-fandom-addicted @unknownwonder @deducingdevil @aviien @mrsfrankensteinsworld @lolamurphy @bakerstreethound @musical-doll-x @protectteamfreewill @delightful-pirate @lilcutekittykat @broke-and-overwhelmed @adri1ii @turtle-at-the-disco @fanfictionsilove @chasedbyhowlingwolves

[anthemsreturn-writes]

To Set Aside One’s Pride

Hi!!! I’m really sorry I wasn't able to get this done by Christmas, things were hectic, no excuse for that! This is my Secret Santa gift for @forloveoflibertea for the @usuknetwork event. I went with the magical strike kiss under the mistletoe prompt combined with the optional omegaverse twist! I hope you like it!!! :))))) 

Word Count: 3,109 

Warnings: They think they hate each other at first, but they secretly have those feelings. 

Summary: The company Christmas party was coming up, and a certain Frenchman has a plan to get Alfred and Arthur together in an unconventional way. 

--- 

"Alfred, if you don't leave my office right now, we'll have a big problem!" Arthur, the quickly rising star omega of the company, bit out, venom in his voice and poison in his glare. His scent was spiked with irritation.

"HA! You know what else is big?" Alfred goaded, knowing Arthur couldn't do anything to him without getting fired, what with Alfred being the company president's son. He almost smelled more obnoxious than he was acting, their scents combining to make the room unbearable.

There was a loud groan before Arthur's fluffy blond head hit the table. "Why do you have to be such a child?" He ground out before looking up, cold bottle green eyes locking with the alpha's bemused pacific blue behind his thin-wired frames.

Simply smirking, Alfred "aw'd" at him condescendingly. "You're just jealous, baby." There was an odd spike in his scent at the end of his sentence, which Arthur completely ignored.

Twitching, he looked about ready to murder Alfred. "Do not call me that!" he growled out, the blush creeping into his cheeks saying otherwise.

Holding up his hands in a placating gesture and laughing obnoxiously loud, Alfred spun on his heels, his long, feathered black coat swishing behind him. "Whatever… sweetie."

Arthur barely restrained himself from throwing his metal paperweight at the brat's head. Alfred's only four years younger than him, and by no means unintelligent, yet he acts like an imbecile or an immature hooligan. The dyed purple stripe in his hair and a temporary purple star tattoo on his cheek only add to this effect. Convincing himself he was angry at Alfred and not at all flustered by the pet names, Arthur quickly got back into the throes of his work, ignoring the silence and not at all wishing he'd come back.

-------

Back in his private, top floor office, Alfred was feeling incredibly proud of himself. He considers his work day to be wasted if he doesn't bug the adorably grumpy Arthur Kirkland at least once. Just as he himself was about to open up some of his own work-related documents, there was a knock on his door. Fixing a professional smile on his face and wiping off the self-satisfied smirk, he called out, "Come in!"

The door opened halfway. "Ah! Mon Ami, how are you?"

Smile dropping off his face, Alfred sighed gustily. His cheerful scent mellowed. At least the man was wearing a normal three-piece suit, meaning he wasn't in the mood to be putting on a pink frilly dress and taking his department on strike.

"What do you want, Francis?"

The man came in uninvited, shutting the door behind himself. The beta strutted towards Alfred's desk, flipping his long blond hair over his shoulder idly. Then he leaned on the desk with one hand. "Oh, nothing really, I just wanted to ask you how things are going between you and Mr. Eyebrows lately," he asked, his tone suggestive.

Alfred arched a brow. "What's there to tell?" He asked dryly, ignoring the jab at Arthur's rather over-sized eyebrows. They're actually kinda cute, not that he would ever admit it.

Leaning in, Francis chuckled. "Oh, but everyone outside of his office heard the little spat between the two of you. What was that about, what was it again? "Babe" and "Sweetie"?"

Alfred glowered at him, scent and mood darkening. "I'm not in the mood, Francis." The man was ruining his good mood by suggesting there was more to his teasing Artie earlier.

He smiled lecherously. "So you're not denying calling the formidable Brit those pet names?"

"... Get out, Francis."

"Wait, wait, wait! I just wanted to make sure, now onto the actual topic at hand! I propose a bet, one that will help solve the, how shall I say, tension between the two of you?"

"... I said get out."

"Just hear me out! I know the two of you can't possibly bear to spend more than a few minutes together at a time, so this bet would be a good way to one-up him!"

Alfred didn't want to admit his intrigue. "What are you going on about?"

"Before I say anything, just know that Arthur has already agreed to this!"

"And?"

"It's simple, really. I'll handcuff the two of you together-"

"Not interested."

"Hear me out! You will both have a key to the handcuffs. The conditions are that you have to spend the entire Christmas party together on a fake date, and whoever uncuffs himself from the other first loses! And if by some miracle, you manage to go the whole party without doing so, the work environment will be much improved because you will both have learned how to cooperate!" He finished triumphantly.

Alfred regarded him warily. "And why would I agree to this?"

"Because Arthur has already done so. He bet me one hundred dollars you'd never accept."

Alfred pushed a hand through his caramel blond hair. He considered it for a minute, looking off to the side through his floor-to-ceiling windows at the busy New York streets below. It would be nice to be with the omega during the party; after all, he doesn't have a date-- it wouldn't be a date, he'd just get to tease him the entire time! Artie would get so mad and he'd come out on top like an alpha should! Hopefully, Artie won't uncuff himself at the drop of a hat though… he'll have to tone it down, but, he'd get to spend some time with him-- teasing him! That is… Finally, his resolve hardened and he turned back to Francis, nodding his head. "He deserves to lose some money," was all he said at first. Francis just smiled brightly, knowingly for some reason, because of course there's nothing more to this. "But if I win, you have to promise to not go on strike for an entire year."

An evil glint in his eye, Francis nodded. "You have my word, Mon Ami… Oh, and one more thing. If you both make it the whole party, neither of you win or lose, so expect a strike, because no one wants to work before New Years."

Alfred smiled, somehow managing to look wicked and innocent at the same time, and clasped his hands together. "Good. Now, get out of my office."

Chuckling, Francis nodded his head, beginning his retreat. "Au revoir!" he called out, shutting the door behind himself with a flourish. As he made his way down the hall, he thought, Now to just get Arthur to agree.

-------

Why did I agree to this? Arthur bemoaned, frustrated with this being the fifth time during the party a coworker asked why he was handcuffed to Alfred, of all people! Arthur was quick to reassure them it was just for a bet that he himself would be winning. Each time he had to reiterate it he got more and more frustrated, his tea and roses scent turning sour and lemony, especially with the git just grinning down at him instead of helping explain. Alfred, meanwhile, was having the time of his life watching Artie suffer, but a large part of him wished he'd smell sweet while they were together. So sweet, just for him… Uh… Alfred didn't know what to make of that thought. But as the party wore on and the gossip spread, people stopped questioning them and they were left to enjoy the party as much as they were able to in each other's immediate presence. To Arthur's surprise, however, the whole event was going rather… smoothly. Sure, he was still teased by the utter pillock he was joined to, but Alfred became less and less obnoxious as time wore on. He became almost… charming? No, not charming, just more bearable, that was it! Of course, that was it… Right.

"Oh! Hi guys, I see you two must be having fun!" Arthur's cheerful coworker and office friend, an alpha woman named Erzebet, walked up to them with a smile and a wave. Just as Arthur was about to reply he found himself gently pushed behind Alfred. He frowned, scent reflecting his confusion, about to ask him what his problem was when Alfred spoke.

"Hey, Erzebet, nice to see you! Where's your mate? You should go find him." Alfred spoke tersely and authoritatively, and Arthur was honestly quite bewildered before anger took over. Who in the world does he think he is?!

Blinking in slight shock, Erzebet smiled and took a slow step back from the two of them. "That's a good idea! I don't know where he is right now, so I'd better go. I'll leave the two of you to it then." With a nod to Alfred and an astute glance at Arthur, Erzebet walked away. Arthur turned to Alfred, livid.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" He shrieked quietly, trying not to make too much of a scene, despite his distress coloring the room.

"What's wrong with you? You were just going to let her flirt with you?!" Alfred smelled of acid and charcoal, and it was burning Arthur's nose, only distressing him further. Alfred finally noticed and attempted to calm his scent back to its usual fire smoke and sandalwood.

Calming slightly and face twisting trying to comprehend the stupidity of his statement, Arthur then pursed his lips with a frown. "Maybe losing one hundred dollars is worth it," he bit out acidly. He was reaching into his pocket when Alfred grabbed his hand and pulled it away.

Alfred quickly backtracked. "Wait, Arthur, come on, I just… I didn't mean to upset you, I--"

"Didn't mean to upset me?! By being rude to and chasing away my friend? I find that hard to believe. Do you want me to be miserable working here? Is that why you always bother me? … Do you truly hate me that much?" Arthur's rage-fueled voice quieted down as he spoke until it was almost hard to hear him over the noise of the party. Tears poked into the corners of his which he valiantly fought from spilling.

Panicking, Alfred's scent turned tart and vinegar, causing Arthur to crinkle his nose and start to panic in response. Noticing, Alfred turned it gentle and comforting, surprising Arthur, the sudden change causing tears to start to spill. "What? No! Artie, no, look, I-I just… look, can we just forget about this? I'll make it up to you, I swear! Just please sweetie, please don't cry." Without thinking, he wrapped the omega in his arms, his left and Arthur's right pressed awkwardly between them.

In Arthur's ensuing shock, the tears vanished and his scent sweetened against his will. That was the first time Alfred had ever called him a pet name that wasn't intended as an insult or to rile him up. It was… genuine? Was he honestly trying to comfort him? Regardless of the alpha’s intentions, which were obvious to everyone else in the room, Arthur was indeed comforted and, without hesitating, buried his face in Alfred's chest and felt calmed by the hand gently rubbing the center of his back. Alfred, for one, had never realized just how soft Arthur was, how delicate, and how he absolutely needed a hero like him to protect him.

Once Arthur was calmed down (a little while still after that, because the hug was… nice) Alfred led him away from the majority of the party and to a back corner where he could apologize and tell Artie why, exactly, he did what he did. He had only just realized it himself.

Arthur was surprisingly compliant as Alfred led him through the crowd until they reached a deserted niche. Then Alfred, instinctively, nudged Arthur into the corner and blocked it off with his body, keen on protecting the man he now viewed as a vulnerable, sweet, cute omega who he has the sole job of protecting. Alfred still warred with his feelings internally, but it was too late. For better or worse, the alpha inside of him wants this omega, like a light-bulb turned on in his head, or more aptly, he opened his eyes to see the light had always been on.

Arthur looked up at Alfred questioningly but unprotestingly. His emotions were going through a similar whirlwind, and he suddenly didn't hate, or rather "hate," Alfred as he previously thought he did.

Alfred sighed and ran his free hand through his hair, scent tumultuous. "Baby…" he started off, "I'm sorry I upset you, and for chasing away your friend. I know it's not an excuse, but, the thought of another alpha being, closer to you than I am, I dunno, it just, triggered? Something inside of me, that I can't really explain. No, wait, I can, I--" mustering up his courage, he sighed before smiling and looking down into Arthur's beautiful green eyes, scent evening out pleasantly. "I like you, Artie," he said wistfully. Arthur had been confused throughout his speech before his eyes widened and his heart clenched in a way that warmed his whole body. His lips trembled, and he looked the picture of a deer frozen in headlights. Alfred moved his hand to gently cup Arthur's cheek, stroking it softly, before realizing Arthur hadn't replied yet and the touch might be unwanted. He quickly removed his hand, scent sheepish, before Arthur's shocked scent melted into one of unadulterated happiness and he whined softly against his will, embarrassedly, in the back of this throat when Alfred removed his hand. Alfred let out a soft breath, his smile more relaxed and genuine than either his megawatt smile or his smirk. He returned his hand and gently cupped his cheek, waiting for an answer. Arthur didn't know what to say, so he sniffled as tears of happiness blurred his vision and his scent sweetened, smelling of tea, roses, and now rain and honey as well.

"Artie, would you like to go on a proper date with me?" Alfred asked, hoping Arthur would say something. Arthur looked down and wet his lips before nodding, looking up with a small but pleased smile.

"Yes… I would," he replied softly. "... Although, the rest of this party can be our first date?" He asked, emboldened by his budding and strengthening feelings. He mentally looked back on past meetings with Alfred and realized just how much they were holding back their true feelings, insulting each other so they could ignore how they felt, belittling each other so they could forget how they felt, and convincing themselves they hated each other so they wouldn't ache inside. He realized now the ache was completely gone, and he felt, happy. A thought struck him. "Uhm… wait. Does this mean? That we're…" his voice nearly squeaked on the last word, "boyfriends?"

Alfred's scent became stronger, more protective and proud. "Yeah, it does. I'll take good care of you, Artie, I promise. And I'll make this the best first date you've ever had, alright?"

Arthur nodded meekly, too overwhelmed by his feelings to muster up his usual attitude. Cautiously he leaned forward and Alfred immediately caught him up in a hug. The alpha buried his face into Arthur's hair, gently nosing his locks and smiling, happier than he'd been in a very long time, so long he can't remember a time when he was happier, and this was only the beginning of their relationship. Arthur looked up with a smile when he caught something out of the corner of his eye… Mistletoe. He frowned and pouted, causing Alfred to look up questioningly.

"... You led me over here on purpose," he accused. His mind raced. Alfred had probably set all this up! He purposefully upset him just so he could comfort him, then twist the knife! He had him believing this was genuine! But… it couldn't be, could it? Arthur started to pull away. "I can't believe you planned this! Did you set all this up just to kiss me? Did you honestly think you could trick me like that?! I--"

"I didn't plan this, Artie! I swear! This is all a coincidence. Trust, me, I lo- care about you so much, I'd never do this to upset you," Alfred cut him off before he could go on one of his trademark rants. He didn't even fully know what he'd done wrong this time, but the omega was obviously upset. Arthur's face was tinged slightly red with anger, but he quickly realized he jumped to conclusions. Alfred wasn't leading him on, he wasn't trying to trick him. He actually, really… does care about him. The red turned to one caused by embarrassment. Arthur looked down, pressing his forehead against the collar of Alfred's coat.

"Hey, baby, I swear I didn't plan this, but since it's there… why don't we follow tradition?" He asked with a smirk, scent strengthening. After a second, Arthur looked up from beneath his lashes with a smirk of his own.

"Well, it is tradition," he said angelically, scent spiking mischievously. Grinning, Alfred leaned down and captured Arthur's lips with his own, holding him close and tilting his head to the side so his glasses didn't press into Arthur's cheek. The kiss started out slow until they were enthusiastically moving their lips in tandem. It was sweet, and they both hummed into this kiss before Alfred slipped his tongue out and gently licked the seam of Arthur's lips. With a gasp, he parted them and Alfred tangled their tongues together, stroking Arthur's tongue and hip and the same time. Arthur moaned. He can't remember a kiss that felt this nice. No, better than nice. This felt… right.

Their lips molded together passionately, tongues tangling before they began to run out of air. Arthur finally felt the intense need to breathe and attempted to pull back, but Alfred held him against him a second longer before they pulled away, a string of their mixed saliva connecting them. Arthur wiped it away with the back of his palm, feeling out of breath as a pleased smirk came onto his face. Alfred just smiled, nuzzling their noses together, causing Arthur to involuntarily make a sound close to a giggle that was absolutely not a giggle. He looked down, embarrassed, but Alfred lifted his chin and molded their lips together for another kiss.

-------

At the end of the party, they both uncuffed themselves while Francis smiled, sighing over-dramatically. "Ah, love…" he cooed, both Alfred and Arthur snapping, "Shut it." Four years later, on their wedding day, they both thanked their lucky stars they took a bet for the sole purpose of their own pride and gained more than they could've ever hoped for by putting it aside.