#but that's just one part of his eccentricities so he took it in stride

[eorzeashan]

fail moment when i spent a huge time away from my wip just to realize after endless deliberation that eight and theron still aren't exactly friends it's just a weird coworker/roomie relationship with benefits and now i have to replace every time he mentions it with like, my associate or something

I think they'll become friends eventually. But a lot of elbow grease is needed and they keep messing up

[jasmineoolongtea]

Hiii i hope u're doing good and i have a req pls? Could you do smth like gojo just hanging out with student reader like father and kid? Just one random day (or some other scenario) gojo just yoinks reader and goes 'let's do something together' thxxxx :D

a/n: hiii anon, hope you're doing good as well !!! of course i can do your request so hope you enjoy this short drabble (＾▽＾) also sorry it took a while for me to get back to you since i've been away from my computer for the past few days :((

to say that gojo satoru is an eccentric teacher might possibly be one of the biggest understatements of the century. even if you were to put it nicely,

it's been a few days since you've stepped foot into the classroom on account of being put out of commission for a bit after a particularly nasty encounter with a semi-grade 2 curse on what was supposed to be a relatively easy mission. it would have been nice if the higher-ups could have mentioned that the curse had a tendency to travel in packs of 3 or 4 but in the world of jujutsu, you knew that's already expecting too much of them.

the first sight you're greeted with is your teacher, the strongest himself gojo satoru, leaning back in his desk chair with his feet up on the desk as if he had little to no care about anything in the world. if the higher-ups were to walk past and see this, they would definitely screech at the top of their lungs and die from shock or maybe it would finally be their bodies finally giving up on them in old age. you don't think you would be that sad to see them go.

"nice of you to finally show up to class. even if it's on the wrong day." your teacher huffs from his seat. there's a slight sting at his words but you choose to grit your teeth instead of replying.

albeit, you don't necessarily blame your teacher for his off-handed comment because, from his and everyone else's point of view, it just seemed like you were simply just taking the chance to play hooky and skip a few classes here and there even if it was far from the truth.

you made shoko promise not to say anything to anyone when she was patching you up, even if she gave you one of those looks that silently asked you if you really wanted that. it wasn't a matter of pride per say because having your classmates know that you got ganged up on by a couple of curses was honestly the least of your problems.

rather, it was because you didn't want to bother anyone more than you had to or even worse, be on the end of some surface-level sympathy from some people who could care less if you lived or died. to you, this was simply how the jujutsu world worked so what point was there sitting around and lingering on all of its problems when it would do you no good?

"...i've had a rough week. can i just get the work that i've missed out on and i'll be out of your hair." you mutter while avoiding eye contact with the taller man, deciding that all of a sudden the wooden panels of the floor were more interesting.

there's an instant switch in his relaxed demeanour as his voice is laced with strong hints of concern when he asks, "you wanna talk about it?"

you open your mouth to speak, to make a half-hearted attempt to brush off his concern and maybe even throw in a snarky quip to really cement the act that everything was fine but for some reason, you decide against that and so you end up saying nothing back in response.

it's quiet for a minute, the both of you unmoving, before your teacher suddenly stands up from his seat and strides towards you which takes you by surprise.

"alright, new plan then." gojo claps his hands, the sound reverberating slightly off the classroom walls as his typical attitude makes a return. "me and you are going on, let's call it, a class trip to the arcade!"

you roll your eyes, arms still crossed over your chest as you look at him, unamused. "i'm pretty sure that this isn't part of the class curriculum."

"when have i ever been a stickler for the rules, kid?" and without further ado (and a seeming shortage of verbal complaints from your side), you find yourself whisked off to a nearby arcade and being ushered into the doors of said establishment by your teacher.

so much for your original plan of retreating back to hide under your blanket for the rest of the day, you think to yourself.

as you step inside, memories of after-school hangouts with megumi, nobara and yuji as you guys make it your mission to burn through your monthly allowances on the various games and machines flood your mind and you can't help but smile whilst reminiscing, though it fades quickly when you realise that it feels like forever since any of you guys have had the chance to relax with each other like this considering how time has become more and more scarce and more like a luxury that one had to earn rather than anything else.

there's the sound of coin swishing around in a bucket coming from your right and when you turn to face the sound, you see your teacher making his way towards you hugging a comically large amount of coins in an insanely large bucket in his arms. if it were any bigger, you might have been obligated to call it a chest instead of a bucket. you do a double-take at the sight in front of you.

"are you planning to buy out the whole arcade with those coins?" you remark, a bewildered expression clearly painted on your face as you try to calculate in your head the amount of money he must have spent on that stash.

he looks down at the bucket of coins in his arms which were almost on the verge of overflowing and shrugs. "eh, this is nothing." he replies with an air of nonchalance.

you're ready to contest that statement of his but then you remember gojo satoru, aside from being a teacher with interesting teaching methods, to say the least, is also one of the richest sorcerers in the entire country of japan as well so whatever he did spend on those arcade tokens is probably nothing more than a drop in the vast ocean that is his bank account.

in the blink of an eye, gojo sprints off to the brightest and flashiest machine in the arcade and you can't help but question if he might be a child trapped in the body of an adult. begrudgingly, you trail behind him and watch as he slots in the appropriate amounts of tokens and boots up the game. while waiting, he starts absent-mindedly button-mashing the controls in a vain attempt to make it load faster.

you sigh to yourself as you watch from over his shoulder. "is this day more for me or you?" you ask, your eyes still trained on the screen in front of you. "because from what i'm seeing, it looks like you're enjoying this waay more than me."

gojo laughs softly to himself, not even pausing the game before turning to you with a smirk on his lips. "that's because you're spending more time complaining rather than having fun."

to be fair, you couldn't really argue with that so you quietly concede (though very unwillingly) to him as you take an unoccupied chair from another game booth and return to where he was playing. before you know it, you find yourself deeply immersed in the game as well and you start reacting to his gameplay like cheering when he makes it past a level or groaning in frustration when there's a roadblock standing in his way.

for a split second, you notice that there's a faraway look in his eyes which looks eerily similar to the one you probably had when you stepped into the arcade and began to think about happier times but before you can even spit out a question, it's gone and you're left wondering if it was nothing more than just a trick of the light.

the game is over quickly soon enough when the words 'you win' begin flashing in white on the screen with gojo's high score written underneath the text. you then scramble to take his place in the seat when he stands up to stretch, very much intent on beating his score and a competitive glint in your eyes as you stare at the machine with laser focus. behind you, he smiles to himself and watches on proudly, letting out a cheer that's probably too loud and earns you two a few weird stares from the other passersby whenever you progress on to the next level.

the rest of the afternoon flies by like this as you and gojo constantly bounce from one game to another, challenging and throwing some light-hearted taunts at each other as you attempt to beat the other's score. this does rapidly deplete his coin stash but by the time you're down to the bottom of the bucket, you two have already beaten all of the available games in the arcade with some of them being beaten more than twice as well.

gojo takes the bucket from your hands and heads over to the counter to exchange the remaining ones for money before returning to you and pointing to the door, signalling that it's time to head back. you do a quick look back at the place behind you, feeling much lighter inside than compared to when you entered, and walk out with your teacher

while walking down the street, you feel a nudge against your shoulder and turn to face him. he gestures towards a small pastel stand on the side of the both of you. "hey, check out that crepe stand over there. they have some of the best ice cream crepes in the area." your teacher states.

you look at him, unconvinced. "i'm not sure i can really trust your taste buds considering how much sugar you consume on a daily basis."

"come oon, i'll even pay for yours if you get one." he offers, a bit too eager as he tries and fails to hide his own craving for it. you feel the corner of your lips curl upwards slightly and it seems that your stomach agrees with him as it growls quietly in an attempt to signal its hunger.

"well if you were paying, why didn't you say that earlier."

you order the first thing on their must-try section since it was your first time there, which appears to be a vanilla ice cream crepe with cherries and whipped cream, and gojo decides to go with a custom order of a matcha-flavoured crepe base, three scoops of strawberry ice cream piled on top of each other, a mountain of whipped cream with fresh strawberries placed inside but not forgetting the finishing touch of matcha powder sprinkled on top.

you would feel bad for the poor employee tasked with creating that monstrosity when they give him a knowing look, implying that this was not their first time dealing with him and his strange orders. you wait for a bit before receiving your order with him having to try extra hard to make sure nothing would slip off his order and find a seat on a nearby bench.

you two sit in silence, side by side, and eat your crepes, taking this as a chance to unwind. as you take your first bite, the soft cream simply melts in your mouth and the crepe is just the right amount of sweetness with the cherries giving you a good burst of flavour and you secretly commend your teacher for his recommendation.

taking another bite of your crepe, you look at the sky and admire the way the clouds drift lazily across the blue canvas behind them. "hey, thanks for this gojo sensei. it's been a while since i've been able to...relax." you admit, an element of vulnerability hiding behind your words.

he turns and looks at you with a soft smile. "anytime, kid."

[jillianfahey]

Interview with a Vampire AU

Lily could feel the eyes watching her. It was normal, just keep your head down and walk on. Never let them catch you.

Footsteps following her, no need to panic. Just because you are on the edge of the red light district does not mean they assume you are a whore. Just keep walking and get out of here.

Speed went up a few notches as she hurried forward towards the respectable part of town and away from the slum she really lived. She dodges the hand that grabs at her and stumbles into the wall, and suddenly two men were in front of her. Great.

One of them grinned coldly, "Now, pretty lady. Are you going to let us have some of the pie or not?"

Then an accented voice spoke, "Mon chere Mademoiselle Du Point, how are you this fine evening?"

Seeing a tall, blonde man striding towards them and seeming to be addressing her Lily spoke, "I would be better if these ruffians would not waylay me." She had pulled herself up haughtily and could have sworn the foreigner, probably French, winked at her.

With the wave of his cane, "Shall I send them to route for you Mademoiselle?" The ruff men were moving back and forth, considering if they could take the well dressed. Did they think she was worth trying for?

One of them who smelled of smoke and beer snorted, "Keep 'er." And walked away with his companion.

When they were gone she gave her rescuer a proper curtsy, "Thank you for your help sir." Straightening, "But as you clearly have other plans for tonight I shall take my leave of you."

The mans eyes were laughing, "Mon Chere, please allow me to escort you." Seeing her bite her lip in consideration, "At least permit me to buy you some refreshment."

Studying him, "If only to make you lie believable Mr?"

With a laugh he bowed, "I am Lestat de Lioncourt." Then with a smile, "And you Mademoiselle?"

With a swallow to wet her throat again, "Lily Du Point."

Offering her his arm, "Is that truly your last name?"

Taking his arm with a smile, "Why deny the name you gave me sir?" His laugh rang down the street as they walked together into the night.

*******************

Lesat became a regular part of Lily's life, walking her home from the school in the red light district. She taught the children that such places were bound to produce, in the hopes that at least some of them could get a better life. One that she had not had in her seventeen years.

On the way home Lestat would always insist on eating at a resturant, even if the waiters eyed Lily's common dress with distaste. She did not blame them, everything here was for the upper class. One that Lily was clearly not a part of.

A few months into their friendship, Lestat changed things up and took her to a dress shop. There a young French woman took the order for clothes. To Lily's surprise the produced measuring tape was brought to her. Lestat only smiled, "You shall have the clothes that you deserve Mon Chere."

In those months he had been teaching her french, and she blushed slightly at this endearment. When the young lady was done the unlikely pair left the shop and walked by the river to a picnic that Lestat had arranged for her. They talked for hours under the stars, and listening to the crickets sing. Before Lily gave a jaw cracking yawn that made Lestat laugh and pronounce that it was time to take her home.

*************

After the new clothes were made, Lily would go to other fancy places with Lestat. Parties, the theatre, everywhere it seemed he would take her. There were whispers and she knew what they were about, the eccentric Frenchman had a new mistress and was shamelessly showing her off.

The only positive thing others would say about it was that at least the girl knew her place. Hardly speaking and staying on the edge so it was easy to ignore her intrusion into their midst. Only going anywhere near the center when the Frenchman took her there.

Lily knew all of this but did not try to deny that she did not belong, she didn't. But she was still going to enjoy the strange ride that Lesat had put her on until it ended. And maybe learn more to teach the children under her care of how to act around the higher classes.

[bitchfitch]

It is always entertaining to see how confident a hunter can be when he thinks he knows what he's doing. There was a certain stride they took up, a light in their eyes and a unique way their hands always seemed to be resting on the hilt of their weapons.

Terribly cocky looking things they were, Lou often thought. He dripped down from his perch on the cobblers roof through the gutter and into the street. No one ever noticed the puddles or near stagnant waters drifting to the nearest sewer drain. Made it awfully easy to follow along with the hunter who thought he knew where Lou was.

Montgomery. Monty, as Lou liked to call him and as he hated being called by Lou. No first name, or no last name, Lou wasn't sure and he didn't think Monty was either. Following him was boring. The man always walked with that same swagger. His button nose held high and a pout perpetually painting his thin lips. Lou knew Monty preferred to think of his usual countenance as tough and regal looking, but from any view Lou ever had on him, it was just a bit silly.

Following was boring, but playing wasn't. Montgomery was so easy to get a reaction out of that it seemed all Lou ever needed to do was rise from the cracks and mimic him for a few moments. Borrowing his face and hair, though Lou thought it looked better parted on the opposite side, and clothes and gait and silly little pout. Walking in step with him for the few moments it took him to recognize he had a doppelganger.

Monty gave him that look. The Monty look, Lou adored it. Brows furrowed until there were deep lines on his young, relatively speaking, face. Pout replaced with a grimacing purse that pulled his lips into a fine line and made his nose all scrunched up. A wonderfully nonverbal 'What the fuck is your problem today?' Though Lou had yet to actually get the man to say any swears, much less the big 'F' one, this was a good consolation prize.

"Good evening," Lou said in Monty's voice. He had such a nice voice. Most people were a drag to copy but every part of Monty was such a nice fit for Lou that it almost tempted him to kill his hunter and take his place full time.

"To you as well," he was ever polite, "Clever to make your approach in such a crowded place." he flicked the rim of his own hat down to cast his face on shadows as they passed a dense group of people crowded around the entrance to some bakery or another.

"You think I aim to fight you here today?" Lou hadn't even thought about the people in the narrow alley. Casualties weren't really something he troubled himself over, but he guesses it makes some kind of sense for a government employee to care about such silly things.

"Am I wrong?" It was cute how much he was trying to hide his face. Why would anyone assume they weren't just eccentric twins? Shape shifters weren't that common, and very few were as brilliant at it as Lou, if you asked him at least.

"Well... You aren't right. The fighting Would be nice But... Hm. How do I put this in a Non horrible and disgusting and annoying way?"

"You could try getting a different personality."

"Oh! That one practically made me sizzle. A very nice burn as the kids say it. Which speaking of burning. You can use fire right? Mind... Using it in a specific place at a specific time? I can make it worth your while."

"This is about that dryad isn't it."

"No. But speaking of him. He really is such a horrible beast. Would do society so much good if you went ahead and burnt his tree to ash,"

"I'm not killing your ex because he dumped you."

"Hey! I dumped him. Or more it was a mutual dumping. We decided to go our own ways because Drew truly is the worst, I shouldn't tell you this But-"

"Lou, bug off. The longer you run your mouth the more likely you are to say something that will finally give me an easy excuse to put you down."

"You're so rude to little old me. I told you I could make it worth your while, won't you at least hear my offer?"

"Does it have anything to do with the intel you were supposed to be getting on the Berkeley twins?"

"Yes. it does. They're innocent. Framed actually. But tell me something real quick."

"What?"

"Why do you always wear heels? They're so uncomfortable. Is it because you're a short little snack of a man?"

"Lou. The twins. You say they were framed? By who?"

"Well, Our deal was that I would get evidence about the twins for you. It didn't cover anyone else..."

"I'm not burning down Drew's tree."

"Killjoy. But I can ask something else of you? It's Way more embarrassing..."

"I'm not sleeping with you either."

"Disgusting, Monty! How dare you think I'd bargain for that, if we ever do do that again it'll be because we were both drawn to each other not because of our dealings. But If you did want to I'm free-"

"Lou. Back on topic, what were you actually going to ask for?"

"Oh right. One of your guild's patrons is throwing a big bash next month. I know you were invited because all the other big dog hunters were, and I want to be your plus one. Please."

"Why?"

"She has that moat right? Well I do enjoy that moat and on my last visit I couldn't help but notice she has a bard visiting her. I... Haven't had a good chance to talk to this bard, and she is Very pretty and also looks like she might know a thing or two about you know what. I need to go so I can have a very professional conversation with her about professional things. "

"No."

"Huh, well then a murderer is just going to go free hm? Because the information I have for you is Very time sensitive you have no chance of getting it on your own before it expires."

"So be it. I'm not taking you to a party so you can engage in your worst habits and fall back in with That crowd."

"Well, how else am I supposed to find my heart again if it's not hanging around the old posse?"

"I don't know, but we'll find it. You've been incident free for a whole year Lou. Don't let something this unnecessary change that. You know how bad you get around them."

"I wouldn't get so bad if I had my heart."

"Yeah, whatever. I'll trade you that hat you always steal for the information on who's framing the twins. Final offer."

Lou sighed heavily, letting his form begin to drip. "Deal, I'll be seeing you at your place then," he huffed, more to be dramatic and show his discontent than anything else, before disappearing back into a stream of water between the cobbled paving stones.

[sunnyikemen]

In His Stride

Pairing: IkeRev Fenrir x Alice

Summary: Love has the power to do many things, to change many things. From the outside, that’s what others would assume from this love - it changed them. But through the window, surrounded by the colours they had painted their walls, Alice knew that change wasn’t the right word. He had always had it, that way of loving, he just hadn’t known it until now. Alice reminisces in a few of the moments that prove that.

Word count: ~3000

Warnings: None! Except for children, lol.

Notes: This is a gift for the lovely @toloveawarlord as part of the gift exchange I co-hosted with my gal @ikemenlibrary !! I hope you enjoy, I had so much fun writing this for you :))

***

Alice’s eyelids drooped lazily as she peered through her lashes, their bedroom bathed in honey and laced with gold. The house felt a silence that became so rare in recent years, though the noise was never unwelcome. It was the noise that gave the walls its colour, laughter and joy hand painting them with hues of home and love. Love was the foundation of this house.

Layed next to her was her best friend, marked by the matching gold bands that embraced their ring fingers. And in between them was the newest member of their little family, barely a few weeks old, but already adding his own colour to their walls.

Fenrir perched on one elbow, head resting in his palm as he dangled his fingers above their son’s face, air huffing out of his nose whenever tiny hands would reach up to meet his, whenever he reflected his smile.

Alice remained quiet, letting the pleasant feeling in her chest sit, letting the tranquillity in her mind settle. She simply loved to watch him like this, completely in his element. The full extent of his pure heart being poured out in front of him, only to be instantly filled back to the brim. Fenrir loved, and he loved honestly and completely.

As her eyes finally fell shut, Alice let her mind wander back to all the times Fenrir’s love had surprised her. Not that it actually surprised her anymore, not when she had already felt so much of it. But it still always warmed her soul to witness all the times his love had contradicted his character. For a man who lived so fiercely, he loved so gently.

Even though she knew it wasn’t a contradiction at all, and those who gift themselves the chance to really know him know this too. Laced into his eccentricity was a deep joy for loving. He cared for those around him so enthusiastically, sometimes aggressively, but it was in a rare moment of tenderness and softness, Fenrir revealed himself to be the gentlest soul of them all.

This became the most evident with the arrival of their firstborn, who was growing into Fenrir’s shoes at a rate he obviously was not comfortable with. But he took it in his stride, and Alice reminisced in a few of the moments he strode so confidently, his little girl’s hand in his.

*** (more under the cut!)

One Friday Evening

Alice stretched out her back after letting the last of her words ink the paper in front of her. The tightness in her muscles slowly subsided as the relief of finishing up her work washed over her. She let the bliss sit with her for a moment, before finally giving in to the urge that had been chewing away at her since she had first sat down all those hours ago - the urge to be with her family.

She descended down the stairs, thick socks meeting wood without even the implication of a sound. Clearly not enough to give away her presence as she approached the kitchen door that was open just a sliver. The gap wasn’t wide enough for her to be spotted as she approached, but enough for her to catch a glimpse of her daughter’s teary face that was being held in her husband’s hands as he was crouched down to her level, his eyebrows knitting together as he studied her expression.

Alice fought every instinct to run in and scoop her child into her arms, as the instinct to hang back triumphed.

“You just have to be more careful, sweetheart. The broken glass can really hurt you.”

It was only then that Alice noticed the shards scattered across the floor a metre or so behind them. Their little girl had a tendency to get a little too excited to properly perceive her surroundings. Not that either her nor Fenrir had any plan to extinguish this enthusiasm, but it didn’t spare them from worry, either.

“I’m sorry,” their daughter squeaked out, which pierced straight through Alice’s chest and left her particularly troubled.

But the way Fenrir pulled her into his chest and quietly shushed her was a balm for Alice’s soul. He let her cry, smoothing her hair as he comforted her.

“It’s okay, I know you didn’t mean to. I was just worried. I don’t want you getting hurt, okay? It’s just a cup, it’s not the end of the world.”

Alice leant her weight against the door when Fenrir stood up with their daughter in his arms, gently rocking side to side. She had stopped crying now, but Fenrir gave her a few extra moments before speaking again.

“Did the loud noise scare you?”

Alice could just about see the little nod of her head against Fenrir’s shoulder before he planted a kiss on the top of her head, the swaying never ceasing.

“Things breaking can be scary, huh? It’s a good thing you’re so brave. You get that from me, you know.”

That was the first time Alice had seen her daughter smile since she came downstairs, and the mischief that painted her features told her that everything was okay.

“Nuh uh! Mummy’s way braver than you. I’m just like her.”

Fenrir’s feigned gasp of disbelief had Alice holding in her laughter, much preferring to spectate the scene than giving herself away.

“How dare you, little miss. What about all the times I’ve bravely scared the monsters away in your room?”

“What about all the time you’ve had to call mummy in to scare the ghosts away in your room?”

Alice let the back and forth carry on organically as she watched on, the corner’s of her lips tugging up as fondness filled her entire being. She could see plenty of herself in her daughter, but most of the time, she was all Fenrir. With such unfettered joy for life and a soul that had an energy she would never be able to describe within the limitations of language. All she knew was that it was absolutely delightful.

***

One Monday Morning

“Good morning, Sirius. Have you…sorry, have you seen my husband? I’ve got his…I’m sorry Sirius but what happened to you?”

The rose that crept into his cheeks did very little to mask the garish blue that coated his eyelids and the messy black line across his waterline. It was not the sight Alice was expecting to see when she arrived at the headquarters. He only chuckled coyly, “Well, that would be-”

“Mummy!”

The little girl came barrelling round the corner straight into her mother’s arms, letting out a squeal as she was lifted into the air. Putting two and two together, Alice blew raspberries into her chubby cheeks, which was promptly followed by a string of giggles.

“Hello, trouble. So, what did you do to poor Uncle Sirius?”

Sirius merely laughed, letting himself give in to the silliness. He gave the girl a squidge of her cheeks, unrelenting as she squirmed in her mother’s embrace, though her grin never faltered. “To be fair, I came away pretty unscathed in comparison.”

Alice raised an eyebrow, “In comparison to…?”

It was then that her daughter had successfully wiggled out of her grasp and started to pull at the hem of her skirt, “Come on, Mummy! You have to see my work!”

“Your work-” Alice’s query was cut short as she rounded the corner, revealing both her husband and his best friend. Two unfortunate victims of the same fate.

Though she had to admit, Ray had some beautiful eyelashes; that beauty being accentuated by the many, many layers of mascara that obviously coated them. The blush, too, was very clearly not organic, though she suspected there was a mixture of that too. At least his hair looked the same, save for the few pink hair clips that failed to hold his fringe back.

However, Alice’s jaw dropped when her eyes finally moved over to Fenrir, who had received the full treatment from their daughter. She wasn’t sure how she had managed the green tips of his hair, which also currently stuck up in two pigtails atop his head. To be honest, Alice couldn’t fault her daughter for the immaculate attention to detail, clearly giving her father her undivided attention. He had the whole deal. Her favourite part had to be the pink lipstick that was a splitting match to his hair, and there was at least an attempt of blending the green and magenta eyeshadow, complemented by glittery blue eyeliner. The earring she recognised as her own, too.

It took all of Alice’s concentration and power to keep a straight face as she greeted the King of Spades. She was successful, but only for a short while.

“Good morning, Ray.”

“Do not.”

“I like the-”

“Do not.”

It was only a matter of seconds until Fenrir was on his feet, bounding towards Alice as he always did when she came to visit him at work. As if nothing was different about today, as if lipstick wasn’t currently printing onto his teeth as he grinned at her.

“Hi, beautiful! What brings you here?”

“Hello, gorgeous, I have your lunch.”

His face lit up as he took the bag from her, still no explanation. “I knew I forgot something, thanks!”

“You’re welcome,” she watched a little longer, waiting for him to address the obvious, but it never came. “Fen, care to explain..?”

“Hm? Oh!” he crouched down so their daughter could crawl onto his shoulders before standing back up to his normal height, “Well, a lot of the soldiers are sick at the moment, so we gave everyone today off, but this little miss got bored without any action to watch so…”

His words trailed off, but Alice’s smile only grew. He always let her do the silliest things to him, and always does it with a smile on his face and encouragement coating his words. He lets her have fun.

“Well, you look very pretty.”

Fenrir heard the genuity in her statement, always picking up on the subtleties of her speech. It was rarely what she said, but the feeling he knew she was trying to convey. She was always successful.

“Is that so? Well you’re prettier,” he said, planting a quick peck on her lips, which was promptly followed by a gag from their daughter.

“You guys are gross.”

“Oh, you think this is gross? What about this?” Before Alice could object, her face was being littered with quick kisses, each one ending with a loud smack. She let him do it, as much for the amusement of her daughter’s disgust as the genuine warmth that her husband’s affection filled her with.

She half expected the King and Queen to cringe, awkwardly shuffling away as Fenrir continued to be blissfully unselfaware, but she caught the small smiles on their faces and the endearment in their eyes. Alice often caught them like this, looking on with genuine fondness in their expression. As if they were family. Which wasn’t far from the truth. In fact, Alice would say it was the truth itself.

She gave them both a look. I’m sorry about all this.

They returned it with another. Don’t be. It’s nice.

As she watched them, she didn’t fight the sentimentality and gratitude that began to prick her eyes. For all the times they’d watched their daughter so she and Fenrir could spend an evening together, and for all the times they’d allowed Fenrir to bring her into work on quieter days like today. For the time they immediately accepted the title ‘uncle’ when it naturally left her daughter’s lips, and every time after. For constantly, unconditionally, and without question nor request, looking out for their child and their whole family through anything and everything. Letting her be young, and letting them be loved.

***

One Saturday afternoon

It was in rare moments that Alice saw doubt on Fenrir’s face. One who was always so open and daring didn’t often express hesitation or uncertainty. Alice was sure she should have been surprised at this reaction to her daughter’s request, but in truth, she wasn’t. That was the inevitability of knowing and loving someone so deeply.

“I don’t know about that one, sweetie,” Fenrir finally responded, the fear of disappointing his child dripping in his voice.

“Oh, pretty please? You look so cool when you’re fighting, and you have so many of them! Just one look? Please?”

Their daughter stood steadfast next to Fenrir’s gun cabinet, particularly entranced by the one that stood proudly on the top shelf, and Alice could practically see the panic and conflict rushing through Fenrir’s head. He wanted to fulfil her wishes, he really did. But he was afraid.

Alice placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze before running her hand down his arm to intertwine her fingers with his. He turned his head towards her, letting it rest against hers as her chin sat in the crook of his neck, rubbing circles against his hand, “I know she’s young, but she’s just curious, my darling. Share this with her?”

Fenrir let it sit with him for a moment. He knew she was right, but he couldn’t stop the multitude of possibilities and outcomes racing through his head. What if she were to develop an unhealthy attitude towards the guns? What if she became dangerous to others, or worse, to herself? What if she would want to grow up to be like him and join the Black Army, putting her life at risk everyday? What if, taking something so deadly out of the cabinet and placing it into her tiny hands, would mean that she’s no longer his little girl anymore?

But with another squeeze of Alice’s hand in his, and her unwavering presence behind him, he was reminded that all of these were simply hypotheses and they’d always remain just that. That was his job, after all, as her parent. To make sure all the worst ‘what ifs’ were never more than a niggling anxiety, and if his wife’s constant trust and words of reassurance were anything to go by, he was pretty damn good at this job.

So he took his keys from his belt and opened the cabinet, as Alice sat their daughter on her lap. He joined them on the sofa, letting her curious eyes wander over the machine.

“I need you to remember that this isn’t a toy, okay? We don’t play with these, but we can have a look if I’m here. Does that sound okay?”

She nodded vehemently, but clearly taking in her father’s words, “Mhm! They’re only for daddy’s work. Very dangerous!”

Fenrir chuckled, “Correct, but I don’t want you to be scared of them, either. If you’re ever curious about them, you can always ask me. I know they’re very cool, I like them a lot. I’d be curious too.”

Alice remained silent as Fenrir showed the girl the different parts and how they all connect. She watched as their daughter kept complete focus and wonder as she absorbed her father’s words. He let her touch, examine, and even let her hold it for a short while. He taught her the right etiquette and safety measures when handling it, which she took straight to heart.

Alice could see the concern slowly free his features, pride and excitement beginning to fill the gaps. He’d always yearned to share this part of him with one of his own, but he just didn’t know it until now.

Alice smiled as her faith in him was once again affirmed by his actions. She had never doubted him and his ability to raise their children, and she was proven time and time again that she will never be given a reason to.

Even if he sometimes doubted himself, ultimately, she knew that they were always going to be just fine.

***

Alice was brought back into the quiet of their bedroom when she heard a light knock on the door. Her eyes crept open and fell on Fenrir’s, who was also looking back at her with a growing smile. He called out. “Come in.”

And at that, their daughter bashfully slid through the door, her expression still droopy from sleep and her hands clutching her favourite rabbit toy. She rubbed her eyes, shyly looking up at her parents as Fenrir moved to a sitting position. He opened his arms for her, “Hello, sweetie. Aren’t you meant to be in bed?”

She approached him and grabbed his shirt, her eyes never leaving the middle of the bed.

Fenrir and Alice shared a look before he spoke out to her again, “Did you wanna see your little brother?” He chuckled when she nodded sleepily, picking her up with ease, “Come on then.”

He placed her next to her brother, and she wasted no time settling in beside him. “Hi, mummy,” she whispers.

“Hi, baby,” Alice replied with a gentle laugh, “Would you like to give him a kiss goodnight?”

She studied him again and did just that, planting the softest of kisses against his temple. When he didn’t stir, she laid down next to him, her eyes shutting almost the second her head met the pillow.

They knew they probably shouldn’t, but Alice and Fenrir allowed it. Just this once won’t do any harm. They’d let her join the little sanctuary they had created that quiet evening. It wouldn’t feel right without her, anyway.

“Get some rest, beautiful,” Fenrir whispered to Alice, his hands reaching over to hold hers and embracing his children in the process, “I’ll take care of this.”

She didn’t fight his offer, giving him a smile and letting her eyelids shut once again, until Fenrir was the only one left awake.

Not that he felt alone, he doubted that was possible anymore. Not when he had his whole world in his arms, in the golden bath of their bed, under the steady roof of their home.

Fenrir never thought he liked the quiet, but there he found a love so potent he didn’t remember a time without it. One that he hadn’t believed before, hadn’t even seen before. But now he stitched it into his clothes, slept with it next to his head, and laced it into his every action and thought. The proof, solid and declaring, that that love was true, and that it was his.

***

Thank you for reading!! And I hope you liked it, Bekah💛

Materlist

[gothbitchjuice]

Bitter Like Chocolate - Satori Tendou (Frozen Hearts Collab)

T/W: NO HAPPY ENDING, consensual sex, language, oralsex!, mutual masterbat!on, trauma, heart break

Word Count: 15.3K

A/N: This is my submission for The Frozen Hearts Collab, courtesy of the lovely @kingkatsuki & @bakuroo-writings ! I've never really written a no-happy-ending scenario before, so I'm thankful for the opportunity to push myself now! This is going to be a two-part story where the first part is for the collab ending sadly, and the second part will be the conclusion with a happy ending! I would also like to note that Y/N is based heavily off of myself. This writing has been very therapeutic in the sense that I was able to really embrace who I am and, ironically, comfort myself through Tendou and the hurt I put Y/N through. This is also the longest piece I've ever written, and I'm so excited to share this with you all!

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you enjoy it!

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

You were different.

It was nothing bad, nothing you weren't used to. More than anything, you took pride in the fact that who you are as a person set you apart. The way you expressed yourself, the way you uniquely did tasks apart from how others would've done the same thing, even how you chose to look. While it made you proud to actively rebel against the norm, it also made you insecure. Underneath all of that confidence you held, there was a truth that no one could know- being unique was a lot harder than it seemed.

Why did you have to be born like this, with this incessant need to stand out? Why did the idea of looking so average make you nauseous? Why couldn't you just blend in and save yourself the trouble?

From the beginning, it was a trait you bared that you loathed; that was until you saw him. Until Tendou.

While you went through the daily ringer of being teased and brushing it off to save face, you'd never really gone through what Satori Tendou did. Sure, being sarcastically questioned about your afterschool activities wasn't fun, because the cruel kids only asked to imply you were off in some red-light district, selling your body to the night. Having a nice body in high school was a crime, didn't you know? And while it was embarrassing enough, it wasn't nearly as bad as being called a lizard-faced freak. It wasn't as bad as having someone knock your lunch tray from your hands because your eccentric personality set off an itch to be hateful in someone. It wasn't as bad as being kicked in the stomach by the same kid who just ruined your lunch. It wasn't as bad for you as it was for Satori Tendou.

Something else about you that gave you pride in yourself- you knew you were a decent human when it counted.

The moment the lunchroom debacle happened, you shot up from your seat, milk carton in hand. Your long legs carried you in quick strides up to the guilty party that just did the unthinkable to the redhead. The boy in question saw you approach, and as expected, you were met with the same holier-than-thou attitude as Tendou. He chuckled, pointing a lazy finger to the beverage in your hand. "What're ya gonna do, dump milk on my head? Is that the worst ya got, girly?"

You snicker, looking down at the small carton in your hand before looking back up at the boy. "You know what? I've definitely got worse." With a swift swing of your arm, you haul off and slam the full carton into the boy's face, colliding directly with his nose. He lets out a painful shriek, grasping his face with an angry sneer at the sight of his blood mixing with the dairy that dripped down his skin. Knowing good and well that he was bested, and embarrassed, to say the least, he turns and takes off.

Directing your attention back to the victim on the ground, your features soften, and you crouch down to his level as the redhead grasps at his stomach. "Hey...Tendou, right? Are you hurt badly?"

The lanky boy shifts his body, facing you with an expression that was certainly the last look you were expecting- a big, goofy smile.

"Me? Yeah, I'm fine. No worries!"

Your worried brows unfurrow, face softening. "Well, good. That guy was such an-"

"Asshole! That's right, you'd better run!" A shrill voice cries out as footsteps approach the two of you. Two boys, approximately yours and Tendou's age stoop down and hoist Tendou up. The one harboring most of Tendou's weight was tan with a short brown fade, while the other has coal black hair with slanted bangs. The shrill-voiced ravenette turns to you, looking you over. "Excuse me miss, are you alright?"

Before you can speak, a chuckle sounds from behind, and all eyes are back on the redhead. "Is she alright? Are you kidding, she's the one who sent that guy running!"

Looks of confusion and surprise enveloped the other boys' faces, which quickly shifted to stern expressions before they bowed to you, forcing Tendou down with them, causing him to yelp as he was forced downard. "Thank you very much for helping our teammate! We won't trouble you any longer." With a mere pivot of the heel, the three boys did a full one-eighty, beginning to walk away.

"Excuse me," You called gently, but they didn't stop. Time to try again. "I said hey!!" Your voice carried, and they all stopped again, looking back at you. You were much louder and more abrasive than intended. Sinking back sheepishly, you clear your throat and reapproach. "Sorry, I just...listen, Tendou, you didn't get to eat lunch. I'd like to buy you something to eat."

The ravenette put his hands up defensively and smiled. "No, miss, that's alright! You've done enough-"

"Goshiki, shut up! The lady wants to buy me lunch~" Tendou wiggled his eyebrows, and you couldn't help but giggle- not just at the way Tendou spoke towards you, but the almost offended look on his friend's face for being shut down. Tendou turned to his friend who was supporting him. "It's alright, Ushi-waka. I can walk."

The tan boy simply nodded with a grunt of approval, letting Tendou go.

The lanky redhead shooed off his teammates like children, but once they were gone, he stumbled and braced on to you for support. "Sorry about this, I had to lie or they'd have stuck around, and I don't miss out on free meals!" Another giggle left your lips as you helped him balance, the free hand not bracing you for support coming around to shake your hand while he shot you a goofy smile. "Satori Tendou...the pleasure's all yours!"

--

From that point on, you and Tendou were inseparable. Where you were seen, he was quick to follow. It was so good to finally have someone there for you- someone equally as odd and outgoing, with just the same spark of crazy. Your friendship bloomed like the rarest of flowers, and those who looked upon it could only be envious of its beauty; only hoping that one day, they too could find a connection as strong as what you and Tendou had. Weeks had passed since the cafeteria incident, and every day since, the two of you sat together to share meals between classes.

It wasn't long at all until you learned all about Tendou: who he was, what he liked, what he disliked, his hobbies, and his passion. Every drop of information he was willing to give, you soaked up. You discovered that Tendou played on the school's volleyball team, which was his favorite thing to talk about with you. He told you about his best friend and the team's ace, Ushijima Wakatoshi. He told you how he learned to play volleyball, that one day he'd teach you too, and even about the team's special nickname for him: The Guess Monster. Soon, you began to catch yourself drifting off into daydreaming every time he talked about the sport. It wasn't that you found it boring- it was quite the opposite. The way Tendou became exhilarated simply by telling you all about his escapades within practices and games had your brain reeling and your heart pumping.

There were even times he would catch you in your daze and call you out on it.

"Y/N, are you listening to me? Too busy staring off into my ruby red eyes, eh~?"

"W-What? N-No way! I'm just focusing too hard...keep going, I'm listening. I promise."

He was right, and the fact that he would unknowingly get it right made your heartbeat so fast you worried he'd hear. Like a firm spike to a volleyball, it beat heavily against your ribcage. How did he always get it right, that you were too busy daydreaming about him that you'd check out from the conversation?

Oh yeah- Guess Monster- that's right.

Little did you know, Tendou felt just as strongly toward you. It was rare to meet someone so comfortable with being so authentically themselves like you were. Seeing you walk down the hall with your friends, towering taller than them all with your cute edgy hair. Who were you, to be so different and to be okay with that? All his life, Tendou knew nothing other than the shame others pushed upon him to feel for being himself his whole life, yet there you were, so... so you. Even though he had found acceptance now through his fellow teammates, he still could learn a thing or two from you. The optimism you radiated made him nervous, and without you knowing it either, you caught him in a trance over you all the time.

"Are your fingers bothering you again, Satori?"

Tendou snapped out of his daze, looking down to his hands that were fidgeting nervously together. Flexing his digits, he sighed dramatically and held out his hands to you. "Afraid so, Y/N. Practice reeeeeeeally tore me up."

A lie, but you didn't know that. You just smiled that infectious smile and reached into his backpack, digging around until you successfully located and pulled out the roll of medical tape he had stashed away for times like these.

"Here, I'll wrap you up again, but you've gotta be careful, okay? These are a gifted pair of hands, you need to take better care of 'em!"

Your delicate touch was all that he needed to get by. Tendou watched calmly yet intently as you took each hand at a time, holding it carefully as you circled his middle two digits with the medical tape, being sure to securely fixate the two slender digits together before moving on to the next hand. Every little touch felt like electricity to Tendou, and it felt like torture when you finally would let go, the warmth from your silky soft hands leaving his calloused ones cold and alone.

Oh, what he would give to be able to hold on to your hands forever- but he couldn't be selfish.

--

The day Tendou finally asked you out was a rough one. Tendou normally was so carefree, acting as if he'd go wherever the wind would carry him, but today he was sour and stiff. He wouldn't budge, and you received the brunt force of his resistance. You didn't understand and were even more concerned knowing that today was a game day. You could assume he was just nervous for the game itself, knowing that he usually tensed up under pressure, but today, the pressure had nothing to do with his sport. He barely talked all day, and you'd had quite enough of his attitude change once it had gotten to lunchtime. You had always eaten lunch together happily, ever since the day you first stood up for him, and some silly game against Date Tech wasn't going to ruin this precious time for you two.

"Tendou, we need to talk." You huffed, setting your tray down beside his especially hard.

"Whoa there, honey! What, not gonna call me by my first name anymore~?"

"Cut it out. What's the matter with you? You've been cold toward me all day! Did I do something wrong..?"

It was true. Each class you shared, he remained silent. Every encounter in the halls, he darted his eyes away and sped past you. Hell, looking at you now, he felt a pang in his chest just realizing how poorly his nerves manifested. "I...I didn't mean ta take it out on you, I just-"

"I know you're nervous about your game, but it's just Date Tech! I know I've never seen a game but I know you'll crush them! I-I mean, you're The Guess Monster, right? You're gonna kick their asses!"

Tendou couldn't help but look utterly shocked at your protest of his abilities, and he quickly softened up before bursting into laughter loud enough it echoed throughout the cafeteria. Other classmates stared, and you stilled, fists balled up in excited protest, your expression changing to confusion. "Satori, what is so damn funny?"

Tendou wiped at a few stray tears of hysteria, leaning to fish his practice jersey from his backpack before tossing it into your unsuspecting face. "Come to my game tonight. Everything will make sense, okay? And wear my jersey- I wanna brag to Goshiki and Semi that you showed up for me~"

You blushed madly, but smiled nonetheless and nodded quickly in agreement. "I'll be there!"

Just like the supportive friend you were, you made it to the game right on time. Early enough to grab a spot right at the front of the Shiratorizawa bleachers, early enough to get plenty of snacks for during the game, and early enough to catch the pre-game practice so that Tendou could point you out in his oversized practice jersey he'd lent you at lunch, causing you to blush and nervously wave to the boys of the team. "See?! I told you she was coming! You owe me twenty bucks, Semi!"

Once the game started, you couldn't help but kick yourself in the ass for not coming to a game sooner. Not only was the sport genuinely more interesting than what Tendou had already made it out to be, but seeing him out on the court in his element made it that much more mesmerizing. Your eyes could barely keep up with the quick serves that passed the ball back and forth between the players and yet somehow this boy- this, tall, handsome, goofy redhead- could not only keep up with it all, but also predict what was going to happen before it ever did. He blocked every spike successfully, performing better on the court than he had in a while- and his teammates had your presence there to thank. Tendou couldn't bear to screw up in front of you. With every earth-shattering boom of the volleyball hitting Tendou's hand in a surprisingly successful block, you cheered like the team's number one fan. Each time, you were the first to jump up, a beaming grin plastered on your lips from ear-to-ear, and your voice was the only one Tendou could hear among the crowd: "Way to go, Satori! Nice kill!" Your encouragement was music to his ears; it was that much sweeter knowing it was he who taught you what to say and when to say it.

The game was over before everyone knew it, Shiratorizawa dominating the game. As soon as the final buzzer rang out over the gymnasium, Tendou took off running toward the bleachers- toward you. The both of you were tall, not tall enough to reach each other, but close enough your fingertips could barely brush when reaching for each other. You bent over the railing of the bleachers with your arms extended outward as he reached up high to touch you.

"Satori Tendou, that was incredible!"

"I know I was!"

"See?! And you were all in an awful mood and nervous you would lose!"

"I wasn't worried I would lose, I was nervous because I knew I'd win!"

"Huh? Satori that makes no sense, why would that put you in a bad mood?"

"Because I told myself if I won this game and you came to watch, I'd ask you out after you saw me win!"

Heat rose from your neck up to your cheeks. The tips of your ears burned red, and your eyes locked on to his big, goofy smile.

"Wh...what..?"

"Ugh, c'mon Y/N it isn't that hard to follow, I said~"

"I know what you said!" You shout, eyes beginning to water. Seeing the emotional exchange caught the team's attention, and they began to gather around Tendou, smiling at the two of you. "You really wanna go out with me..?"

"Well duh, I wouldn't have asked if I didn't mean it~."

"It's true, Y/N," Goshiki nudged Tendou with his elbow. "He's not shut up about it all week!"

Shirabu chuckled and shouted up at you, "Now will you please accept his offer so he can shut up about you at practice?"

"His quieting down after this is most unlikely.." Ushijima spoke lowly, his voice a rumble of thunder.

A bubbly giggle erupts from your lips as you gesture your hand to the team, Tendou included. "Fellas, do you think you could help a girl out?"

Tendou looked at you confused but quickly averted his eyes down, yelping at the feeling of being hoisted upwards. The others weren't as confused as Tendou was. Semi and Goshiki held on to either side of Tendou, Shirabu supporting him from behind as Ushijima pulled the slender boy onto his broad shoulders. At this height, Tendou was face-to-face with you as you leaned over the railing of the bleachers.

"Well, Guess Monster, wanna take a gander at my answer?"

He smiled confidently, running a jesting hand through his spikey locks. "All signs point to yes."

You pull him gently closer as to not knock him off his teammates' shoulders, letting your lips collide in a sensual exchange before slowly pulling away, leaving Tendou to look dreamily dazed.

"The Guess Monster wins again."

--

The first time you made love with Tendou was something beyond anything you could have possibly dreamed of. It wasn't in any way rushed, and it was by no means less than extraordinary. Even with the intense and positive overwhelming feelings, it started like any other ordinary day. In the three months that the two of you had been dating, passions were beginning to build up, but neither of you was brave enough to make the first move.

In the mornings that Tendou would walk with you to school, there was a lingering feeling- the way the silence deafened you both as you sat alone in your empty home, parents already off to work, you tieing your shoestrings, your boyfriend looking down at your unassuming figure and just wishing he had the nerve to push you to your back and pin you to the very couch you were sitting on, all just to climb on top of you. Cage you with his body. Mark you as his.

Yet he didn't.

At school, when the two of you would be tasked with staying behind in a class to tidy up the chalkboard and clean up the desks, your heart would skip beats while your stomach did somersaults at the way your mind raced with the things you'd wished to do. It was like every organ in your body was an acrobat in times like these. Just glancing over to Tendou who stood behind the teacher's desk, school uniform sleeves rolled up past his elbows as he vigorously scrubbed off the chalk remnants from the day. His muscles shifted and the thick veins bulged in his forearms, and it was all for you- or so you had convinced yourself. The harder he scrubbed, the more he grunted, and the easier you fell into a daydream of propping yourself up on the teacher's desk behind him before spinning him around and yanking him toward you until not a molecule of air was between you. Connecting your lips with his, making him stand between your parted legs, rubbing against your core.

Yet you didn't.

Even at the evening's volleyball game. Your head was swimming at seeing him in his element, quite frankly, it always did. There wasn't a thing on this earth you found hotter about Satori Tendou than the giddy confidence he donned every game; well, that- and the way his toned arms would snap so quickly forward to block a serve or spike. Something about the way you could see his long digits, all wrapped up in the medical tape you put there, hyperextending to stop such a force with such ease. It took everything in you not to go wild at the sight. The most you could do was squirm in your seat to relieve the tension- but Tendou noticed. He noticed every time and boy did it drive him mad. If it wasn't for the way you rubbed your thighs together with every successful block he performed, or the way you'd blush when he'd shoot you a thumbs up afterward, catching you in the act despite your not knowing that he knew? What really got him going was when one of his blocks would turn into a spike. Sure, the reassurance of his team was nice, and having other classmates in the stands doing the Shiratorizawa chants was all fine and good, but nothing- nothing- compared to the way you would shoot up from your seat, every time, without fail, to cheer the loudest over every single person in the gymnasium. "Satoriiii~! Nice kill!" You'd cup your hands around your mouth to project your voice; that cute little mouth that Tendou wanted more than anything to corrupt. You'd even be so bold as to do his little dance, swirling your manicured fingers in little circles and swaying your perfect body. He'd dance along happily too, both of you mouthing his little jingle, but it was so much hotter coming from you. "Smash it, smash it, into pieces~!" You'd sing out, giggling the whole time. What was hotter? Your level of commitment to him, the way you supported him, or how you were just as much of a goofball as he was? Either way, it caused a stirring in his pants that made playing in front of a full crowd that much more difficult- and you noticed. You always noticed. You both wanted to end up in the locker room after the game, to be tangled up in each other's naked bodies, every noise of pleasure mixed in and clouded by the sound of the water pressure from the shower hitting the tiles- making passionate love while soaked in the steamy water.

Yet you both didn't.

It wasn't until Shiratorizawa's very last game, where despite your constant cheering and Tendou's best gameplay, that they lost surprisingly against Karasuno. You could see the way his shoulders hung. You could see it in Goshiki's tears that welled up in his almond eyes. It was even obvious in the ever-stoic Ushijimma- heartbreak. Hell, even you were in tears at this point; you'd grown close to the team, coming to every practice with baked goods for the team to share, cheering at every game, and just being there for Tendou. Of course, your heart swelled and broke for the whole team, but most of all, for your sweet redheaded blocker. Volleyball was everything to him, 'his paradise', he'd even called it. Your feet couldn't carry you fast enough from the bleachers, out to the halls, and down the stairs. Your lungs burned at the shock of such vigorous physical strain as you made your way out of the foreign gymnasium, looking desperately for your home team. It would have been all for not, had you not seen that familiar flash of burgundy spikes disappearing behind a wall down the corridor. You charged in that direction, "Satori!"

Goshiki poked his head around first, wiping desperately at his tear-stained cheeks. Semi saw you, too. He pulled Tendou back by the collar of his jersey, and there he was. Tendou locked eyes with you, the ruby orbs wide as your body crashed into his. He didn't fall, bracing himself properly for impact. The way you sobbed into his sweaty chest with your arms wrapped tightly around his waist, hands gripping at his back, warmed his heart. It was always obvious, but it still surprised him every time just how much you cared. "Hey now, sweet girl. What's with the waterworks? All this over little ol' me?"

His expression changed immediately when you looked up to him with your makeup running and tears spilling from your beautiful eyes. His poor girl.

"You were amazing! All of you were, all season! You all grew so much and never stopped improving, and- and- I'm so sorry it's over!"

Tendou sighed, a look of absolute zen washing over him, and his sore hands stroked the back of your head, fingers gently raking through your short hair. "My girl...cryin' like this over us.."

Goshiki was already back to sobbing from seeing your display. "Y-Y/N, it's okay! We...We did our best, you said it yourself!"

It shocked the whole team when a heavy hand laid itself over your shuttering shoulder, and you snapped your head up to make eye contact with Ushijima. The faintest of smiles tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Thank you for your support all season, Y/N."

Wide-eyed, you watched as the whole team followed suit with their ace, bowing their heads and repeating after him, "Thank you for your support, Y/N!"

Even Tendou bowed his head to you, keeping a hold of your trembling hand. "Thank you for your support all season long, Y/N," His voice was soft, as were his lips when they left a chaste kiss atop the hand he held. "Now..let me take you home."

The walk home was mostly silent apart from the small sniffles from you as you tried your best to dry your eyes. You expected more outward expression of sadness from Tendou at the loss of what seemed to be his sole purpose on this earth. 'He's probably processing it on his own, inside...I'll wait until we make it home to ask about it. I don't want to overwhelm him.' You thought to yourself, pulling his varsity jacket over your shoulders tighter; it was a chilly night, and Tendou'd be damned if his girl walked home cold. By the time you'd made it back to your house, you'd realized something fairly important. "Oh shit. Tendou, I'm sorry I can't invite you in. My parents are at a business dinner and won't be home until late."

He cocked his brow, "Worried to be alone with me all of the sudden, Y/N?"

"No, not at all! It's just...I forgot they wouldn't be home, so I didn't grab my keys before heading to school this morning.."

"So then you're locked out, yeah?"

Bashfully, you nod. What an idiot you were- but you couldn't let him worry, he was already going through enough. You smiled softly, "Don't worry about me, I can get in."

Tendou scoffed, pointing over to your home. "What're you gonna do, break-in? Don't even think of climbing the latticework to get to a window. Just come back with me to my place."

His place.

You'd never been there before. Three months of dating, and usually you both spent so much time together at school, be together at practice, and then he would walk you home to your house afterward. It had never really worked in a way that you ended up at his house. A faint blush tinted your cheeks at the thought. "I don't know, Tendou. I couldn't imagine inconveniencing your parents that way..besides, I look awful from crying, I'm in no shape to meet them like this.."

"You don't have to meet them," Tendou's expression fell, "They're out of town for an old classmate's funeral. I had to stay here for the tournament, so I've been alone all week...company would be nice~" He wiggled his eyebrows, pulling a giggle from you as the trick always had, but there was still an obvious hurt behind his eyes.

He was lonely.

He was lonely, and he had just lost the biggest game of his sports career- the last game he'd ever play in school- and honestly, the idea of having you around to hold him felt like exactly what he needed.

"You know what? You don't get a choice. I'm kidnapping you." Before you knew it, the redhead snatched you up in his long arms, throwing you over his shoulder like you were weightless. Despite your laughter-filled cries of protest, he didn't put you down. He just turned to the west and began to stroll casually toward his house. You eventually gave up fighting him, but he still didn't release you from his hold until you made it back to his home. Once through the front door, you were dropped to the couch with a yelp. Looking around, you eyed every little thing you could. The home was by no means over the top; it was quaint and cozy, a home very obviously full of love.

Almost immediately your eyes locked in on a photo that hung on the wall, and your body seemed to hover over to it. In the photo, Tendou sat on a park bench smiling, looking just as handsome as ever, and behind him- each with a hand on their son's shoulder- were his parents. His father and mother both looked so inviting, father in a loose button-up and mother in paint-stained overalls. "They seem so..just like you!"

"Well, thanks! I, uh, I don't know how much of a compliment that was meant to be, but...they're pretty great."

"They seem great," You smile, eyes not moving from the picture. "I'd have hate for them to have been here, to have met me this way.."

Soft footsteps could be heard behind you. "No..they'd have loved you, just as much as I do.." The footsteps pad closer. "To see someone who cares so much for me would have them elated. Someone who cares so much they cried over a game, a sport they don't even play.."

"Because you love it." You laugh softly.

"Because I love it." His breath is at the back of your neck, lips ghosting over the pale skin of your shoulder. Goosebumps erupt over you, causing chills like ice.

"Satori..?" Your words come out like whispers, mere breaths, his hands finding a home on your sides and rubbing up and down ever so painstakingly slow. "Yes, my love?" His voice was hushed as well. When speaking so low, Tendou's voice was raspy and sultry. Every inch of your body shuttered, face burning with a heat it never had. The tape-wrapped digits bumped the underwire of your bra every time his hands dragged upward, and his pinky grazed your hipbone with every stroke down.

The tension in the room was unavoidable, as were your reactions to his touch. Giving in a bit, you lul your head back and allow it to rest against his collarbone. With every gentle stroke of his hands, you let out a blissful sigh. The soft skin of Tendou's lips press ever-so-softly into the shell of your ear, and his voice comes out thick and sweet, like honey: "If it's all the same to you...I'd like to thank you for how supportive and loving you've been to me all this time."

"O-Okay." You whisper back.

Without another moment wasted, Tendou's strong hands spin you around to face him, then kiss you with such force that you're pinned to the wall behind you. You let out a gasp, and he uses the opportunity to swipe his tongue around your bottom lip before prodding your warm mouth. Tendou was such an outstanding kisser. Every action had a purpose, and every action had a reaction. The moment your legs began to go weak from the sultry makeout session, Tendou slipped his leg between yours, catching you only an inch down from your descent. He worked diligently, hands stilling at your hips as he pushed you down onto his leg, knee coming up. Pulling breathless moans from you was no chore, he made it easy, using his hand placement to push and pull your lower half, rocking your body, grinding you down onto his muscular thigh. He pulled his lips from yours, "That's right, baby...lemme hear how good I make you feel." You had no choice but to oblige, the way he made you ride his thigh, your moans were impossible to hide. A wicked grin curled upwards on his lips, pushing you down and his leg up harder, rocking you more and more. That's when he felt it- the dampness soaking onto his leg. One of his hands trailed away from your plush hip, gathering up the little bit of slick that you had trailed on his leg. "Lookit that...all this for me?" He brought the digits up between your faces, making you both look at just what you'd done. You couldn't help but turn away bashfully, but you really couldn't help turning back to face him when he slid his long tongue over the glistening slick on his fingertips. A low groan slipped from Tendou's throat. "You're sweeter than chocolate, Y/N...I think I need more." His hand went back to your hips and Tendou began his assault on your body. Pushing and pulling and pushing and pulling, driving you closer and closer toward a climax- something neither of you had ever really experienced together before. It felt like you were dying and ascending to heaven, the way the knot in your stomach coiled up like a tightly woven knot, but you couldn't let it happen like this, not on Tendou's thigh, not with your mascara staining your cheeks, not against this wall of family photos in your boyfriend's empty home- but that wasn't up to you. It was up to the way your body betrayed you when you looked back into Tendou's eyes, and all that could be seen was lust dripping over the brim of his ruby orbs, intoxicated in the way your chest rose and fell with every pant and how sweet your voice sounded moaning right there in his ear. The look on his face was hotter than any look of determination he had while playing volleyball. "Go ahead, Y/N..let go." That was all it took to send you over the edge, trembling as your toes barely touched the floor, your legs dangled on either side of his leg as he ground you down on him to the point of coming undone. Slowly, he set your feet back to the ground and your head rested on the wall behind you as he sunk to squat. He swiped up the slick on his thigh but made quick work of using his other hand to hold up your skirt to admire the work he'd just done to you- and the work you'd done to your panties.

"Oh shit, babe...you're soaked!" His voice was almost too excited and you planted a small smack to the back of his head. "D-Don't stare at it! Now I gotta go wash off and change."

"Or," His slick-coated fingertips dragged along your clothed folds, pulling a whine from you and a gasp from him. "You could just take these off, and I'll clean you up myself."

The offer was more than you'd expected. Hell, it was more than anything you two had ever done! And while the idea of being so bare and vulnerable with Tendou was nerve-racking and scary, it was also something you'd fantasized about for weeks. Silence filled the room. Thirty seconds passed, and Tendou began to stand, "It's okay if you don't want to, I'd never force you to-" He was cut off by your hand stopping him on his descent back upward. you blushed down at him, lips pouted oh-so-pretty for him. God, he wanted to destroy you. You parted your lips, voice firm. "Every shot not taken is a shot missed."

He grinned, chuckling like a madman. "What did you say? Was that a yes?"

"I said every shot not taken is a shot missed, now do it already before I change my mind!"

Tendou wasn't a stupid man, an odd one- sure, but not stupid. He shut the hell up and sank back down, trailing wet kisses the whole way. Puling your skirt down was his first action, letting it fall past your thick, plush thighs before resting on the ground at your feet, leaving you to stand there in your cute soaked hipster underwear. Tendou clasped his hands together in prayer. "Dear Lord, who art in heaven, hallow be thy name, thank you for this meal-"

"Satori!!"

"Alright, alright! Itadakimasu and all that shit!" And before you could retort again, Tendou dug in. Thumbs pushed into the flesh of your ass, pulling you forward abruptly, his hot tongue dragging across the warm dampness of the crotch of your underwear. You felt your knees begin to give again, and Tendou took no time to spare as he wrapped his arms under your legs, using his biceps as support to keep you from falling. He pulled gently with his teeth and maneuvered the panties to the side before gasping softly. This gasp wasn't to jest, he was truly in awe at the sight of your feminine core. "Is...Is something wrong, Satori..?" The noise he made startled you, and you began to feel self-conscious. You knew you shouldn't have done this, this was stupid, your body wasn't meant for love, your body was-

"Beautiful.." He breathed out. What?

"H-Huh..?"

"You're so damn beautiful!" His words were more reassuring than he could've ever known at that moment. He didn't hesitate further, leaning in to give you an experimenting lick. You keened, pressing your body down on his tongue to relieve more tension. Tendou chuckled at the feeling, sending vibrations through you that only made things better. The pad of his tongue lapped at your heat more, each lick spreading your folds further and further until he lit the tip of it prod your entrance. You threw your head back to moan and smacked your skull against the wall. "Ow!" You cried out, and Tendou chuckled, "Let's move this to a more suitable environment, yeah?" He sat you back down and stood, pulling you off down the hall, and to the left, into his bedroom. If you weren't so desperate to feel him eating you out again, you'd have taken the time to study over his room like you had the living room, but you were desperate. So you lay back on his bed, and he pulls your ass to the edge while he gets down on his knees on the floor, weaving his arms with your thighs again. "Satori, I'm not gonna fall if I'm laying down."

"Oh this isn't to keep you standing, baby.. this is to keep you from squirming away when I make you cum."

If your eyes could've grown any larger, they would've. Diving back in, Tendou was merciless. Unlike before, he worked with real fervor. It wasn't as sweet and gentle, oh no. Tendou had you right where he wanted you and by god, he was going to prove himself worthy today. Sure, he didn't win the biggest game of his career- but he won you. Of course, he wanted to thank you for loving him, for supporting him, for choosing him and this was the ticket- making love! But right now, making love aside, he wanted to fulfill his own carnal needs.

His tongue swirled effortlessly around your sensitive bud, sliding down to lap at your messy folds, pushing in and out of your tight entrance, and then back up to suck harshly at your clit again. This man had it down to a science, figuring out just how to pull the lewdest of noises from both of your lips, and turning it into a routine. It hadn't even been three minutes before you were pushing your heels into his back, trying to escape his grip as you came- but it was useless. He held your legs tightly, not allowing you to budge. Your cries were music to his ears, and your pleads for mercy the beautiful lyrics. Tendou didn't budge until he was satisfied- and satisfaction was only met once you'd come as much as his jersey number. 5.

You could swear you were seeing stars as he finally let you go, lifting quickly to cage you under his body, your slick still glistening on his lips and chin. "Good, eh? Eh~?" The Guess Monster guessed right, again. At this point, you were heaving to breathe, but you couldn't just leave him this way- he had needs to be met as well, and more than anything, you wanted to satisfy him too. Without skipping a beat, you sat up, causing him to fumble back onto the bed, landing on his ass. "Get up." You commanded. "How come?" Despite questioning your demands, he obliged and stood. Falling to your knees in front of him, he gasped out at the sight. "Oh god, yes.."

"Let me return the favor." Consent was sexy, and you weren't about to push him to anything he wasn't ready for. He had the same respect for you, after all.

"Yes, absolutely yes, lemme just-"

A bright light flashed as Tendou quickly snapped a picture of you. "H-Hey-!"

"Sorry, it'll stay between us, I promise. You just look so hot on your knees like that, I don't wanna forget it." Again, before you could rebuttal, he started to untie the waistband of his gym shorts. It was obvious enough how well-endowed Satori Tendou was just from the erection straining against his pants, but it didn't do him justice. A simple slide of hand and his cock was on full display- oozing a bead of pre on the bulbous pink tip. Sure, he may not have had the absolute thickest you've seen, but there was enough to fill you up proper- and he was long- the type of length that would have you writhing beneath him. The Guess Monster really was some kind of monster with a cock like that. Tendou was built to breed.

The look on your face had to give your feelings away fairly immediately- because Tendou chuckled softly, reaching down and caressing your cheek. "Awhh, c'mon sweet girl...I bet you can take me like a champ," He swirled his fingers around with his little victory dance, "You know! Smash it, smash it into pieces~!"

Only Tendou could joke around at a time like this and it put you at ease. You leaned forward, readjusting on your kees as you give his length a few experimental pumps, your thumb lubricating his shaft with the bead of pre you swiped from his tip. Just the motion alone had Tendou arching forward, hissing and cursing a low "Shit." under his breath. That was enough for you to get comfortable, quick, slowly easing your mouth over his length, bobbing shallow until you could feel his tip at the back of your throat. "Shitshitshitshitshit-" Tendou groaned loudly, causing you to hum in satisfaction at your effect on his body. "H'ooooookay now, Y/N, you..you gotta be careful, I'm real-" You slide back, beginning to bob your head at a more languid pace, looking up at him through your lashes. "-Sensitive, ah, fuck- you can't look at me like that, s'too much-"

Tendou was putty in your hands, well, in your mouth. It was invigorating to feel such a wave of confidence and to have the boy you loved squirming at how good your touch felt. You couldn't stop or slow down now, it felt too good. You hollowed out your cheeks as you felt Tendou's hips begin to snap, his hand flying to your head and tangling with your hair. He pleaded for you to go easy on him, yet was here using your face and mouth as his own, personal plaything. As he rode your mouth for dear life, you let your tongue run along the underside of his cock, tracing the vein and tendon that swelled from below. Without realizing it, in a state of absolute bliss, your hands trailed down your body to palm your breast and rub feverish circles around your clit. Tendou took notice right away. "Are..are you touching yourself while I'm/fucking your face? M'gonna marry you one day, holy shit!" He groaned aloud, hips beginning to stutter, but before he could finish he pulled out and gasped desperately for air. "No, can't end like that, need you. Need to feel you." Desperate hands pulled you from the ground, taking no time in starting to strip away all your remaining clothes as his lips crashed against yours, a flurry of tongue and teeth as you also undressed him fully. The moment your last item of clothes fell to his floor, Tendou pushed you back onto his bed, climbing on top of you. His eyes raked over your flush figure beneath him, admiring the way your skin shined under the moonlight peeking through his window and how the tips of your ears and cheek's blush matched your breasts. Lips parting, he heaved a cut-off breath.

"Y/N...my paradise."

Your breath hitched in your throat at the name. "P-Paradise? No, that's volleyball, remember?"

"It was...until you. I love volleyball, yeah...but I'm in love you.."

You could feel the tip of his cock oozing again, pressing firmly against your opening.

"Your body is my temple,"

He breached your entrance, pushing into you slowly until he was bottomed out inside, and you were arching your back till your chest was flush against his own.

"And I'm here to worship."

The pace began slow, agonizingly slow, but you were certainly not about to complain. The way his cock dragged along inside your velvety walls was beyond what you could've ever imagined or expected. "Oh my god." Your voice cracked as he finally began to pick up the pace, leaving kisses from your neck down to your collarbone as he worked his way to sit back, keeping you both in missionary but with your rear propped up on his legs so that he could bury himself inside you at a better angle. "Ah-" He whimpered, feeling the way your body responded. "Fuck, Y/N, so damn tight...jeez.." Tendou began to pick up the pace more, rocking his hips into you, creating the lewd noise of skin against skin, slapping against your thick, supple rear. One hand held your throat for leverage, squeezing tight on the sides and causing a pleasant haze to fall over you.

" 'M getting close, Satori." The words came out shaky, each hitch corresponding with every rough thrust Tendou hammered into you. "Yeah? Y'gunna cum all over my cock? Like how you ruined those little panties? Or when I was eating your pretty pussy?"

The crude language only turned you on more and brought you closer to the edge. "Y-Yes!"

"Good..I've got an idea." Quickly, Tendou pulled out of you with a 'pop', and flipped you over, pulling your ass up to leave your face and knees pushed into his mattress. He let out a guttural groan at the sight of you all fucked out for him, and leaned down to swipe his tongue against your holes. "Fuuuuck, all for me! You're so goddamn sexy, it's stupid!" Wasting no more time, Tendou realigned himself with your entrance and pushed in harshly. He bottomed out in one swift push, causing you to cry out into the mattress. "That's a good fucking girl- ugh- you even/feel like paradise!" His pace was furious, arching over you. You cried out beneath him, hand rubbing sloppy circles into your clit to get yourself to heaven faster. "Allow me to assist~" Tendou rutted through power strokes, his right hand pushing yours away as he took over, rubbing well-placed, furious figure eights into your puffy clit. Crying out, "Fuck, S-Satori! I'm cumming!"

"Yeah? Fuck, me too...c'mon, paradise, lemme hear you!" His dexterous fingers somehow went faster.

You couldn't contain yourself any longer. With a string of "I'mcummingi'mcummingi'mcumming!" A shriek left your mouth, muzzled by your face buried deep in the mattress, the knot in your stomach breaking. Tendou helped you ride it out, hands not slowing at your clit, the pace not faltering as he jackhammered into your tight walls. "O-Okay, I-I'm done!" Pleads did nothing for you. Tendou was not done, and he grinned fiendishly down at you as his chase toward his release overstimulated you. " 'S'too bad, Y/N...I'm almost there- fuck- b-but not quite!" Choked sobs left your lips, tears streaming down your face with what little remnants of mascara and eyeliner you had on left. Seconds felt like minutes as Satori plunged in and out of your depths at rapid speed, but alas, the end was near. You begin to feel the fluid motion inside you start to stutter- he can't hold on much longer. "Shit...o-okay baby, where d'ya want me?"

"Whe-Wherever." Fucked out and blissed out, you can barely speak.

"Oh yeah? Fuck!" Tendou pulls out, stroking himself with the same hand he used to overstimulate you and uses his left hand to grab you by the jaw and pull you forward. The pressure of his grip on your jaw causes your mouth to part, and Tendou goes in for the kill. Ropes of his warmth coat your throat as he pushed his pulsating cock inside your slack-jawed mouth, groaning at the immense pleasure of his release. He tightens his grip on your face, leaning down to kiss you, tongue swirling inside with yours as he tastes his own juices, pulling back only to spit into your parted lips. "Swallow."

Being his obedient little girl, you do just as your told, letting the mixture of his spit and seed coat your throat the whole way down before opening wide to show the emptiness. Tendou shutters, rubbing your cheek with his thumb and smiling down at you with pride. "Atta girl."

He treats you so well, being sure to rub you down with a cold washcloth before even cleaning himself up, and holding you close once he returns to bed. It doesn't take long for the both of you to begin to drift off. "Love you, Satori.."

"Hmmm...love you, too..m'...paradise.."

Even though he didn't have volleyball practice anymore, Tendou still hung out with his team and saw them in the halls. Once seeing the bruises and hickeys he was littered with, they didn't leave him be for /weeks. While he got teased by the team, you were high-fived and praised. A situation you were both prepared to deal with at the expense of that one night of pleasure.

--

The first time Tendou fell in love, it was with volleyball. The second time he fell in love, it was with you- his shining star, his world, his paradise. The third time Tendou fell in love, it was something much more unexpected and frankly, a bit out of the realm in which you'd assumed he would take an interest.

Once the Shiratorizawa volleyball season had ended, the redhead had much more free time to spend with you. After school was no longer a time for practicing blocks and jogging around the gym or ever conditioning muscles. Now it was a time for rainy-day walks under a shared umbrella, catching a movie at the cinemas that you'd bought tickets for, competing against one another to see who could swing the highest on the local park's swing set, and your favorite: hanging around in each other's kitchens baking sweet treats.

You could never forget the look on Tendou's face the first time he'd stood by your side, nervously looking over your shoulder as you added flour and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Just as you'd begun to extend your hand toward the next ingredient, Tendou lurched over your frame more, chest flat against your back now. "Can I try?"

You scoff jokingly, turning your head to look at him. "You want to bake with me? Well..okay. Here," You slide out from the counter, allowing him to step forward. "The next ingredient is chocolate."

"Chocolate?"

"Yeah, chocolate. It's that jar over there. Technically, we're adding cocoa powder to the mix."

The sweetest grin made its way onto his lips as he eyeballed the mason jar full of the rich powder. "Ever since I got into sports, I've been quite disciplined in the things I ate. Coach's orders...I can't tell you how long it's been since I've had chocolate."

You couldn't help but grin back, reaching forward to grab the jar and put it in Tendou's lanky yet strong hands. "Well, chocolate is tasty, but any treats I've had have always tasted even better when they were made with love, and enjoyed with company." As he inspected the jar like a curious child, you gathered up the bunch of measuring tools needed to keep baking. Holding out a larger scoop to him, you cocked an eyebrow. "The recipe calls for a cup of cocoa powder. Think you can handle it?"

This time, Tendou scoffed at you. "I know I can handle it. I passed math with flying colors!" It didn't take long for Tendou to eventually take over the baking process, stealing your apron from your body and making you sit on the counter to watch over his work.

His hands worked diligently, and he double, no, triple-checked the recipe as he went along. For his first bake, he burned the brownies he'd worked so hard on, but he promised to do better next time.

Next time.

"Ah! Damn it, I'm sorry, Y/N! I screwed these up so bad. I'll do better next time though, you can count on it! I'll make you the perfect dessert!"

His technique was very amateur, unskilled, but chocked full of excitement- excitement that you could see normally when he was playing volleyball. This little spark warmed your heart, knowing that maybe he'd found another hobby that would hopefully fill the void you knew volleyball used to be.

To your surprise, this promise of righting his wrongdoing turned into a much bigger ordeal. A few days later, once the weekend arrived, you heard a knocking at your front door around lunchtime. You weren't expecting company, so when you found Tendou standing at your door, covered in flour and cocoa, you couldn't help but smile. He held out a tin container to you, smiling that big goofy grin that you adored. "I did it again. Can you tell me if this is better?"

You hesitantly opened the canister, and inside were four large, perfectly cut, and delicious-smelling brownie squares. "Satori, these look amazing! To think just the other day, you-"

"I burned the hell out of yours, I know, and again, I'm sorry. But look! I've been watching videos on YouTube to see what I did wrong. One lady talked about setting the oven timer, and another even mentioned adding in other stuff that I didn't see in your recipe, like chocolate chips, so I tried that! Please try one, please? C'mon toots, I'm dyin' here!" Tendou begged and even donned a fake accent at the end, just to push it further. If he didn't, was he really your Tendou? Laughing, you eagerly grabbed a square and took a bite. You could've told him right away how these truly were the best brownies you'd ever tasted, but the anxious look on his face was just too cute, you had to milk it out for a short while longer. "Are they bad? Mom liked 'em so I thought maybe you would too, but if you don't, it's okay! I can try another batch, maybe a different recipe-"

"Tendou."

"Really, it's not a big deal! I know I'm new to this-"

"Tendou."

"Maybe it was all the butter, that Paula lady on the video made it out like that was the best part-"

"Satori!"

He finally shut up, looking at you wide-eyed before you smiled wide and took another bite of his rich creation. "It's delicious!"

"Really?!"

"Yes, you big idiot! Now get in here so I can eat the rest of those damn things!" And who was he to say no to you?

More days went by, and every day you didn't see Tendou, he was at home- in his kitchen- making more sweet delicacies for you to try. It all started with learning brownies, but the further into the baking tutorials he fell, the more bored he had become. Sure, baking was fun and all, but it all seemed the same. Measure out the dry ingredients, combine. Measure out the wet ingredients, combine. Combine wet and dry, bake, and viola. What Tendou needed was the same sweetness, but more of a challenge. Just as volleyball was fun like baking, and it was also something he was good at, he needed that extra eeling like blocking gave him. That one factor that pushed him to try harder, do better, push himself to his absolute limit. He needed a real challenge. And there, further down the internet video rabbit hole of dessert culinary arts, Tendou found chocolatiering.

If only you could've been there the day he stumbled upon the random video that sent shivers up his spine. To be there to see his scarlet eyes light up and widen at the way the chocolatier turned liquid gold into an edible sculpture. The way his hair stood on end at the way the man in the video's hands delicately formed and decorated truffles, or even how Tendou had to wipe the drool from the corner of his mouth at the sight of the many flavor combinations were made with this one rich component. Chocolate and orange, white chocolate and oreo cookies, dark chocolate and mint, milk chocolate and peanut butter, the possibilities were endless- and what to do with that amazing tasting combination? Why, what couldn't you do? It was all in the hands of the brilliant chocolatier. Do you make dainty truffles full of powerful flavors and fillings, or do you turn this treat into an extravagant piece of edible art?

This was it. This was the challenge. Chocolatiering was middle blocking.

Every few days, Tendou would show up at your door with new treats, or bring you to his home to have you keep him company as he made more. Each time he worked his magic, the delicacies began to dwindle down further and further, straying from your usual cakes and crème brulée to becoming almost exclusively chocolate works. You were treated constantly with being Tendou's guinea pig.

Ganache, mousse, pastries filled with chocolate, eclairs, truffles, you name it. With every try, Tendou kept getting better. You were surprised at the progress he'd made in just ten weeks, but more than anything, seeing him enamored with this hobby made you happy.

"Earth to Y/N, you in there?" His large hand waved in front of your face, and you snapped back to attention. Tendou stood in between your legs as you sat on the kitchen island, staring off blankly as he was working away and chatting your head off about the latest chocolate tempering video he'd found, but he quickly noticed you'd phased off. You shook your head clear and gave a warm smile.

"Sorry, I just got to thinking...you've been working on this a lot lately, haven't you?" Tendou sighed and placed his hands on both of your thighs, leaning in and resting his forehead against yours. "I knew it...I'm sorry, Y/N, I know I've been fixated on this stuff like a psycho. It's been a lot of fun, but you've gotta be feeling really neglected.."

"Are you kidding? Satori, I'm so happy you've found this for yourself. I know you're happy to spend time with me, but after volleyball, you'd looked like you'd lost your life's purpose. This seems to bring you joy. Does it?" Sheepishly, Tendou brought a hand up to his head as he ran his long digits through his wild red locks. "Volleyball made me happy for a short time, but I think this could make me happy for a long time." That was it. That was all it took for you to cup his sweet face in your hands and gently turn him to face you. "Then why not?" You knew graduation was right around the corner, only a month away. The harder Tendou seemed to apply himself to his sweet-making, the more you wanted to see that happy, goofy expression after every creation was finished.

It was a stormy Monday morning when Tendou was finally the recipient of frantic knocking at his door. He hadn't even gotten out of his pajamas and into his school uniform yet, so who could it possibly be at his door so early? He was expecting you, because only you would be so crazy as to show up so early, so casually. However, what he didn't expect was to open the door and have you standing there without an umbrella, absolutely drenched, and shoving a handful of soggy papers in his face. "The French Culinary Institute!" You yelled, way too awake for what time it was. Pushing your way past him inside, you began to kick off your shoes. "The French...huh?" Rolling your eyes, you held the papers back up to his face, your dripping wet hair stuck to your forehead peaking over the top of the stack. "I said, The French Culinary Institute! See? Right there, big bold letters at the top. You're a third-year, can't you read?!"

"I can read, you dummy, but it's six in the morning! Forgive me if I'm not as spry of a chicken as you are~" He retorted, snatching the papers from your hands. "Now what is all this about? Hell, Y/N, the ink on the pages is all runny and wet. So are you, you're getting water all over the floor! Mom's gonna kill me- go change into one of my uniform shirts, and you left a pair of pants over here last week. I need to clean up all this water."

When you came back, changed into fresh dry clothes, you were rubbing your head with a towel. Tendou sat on his couch with his phone in hand, the mentioned institute's website pulled up in his browser. "See," you smiled excitedly and plopped down next to him, pointing at the bright screen. "It's a school that specializes in teaching techniques to train chocolatiers!" His eyes darted over every feature of the website, fingers working at the screen to scroll as he read. "Where did you...how did you find this?"

"Researched it, just like how you learned to do all the amazing things you do with chocolate! I'd been up looking into how you could turn this into a dream career, and it turns out you can! Half of these courses they offer looks like the same stuff that you've taught yourself, all on your own." Tendou looked back to the printed-off pages you'd forced into his hands earlier, seeing the timestamp at the top of the front page: 3:25 am. He then turned to look at you, who was still fixated on his phone screen and chatting away. He noticed the dark bags under your eyes. You yawned mid-sentence.

You'd been up all night. All night for him.

Of course, he wanted to patronize you, scold you for not getting proper sleep before school over him, but that was just it- you did it all for him. It was yet another sweet gesture(and to him, an unnecessary one) that you did out of the kindness and love in your heart for Tendou. A small smile curled up at the corners of his mouth, and he kept quiet, listening now as you told him all about what you'd learned in this escapade to find a way to make him happy.

Although you'd already done so much, you had to do more. Your love for Tendou was so big and so large, yet not at all heavy. Every part of your being wanted to make him happy, and upon seeing this spark light up inside him over chocolate and baking, the light that took over the dark hole where high school volleyball once was, was all it took for you to push for him. That same morning, you brought that soggy stack of papers with you to the school career counselor, even though Tendou insisted you reprint them. With your usual spunk, you waltzed right into the counselor's office and dropped them on her desk with a wet 'splat', and declared proudly, "I'm here on behalf of Satori Tendou. What do we need to do to make this happen?"

--

The days that followed were stressful, but in the end, successful. Tendou had the GPA to make it into The French Culinary Insititute, or TFCI, but the tuition wasn't cheap. Tendou had gotten excited about the school, showing real interest, but at the mention of the cost, he nearly fell over. "12,500 euros?! What is that, one million yen?!"

"1,600,243.75...to be exact.." You slumped sheepishly, Tendou groaning and burying his face into his hands, letting out muffled noises of frustration. "I'm doomed..." He grumbled, and you rubbed reassuringly on his back. It was time to take matters into your own hands again. Later that day, once classes were over, Tendou was ready to walk you home, as usual. "I actually have some extra credit I need to take care of," You told Tendou with a smile. "I'm gonna help out some of my teachers here, go ahead and head home, work on some more of those yummy mint chocolate truffles I love so much. I'll text you when I'm done, okay?"

What a sneaky girl you were. The moment Tendou rounded the corner after pitifully accepting your excuse, you bolted the opposite direction. It was easy enough to find Ushijima, who was waiting for you at the gymnasium. "I got your note." He spoke flatly, holding up a folded piece of notebook paper in between two fingers. "Tendou needs our help?"

"Absolutely. Did you get what I asked you to get?" The brawny boy simply nodded, guiding you inside the gym doors, and there they all stood: the Shiratorizawa volleyball team in all its former glory, with the exception of Tendou. You couldn't help but smile widely at them with watery eyes. "I hope Satori knows...what amazing friends he has."

--

Graduation came around in the blink of an eye. The ceremony was a blur, but you remembered clearly having Tendou at your side the whole time, sneaking glances at you to smile your way, and even wink a few times to try and get you to laugh. After receiving your diplomas, you pulled Tendou excitedly from the crowd of graduated and proud families. "Whoa there, paradise! Where are you taking me? One last round of sneaky-sneaky in the locker room, huh? You naughty girl~"

"No, you perv!" You giggled wildly, shaking your head in fake disappointment as you pulled him around to the gym, stopping in front of the double doors. "Go ahead," you let him go. "Open them."

Giving you a questionable look, Tendu hesitated before pushing open the doors. Handheld confetti cannons popped off, and a sign unraveled from Goshiki's and Semi's hands. "Congratulations, Tendou!" The whole team shouted behind the sign, hooping and hollering while popping more confetti his way. Dumbfounded by the scene, Tendou turned to you with a cocked eyebrow. "All of this for graduating?"

"No, Tendou. For making it in."

"Making it in..? What?"

You reached into your graduation robe, pulling out an opened envelope and taking out its contents. Unfolding the letter, you begin to read aloud.

"Monsieur Satori Tendou,

It is with great honor and pleasure that we write to inform you of your acceptance to Institut Culinaire de France here in Bordeaux, France."

Tendou's jaw goes slack, and you can begin to see his burgundy orbs glass over. "Wh-What..? But I, I didn't apply because I couldn't afford to go!"

You smile, pressing the acceptance letter gently to his chest, holding it there. "I sent in your application, along with pictures I've taken of all the delicious desserts you've been making me."

Semi nudged Goshiki, who was already crying. "Go on, give it to him." The ravenette dropped his half of the sign, walking over to Tendou, holding out another envelope. "The..the team has all been working side jobs for the last few weeks after Y/N got us together and told us what was happening. Even Coach Washijo put in some, a lot actually...Y/N helped too, so did your parents. There's about 500,000 yen in there." Tendou's head whipped around to you, "Is that true? Y/N?"

"We all love you very much, Tendou. We want to see you succeed, but most of all, happy."

His watering eyes flickered back and forth between the envelopes, "I appreciate this, so much, but..it isn't enough. The tuition is over one million-"

"Yes, it would be," You cut him off, pointing to the bottom of the acceptance letter in his hand. "If your tuition wasn't free. Your GPA and strive to learn on your own impressed the admissions board of TFCI so much, and they saw you were an out-of-country applicant...Tendou, you earned a full-ride scholarship."

That was the pressure that broke the dam. His tears spilled over his cheeks. "Oh my god...I did?! Then what is all this money in the envelope for?" You blushed hard, looking down to your feet then back up to his eyes, a nervousness settling into the pit of your stomach. "Well, that's to get things started. Like buying plane tickets, and paying the first few month's rent...for our apartment."

He cried still, smile wobbly. "Our apartment?"

"Well yeah...you didn't think you were going to travel across the world without me, did you?" His lanky body crashed into yours, holding your body against his tight. You couldn't help but hug him back, peppering his tear-stained cheek with gentle kisses.

"Satori Tendou, I'd follow you anywhere."

--

The days to come would be the busiest. Every waking moment was filled with packing up your belongings, boxing up every aspect of your life to begin anew. Though, as excited as you both were, Tendou was struggling. When it was time for packing up his home, you were eager to begin. Although he had helped at the beginning of the process, the packing had stressed Tendou out to the max. "I'm sorry, Y/N," He told you, anxiously running his fingers through his hair. "I think I'm a bit overwhelmed. I'll let you take it from here, I just need a day to take my mind off of all this. Come over tomorrow and we can start fresh with my place."

And here you were. You'd knocked a few times, but there was no answer. You'd soon realized that he'd left the front door unlocked, so you casually let yourself in. "Satori?" You called out, slowly making your way toward his room. Once there, you saw it was still untouched and unpacked, but very much without Tendou.

"I'm...I'm in the bathroom." He called out, a distinct nervousness in his voice. You knew him too well. Softly knocking on the door, you leaned against the wooden doorframe. "Hey, is everything alright..?"

Silence.

One, two, three, four.

"I did something."

"Okay, what did you do?"

One, two three, four.

"I couldn't stop thinking about how everyone would look at me in France, at the institute...think I'm a big joke. Not take me seriously."

"I don't think that they would think that, they're judging your hard work, not you, silly."

One, two.

"I made a change. New beginnings and all that, right?"

One, two.

The door clicked unlocked. The hinged creaked, and Tendou appeared, a look of worry on his features as he revealed himself to you, clumps of burgundy hair in his hands. "Please don't find me unattractive...I needed to do this, for me."

Your eyes were wide, no doubt, as they scanned over his buzzed head and trailed down to the floor where that beautiful, wild hair lay dead on the floor. He shuffled his feet anxiously, fidgeting his hands. "I think you look just as handsome as before." You reach up, running your hand over the soft fuzz that was left on his scalp. A warm smile brings a wave of comfort over Tendou, and he leans into your hand with a content sigh. "So edgy and modern...you might even look hotter than before~"

"Don't push it, lady."

--

It was a Friday afternoon when it was all over and done with. A couple of weeks had gone by, and finally, you and Tendou were all packed up and ready to go; ready to move across the world and start anew. It wouldn't have been right for the packing to take up the appropriate amount of time. Oh no, it only made sense that the process took so long because the two of you couldn't help but goof off the whole time, be it that you played packing tape tag, or that you had packing peanut fights. When the work was finally over, and the only things left out of blank cardboard boxes were the small necessities you needed to last you until your flight in a few days, it finally began to sink in that these were your last few days in Japan. Tendou seemed on edge and nervous, but who wouldn't be over something so big? But that was just the thrill of such a new adventure. You were nervous too, and every time he showed signs of anxiety, you reassured him just as you had back in high school. "You're not alone."

Those three words always brought back the same crooked smile on Tendou's thin lips, the same one that made you feel so warm and fuzzy inside, happiness fizzing up like soda carbonation in your heart. With each reassurance, you counted down the days and minutes until your departure. Three days. Three days until your new life began, and you couldn't be more exhilarated.

Each day until your impending departure was a different goodbye. Of course, all goodbyes are sad, but to you, it was just a 'see you later'. To Tendou, it was so much more. You could see it all over his features just how hard it all was on him, but luckily, there you were.

The first day, it was your friends. Tendou came with you to meet up with your closest of companions for the last dinner date you'd have until you were able to return home for the holidays, or that they could afford a visit around the world. There were loud laughs and bright smiles, but at the inevitable end of it all, there were tears. Your friends held you close, each of them taking their turns to embrace you, kiss your soft cheeks, hold your hands in their own and beg you not to forget about them, and to of course inform them of your safe arrival of the City of Lights the moment you landed in France. Tendou watched from a safe distance behind you, a sinking sadness filling up his gut. Before it could weigh too heavy on him, your friends made their way over to him and gave him the same affection, which he certainly didn't expect.

"You take care of our girl." A threat.

"Please make sure she's happy." A request.

"We've always seen how good you treat her. Continue to treat her right, and love her always, we'll miss you!" A promise.

The redhead looked up to you, your shorter friends hugging him tightly between them, his arms nervously lowering from their defensive place above his head to slowly wrap around them. You couldn't help but to softly giggle and mouth back, "Hug them, silly. They'll miss you, too."

He couldn't help but chuckle, pulling them close and mellowing out. "Well, well, ladies. I'm flattered by all of you coming for me at once, but there's enough Satori to go around~!"

Not long after, you rejoined Tendou at his side, waving behind you to your friends as they walked in the opposite direction, eventually becoming small dots in your vision. "Well wasn't that just the sweetest, eh? Comin' to see you before we- hey, what's wrong?" Tendou looked down, ceasing your joint pace to cup your cheeks softly as a couple of tears strayed from the corners of your eyes. Resting a reassuring hand atop one of his, you smile softly. "Nothing's wrong, silly. I'm just going to miss them."

Two days.

The morning after was probably the hardest of the days spent preparing for your and Tendou's departure. Today, you'd be joining Tendou in saying goodbye to his classmates. No, his volleyball team. Honestly? His family. Sure, they weren't his parents, but the group of rowdy boys were nothing short of brothers. Tension in the Shiratorizawa gymnasium was thicker than any time there was ever a game. All the boys had gathered in their casual attire, and even Coach Washijo piled into his car to see Tendou off. Even though he kept his goofy, oddball demeanor, you knew it was all a front he put on by the tight grip he held on your hand. The casual conversation lasted for all of thirty minutes or so before a volleyball rolled across the freshly waxed gym floor, stopping by its crash course with Tendou's shoe. Every eye trailed from the ball down to the direction it rolled from, where the coach stood smirking. "Yung lady, why don't you join me on the sidelines...these boys deserve a last game together."

Looking up to your boyfriend, you see ease melt over his expression; the same calm that used to wash over him right before a game. You nod, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek and a "Block 'em dead." before joining the coach and watching the boys get worked up. They split off into their old practice teams, excitement filling the room and tingling even you like static electricity. With a blow from the coach's whistle, it began again like a dream of the past: Shiratorizawa's best team was back on the court, wreaking havoc.

Just as things were starting to get good, Washijo leaned to the side and spoke loud enough for only you to hear. "You take care of that boy out there, got it? The world isn't kind to unique individuals, and I know you understand that just as well as Satori does. It's why he took so quickly to you...you're good for him. Never forget that."

You were a bit shocked by how abrasive he was, but you also knew the love the coach held in his heart for Tendou, whether he'd ever admitted it out loud or not. "Yes, sir. I promise I'll-"

"Ack! Goshiki, c'mon man! You gotta look up from the floor to hit the damn ball!"

Your head whipped around along with Washijo's to see Semi yelling at the ravenette who had just missed a perfect set. All eyes were on him, and he slowly looked up from his sneakers, tears, and snot running down his face. "I'm sorry, I..I...T-Tendou, I'm gonna miss you so much..!"

Semi sighed, "Goshiki, you weren't supposed to cry..w-we can't c-cry." His own voice began to tremble, chin quivering as he tried to force back the imminent, his brown eyes already filling with tears that clumped in his thick lashes. Even Wakatoshi Ushijima's lips were pursed and twitching at the corners. "We're so happy...so proud of you, Tendou." Your eyes surveyed the group as the sobs began to ebb and flow from hushed hiccups to strained sobs, sight finally landing on Tendou, who stood there in disbelief. Never before was there such an outpour of blatant acceptance from his friends. Of course, Tendou knew that his team supported him and cared about him, but this was something drastically different. This was love. From where you stood, you could see Satori's bottom lip begin to tremble, and without a moment to spare, his eyes filled with tears. Ushijima moved forward, facing Tendou, and took him into a strong embrace. The dam broke, and the team fell apart, taking Tendou into their arms in a massive group hug. Your own eyes watered as well, and as badly as you wanted to bust your way into the middle to comfort him, you didn't. Tendou needed this moment all for himself, and more than anything, you respected that. Blotting your own tears away, you stood next to Coach Washijo and simply watched as Tendou's team showered him with the greatest going away gift they could give him.

One day.

Your last full day in Japan was calm and quiet. The remainder of the final twenty-four hours were spent with your respective families, nothing too extravagant, you both had to be up early after all! It all went by like a blur, the day turning to night, and eventually, you wake up in Tendou's arms. Excitedly, you shook the boy awake with a bright smile. His eyelids fluttered open, and there you were; straddling his hips with a hand gripping each shoulder. "Today's the day! Sayonara, Japan. Bonjour, France! See how good that was? I've been studying the accent with the audiobooks I got to help us with the language barrier! I'm going to be fluent before you know it! Now get up, we've got to be at the airport in two hours!"

"Yeah, fluent.." Tendou sighed, rubbing sleep from his eyes and yawning before stretching his long limbs. His dexterous digits came down to rest at your hips. "If you want me up, you gotta get off me, babe."

"O-Oh! Right! Sorry!" You scurried off from your position, pulling him from his entanglement in the bedsheets. Just as usual, you were way too excited for as early as it was. "If you wanna shower first, I can make us both breakfast. Ooh, do you want coffee? I can make us some of that too!"

"Sloooooow down, Y/N." He half smiled and cupped your cheeks like a small child. "Quiet down, mom and dad are still asleep in their room. Go ahead and make breakfast. I need to shower."

"Okay." Bashfully smiling, you lean in and kiss his lips, but his kiss back didn't feel quite as genuine. He was tired, so no big deal, right?

His shower took a bit longer than usual, and when he came out from the bathroom, you were already waiting with a hot plate of food for him to enjoy. "I hope you left some hot water for me, and please be quick with food, Ushiwaka said he'd be over around seven-thirty with his car to start loading up our luggage. While you two do that, I'll fix my face up. Can't look like this on my first day in France!" You whispered softly, but your smile was ever-bright. Just as he'd agreed to, Wakatoshi arrived on time. He'd only popped in long enough to say good morning to you while you were putting on a bit of makeup before heading outside with Tendou to pack. What felt like moments was more like half an hour, and a knock softly rapped at your door.

"Y/N, we need to go. We're running behind."

Tendou spoke nervously, and you quickly began to throw your makeup into its travel bag. "Oh shoot, I'm so sorry! Okay, I've got everything in my carry-on!"

You swung the door open, your makeup as flawless as ever with lipstick accentuating your dazzling, thrilling smile. "Let the adventure begin!"

Without surprise, the car ride to the airport was quiet and a bit melancholy. Your eyes scanned every building you passed, every street sign, even the skyline of Tokyo being kissed by the morning sun as you made your way to your new future. Even Mt. Fuji seemed to grant you a sense of peace in the distance as you become a bit misty-eyed- but hey! Adventure is good. This was a new, invigorating experience, and here you were getting to face it all with the love of your life! Your best friend, your sweet, funny, oddball, Satori Tendou. The more you daydreamed in the backseat of your new life together with your partner, the closer the airport crept. In no time, Ushijima was pulling forward through the line, parking in front of the terminal. Blinking, you realized that you had arrived. Ushijima opened your door for you, and with a thank you, you jumped out of the car and popped open the trunk to grab your bags. Tendou gathered his luggage as well, standing beside you as you rummaged through your purse. "Here, Ushi. I owe you gas money. I put them right...next to...the tickets? Huh. Satori, honey, did I by chance give you the airplane tickets?"

He effortlessly reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out his ticket. "I have mine."

"Oh good!" You breathed out, relieved. "Well the money was with my ticket, so I need that to give to Ushi."

"Don't worry, I already paid him." You blinked, smiling awkwardly and readjusting your purse back over your shoulder. "O-Okay, well then can I have my ticket, please?"

Tendou stood in silence, eyes trailing slowly away from your own, shoving both hands into his pockets. This was unlike Tendou in every way, and you knew immediately something was wrong. "Did you...did you lose it? If so, that's okay, baby. We can just talk to whoever is at the kiosk and they can reprint-"

"You don't have a ticket, Y/N." His voice was soft, but yet loud enough for you to hear. Heat crept up your face, and chills ran down your entire frame. "I-I don't have a ticket? Tendou that's not funny, of course, I have a-"

"You don't have a ticket...I sold it because you're not coming with me."

A ten-ton weight dropped through your stomach, and yet your body felt so light, light as air, that a small breeze could just carry you away at any moment. This wasn't funny, yet it was a joke. Right? Was it a joke? It had to be. Tendou would never, could never, but this wasn't funny. The way his eyes avoided your pleading gaze wasn't funny. The way he took a step back from you when you stepped toward him wasn't funny. The way he shrugged your touch from his cheek when you reached out to him wasn't funny. The way your heartbeat rang in your ears, how your breathing began to shallow because you couldn't stop the tears from forming, how you could feel the thick mixture of your hot tears and mascara beginning to run down your flushed cheeks, it wasn't funny.

"Satori..? "The words came out strained and choked. "H-How, why..?"

The big bright beautiful world around you was falling apart, breaking into pieces, and crashing around the two of you in flames. Tendou sighed, running a hand over his burgundy buzz cut, still avoiding your desperate gaze like the plague.

"I've taken everything from you so selfishly."

Another step forward, "No, no, that's not true at all.."

Another step back. "It is, and you're so blind to it because of me, that you can't even see the way I've ruined absolutely everything. This is my way of fixing it."

You could feel the eyes of passerby's walking by to other terminals and being picked up from their flights as you stood there, knees wobbling and threatening to give out from underneath you while your hand cupped your mouth in a failed attempt to hush your pained sobs, but alas, it was failing.

Tendou kept his eyes down, hands both back firmly into his pockets. "It all started when you saw me take an interest in baking and chocolate. You paid so much money to allow me to continue baking, the money you worked hard for at odd jobs after school. Then you lost so much sleep, staying up who knows how many nights? Doing what- looking into places for me to go to study my hobby more? Make it a career? What about you?"

"What about me?" More tears fell in globs mixed with your mascara.

"You lost so much sleep, so uselessly, looking into things for me when you never once took time for yourself, to discover what career you wanted to get into. So much wasted on me, and I let you because I was too selfish to put you first."

"I wanted to help you, that wasn't selfish-"

"I was so focused on my own self, not once did I ask what you wanted-"

"Satori, I wanted you!!"

You tried to reach for him again, but Ushijima put a hand on your shoulder to stop you, for the best, to stop from creating an even bigger scene outside the terminal. Tendou bit his lip, trudging a foot across the pavement where he stood. "You lost all that sleep, then kept going at school...your grades were affected because you put too much into me...you worked extra jobs, along with my friends, to spend your money on getting me to the school of my dreams...all that hard-earned money that you could've and should've used on yourself, that you deserved...money that, hell, you shouldn't have been earning because you shouldn't have even been working so much after you already were losing sleep over me and falling behind in school because of me!"

Your heart ached in a way that you'd never experienced, a pain throbbing throughout your whole body that was beyond anything you could begin to describe. This was hurt you'd never wish on even your worst of enemies. "That's not true, I-I was happy to help you and do whatever it took to make your dreams come true! This isn't a burden, I've given nothing up, I-I did everything because I love you..!"

"You were losing friends, your parents, your home, your future! All because I was allowing you to throw everything you held dear out the window, and for what? For me? No. This is my dream and my future, and ripping you from all the good things you have and deserve is not a part of that."

Knees buckling beneath you, you collapse with your face buried in your hands. Tendou looks down at you finally, heart aching in his chest. "This isn't what I want, Y/N, b-but it's what's best...all of your belongings were sent back to your parent's house...Ushiwaka is gonna take you home."

"S-Satori, baby..p-please!" You snap your head up, puffy eyes finally meeting with his. The ache you felt, Tendou could feel as well. Of course, he loved you, of course, he wanted nothing more than to be with you, but not like this. Not when having you on this adventure with him meant giving up everything you already had, and for what? Him?

He leaned down and ran a hand through your hair, those long digits you loved so much tracing your jaw as he placed a chaste kiss on your forehead. "Maybe sometime, you could come to visit...I'm sorry for things having to be this way, but I can't live with continuing to make you give up everything you love...goodbye, Y/N."

Tendou stood, readjusting his bag and beginning to walk toward the double doors leading into the terminal.

"Tendou, no!!" You screamed, scrambling to your feet to chase after him, but it was useless. Wakatoshi grabbed you gently, pulling your back to his chest and holding tight despite your thrashing and begging for him to let you go. "I'm sorry, Y/N, it was all he asked of me...it's for the best." Your vision began to cloud over as the tears rolled relentlessly, watching Tendou's frame shrink smaller and smaller the further into the airport he walked until he was gone from sight.

His words repeated and echoes in your head.

"This isn't what I want, Y/N, but it's what's best."

For the first time in his life, The Guess Monster guessed wrong.

[kiame-sama]

Bunny- Yandere!Adult-Trio x Chubby!Gentle!Reader (Lemon)

Another part of Bunny for you, my darlings~!

Warnings; self judgement, comfort, harem style relationship, dub-con, virginity loss, Adult-trio doesn't like sharing, Illumi is awkward and blunt, use of nickname (Bunny), detailed lemon, sub reader, dom trio, overstimulation, oral, vaginal, anal, masturbation.

You sat on your comfortable couch, two of your three boyfriends sitting on either side of you. Hisoka was not among the two though he would be joining the group soon as the three typically did not leave your side for very long. They were getting along better than they had before you agreed to date them, so the four of you could live in semi-harmony together.

It was clear you were the primary reason the three got along together. Though, you were also the main reason the three would fight with each other.

Your attention was a coveted thing and you vaguely considered some kind of point system just to keep track of how much time you have spent with the three. Each one of your boyfriends have developed a rather extensive web of who shows you affection when and how. Naturally, they still tend to have a back and forth dominance fight whenever you nap on one or cuddle with one.

You were still fairly innocent to the more intimate parts of a relationship and the fact that you have the three partners where most have only one. Hisoka made no bones about his desire to be more intimate with you, even being a bit more overbearing when it came to his forward behavior. Chrollo was not as intense as Hisoka, but he also has been letting his eyes linger for a bit too long on certain areas of your body. Illumi, though not at all versed in the ways of intimacy, also began showing more blantantly provocative and affectionate behavior.

They also seemed to come up with a more intense craving for your affection, often giving you random gifts or food. Hisoka was particularly interested in giving you food gifts, usually wanting to hand-feed you the food he got for you. Chrollo usually gave you expensive gifts to spoil you and mainly got you comfort items like blankets or pillows. Illumi was surprisingly the most physically affectionate of the three, often wanting to hold you or carry you as often as he could.

The three refused to let you sleep in your bed alone and took to a rather unique way they could all have their hands on you in some way while sleeping. Usually you would sleep on top of one with the other two at either side of your body, arms laying across your torso. Basically it gave you a living blanket comprised of the three men.

It took more than a bit of time to adjust to having three significant others that were extremely possesive of you. It was also a rather quick adjustment to having almost constant physical contact with at least one person. They were eager to get as close to you emotionally as they could and they often made remarks that made it clear they had no intention of going anywhere.

You wondered what they would do further into the relationship, seeing as you couldn't imagine any of the three men willingly leaving you.

"We're getting married."

The sudden remark from Illumi made you turn to look at him in surprise, eyebrows raised. He was always the most blunt out of the three, but the sudden declaration even caught Chrollo off guard. You both stared at an unbothered Illumi with questioning expressions, his unblinking eyes staying locked on you.

"When- when did you decide this?"

"The moment we started our relationship. You were mine from then on."

Before you could respond, you felt a pair of hands lifting you up and pulling you back onto a rather comfortable lap. Chrollo wrapped his arms around you, holding you close with a clear challenging stare to Illumi.

"She's mine too."

"I had planned on having both you and Hisoka dead by now. Likely should have hired my father and grandfather to get rid of you both, but I would prefer to kill you myself."

You couldn't help but slowly blink your eyes as your brain attempted to catch up with the rather aggressive and threatening words Illumi used. Chrollo was far less perturbed by the unveiled threat from Illumi, instead he just stared back at the assassin. You were surprised when a slight smirk pulled at Chrollo's lips.

"And you would risk losing her just to get rid of Hisoka and I?"

"I wouldn't lose her. I'd have her to myself."

"You would intentionally upset (y/n) by doing that and you know it. You'd lose her the moment you killed one of us."

"..."

"Are you willing to risk it?"

"... No."

Before Chrollo could continue poking at Illumi and taunting him, your door swung lazily open. Hisoka waltzed into the room with a confident stride, immediately taking note of the tension between his two companions. He had a grin that meant trouble and you were well aware of the mayhem he could and would cause.

"Is it the wrong time to ask a question?"

Clearly Illumi and Chrollo were acutely aware of the sudden shift in atmosphere with Hisoka's arrival. They both waited in silence as Hisoka gave you a 'come-here' motion, his grin never leaving. Chrollo hesitantly let you get up from his lap, curious as to what Hisoka was planning to do.

You felt your nerves sizzle slightly as you cautiously approached Hisoka, knowing whatever trick he had up his sleeve would lead to a dominance squabble. When you got within arm's reach, he pulled you close and kissed you roughly. Though you vaguely expected him to do something like this, it still didn't stop your surprised gasp as you gave him a perfect opening to slide his tongue between your lips.

He held the back of your head with one hand so you wouldn't be able to pull away from the surprise show of affection. His other arm reaching for something, which he lifted up as soon as he broke the intense kiss. Sitting in his hand was a rather lovely ring with all four solitaire suits in gems.

For a moment, it seemed like a rather out of place thing for Hisoka to do, but then again, he was the most spoiling of the three. Leave it to the most eccentric of your boyfriends to do something like this, especially in front of the other two.

Honestly, you had expected none of them to even give a damn about things like marriage. It seemed like such a small and domestic thing that was far too 'normal' for the likes of them, but apparently this was not the case. You could understand it with Illumi, his family expected him to marry and carry on the bloodline in a rather traditional sense. With Hisoka and Chrollo though, you figured they were not interested in things like marriage or professions of love.

"I already proposed to her, Hisoka. Back off."

"She hasn't said 'no' yet, so I don't think so."

Given the increasing tension in the room, you wanted to try and calm things down as soon as possible. You only hoped that they would accept your answer and not try to fight each other immediately. It wasn't hard to figure out your next course of action in this odd tangle you found yourself in, since you knew when you first agreed to date them that there was no chance of you leaving them.

"Since we already are in a poly-relationship, it would make more sense to marry all three of you instead of just one, right?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...?"

The three men stared at you in silence at your suggestion, as if they themselves hadn't considered the continuation of the harem style relationship. That and it kept the three from killing one another, so you didn't choose favorites.

"... If it means I stay with you, then I'll accept it for now."

Unsurprisingly, Illumi was first to plainly state his thoughts on the matter. He was blunt and had little to no social graces, so he gave little concern as to stating his thoughts out loud. Where he lacked emotion, his brutal honesty was refreshing.

"Guess there's no choice then. Looks like we have to keep sharing her."

"So it seems. But, we need to decide an even division of her time so we all get some evenings alone with her."

You almost smiled at them actually agreeing on something so quickly before you remembered Chrollo's words. Though they seemed innocent enough, you felt heat rush to your cheeks at the implications behind his words. You knew they were already holding themselves back from ravaging you no matter how excited they got, but now there was little reason to continue to deny them other than your nerves surrounding the situation.

Make no bones about it, you knew how such things worked and how to have sex, but you never really had the confidence or interest in it to actually use that knowledge. You also knew that they would likely expect some more intimate moments or situations with you, given their change in status as fiancés instead. Your thoughts being confirmed as you slowly backed away when all three turned to look at you with gleaming eyes.

"Aww, don't be scared, Bunny~ I promise you'll enjoy it too♠"

A shiver ran down your spine and you noticed the odd feeling in the back of your mind telling you to run. Much like a prey animal in a group of predators, you suddenly felt a kind of weight from their stares.

"What Hisoka means," Chrollo started with a sideways glance at the red-haired man, "is that you don't need to shy away from us. If you're uncomfortable with something, you're free to stop us or ask we slow down."

"We?"

"Wouldn't it only be fair that the three of us are present for her first time?"

Your cheeks burned an even warmer red as you listened to the two casually discuss something that had you exceedingly flustered. They couldn't possibly be talking about that very moment, could they? Surely they were joking.

"Wait, you mean right now?"

"Why not? I am certain Illumi wants you to meet his family and I wish for you to eventually meet the other Spiders. We three don't often remain together or in just one place. Now may be the only time we have together as a group for a while. As much as I would like to keep your first time to myself, I doubt these two would let me."

"But... Why right now?"

"... (Y/n), we're not going to judge you."

"Don't lie to me..."

"I'm not lying. (Y/n), you have no idea how beautiful you truly are."

"..."

You looked away from him, wrapping your arms around yourself protectively and trying to not look at them. Given the way society viewed women- especially heavier women- you were terrified of what they would think. You had stretch marks on your soft body and you hated them beyond belief. You were hesitant because you didn't want to disappoint them.

Given your hate towards the marks on your body, you worried they would hate them just as much as you, if not more. It was then Illumi spoke up, his tone flat and his face expressionless.

"Your scars aren't an issue, we've already seen you naked."

"What? When!?"

"Any time you-"

He was suddenly muffled by an irritated Hisoka covering his mouth, leaving the sentence unfinished while Chrollo sighed. Illumi clearly saw nothing wrong with what he had been saying where the other two were intent on keeping him quiet. You, however, faintly worried about what he said.

They had seen you without clothes and completely vulnerable. But that also meant they still were rather intently pursuing you even after witnessing your stretch-marks and other scars. It both flustered and comforted you in a way you couldn't describe, upset they had been spying on you but happy they viewed you in a different way from how you viewed yourself.

"Regardless, now would be a time better than any. It is unlikely we will remain capable of sharing you like this for very long, let alone when the next time we are together would be."

"... I don't know..."

You were still hesitant, but you knew Chrollo was right. They barely got along as it was and it would be unfair to the other two if you chose just one of them for your first time. You were also marrying them, after all...

You sighed, biting your lip nervously before turning to your room, silently walking into it without a response to the three. Naturally, they followed you and watched closely as you sat down on your plush bed. Curling up slightly, you finally looked at them, cheeks burning with a deep blush.

"W-well? Hurry up before I- before I change my mind..."

You couldn't keep the stress out of your voice as you slightly tripped up on your words, trying to keep your tone steady. It was clear that you didn't need to tell them twice as the three quickly joined you on the bed. The thunderous sound of your heart beating wildly in your chest seemed all the more intense as you watched them shed their extra clothing.

They were all rather wonderfully sculpted which only made you feel more insecure about your figure, starting to slightly panic. The more time you had to panic, the more stressed you became and the less certain you felt. Illumi was first to move, pressing his lips hungrily against your own.

"Just because we agreed to let you go first doesn't mean you get to hog her."

Hisoka growled out in irritation, wanting to just pounce and rip your obscuring clothes from your body. Illumi gave an annoyed glance at Hisoka before moving to sit behind you, pulling you onto his lap. His lips ghosted across your neck as you let out a soft mewl, shivering from his touch.

"But, if we're staking claims, I want her mouth~"

You felt a shiver run down your spine as the red-haired man licked his lips, staring intensely at you from the end of the bed.

"Hisoka, she's not a piece of meat to carve up and claim. Besides, can't you see you're frightening her? It is her first time, after all."

"How sweet, our Bunny is soft and innocent. All the more reason to stake a claim on her."

A soft mewl left your lips as Illumi trailled a hand up and under your shirt, gently groping at your bra covered chest. The movement drew the attention of the other two men who were now watching you hungrily, their eyes following every movement Illumi's hands made. Hisoka was next to approach, slowly pulling off your shirt with a grin.

He quickly unhooked your bra, tossing it carelessly over his shoulder. You didn't have time to react to his bold move before his hands were on you, one soft breast cupped by his hand and the peak of the other in his mouth. The sensation made you arch your back, pressing back into illumi and mewling loudly.

Chrollo was next as he approached from your side, turning your head to lock your lips in a deep kiss, easily sliding his tongue into your mouth.

You were so lost in the feelings running through you, you didn't notice Illumi's hand sliding down into your pants, cupping your heat with slightly cold fingers. The sensation had you moaning softly against Chrollo's lips to which he only smirked and continued to dominate your mouth. Hisoka let his mouth pop off of your swollen breasts and started working on sliding off your pants, kissing your stomach gently.

The blush that took over your face was just so cute to Chrollo that he couldn't resist squeezing your breasts just to make you squeal and whine. His lips were insistent but he mercifully pulled away to let you catch your breath, watching you whine and lean your head back against Illumi's shoulder. He was quick to join Hisoka in sliding off your pants and underwear, lustfully watching Illumi's fingers rub over your wet slit.

"Illumi, hold open her legs."

"Why?"

"Because I want a taste."

Illumi hesitantly pulled his hand away from your heat and gripped your thighs, leaving you panting as you let out a whine from the loss of friction. You didn't have to wait long before a hot tongue was sliding through your soft folds. Chrollo slowly lapping at your sensitive pussy with long strokes of his tongue, humming in pleasure.

"Ngh-! Ah~! Chrollo- Mmm- feels so good..!"

You were gasping at this point, back arched and head tilted back as you let out breathless moans, lightly gripping at his soft and fluffy hair. His eyes flicked up for a moment to watch you before closing as he doubled his efforts, sliding his tongue inside of you. The yelping moan that left your lips was downright sinful and only served to turn the three men on more than they already were.

Hisoka growled at the lack of contact with you before he slightly raised one of your legs, ducking his head down to join Chrollo's and practically forcing the other male to give him space. Both were now sliding their tongues against your soft pussy, not caring when they came in contact with each other. Both were completely determined to get as much from you as they possibly could, cheeks pressed against each other as they worked you over. Their fingers fighting to slide into you and stretch you out properly.

You were already on cloud nine at that point and each of their delicious movements only enhanced that feeling. Illumi dutifully held your legs up and open for his companions, busying himself with sucking countless marks onto your neck. You could feel something firm pressing against your soft ass since you were still sitting on his lap, the sensation sending shivers down your spine.

"Ah-! It's too- too much! I can't- I can't take it anymore!"

Despite your mewls and whines for mercy, they continued their almost savage actions. A burning desire was building up inside of you, like a pressure what was coiling itself tighter and tighter. You were almost drooling at that point, each movement and caress of their mouths pushing you further towards that climbing bliss.

Just when that pleasured coil seemed to become so tight it was almost painful, it snapped, flooding your body with euphoria. Your voice rose several octaves as the pleasure coursed through you. Your vision went black for a moment, leaving you reeling in that pleasure which scrambled your thoughts.

When you finally came down from your high, you were still lightly panting, groaning in residual pleasure.

"Seems you enjoyed that quite a bit."

"Didn't expect to already be making you squirt for us~♠"

You whined softly, finally getting yourself under control after the mind-numbing bliss you endured. Hisoka was licking his soaked lips, Chrollo seeming equally pleased as he licked his fingers. Illumi was quick to turn you on his lap so you were facing him, legs on either side of his body.

He locked his lips with yours and slightly bucked his hips, rubbing his cloth covered cock against your folds. You moaned softly at this before finding yourself splayed out on your back, Illumi hovering over you while easily pulling off his restrictive underwear. You squeaked in slight fear at the sudden intensity the situation took on, feeling your nerves rise up again.

Hisoka was quick to rip open an odd little square package and toss the contents to Illumi, fixing the assassin with a firm stare. Illumi seemed completely disinterested in whatever Hisoka had given him, but a meaningful glance from Chrollo made him comply. He growled and moved to slide the item down over his extremely erect cock, covering it with a neon green condom.

"Illumi, gentle."

Hisoka had a warning in his tone and gripped both of your wrists, pinning them to the bed above your head. You were completely helpless in your current position, looking up at Illumi as he slowly slid his length through your soft folds. After a moment of doing that, he lined himself up against your entrance, slowly pushing his large cock inside of you.

You whined and squirmed on the bed, feeling a burn from the uncomfortable stretch of your body accommodating for the large cock pushing into you. You gasped and whined the further he sunk into you, clenching your eyes shut as you tried to relax. Halfway in he paused, feeling your soft barrier in his way, preventing him from sinking deeper into you.

The only hesitated a moment before suddenly thrusting his hips forward, sliding into you the rest of the way. The sudden action paired with the tearing of your fragile hymen made you scream out in a cry of pain. Hisoka kept your wrists pinned down as your body spasmed and arched, his golden eyes glaring at Illumi.

"Damn it, Illumi! I said gentle!"

"I am being gentle."

Chrollo sighed and gently kissed your forehead, running his hands soothingly over your skin in an attempt to calm you. As the pain faded to a dull burn, you were able to relax a bit more, Chrollo's light touch doing wonders for your stressed mind.

Illumi watched you closely, slowly beginning to move his hips to test how you would respond. When you didn't let out another cry of pain, his slow pace picked up speed and he settled on a simple rhythm to move his hips to. The faint burn was still there, but another feeling was starting to bubble up from inside of you.

It felt similar to how you felt earlier with both Chrollo and Hisoka licking your soft pussy, but this time it seemed more intense than before. As the sensation rose, you began to let out soft noises of pleasure that increased in volume each time. The louder you got, the more intense Illumi's thrusting became.

Eventually he was practically jackhammering into you, his blank eyes never once leaving your cute expression. He hardly made a sound as he pounded into you, where as you were moaning loudly and arching your back. The hard cock inside of you only seemed to become firmer with every noise you made.

Hisoka still held your wrists to the bed, but he busied himself with sucking rather harshly on one of your bouncing breasts. Chrollo did the same to the other, one hand sliding down your front to rub your clit in time with Illumi's thrusts. You mewled and whined loudly, wanting to run your fingers through Illumi's hair or to grip at the hair of either men that sucked harshly on your sensitive breasts.

Pinned as you were, you found it almost torturous to not be able to grip something to keep yourself grounded, but the bliss flooding your mind kept you occupied. Your loud moans clearly excited the men as they relished in the sound and watched you shake in bliss. Illumi had yet to blink or do much other than pound you harshly into the bed, his breathing slightly uneven.

The bed creaked and groaned loudly from the force Illumi was using, sounding like it was nearly at its breaking point. Each push and drag of his large cock inside of you sent continuous shots of dopamine into your brain, scrambling your thoughts completely. Just when it felt like you couldn't breathe from the overwhelming pleasure, that intense pressure in your abdomen broke and washed over you with liquid euphoria.

Your screaming moan dragged on far longer than you had expected as Illumi continued pounding into you before coming to a sudden halt. He let out a low hum of content and finally closed his eyes to bask in the feeling of your tight walls drawing every last drop of cum from his slowly softening cock. Hisoka released your wrists, pulling away from your breast with a pop of his lips.

Chrollo similarly withdrew his hand, letting your soft breast go to give you time to come down from your high. You were panting heavily with hitching breaths as you tried to calm your frantic heart, that had been drumming wildly in your chest. You felt light-headed and numb, barely noticing Illumi slowly pulling out of you and gently setting your legs down.

As your heart settled to a steady rolling beat, you were vaguely aware of your body being rolled over and hips being propped up. You gained enough energy to glance back, seeing Chrollo rubbing your hips slowly before sliding on his own condom, this one being a neon purple. A vague desire to laugh at the color coordination of the condoms bubbled up in you, but the most you managed was a light huff of amusement.

A soft grip on your shoulders drew your attention forward again as Hisoka lifted your front, setting you down gently on his lap while he made himself comfortable on his knees. He wore a neon pink condom and was looking down at you lustfully, running his fingers across your cheek.

"Ready to go again, Bunny?"

You hummed out your response of vague confirmation, watching him grip his bright pink cock with one hand, lifting your chin with the other.

"Good. Now, open wide~♣"

You let your jaw drop open, knowing where he wanted to put that large and intimidating cock in you. With a slow lick of his lips, he slid himself into your warm mouth, letting out a heavy moan of pleasure. His head was tilted back and his eyes were closed, fingers lightly gripping and moving your head.

You truly had to do nothing other than let him move your head in short up and down motions. He seemed quite content to just fuck himself into your mouth, sliding up against your tongue.  For a moment, you forgot about Chrollo before a cold gel met your tight ass-hole, slowly sliding around the soft skin.

Your cry of surprise and vague refusal was muffled by the large cock in your mouth, though the tone of your voice was clear. Certainly, you hadn't expected any of this to begin with, but you never would have expected all of your holes to be used by one of the three men. Chrollo gently shushed you, rubbing your hips in slow soothing circles.

"Shh... It's alright. I'll be gentle with you, and if it hurts too much, I'll stop. Okay?"

You whined again, causing a heavy moan to escape Hisoka from the vibration your voice caused. Taking the sound you made as confirmation, Chrollo started to slowly slide into you, the generous amount of lube he had used helping him ease into you more easily. You let out distressed and whimpering noises, feeling your internal stress getting the better of you as you dug your nails into Hisoka's thighs.

Chrollo stayed completely still once he was fully seated inside of you, his hands still rubbing over the soft skin of your hips. You were thankful for the moment to compose yourself and once your breathing calmed, Chrollo began to move. You let out a squeal from the return of the painful sensation, slightly shaking your head.

"It's okay. It won't hurt for long. It's okay."

You doubted his words, but found yourself rather surprised when the pain of the intrusion soothed into an odd pleasure. Each slow push and pull in your body pressing against several nerves you didn't know you had, bringing with it a faint pleasure that began to slowly build. You slowly withdrew your nails from Hisoka's thighs, no longer in any pain.

Hisoka was still moving your head up and down on his large cock, unabashed moans rumbling from his chest. Each time Chrollo thrust into you moved your mouth around Hisoka, only making the red-head croon out more moans. He clearly took great pleasure in having your lips wrapped around him and your hot tongue sliding against his needy cock.

You began to hear low moans from Chrollo, who had begun to thrust in a faster and harder pace. Both men moving in surprising unison as one of Chrollo's hands came down to rapidly rub your soaked pussy. Illumi, who had been recollecting himself from his intense orgasm now sat, sliding his hand around his cock that had once again hardened.

He was clearly enjoying the sight of you getting pounded into by both men quite a bit, his empty eyes never once leaving you as he thrust up into his fist. The sight of Illumi pleasuring himself to your helpless form sparked pleasure in your mind, working in tandem with the pleasure of Chrollo's equally large cock inside of you. The three began moving at an almost frantic pace as they chased their highs, taking pleasure in your soft body.

Chrollo was rapidly rubbing your weeping clit and you could feel your pleasure rising up again. The wonderful bliss was nearly engulfing you completely, your nerves practically shot as each movement only pulled you closer to your release. Then, as if by some unknown cue, all four of you reached your orgasms, their deep moans harmonizing with your own muffled cry as you almost blacked out from the overwhelming pleasure of it all.

When you finally returned to your senses, you realized that the three were laying around you as they usually did. One under you and one on either side of you, all three touching your skin in some way. You almost felt glad that you would be splitting up your time, since you didn't know if you could repeat the intense rounds of sex on the weekly basis, let alone do it daily.

A relaxed sense of peace hummed through your mind as you let yourself drift off to sleep, all three of your protective and possessive fiancés keeping you safe.

[heavenlydevine]

From the prompt list please do 28. “No, I checked my receipt. I didn’t buy any of your bullshit.” with Bruce Wayne I think that would be so funny ffsshjngk

Bruce Wayne [DCEU/Affleck] x Female!Reader.

Warnings: Language. And sexual references. Slight domination if you squint.

As you wanted Affleck, I couldn't imagine him finding it amusing. His portrayal of Bruce Wayne took on a far more darker side than what Bale gave us. So I hope this is what you had in mind.

Don’t fuck up.

Those were the parting words your father had uttered to you after announcing that he had gotten you the opportunity of a lifetime, and loathe you were to admit it, working for Wayne Enterprises had its perks.

Though most would frown upon your job description, you had taken it with stride, as there were far worse jobs in the business than being an errand girl—true meaning, coffee girl.

You didn’t mind the up and down, back and forth—and though it had taken you no less than three weeks to learn just how everyone preferred their coffees, you often wondered whether it would be the only thing you’d be doing.

And then just three months into your new job, you had done the one thing your father had urged you not to do. You fucked up.

But could one consider it a fuck up if you managed to become the personal assistant of the one and only Bruce Wayne? You had never met the man before, yet you had heard enough to know that he was a respectable man with a take no nonsense persona, and yet nothing could have been further from the truth.

Bruce Wayne might have been a gentle, caring man to the public, but to you, no, to you he was much more than that. Your first encounter would be a memory you’d often cherish, the remnants of your coffee tarnishing to what appeared to be a rather expensive suit, and though you had expected him to give you a verbal lashing, fire you on the spot, he had simply looked at you and smiled.

“Guess this gives me a reason to shower.”

And you didn’t know whether to be flustered or mortified, his laughter ringing through your mind—and it was then that you realized that the man was insanely attractive, the steaks of gray hairs scattered about his dark brown hair an added bonus.

You cannot remember when your relationship with the eccentric billionaire had changed from employer and employee, to whatever the fuck this was. This wasn’t the first time you found yourself stripped bare in his office, spread across his desk as he pounded into you from behind.

No.

He had made sure that you understood the significance behind the relationship you two shared—you were his and his alone, to do with whatever he pleased.

And you couldn’t find the notion to actually care.

He was never rough with you, yet you knew the man kept himself at bay—as you’d catch a glimpse of the darkness lingering behind his eyes whenever you’d catch him staring at you from afar, the obvious glint of desire swimming within his orbs a haunting reminder that this was not what you had imagined your life becoming.

And now, as you stood in the quaint, yet spacious room with everyone’s attention focused on you and you alone, you knew you had crossed the line. Never before had you been late to a board meeting, and as this was held annually every year in consideration as to which direction the company was heading, you knew no explanation could ever trump the wrath that emitted from Bruce Wayne.

“This meeting is adjourned,” never once did he take his eyes off you, and for a fleeting moment as the room burst in an abundance of activities, men and women alike murmuring amongst each other, whilst others gave you a sympathetic glance and a pat on the shoulder, you knew you fucked up, “—I’ll expect everyone’s reports on my table my Monday morning.”

And then silence.

Heart pounding in your chest, eyes wide as you continued to hold your iced coffee in trembling hands, you couldn’t help but shudder in fear as the doors behind you closed with a loud thunk and the blinds zipped tighter, encasing the room with a darkened hue despite the sunlight streaming through the large windows that gave view to the bustling streets below. “I can explain..”

“I don’t want to fucking hear your excuses,” he had never spoken to you in such a way, and though it did unspeakable things to your neither regions, your thighs pressing against one another, “—it’s irrelevant to me. This meeting, as you know, consisted out of people who sponsor this company, as well as the Wayne Foundation. So imagine what they must think of me,” and then your heart seized to function.

Bruce Wayne was pissed.

Because the sight of him loosening his tie, jacket now discarded and hanging across the chair, was an image you had often entertained at night, whispers or sinful things echoing through your mind at the thought of him unleashing the seven hells upon you, “—when my beautiful little assistant barges into the room like a bat out of hell, looking like she just ran a fucking marathon, four hours late, when she should have been the first one to arrive. I had to organize my own papers. I had to do everything myself, so remind me why I pay you?”

And then the rage sparked within your chest, your mouth opening and closing, and with a single thought running through your mind, you threw caution to the wind and leveled him with a look that would make any respectable man tremble yin fear, “Well excuse me, your highness,” his eyebrows rose in surprise, a look of fury following soon after, and yet as it lingered at the forefront of your mind that you were crossing your boundaries, you were far to lost in your own anger to give a shit what he or anyone else thought of you.

“You were the one that made me run around like a headless chicken. You made me drive all the way to the docks to secure the shipment that came in, and then you had me drive all the way back to the manor to get your precious files—which I organized, and on top of it all, you had me miss the deadline for my article and had me stuck in traffic for almost two hours,” you pointed an accusing finger at him, never realizing that you had moved closer to him, “—so in hindsight, you are the one that should apologize to me, after all, you were the one that insisted I wait in a que of more than twelve people to get your precious decaf.”

“Are you done?”

And then you just had to say it. “No, I checked my receipts. I didn’t buy any of your bullshit,” and with the goal to turn around and leave, the gasp of surprise that slipped past your lips was swallowed by his lips smashing against yours, arms encasing you in a tight embrace, immobilizing you and rendering you a quivering mess.

“You are going to regret taking that tone with me,” he murmured, pupils blown wide, “—so I’ll show you what happens to insolent little brats who talk back to their superiors.”

And then he was pushing you backwards, lips still attached to yours with the intention to suck all the air from your lungs. “I’m going to ruin you and you are going to take it.”

And ruin you he did.

Squeezing your waist in confirmation, a silent desperation to feel you submit to his advances, all rational thought flew out your mind, “Just fuck me, Bruce.”

His control vanished the moment your words echoed through his ears. “Be careful what you wish for.”

I stopped here, as I wasn’t entirely sure whether I should delve further down citrus lane. Though should you want another part to this, a continuation to this, then feel free to request another prompt. I’m sorry it took so long. Hope you liked it.

[queenofbaws]

Happy (not quite) SSS, the year has been hectic as I’m sure you’ll agree! May I please request our favourite old men - just kickin it back, enjoying a lunch, maybe a few mimosas? Whatever tickles your fancy. Hope the week has been kind to you and that you’ve made time for yourself :)

(not quite) six sentence weekend

(i try not to throw too many author’s notes into these, but this time i just HAD to point out that after @fudgeroach mentioned the guardian angel au - that i def don’t think i currently have a tag for whoops - earlier this week, i just. i haven’t been able to stop myself from thinking about it SO. until i have fewer wips...here’s something to perhaps wet the whistle ;P)

Alan’s relief was palpable each time a new face wandered up the spiraling path towards the lodge unaccompanied. The fact that they were alone meant little in the grand scheme, but despite the things he’d seen and experienced in his time, he still liked to err on the side of optimism – no otherworldly chaperones simply meant there was no uncertainty about what would come next, and it was simply easier to assume that meant long, healthy lives. Part of that was, of course, that he wanted to believe it true, if only for Josh’s sake. He’d been through so much, was doing so much better than he had been, and if anyone deserved an uneventful night, it was him…

But then Ashley had arrived and all of that hope withered and died like an insect under a magnifying glass.

Theirs was a post made more of ability than character, and even so the mismatch between them was jarring to say the least. Ashley was a slip of a girl, cobbled together as if by some eccentric dollmaker…perhaps one who prioritized eyes over all else, giving her the air of someone perpetually frightened or constantly on the verge of tears; the figure behind her, though, was tall and solid, his smile and his stride deliberate almost to the point of conceit, and if there was anything at all in those chalk-dust eyes of his, it wasn’t fear.

Ashley and Josh said their hellos, the interaction made awkward and stilted by what Alan knew was a complicated knot of resentment and guilt, the core of their friendship struggling madly to rise to the surface of the murky anger harbored between them. All the while, he and the other said nothing, well beyond the point of needing to acknowledge one another; they had crossed paths too many times for that. It was hard not to look at him, though, to tamp down the bloom of dread slowly spreading inside of him at the sight of his smug smile, his feigned disinterest as he swept the snowy clearing from under the brim of his bowler.

It became slightly easier to ignore him as Chris arrived. Worse in its own way, too – already he could tell the kind of night they were preparing to have – though if nothing else, the haggard figure ambling along beside him oozed none of the malice the other did. Little consolation, that, very little indeed when one took everything into account.

Of the group Josh had invited up to the mountain tonight, two had turned up with shadows like him, perhaps not angels, per se, but guardians of a sort, the mere presence of whom suggested something cataclysmic, something with the potential to be life-altering (or ending, as it were) was fast approaching. All the others had been unaccompanied, their fates sealed in definite fact, unknown to him but past the point of intervention. How he’d clung to that optimism of his, allowed himself that sliver of hope that this would be where Josh’s luck began to turn around…

“Well this don’t exactly seem like the most reassuring guest list,” said the newcomer next to Chris, keeping his one unclouded eye on the boy as he and Josh and Ashley went about talking, the lot of them milling around with their other friends perfectly unaware of the three older men standing in their midst. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty new at all this mess, so I s’pose I could be reading this all the wrong way, but uh,” he looked to each of them in turn, his eyes lingering just over Ashley’s shoulder.

Alan hoped that, new or not, this one knew enough not to bring attention to what he saw. Mentioning another’s wings was bad manners on the best of days – bringing attention to his was something else completely.

He seemed to get the message. “There bein’ more than one of us here isn’t exactly a great sign, is it?”

“Oh, I don’t know that I’d say that.” His voice matched his eyes, the one standing behind Ashley; flinty and cold, polite only in theory. “Personally, my hopes for tonight are quite high.” For the first time since arriving, his gaze slid to Alan, punctuated in a slow, self-assured blink. “Ever the optimist am I.”

Offering the stranger a tight-lipped smile, Alan refused to rise to the other’s bait. Experience alone had taught him that much; whatever he had planned, there was no use in fueling the fire, not when he enjoyed the circling around just as much as what came after. “I wouldn’t be overly concerned. I’ve been with Josh for a while now—” The stranger narrowed his eyes at that and Alan quickly elaborated, “—a rough patch, you understand—”

“Some people, you’ll find as time goes on,” interrupted the other, that self-assured smile firmly in place even as he turned around to watch his charge wander off and talk to another girl, “Don’t necessarily want help in staying alive. One might even say they prefer the alternative.”

Alan soldiered on as if he hadn’t heard him, but the newcomer had gone back to examining him very closely, his focus moving between the two of them and back. Comparing, no doubt. Wondering. “—suffice it to say, I’m more than a little familiar with Christopher and Ashley and their personalities. They’re always around, you understand. I’m sure things will be fine in the end, Josh simply has a way of…well, let’s say pulling people into his questionable ideas, from time to time.”

The stranger hummed at that, more to fill the silence, he thought, that to prove understanding. He glanced Chris’s way quickly, another doubtful expression flitting across his face, but all the kids seemed fine for now. “Let’s hope you’re right on that, er…”

“Alan,” he said with a slight nod, glad no handshakes had been initiated.

There was a marked silence before the stranger cleared his throat and the one behind Ashley pretended he’d only just realized what was expected of him. “Edgar.” It was accompanied by that same smile, like he were made of marble and that was where the chisel had first struck.

“That a joke or somethin’?” he snorted. “Edgar and Alan, huh? You go around tellin’ people that because of the, uh…” And then he did a stupid thing, a very stupid thing indeed, because he gestured to Edgar more fully. He seemed to fully be expecting a punch line, maybe even a sheepish smile as he admitted ah yes, yes, it was quite a hilarious little shtick, wasn’t it?

Only Edgar simply continued to smile. If he moved at all, which was questionable at best, it was to cock his head ever so slightly to the side. He was the one waiting for a punch line, that expression said. He was the one waiting for the joke to be told.

The stranger backed off immediately, as though his foot had been stepped on. “I’m, uh, Jack,” he grumbled after a moment, only too glad to glance away and see Chris and Josh slowly but surely parting themselves from the rest of the group, walking towards the back of the lodge. “No rest for the wicked, huh?” he added quickly, turning on his heel to follow after his charge before he could get too far out of eyeshot.

“If only you knew how right you are.” Edgar said it so lowly, so softly, that even Alan only barely heard it. Then he too took his leave, following after Ashley at a leisurely pace as she found a spot on the steps to sit and wait for the boys to return.

This was going to be a difficult night. He could see that now. If they were lucky, though, deeply and profoundly lucky, ‘difficult’ would end somewhere short of ‘deadly.’ Anywhere short of it.

After a beat, he began following after Josh as well, making no immediate effort to match pace with Jack. No, not just yet. Not until he figured out what this meant for them – for all of them. As guardians, their job was obvious: Guarding their charges’ lives no matter what came their way. It was a feat easier said than done, even for the weathered ones such as himself, the ones who’d done this a time or two before. Jack would have his work cut out for him even if this had been a normal night. Which it most certainly wasn’t.

Because he had something of a history with Edgar, Alan did. A storied one, at that. He knew his work, knew how he operated, and none of that could mean anything good for what was about to happen.

Mostly because Edgar wasn’t a guardian. Not in the strictest sense of the word, anyway. He was…he was something else, something sometimes sent out for reasons running perpendicular to their own. Alan had a suspicion Jack had at least questioned his intentions when he’d caught sight of his wings, the awful things, Poe’s haunting raven come to life, all black and slick as the night itself, iridescent and dripping in the way an oil spill seemed right before it clogged your throat. That suspicion was all fine and good, but new as he was, Jack still had no way of understanding the gravity of the situation. Before too long, he knew he’d have to broach the topic with him, warn him, somehow.

For whatever reason, through whatever twist of fate, Ashley Brown had not come to this mountain accompanied by a guardian of her own, but by a harbinger of death.

And one who took his job very, very seriously, at that.

[legends-live-in-memories]

Cut You Down to Size

AYO its Day 1 of the MGI Trope Tussle! I’m representing Team Enemies-to-Lovers! Lets Get It!

Fics Masterlist

Damigami 5.5K words Oneshot, no warnings apply

Summary:

Alfred signs Damian up for his school's fencing club. There he meets a red clad demon with a sabre.

Day 1 prompt: My name is unimportant— you, tyrant, will die today by my blade.

without further ado:

This was stupid. Damian could not understand Pennyworth’s logic behind signing him up for his school’s fencing club. He was a trained assassin, studying under the world’s greatest swordsmen, and no one at his school would be able to keep up with him. He was miles ahead in terms of technique and experience. So why on earth would he subject himself to this asinine, idle waste of time on a Saturday?

“Remember, young master, it is important to your father that you enjoy hobbies more suitable for others your age. All your other siblings have activities to distract them from the eccentricities of their nighttime activities.” Right, that’s why. Pennyworth spoke as if he were reminding an imbecile how to not walk into oncoming traffic and his tone grated on Damian’s nerves. “Don’t pout, Master Damian, it is unbecoming. Besides, it would make your father proud if you were able to blend in with other teens.”

He most definitely was not pouting but he could agree that making his father proud and not compromising their identities were important. His weary sigh was the only answer he gave to Pennyworth before stepping out of the car and entering the school gym. He squared his shoulders and adjusted the gym bag before striding to the gathering of other students on the mats. They were all in varying degrees of proper white fencing gear, a sharp contrast to Damian’s black uniform. He stood off the side, waiting for the instructor and pointedly ignoring the stares of the other students. Their attention was meaningless and Damian hoped they wouldn’t turn his presence into some spectacle.

The minutes ticked by, and his patience withering away with it, before the gym’s double doors were booming open. In walked the club’s instructor followed by what looked like another school’s club and instructor trailing behind her. Damian counted at least ten students, white uniforms perfectly in place with their array of masks tucked under their arms. However, one of those students caught his eye. The striking red uniform stood out against everyone else’s and the square to their shoulders spoke of confidence not unlike his own. A small part of Damian wonders if any of that confidence was well earned but the larger part of him knew that regardless of how good they thought they were, they were still no match for him.

“Good afternoon, everyone!” The crisp voice of his instructor echoed in the now silent gym as she commanded everyone’s attention. She looked rather pleased with herself and continued to speak, addressing the Gotham students. “As you can see here, I have a visiting school’s club with me, so please join me in welcoming Francois Dupont’s fencing club, who have come all the way from Paris to practice with us.”

A half hearted applause was all the reaction she got and it was at that point that Damian tuned out the rest of her introduction. His mind had wandered to less menial things, waiting for his time to show his more than impressive skills.

He was brought out of his musings by the shrill of a whistle and was staring face to face to a rather short girl from the French club. She was looking up at him with wide blue eyes before darting away to look over the other students pairing up. Her eyes had focused on a tall blond and his Gotham partner and Damian swore he saw her swoon. Great, a scatter-brained lovesick fool was his first partner. Clearly the universe was punishing him for transgressions he was not privy to. Before he could pass further judgment on his partner, she peered back to him and spoke in soft English.

“Hi, my name is Marinette. Nice to meet you!” She tried to sound confident but her awkwardness betrayed her and the hunch in her shoulders were telling. Alfred had taught him some manners, however, so rather than ignore her as he was wont to do, he greeted her with his name and ended the conversation there. She looked ready to speak again but was cut off by another harsh blow from the whistle.

“Alright, everyone. This is just a warm-up match. Nothing too fancy and remember the rules.” The French instructor’s accent was thick and he spoke with equal robustness to match the Gotham instructor. The two made quite the pair.

He faced his partner again and put enough space between them. They both put on their masks and were poised at the ready. Her pose was amateurish but definitely better than the others he’s caught in his periphery. The cry of ‘en garde’ sounded and Damian did not hesitate to try and score a point. Emphasis on ‘try.’ While if this were a real duel Damian would have won with no hesitation, he found that he didn’t need to hold back as much as he would if she were some of his classmates. Her technique was still sloppy but at least she showed potential.

The warm-up ended with Damian scoring three points in succession but there were, admittedly, some close calls. Next, they were rotating partners and Damian was partnered off with the blond from earlier. This close, Damian faintly recognized his face and verbalized as such. The sheepish scratch behind the blond’s neck was unexpected as was the declaration that he was a fashion model back in Paris. Adrien Agreste the boy had said. Damian then chalked up his previous partner’s behaviour to nothing more than to a silly celebrity crush. No further thought was put into their dynamics as the call for positions was announced.

This duel went slightly differently than Damian had expected. Like his previous partner, Agreste was much better than first impressions would suggest. While his previous partner had poor technique with intuition to back her up, Agreste had acceptable technique with his own personal twist. Agreste backed each strike with an edge that spoke of more roguish practice. It was almost entertaining but still no match for Damian superior skills. Perhaps he could convince his father to send him to Paris for the summer if this was the kind of students the city produced. This duel ended in three points in Damian’s favour as well but he conceded a point to Agreste who got a lucky strike in. Both boys took off their masks and shook hands as a five minute break was called. As Damian turned to reach for his water bottle on the bench, Agreste approached him with a heavy hand on his shoulder.

“I saw your match with Marinette,” he spoke with nothing short of excitement and slight wonder. “She’s new to the club but she’s a quick learner. I’m glad she joined and she seemed to enjoy warming up with you! What do you think?”

Huh.

Maybe Agreste was the adoring fan in their dynamic. Any more brightly, and the boy’s green eyes would be sparkling like fireworks as he continued to wax poetics about the short girl. That of which got annoying pretty quickly.

Another whistle, that French coach was rather annoying with the damn thing, was blown and the students made their way back to the mats. A new rotation was called and Damian was finally paired with the red fencer who caught his eye earlier. In contrast to his previous partners, this one stared at him with poorly hidden, yet unprovoked, contempt. The furrow in her brows and slight downturn in her lips was a mirror to Damian’s own expression. The air between them was charged as they both assessed each other. Neither spoke but neither was paying detailed attention to the instructors. Issuing a silent challenge, Damian tilted his head back to stare the shorter girl down by the tip of his nose, smirking at her increasingly furrowed expression. He scoffed at her as the call for putting on their masks was issued.

“Damian,” he said at last, getting into the starting position.

“My name is unimportant— you, tyrant, will die today by my blade.”

Not even Damian’s brothers were that theatrical; his sister? Maybe. And perhaps Todd, but that’s irrelevant. Was she for real or was this a taunt that got lost in translation? Just who was she? From an outsider’s perspective, the two of them painted quite an interesting picture, posed in their black and red uniforms, a vision against the whites of their clubmates. The air was rich with their slowly growing disdain for each other. The instructor’s voice of ‘en garde’ was drowned out by their hurried movements.

It didn’t take long for Damian to deduce that his opponent was undoubtedly the best of the French group. Her moves were punctuated with needle-like precision and each attack was laced with slowly growing malice at the challenge. Damian didn’t have to hold back nearly as much as he had, once again, underestimated his opponent. There’s a lesson to be learned here but he would never give Pennyworth that satisfaction. The butler’s smug grin and echoed voice of ‘you are not nearly as infallible as you believe, Master Damian’ arose in his mind and the irritation at the notion was channelled directly into his current duel. He struck out with more aggression than he initially had intended to but, as it had put his opponent on the defensive, he wasn’t going to rear his anger in. Instead, he let it fuel his movements more, pushing his opponent off the mat as they danced across the floor.

This only spurred his nameless opponent on more as she matched him strike for strike in equal aggression. Damian wasn’t sure if it was due to his sudden tunnel vision but he could have sworn that the world narrowed to only the two of them, the clash of their weapons being the only sound he could hear. Time faded into nothing and all his focus was on parrying and attacking and lunging and parrying again in a vicious cycle. Points were earned back and forth but no time was called in between to award either of them. This wasn’t a match for points. This was war. A battle to the death issued by the red demon before him. She was no longer just a practice partner or an aggravating opponent. This was his enemy now. Damian would not fail. Damian Wayne doesn’t lose after all.

The shrill of a whistle had the two freezing in place. Giving himself a few seconds to collect himself, Damian felt as if he was coming out of a haze. He watched as the red fencer before him relaxed her posture and turned to face the French coach. Taking off his mask and catching his breath, he noticed that the two of them held the collective attention of the two clubs.

“Now THAT is fencing!” The French coach’s boisterous voice echoed in the gym and was accompanied by his harsh clapping. His two previous practice partners were equally as enthusiastic but subdued in their applause, sporting matching grins at the red fencer. Damian could only glare at the students, refusing to acknowledge his opponent.

The rest of practice went on as such for the next hour but none of the other French fencers captivated him like the first three. They must have had private tutors as they were obviously a cut above the rest. Practice ended without much fanfare and Damian found himself waiting for Pennyworth outside the school gates as the French class were loading their bus. He only caught the tail end of the slight murmurs of conversation but Damian caught the Agreste boy referring to the red fencer as Kagami. Hmm.

Pennyworth pulled up shortly after and once he was inside the vehicle, Pennyworth didn’t hesitate to question him about the experience.

“There was a visiting French club. They were lackluster and struggled to keep up with me even with me holding back.” He refused to look the old man in the eye, glancing a knowing smirk on his aged face. “Three of them showed promise. But I was still superior in every way.”

“Well then, I hope they didn’t tire you out completely. I believe we are expecting some of those same French students over for dinner this afternoon.”

“Pardon?” Damian could not be bothered to compose his irritation at Pennyworth’s brazen declaration. Why was he just learning about this now? “Any idea who exactly will be joining us?”

“I believe Madame Dupain-Cheng, Madame Tsurugi and Mister Agreste all agreed.” Agreste? The model boy. Damian was willing to bet that Dupain-Cheng was the short girl from the warm-up as the two seemed fond of each other. That would probably make Tsurugi his red opponent, Kagami. But that begs the question why they were invited to dinner. Schooling his expression and gaining some more composure, Damian addressed the butler again.

“Any reason why those students in particular?” Aiming for an aura of nonchalance, he continued. “It’s quite the coincidence as those were the three French students I mentioned showing promise. Why were they invited?”

Pennyworth saw right through him and casted a humoured glance at his reflection in the rearview mirror.

“Oh, I would say that Madame Tsurugi shows more than just promise, Master Damian. She is an Olympic hopeful after all.” That… That makes sense Damian supposes. It would definitely explain her confidence and skill. But she still irritated him.

“And what of the other two?”

“Those two would be Madame Tsurugi’s closest friends. Their club is here on a Wayne Foundation sponsorship and your father personally invited Madame Tsurugi to dinner.” Pennyworth paused as he turned into the manor gates. “She and her mother agreed to the invitation on the condition that the young lady’s friends be invited as well. I see they have left quite the impression on you.”

“They require further judgement,” and the conversation died there.

Ignoring the crowd of his siblings upon entering the manor, Damian went straight for his room to research more on his new rival and company.

After two hours of constant research, he was reluctant to admit that the three were rather accomplished in their own rights, and that he had completely misjudged them. Dupain-Cheng was a talented baker and designer and was indeed a fast learner, only officially being in the fencing club for two months. She was also in a new relationship with Agreste. That explains the sappiness and nauseating shower of compliments. Agreste himself was a budding pianist on top of his modelling and fencing prowess. He even featured in some gigs by a local popular band. Tsurugi was more than just an Olympic hopeful, coming from a famous line of fencers and kendo masters back in Japan. She has a roster of competitions won and is currently holding three world titles for her age group. He supposes that that’s quite impressive. But it still doesn’t supersede his training. Would it be improper to challenge her to another duel when she arrives? Probably.

Checking the time, he realized there was forty minutes until dinner and only ten until the three guests arrived. He freshened up his appearance and changed out of his fencing gear into more appropriate attire. He headed down to the foyer to wait with his siblings in greeting their guests. Cain stood next to him and gave him a quick once-over glance. She didn’t say anything but her giggles did not bode well for Damian.

The door was being held open as their three guests walked in and they all wore matching expressions of surprise as their gaze landed on Damian. They greeted his father and each of his siblings, exchanging quick hello’s before the Agreste boy regarded Damian.

“Hey! You’re that guy from the fencing club.” All eyes were on Damian in an instant, his siblings wearing various ranges of delight.

“Yes, he is that guy from the fencing club. Tell us everything,” Todd interjected. He swung a casual arm around Agreste and began herding them further into the manor towards the drawing room. Before Damian can begin to preserve his reputation, Todd and Agreste were already in deep conversation with random input from Dupain-Cheng and Grayson. Tsurugi hung back from the herd and was thanking his father for the invitation. Her calm, withdrawn voice was very different from the scorn she was showering him with during their duel. She caught him staring at her and just ignored him, brushing past him to follow quickly behind the others. He caught his father’s eye and regarded the man silently. Even when maintaining public appearances, his father never did anything without reason. So what was the value in inviting some French kids his company was sponsoring? Olympic grade or not, it was still uncharacteristically more involved than other other company sponsorships in the past.

What was his father’s angle here?

He hoped it didn’t involve playing nice with Tsurugi because her frigid disposition is more trouble than it’s worth. The karma is not lost on him.

Entering the drawing room, he walks into the middle of Agreste illustrating the nature of his duel against Tsurugi. He added unnecessary flourish, making the match seem more grandiose than it really was. He would deny any and all effort exerted as that was a sign of weakness. Damian was not weak.

“I’ll have you know,” he began, collecting their undivided attention, again. “The match with Tsurugi was child’s play. I only entertained her for so long because I thought she could provide some real competition. Clearly, I was mistaken,” he said, like a liar.

“I am more than just competition.” Tsurugi had stood from her place on the sofa to try and face him on even ground. She was still shorter than him but the intimidation was rolling off her in waves. “I will prove to you that I am a worthy opponent.”

That was an invitation for a rematch if Damian’s ever heard one. As he was about to accept the challenge, Pennyworth entered with an announcement of dinner, guiding everyone into the appropriate dining room. His siblings rushed for various seats, splitting up their guests and mixing them in with their chaos. The seating arrangement his siblings had orchestrated had him sitting directly across from the current bane of his existence. The two regarded each other silently, trapped in their own quiet bubble separate from the ruckus of the table.

The dinner was wonderful, as usual, and conversation was as normal as this family was capable of. Except for the intense staring contest he was engaged in with his enemy. She was civil, cordial even, with the rest of the family, sharing jokes with Cain and Thomas with no issue and handled Todd’s annoyance with grace but she couldn’t get a reign on her disdain for Damian. He faintly noticed her two friends exchange curious glances with each other. He paid them no mind; his attention lying elsewhere.

“So, Kagami,” Drake’s voice cut through the loud atmosphere, silencing the table. “You mentioned earlier that you will prove to Damian that you’re a worthy opponent. How do you plan to go about that?” He tried to go for casual but he failed and Damian knew he was doing it just to get a reaction out of him.

“A battle to the death of course,” she was quick with her reply and her tone had no hints of humor. She means every word of that statement. Equal expressions of shock were on his family’s faces, no one knowing what to say. A distasteful snort from the blond cut through the air.

“Kagami,” her friend, Dupain-Cheng, had cut in with a slight chuckle, “I don’t think they know you’re joking.”

“My apologies, then.” Her lips were curled in a faint smirk and then she said, “While I initially had all intentions to contest his false assessment, over the course of the dinner, I have concluded that he is someone not worth the effort.” She took a sip of her drink, completely ignoring the uproar of taunts and jeers his siblings threw his way.

Damian was not going to take that insult sitting down.

“That’s it, Tsurugi,” he rose from his seat, the scrape of the chair on the hardwood floors hushing the peanut gallery. “You wanted a duel, I’ll give you a duel. A clash of swords seems fitting, don’t you think?” He felt quite satisfied with himself, so much so he was completely ignorant to the whispers of his siblings with their guests. His attention was solely on the red demon.

“While I can’t persuade you both from not doing this,” his father’s tired voice was firm and imposing; he looked like he’s aged a few years since the start of the evening, “I must insist on using only the wooden practice swords you have. No real blades allowed. Am I understood?”

It wasn’t really a question as there was no room for refutation but Damian was grateful his father didn’t try to put a stop to the entire thing anyways. A challenge was issued and Damian was going to see it through.

After Pennyworth cleared the table and set about doing other chores, they made their way to the manor’s gym with the exclusion of his father. A mat was already laid out and he went to retrieve the practice swords. They were fashioned to mimic his katana and the familiar weight was comfortable in his grip. Tsurugi was surveying the wooden blade and assessing the balance of the handle before setting into a comfortable starting stance. They weren’t bound by fencing rules this time and he felt the lack of restrictions to be freeing. Grayson had declared himself ring master and was counting down to start them off. Drake was holding a camera, most likely recording, and Todd was conspiring with Dupain-Cheng and Thomas in the corner. Agreste and Cain were observing like normal people—Damian failed to see them silently exchange some cash— and he ignored them all to focus on the foe before him.

Grayson’s call for ‘go’ set them off like steam engines, their swords crashing into each other in heavy strikes. Using his advantageous size, Damian pushed back and swiped for her legs. She blocked the attack, sword intercepting his, swinging her back leg behind her to kick at his chest. He recoiled at the contact and the pressure of her boots before aiming a broad sweep over head, bringing his arms down in a wide arc. She blocks that as well, but was brought down to a knee, all her focus in holding her blade across the palm of hand. She pushes against his force and rolls under his blade, tucking herself into a ball before uncurling behind him. Her next strike is aimed for his back but Damian is quick on the defensive and knocks her blade away before stepping into her space. His shoulder clips her chin and he takes the opportunity to elbow her below her chest. He swings around to strike her down but she ducks and swipes at his legs. He jumps over the arc of her blade but isn’t prepared for the kick in his chest as he lands.

He steps back a couple paces to get air back in his lungs as Tsurugi gains her own bearings. They’re both breathing heavily and the gym is silent save for Todd’s inappropriate wolf-whistle. Ignoring him, as usual, he focuses back on his opponent. On the subtle rise and fall of her shoulders, her lean but firm arms holding the sword out pointing at him. Her short bob is in disarray and her brown eyes burn into him like molten lava. Her stare is intense and almost freezes him completely in place.

A second ticks by. Then another. The entire room feels like a stifled exhale, cautious not to disturb the fragile atmosphere. The energy is broken by a charge from Tsurugi as she strikes across his chest, colliding with his blade. Their swords are crossed and they both lean into the push, faces mere inches apart as they try to get the upper hand. Neither was budging, willing to submit to the other.

Damian found himself revelling in the intense focus of her gaze. Even growing up in the League, his mentors always held back, not wanting to accidentally kill their master’s heir. His siblings were no better, always underestimating him, never taking his challenges seriously. But Tsurugi? She matched him blow for blow without hesitation. Without fear and without judgement. The lack of threat of death hanging over him made the fight that much more enjoyable. If he were anymore focused on his own expression, he would have found a smile, not a smirk or a half-hearted grimace, but an honest-to-god smile. A grin even.

Tipping the fight in his favour, he aims a kick to Tsurugi’s knee, and turns out of their lock of swords. Feeling emboldened, he takes to taunting his opponent.

“You know, you are a lot better than I thought you would be,” he swings his sword around aimlessly, waiting for her to get up again. “But you’re still no match for me.”

Rather than respond, Tsurugi swipes up at him, both hands on her sword hilt, in a broad arc. Her body follows through with the motion, with her back leg sweeping the floor gently, her back to him by the end. Damian sees the opportunity and lunges to attack her now open back. He’s almost flushed against her with his sword about to press into the curve of her spine except his swing is intercepted by his opponent's block. She had anticipated his move and swung her arms over her head, carrying the blade behind her to protect her. Damian’s blood runs white hot with the shame of falling for her feint. Still held in this position, Tsurugi casts a smirk over her shoulder, head tilted back towards his chest. The position, with the exception of their swords, has them appearing to be in a dance, with his partner—no, opponent— ready to be spun out in a graceful turn.

“Are you sure?” her voice was rough with exertion and tainted with glee, “You seem to have failed to gain any substantial upperhand.” She kicks back into his shin and then steps out of his space, spinning under her arms, keeping her sword against his. Now facing him directly, Damian can see the fire shining in her brown eyes, ablaze with excitement and ferocity.

“Don’t think yourself so high and mighty,” he started to step to his right, trying to prepare for another attack but she matched him in moves and now they were slowly circling each other.

“Ironic coming from you, I’m sure.” Her tone was flat but her eyes glimmered with amusement. Her blade shifted ever so subtly, pointing further down Damian’s body, aimed directly for his stomach. Damian takes a chance and steps into her space, left arm gradually inching towards her sword hilt. Using his longer legs, he sweeps one under her stance, hooking his ankle around hers.

It happens in slow motion. Or at least, it felt like it did. He’s bringing his leg back towards himself, knocking her off center, balancing on an unsteady leg. He’s grabbed her sword hilt and is pushing her arms and the sword above her head while his own sword slides to place against her throat. He pushes further into her space, leaning over her and bending her back, almost chest to chest, nose to nose with his sword in the breath between them. Their precarious position cants them completely off balance and she’s fallen with him on top of her. Her arms are pinned firmly above her now, her grip on her sword long forgotten, and Damian’s weight is balanced on his knees, preserving any dignity he has left. They’re still so close to each other, the weight of his blade gingerly pressing into the lines of her neck. Her head is tilting back, a futile attempt to escape him and once she acknowledges that, Damian can feel the muscles in her arms relax beneath his vice-like grip. They’re staring at each other, and Damian finds himself not wanting to look away.

Oh.

Oh.

In his seven years of living with his father’s family, he never understood how his father could casually welcome thieves and assassins into his bed. How his brothers surrounded themselves with people equally dangerous. How his sister would challenge an opponent she knew she couldn’t beat. How they could all flirt with danger and not even question it. Now he understood. It was a heady rush, like a freefall without certainty of a parachute or a net. It was an addictive type of excitement to come face to face with someone who doesn’t look at him with fear but with equal competition. He could get used to this.

A click of a camera shutter and Pennyworth’s attention-grabbing ‘ahem’ brought him out of his own head. He saw Tsurugi blink herself out of a similar daze and look towards her friends. Finally registering their compromising position, Damian began to extract himself from her. Now standing, and trying to tidy his appearance, he tossed his wooden sword to the side and extended a hand out to the still lying girl.

“I win,” he says, and the taunt falls flat even to his own ears. He clears his throat and tries again. “You are a decent opponent. It was an honor to go against someone of your caliber.”

She accepts his offered hand and as he’s pulling her up, she takes the opportunity to pull him in closer.

“I admit defeat,” her eyes are still intense but softens as she continues speaking, “and there is clearly more I can learn from you. The club is in Gotham for two more weeks for the competition next week. I am willing to have you as my teacher if you accept.”

A pretty pink blush colours her cheeks and Damian can feel his face match hers in intensity. Before he could answer her, her blond friend interrupts them, cutting into their little bubble.

“That means she’s asking you on a date.” His hands are cupping his mouth like a megaphone and he stage whispers for all their captive audience to hear. “Say yes.”

His siblings are eyeing between him and the French teens like they’re spectating an interesting tennis match. Not given the chance to answer, again, Cain replies for him.

“He says yes. Next Friday, after school.” Her reply is curt but the curl of her lips illustrates her delight in the entire situation. His cheeks are even warmer now and he still hasn’t stepped out of Tsurugi’s space and were they always standing this close?

Looking back to Tsurugi he sees that her attention is still on the others and her face is graced with a gentle smile.

“I accept your offer,” her head swivels back to him as he speaks, and there is a slight glimmer to her eyes, hope dancing in pools of warm chocolate. “If your friend was right about your true intentions, then I accept that offer. There is a lot I could learn from you as well.”

“Yes, and I am also available on Friday if your sister is to be believed.” Her hushed voice is drowned out by the uproar of his siblings and he catches a glimpse of Dupain-Cheng jumping in place.

“I can’t believe he actually said yes.” Thomas.

“I can’t believe she’s actually into him,” Drake.

“I had good money on him making a fool of himself, shame.” Todd, who then gets elbowed by Grayson. He ignores them all, staring down at the increasingly embarrassed girl before him.

He goes to speak but a pink blur is knocking Tsurugi on the ground in a heap of limbs. They’re giggling and babbles about double dates filter through so he doesn’t worry too much and then a weight settles on his shoulder, surprising him. Agreste had somehow snuck up on him and was patting him in a false sense of comradery.

“Well that was an interesting turn of events. They grow up so fast,” he fake sniffles, wiping nonexistent tears from his eyes. Damian is not fond of the familiar theatrics. “I agree with your siblings, I didn't think you would agree. Especially with the looks of bloody murder you were giving us during practice today.”

He scoffs and lets the subtle accusation roll off his back. Agreste continues as if he weren’t interrupted.

“Clearly you two flirt the same way. Violently.” He’s cut off from speaking as Tsurugi had hit him with one of the discarded swords from her place on the floor.

“At least I don’t hesitate or dance around my intended target like a fool, like you two,” she was pouting but her voice held traces of humour and inside jokes that had Dupain-Cheng whining like a child and Agreste acting all sheepish.

“Yeah, okay, that’s fair but can you blame us?” Agreste went ignored as everyone devolved into laughter at their antics.

Damian chanced a glance at Tsurugi to see her very comfortable with Dupain-Cheng’s weight on top of her, laughing at Agreste’s expense. She must have felt his eyes on her and glance at him shyly, laughter dying to a small smile on her lips.

Damian thought to himself that Friday couldn’t come fast enough.

[the-lady-writes-what]

Yandere Promt: #8 Shhh, shhh, it’ll be alright. Just fall asleep in my arms. I’ll protect you from now. 

Suggested by @im-here-only-for-yandere-dabi

More Prompts

Contents: stalking, kidnapping, SFW yandere content

You didn’t notice at first the pair of eyes watching you almost daily. How those eyes followed you from home to work and how you stumbled home after dark. With the amount of stuff you had to deal with, it was easy to ignore their presence. There were never any gifts or notes, nothing obvious to alarm you. It was if you hadn’t anything to fear from the owner of those eyes that watched almost every move. Some days, you felt a prick at the back of your neck as if finally sensing someone. You turned but found no one. 

Your lower back was screaming for some Tylenol. There were sores on your feet despite wearing flats all day. You made off the train and started the walk home. This was a nice neighborhood protected by pro-heroes and the neighborhood watch group. This was a safe community. You never met a mugger or druggie so long as you lived on this street. Not to mention all the security cameras on the mom and pop businesses lining your street. The crisp, cool night air woke you up a little. It kept you awake enough to trudge home.

About a quarter of the way, the back of your neck began to tingle. You rubbed the area, however it didn’t go away. The short hairs on your neck stood on end. It’s just the cold, you thought. I should just get inside. That’s all. 

The tingles didn’t go away. You reached about half way to your apartment complex when you noticed the heavy boots coming up behind. This wasn’t out of the ordinary. People were still walking up and down your street. It wasn’t a gated community. But something about those footsteps made you shudder. They sounded like harbingers of doom rather than the everyday occurrence of a fellow pedestrian walking down the street. You didn’t dare walk faster, not unless you wanted whoever was behind you to follow suit. You gripped your purse strap tighter and kept your eyes forward. 

Where was a decent hero when you needed one?

The footsteps behind you followed you up the complex next door. Feeling brave, you looked over your shoulder. The man following you was dressed a bit eccentrically with platform boots and a dog collar around his neck, but at least he wasn’t a villain. Subtly, you breathed a sigh of relief. You made it to your apartment, safe and sound. Paranoia was getting to you, that’s all. 

But was it paranoia when you put the key in your door only to find it partially open?

Like an idiot, you pushed it open all the way. The living was dark except for a candle burning on your coffee table. You flipped on the lights, however no one was there. You certainly didn’t light anything before you left the house. That would be irresponsible of you. That, however, wasn’t the strangest part. The tongue of flame dancing on the candle’s was blue. 

You dropped your purse in the middle of the room as your eyes stared at the azure flame. Its unnatural color reminded you of someone, but you couldn’t remember who. Who was it? 

“Hey, Y/N.”

You turned on your heel to find Dabi, the villain with 30 innocent people’s blood on his hands. He was much taller than he looked on TV, which made him all the more intimidating. 

You swallowed past the hard lump in your throat. You wanted to scream, but your tongue cleaved to the roof of your mouth. Even if you could, how loud could you be to alert someone? Would anyone bother calling the police to help you? 

“H-How do you know my name?” 

“You and I go way back. Don’t you remember me? Your old friend Touya?” 

Blood vanished from your face. You shook your head in disbelief. 

“No, it can’t be. He’s dead. They found...”

“A jawbone. Just a jawbone. Just some poor dumb kid who was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Dabi. 

“You don’t mean...”

“I just want to talk, Y/N.”

You glanced at the door. Your legs were a bit shorter than Dabi’s, but would you be able to reach the door in time? It was a chance you were willing to take. You took two steps backward before spinning on your heels and breaking for the door. Dabi’s legs were indeed longer than yours. They made quick, easy strides towards you. He caught your arm before you could reach the door. You were pulled close to his chest, intense heat spreading through your clothes and over your skin. The arms wrapped around you were like temple columns, not easily shaken except by a mighty force. You opened your mouth to scream only for Dabi to clamp his hand over it. 

Your eyes bulged out of their sockets the moment you felt the prick of a needle between your neck and shoulder. Something ran into your bloodstream then disappeared. You faintly heard the audible chink of metal against your coffee table. 

“Not even a fake hero came to protect you, Y/N. Which is why I'm bringing you some place where you can’t get hurt or manage to hurt yourself.” Dabi husked against your ear. 

You scratched and clawed and pulled at the staples holding his flesh together. Slowly but surely, whatever Dabi injected you with coursed through your system. Increasing your heart rate only made the concoction speed through your body that much faster. Your legs gave out first. Dabi was there to keep your from falling flat on your face. His arms bound you to him while your mind slipped away. 

“Shhh, shhh, it’ll be alright. Just fall asleep in my arms. I’ll protect you from now.” 

[kikis-writing-world]

Flags and Labels

Part of Writer Wednesday by @flightlessangelwings​ & @autumnleaves1991-blog

Pairing: Modern AU, pan!Din Djarin x Bi!Reader (GN, no pronouns, no Y/N)

Word Count: >2k

Rating/Warnings: Mentions of a religious upbringing and trauma from that past. Essentially Din grew up in “The Children of the Watch” and was very sheltered, but is now exploring the real world. If I’m missing anything else I should tag in this vein, please let me know.

pride  /  “Kiss me again, like you mean it.”

You smiled brightly at Din as he gazed around, a look of wonder on his face. The street was alive with colour. Walls, windows, fences, parking meters: Everywhere you looked were multicoloured flags of every kind, representing the various people taking to the streets to celebrate their freedom to be who they are. The people themselves in the streets were just as colourful. They sported flags and bright colours and all kinds of eccentric accessories, showcasing who they’re proud to be. The joy in the air was palpable, contagious even.

You had been friends with Din for nearly two years now, the two of you having met at the local library. He always took out such interesting books on a variety of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction, and shortly after becoming acquainted with him you found out why. He had grown up in a very strict religious sect - some would go so far to describe them as a cult - and had been sheltered from many things until his early adulthood. When he became comfortable with you, he had just as many questions for you about the “real world” as you had about his past.

One topic that had come up as you two talked about Din’s past was his sexuality. He had known from a young age that something was different. His religion had been strict about heterosexual couples being the only way, shunning all other types of love. You happily helped him find books and resources he could look into, to further explore his feelings. You also opened up, sharing your own personal journey and experiences as you came to terms with your bisexuality.

When you suggested taking Din to this year’s pride, he was both nervous and excited. He still wasn’t a fan of large crowds, a side effect of his upbringing. He also didn’t know what to expect when he got there. With some research and reassurance from you that you wouldn’t leave his side, he agreed. You were so glad he did now that you were watching him take it all in. 

“All these people…” Din trailed off, losing his voice.

“They all support love.” You finished the thought. “Regardless of labels, they all just wanna be who they are, love who they want. There’s always some protesters, but whatever, don’t pay them any mind. We outnumber them.” You chuckled.

“I had no idea this was out here, all this time.” He breathed.

You had to bite your lip to keep your own emotions in check. The look of awe, the unshed tears in his eyes. You felt drawn to the sweet, quiet man like a moth to a flame. You’d been falling for him for months, the embers of your crush only stoked when he opened up about his sexuality and yes, you were in his spectrum. The glimmer of hope that he might be attracted to you dangled in front of you like a feathered cat toy… but you just couldn’t risk it. He had opened up to you, come to you for guidance and a shoulder to cry on. You felt guilty taking that away from him if you pushed that line too far. You’d crush on him silently while remaining a pillar of support.

“C’mon,” you wrapped your hand around his forearm - a safer place than taking his hand or feeling the enticing muscle hidden under the sleeve of his t-shirt - “let’s dive in.”

You watched Din carefully as you two walked the streets and took in all the sights. You wanted to know if he was getting overwhelmed or uncomfortable, but he took it all in stride. He had lots of questions about the performing drag queens, and not all that you could answer yourself. You laughed heartily at the look on his face when one queen draped her boa over his shoulders with a shimmy. 

There were people doing tarot readings, which while he seemed intrigued about, didn’t want to miss anything else by waiting in the long line. You shared a rainbow coloured ice cream sundae which turned your tongue different colours as you went, both of you laughing as you stuck your tongue out periodically - you forced yourself not to think about how the flavors would taste on his tongue every time it came out a different colour.

You made a point to stop at some information booths for local groups, picking up flyers for Din to look over later. Sports teams, choirs, friendship/support groups; Din was absolutely shocked to find there were arms of religion that not only accepted but supported LGBTQ+ rights. You knew he was struggling with reconciling his religious teachings with the “real world” and thought maybe these groups might be able to help navigate it more than you could with your limited experience.

A face painting booth caught your eye and you dragged Din over, not that he was putting up much of a fight. There were a few people doing the face painting, some clearly artists who would do a full-face of whatever you requested, but also there were some that were simply painting pride flags on cheeks for the price of a donation to a local queer youth shelter.

You and Din looked over the board they had set up of different flags, all that you had seen throughout the day as you explored.

Dropping some money into the bucket, you sat on the stool and asked for a bisexuality flag. Din stood by and watched as the artist painted. You kept quiet, not wanting to cause them to mess up.

“Well? What do you think?” You prompted when they were done.

“It looks nice.” Din nodded.

“Did you want one too?” The artist asked, looking Din’s way.

You looked over to Din, smiling as you waited for him to answer. As comfortable as he’d grown in your time walking around and meeting new people, you didn’t know if he was ready to wear anything pride related. It was his call, but you looked as encouraging as you could.

“Um, can I get this one?” He asked, pointing at the Pansexuality flag. Your heart soared for him. It wasn’t exactly a declaration of finding the right label, but feeling comfortable enough to display the flag on his cheek was definitely progress.

“Of course!” They answered, gesturing for Din to sit in the stool as they got the right colours ready. As he sat, you gave his shoulder a squeeze. He looked up at you with a soft smile, eyes shining with excitement.

“Have you ever had your face painted before?” You questioned, realizing that it probably wasn’t the kind of thing he’d grown up with.

“I don’t think so.” He shrugged.

“Oh, it’s been a while since I had a virgin.” The artist teased with a wink, making you laugh as Din blushed bright red. You ran your hand across his shoulders to soothe him through the embarrassment, although all it did was make your own face flush as you felt the firm muscles twitch under his shirt.

“All done!” It took the artist only a few moments to swipe the three colours evenly along his cheek. They lifted a handheld mirror so Din could see for himself. He nodded his approval with a quiet thanks, adding some more money into the collection bucket.

“C’mere, let’s get into the sun for a picture!” You suggested as you skipped ahead of him. He followed, grinning at your excitement as you found the perfect spot and opened up your camera.

He leaned over you, head nearly resting on your shoulder as you started snapping selfies. Happy ones, goofy ones, serious ones. Your thumb automatically tapped every few seconds as the two of you made different faces. When Din pressed his lips to your cheek, the picture captured every ounce of surprise you felt.

“Thanks for bringing me here.” Din smiled as you tucked your phone away, trying to hide your burning face.

“Y-yeah. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” You stuttered, picking at some non-existent lint on your shirt.

“Did I do something wrong?” The flatness in Din’s voice made your head shoot up. He was frowning, the excitement of the day all but vanished from his expression.

“No. W-W-Why… Why would you think that?” You shook your head, internally cursing yourself for the reaction you had to a simple, friendly kiss.

“I kissed you, and you…” He trailed off, gesturing at you in lieu of verbalizing his thoughts. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”

“No, Din. Don’t apologize-”

“I’ve been trying to tell you for a while now-”

The two of you began speaking at once, only to both pause when you realized the other was talking.

“Trying to tell me what?” You asked, feeling that familiar heat rising up your neck into your cheeks.

“I… I like you… more than just friends…” Din admitted, looking down and kicking at a rock on the ground. “I guess today just… made me feel… brave.”

“Really?” You squeaked, voice malfunctioning as you fought to keep your body under control. You wanted to jump, sing, cartwheel, hell you would fly if you had the ability.

“You don’t have to like me back. I don’t want it to change anything.” Din continued, still focussed on the rock.

You tucked your hand under his chin, forcing him to look up and see with his own eyes how you felt about his confession. His eyes widened a fraction when he took in the wide smile you wore ear to ear.

“I definitely like you back.” You confirmed. “And you are one of the bravest people I know.”

A sigh of relief gave way to a matching smile on Din’s face, the two of you smiling at each other widely, neither sure what to say next.

“Din?”

“Yeah?”

“Kiss me again, like you mean it.”

The only regret the two of you held from your first real kiss was the smudged flags on your cheeks.

Tagging @wickedfrsgrl​ @din-damn-djarin​ @seasonschange-butpeopledont​ @kesskirata​ @phoenixhalliwell​ @vonschweetz​ @insideafictionaluniverse​ @driedgreentomatoes​ @computeringturtle​ @spideysimpossiblegirl​

[eorzean-tale]

Unsung Prompts - July 2022 - What’s in a name?

A figure moved through the thick morning mist, wrapped up in a warm coat that showed the elegant silhouette of an Elezen woman. Maudine Dubois favoured such marriages between form and function, but today it wasn’t enough to keep the cold at bay. It was the mist. It had a way of sneaking its tendrils in the gaps between shawl and neck, glove and sleeve. Chinks in the armour that was her well-crafted persona, of which her ensembles were a big part. Was the Everwinter ever going to thaw? Maudine honestly didn’t think so, not in her lifetime. 

When the truth about the Dragonsong War had come to light, some had hoped that its end might make the spring return. They had both feared and hoped that the ice had been a Halonic punishment, one that the Goddess could thaw if they redeemed themselves with peace. Ishgard was as cold now as ever though, but the raven-haired Elezen had never held such hopes herself anyway. Things were rarely so simple in her experience. Not that such resignation made dealing with this exceptionally cold and dreary morning any easier.

Her high heels click-clacked on the frosty pavement, confidently announcing her passing like she had not a concern in the world. Like she owned these streets just as much as any highborn might. That’s what she liked most about her favourite shoes. Not their looks or how it made some of the more traditionally minded gasp in the rare occasion her long skirts weren’t covering the slightly inappropriate footwear, but how powerful that simple sound made her feel. Each tap on the stones was a statement.

Click, clack, then a scraping as she came to a sudden stop. It suggested a woman going from a fast-paced, confident stroll to a surprised mid-stride halt, which was exactly what had happened when she neared her destination enough to see through the low visibility. The small shop had been but a shadow of grey in the fog until she was right by the storefront, and only then did she notice the Hyur man on his ladder.

“Good morning lady,” he told her politely, having heard her coming. The man even tipped his hat briefly, but quickly went back to his task afterwards. He probably didn’t want to be out here any longer than he had to. If the fancy-looking Elezen woman in all black wanted to gawk at him, well, that was her business. Not that she was gawking of course, at least not specifically at him. Her stare was reserved for his paint job, a deep purple going over the thick black lines of the shop’s name. Maudine could still see the black lettering through the fresh coat, spelling ‘Sirensong Shoppe’.

“Good morning, good sir,” she called back as she took those last few steps to the door, then murmured a soft ‘oh dear’ to herself. This was going to be one of those days.

A crystal chime announced her presence, not that the sudden burst of frosty air didn’t give that away enough already. Maudine could already hear her sobbing, but no self-respecting Ishgardian acknowledged anything before a door to the outside was good and well closed. By the time she did that, the young Elezen clerk had jumped to her feet behind the counter, waving a parchment scroll violently.

“Oh Maudine,” she exclaimed. “They’ve gone and done it!”

The raven-haired woman started to take off her gloves and shawl, basking in the warmth. It smelled pleasantly as well. Of potpourri, herbs, incense, and teas. A quick darting glance showed her everything was where it should be in the small but well-stocked magical trinkets shop. Everything aside from its clerk, that is.

Miss Gwenolie was walking around the counter by then, nearly knocking several items off a shelf in her clumsy haste. Not that she was that much more graceful under normal circumstances, and these were far from it. It was rare to see the normally cheerful, eccentric young woman so distraught, and it concerned the raven-haired woman greatly. “Tell me what happened,” Maudine demanded, keeping her tone kind but stern. Arms were flung around her small frame as the other woman hugged her, and she briefly wondered if it made her a bad person that she was momentarily more concerned about what the dark streaks of mascara-stained tears and snotty nose might do to her coat before she petted Gwenolie on the back. She also wasn’t entirely sure that the other woman’s pink hair was natural, would it stain?

The hug was brief, thank Halone, as the clerk leaned back to dramatically unroll the parchment, so she could read it in an overly posh, mocking voice: “Dear miss Theroux. We hereby inform you that a decision has been made in the case ‘Sirensong Shoppe versus Inquisitor Delroitte’. After careful deliberation, the ruling favours the Inquisitor,” Gwenolie continued, and Maudine was surprised by the venom in her voice. It didn’t suit her, and neither did the snide commentary she provided next: “Because of course they would, those predictable old farts!”

Both women made the sign of the Spear, a force of habit not easily shaken even if criticism of the Church was considered to be far less offensive nowadays. Gwenolie continued reading: “You are hereby ordered to change the name of your Shoppe within the Sennight. Please consider a name that does not refer to an evil creature that affronts Halone, blah blah blah oh those miserable…” She ended that sentence in a frustrated scream as she tossed the parchment away from her, giving the impression of a petulant child. Gwenolie even crossed her arms to complete the scene as it slowly glided to the floor. 

“I’m surprised they would do this now, after all this time,” Maudine mused in reply, but the words of compassion that would follow were drowned out by the frustrated vendor, her tone so very sharp: “Of course they do it now, I mean, they’re not so important anymore, are they? So they can just sling their limp dicks about dealing with the ‘minor’ offences they never had the time for before!”

The silence after those words was deafening as the two of them looked at each other in shock, green eyes meeting mismatched pink ones, and both women started laughing. It was more embarrassment than mirth, but when they were done Gwenolie seemed more like herself. Even-tempered, sweet, unshakable. She blew her nose into a handkerchief, a pink one, Maudine noted.

“I suppose this means you need a new name for the shop then?”

Gwenolie groaned dramatically, her confirmation a sulking: “I suppose. It would have been so perfect too, if you do move into the apartments upstairs.” The lamentation made Maudine seriously wonder what she had done to deserve the comparison to creatures known to lure men to their doom. Perhaps it was a good thing that the shop was changing names after all, even if it was probably supposed to be a compliment coming from Gwenolie.

“Well, you’re always talking about reinventing yourself, maybe the shop could use some of that magic as well, non?”

Gwenolie didn’t seem convinced by that, but she ended up nodding after a deep sigh anyway. “I best get cleaned up before the lady comes,” the clerk declared, something they could both agree on. “Thanks. For listening.”

Maudine looked up from a dark stain on her sleeve, a sudden surge of guilt coming over her as she saw Gwenolie’s painfully sincere smile of thanks. “Welcome,” the raven-haired woman managed to blurt, but by that time she was alone among the trinkets. “One of those days, indeed.”

[marshmallow-phd]

Healing Touch

Part of The Untamed - EXO Wolf Universe

Genre: Wolf!AU

Pairing: Yixing x Reader

Summary: Medical school abroad was the last line on your to-do list before starting the rest of your life. Everything was going according to plan. Everything, that is, until tragedy strikes your campus. In the wake of a professor’s untimely death, you’re partnered with the cute boy with a breathtaking smile in the newly combined labs. You find yourself unable to resist the dimples and shy glances, but his life is here with no plans of leaving. Will you continue on as planned or will you accept the hand that Fate had dealt you?

Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I 8 I 9 I 10 I Final

**

The smell had not changed in all the years that you used to call this place home. Pinecone potpourri mixed with traditional cooking spices and a hint of citrus from the constant dusting. Your aunt had always been a bit eccentric, a bit off beat. It had made being raised by her both adventurous and anxiety-inducing.

In the privacy of your home, her random dance parties and unfiltered way of speaking made you laugh. But when you were in public and she was pretending to be a mannequin in a window display, you ran away to the food court to hide behind a cup of boba. The explanation was always the same no matter what antics she was pulling: she wanted to break you out of your shell. It seemed like a lost cause. You were comfortable in your shell. It protected you and kept you warm.

“I don’t see how you expect to go trialing off to a place you’ve never been before,” your aunt had complained when you first told her about applying to the far away college.

“They’re two entirely different situations,” you had argued. “I can go to class and go back home without any issues.” These days there was your phone if you ever got lost or in need of food but didn’t want to leave the comfort of your apartment. Modern conveniences only enabled your shut-in ways.

“But what about, you know, friends?” She looked at you over her stylish, cat-eye glasses that she had no use for with her perfect vision.

“I have those,” you insisted. So, you might not have had a best friend, but you had people that you occasionally hung out with and collaborated on. Then there was Victoria and Amber from high school. You still spoke to them regularly, despite them going to different colleges out of the area. Your aunt didn’t realize that not everyone needed multiple circles of friends to bounce between.

Pushing her glasses back up her nose, your aunt pouted. “I just worry about you, that’s all. You still don’t like getting into cars, especially by yourself, and if you happen to be studying late….”

“I don’t mind taking the bus.” A bit of a stretch. You did mind but would still take it if the situation were dire enough. Walking was good exercise. And better for the environment. Someone had to look out for the little bunnies.

“Alright,” your aunt huffed as she sipped on her now lukewarm tea. “It is your life. I’m just a spectator of it.”

“At least you have premium seating,” you teased.

That had made your aunt laugh. She was back to her more carefree self.

“Is that my favorite niece?”

“No, it’s your least favorite nephew.”

Your aunt poked her head out of the hallway, the edge of her pink fuzzy robe telling you that she was getting ready to go out.

That was the exchange the two of you always had when you came to visit. The first time around, you had rolled your eyes and given the sarcastic answer for the cliché greeting. As your mother and aunt were the only siblings in their family and your father was the single offspring from his parents, there were no other nieces or nephews to put above or below you.

Without prompt, your aunt passed through the living room and onto the kitchen. When she came back, she had two wine glasses filled with bubble pink liquid. After handing you the lesser filled glass, she sat down on the couch while you opted for the loveseat, letting your purse drop to the hardwood floor by your feet. Your aunt leaned back on the arm rest with one elbow as she sipped on the wine. “It’s watermelon,” she informed you when you hadn’t taken a drink. “Try it.”

Shaking your head, you did as she asked. Oh, no. It was delicious. That was dangerous. You took another, larger swig before putting the glass down on the coffee table.

Growing up, you’d felt bad for your aunt. Sometimes you still did, though not as much after her many lectures as to why you shouldn’t.

She’d always been the carefree one. As a marketing consultant, she was constantly flying all over the globe, having adventures in between work meetings and bringing those experiences back to you in the form of expensive souvenirs. When your parents volunteered to go help a poorer nation with their health crisis, your aunt was quick to lend her babysitting services. It was only supposed to be temporary, after all. Then tragedy struck

Your parents never came back and suddenly your aunt was now your permanent guardian. The carefree spirit took it in stride. She shifted her strategy to more web-based conferences until you were in high school and able to be on your own for longer periods of time. She never turned into your mother; she never wanted to. For that, you were even more thankful. She was still the spontaneous, forever young aunt that you had always known. That stability in her personality was exactly what you needed. Too much had changed in your world on a dime, the less that was altered the better.

“What prompted this little visit?” she asked, a curious half smile on her lips.

You shrugged. “I hadn’t seen you in a while, so I thought I’d stop by and say hi. It looks like you’re getting ready to go out, though.”

Your aunt waved her hand limply. “Not for a few hours. Besides, anything can wait for you.”

Shifting in your seat, you smiled at the affection she had for you. “I finally heard from the university,” you told her.

Her eyebrows shot up. “You did? They finally decided to stop dangling the carrot and just give it to you, did they?”

“Not exactly,” you cringed. “They said they wanted to see how this semester went and then they would let me know.”

Your aunts face fell into a scowl as if something awful smelling had made its way into her nose. “What sense does that make?”

You shrugged. “I don’t know. But at least it’s not an outright no.”

Clicking her tongue, your aunt leaned forward so she was now balancing her elbows on her knees. “You know, there are still other options. Closer options.”

“I know,” you said with a monotone voice. “But Plan A is my focus. I’ll look to other options if that falls through.”

That knowing look you were all too familiar with formed on her face. A long, reminiscing sigh blew out from her lungs. “You are so much like your mother. It’s scary sometimes.”

You never knew how to respond when she said things like that. Should you be happy at the comparison? Sad because your mother wasn’t here to tell you herself? You were a child when your parents passed away. You remembered vague moments, birthday parties and movie nights. But when you’re that young, you don’t get a good idea of your parents’ personalities. You don’t learn what they like or don’t like, how they act in crowds versus a small group of people. You have to rely on the memories of those left behind.

You stayed at your aunt’s house for another hour or so, talking to her about her latest clients and nights out with the girls. You told her how your days were going and how you were adjusting to the new routine with the combined class. The news of Yixing sat on the tip of your tongue, but you couldn’t bring yourself to mention him. Her reaction would have been too predictable.  She’d ask when the two of you were going to go out and when you explained that it wasn’t like that, she would ask why not. For that, you didn’t have an answer.

While you wanted to say that the two of you were just friends, it didn’t feel like the truth.

You saw more of Yixing than of anyone else, including Ran. He would walk you to class multiple times a day and the two of you would talk. Not about anything too deep. You weren’t at that level yet. He was funny and charming, never speaking a word that wasn’t kind. You learned that he lived in farmhouse in the woods with eight other people, all men. He swore it was never too crowded and that he actually enjoyed the company. He got lonely easily.

He also told you about how he took a few years off of college to figure out what he wanted to do. You’d asked him how he came to the path of becoming a doctor. He said he simply wanted to do something that would help people. He thought about opening a low-income clinic once he had his degree. Suddenly your heart was pumping under your sternum. When he asked why you went pre-med, you gave a shrug and said your parents and left it at that. These conversations were usually nice and lighthearted, you didn’t want to be the downer.

Yes, spending time with Yixing was nice, the highlight of your day, sometimes. But he also felt like a secret. One that you should keep to yourself for now. Good things didn’t always last. You wanted to see if this was a long-term investment for him before you invited anyone else in.

The next day, you needed some fresh air, so you decided to take a walk in the nature center on the edge of town. Although the woods would be a no-go area since they still hadn’t caught the animal terrorizing the area, the center would be full of people and should be quite safe. It couldn’t really be considered part of the woods given the infrastructure and the observation building, could it? Deciding to go anyway, you packed your bag with a few notes, snacks, and a water bottle. As your hand landed on the doorknob to leave, your eyes fell on the jacket lying on the back of the couch.

You hadn’t worn the comforting fabric since that day. The weather had been nice and putting it on would have seemed a bit obnoxious in your eyes. But this morning the weatherman had mentioned a chilly breeze. It wouldn’t hurt.

Arms through their designated holes, you left the apartment and started the walk to the outskirts of town. It wasn’t too far of a walk, maybe thirty, forty minutes at the most. You thanked yourself for wearing the jacket. A “chilly breeze” was an understatement. A few families and couples were dotted among the trails of the nature center that wound near and over the small creek. You passed by them all until you came to a spot that was deserted. Resting your legs, you sat on a bench with your back to the trees. The sun was shining up above. The only noise seemed to come from the rustling leaves and trickling creek. It was peaceful, just what you needed.

With your bag beside you, you took out a piece of paper with yesterday’s notes and started to review them. Some of the words were smudged and the edges were already crinkling, but you could make most of it out. The paper flopped in the wind. You thought you had a good enough grip on it, but a gust of air proved you wrong.

The paper went flying over your head and straight for the trees. Panic made you jump up, slinging your bag over your shoulder as you ran after it. The wind – now relentless – was enough to keep the paper continuously out of your reach.

It finally came to a stop when it caught on a tree root sticking out in the ground. You snatched the paper up and stuffed it into the bag to keep it from running away again. Straightening up again, your eyes settled on the horizon.

Then you screamed.

**

Yixing’s eyes snapped open.

He was no longer a wolf. He was human again. Sitting up, he brushed off the leaves from his arms. What time was it? Was it even the same day? He’d blacked out again. At this point, it was almost routine. His only consolation prize being the fact that he was alone. He still needed to figure out what was happening to him. He wasn’t ready to take this to his brothers. There was enough to worry about at the moment.

Getting on his feet, Yixing headed in the direction of where his things were stored. In order to avoid the others wanting to run with him, he’d entered the forest from a different area, storing his things in a bush to get back to later. He flicked his jeans to get the dirt off before pulling them on and then stuffing his feet in his shoes.

A piercing cry for cut through the air.

The hair on the back of Yixing’s neck stood up.

“Help! Somebody help!”

It was your voice.

He gasped. Then he took off. If anything happened to you-

Yixing skidded to a stop when he saw you kneeling in the grass. A body was laying in front of you, the clothes ripped and stained dark. It was lying face down, but Yixing could tell that it was a man and that he’d been attacked.

“(Y/n), what happened?”

You stared at him with wide, confused eyes. “Yixing? What are you doing here?”

He ignored your question, more worried about your own wellbeing. “What happened?” he repeated.

You shook your head as you dropped your eyes to the man lying on the ground. “I don’t know. I just found him like this. He’s still breathing but I’m not strong enough to move him.”

Yixing analyzed the situation. His car was only on the other side of the trees. The man was still alive. From Yixing’s point of view, he could make it, but they needed to act fast. Slipping his arms under the man while careful not to move him too much, he picked the man up and motioned with his head for you to follow.

He said nothing and you asked no questions as the tree line broke. Yixing scanned the parking lot of the nature center until he found his car. He rushed to the vehicle with a few glances over his shoulder to make sure you were keeping up with him.

“(y/n)?”

“Yeah?” You were huffing. Had he been running? He’d tried to go at a pace that you could keep up with.

“In my front right pocket are my keys. Can you fish them out and unlock the doors?”

You nodded. Yixing could feel your fingers trembling as they slipped into the denim opening. The shaking was even more obvious once the keys were free, the house and car keys clinking together as you searched for the fob to unlock the doors. Without prompt, you opened the back door to allow Yixing to slip the man into the bench seat. He told you to get in the front. You tossed him the keys and the two of you rushed to the hospital.

A pair of doctors rushed out of the automatic doors as soon as the car pulled into the emergency entrance.

“We found him in the woods,” Yixing explained. The doctors quickly examined the man as two more nurses came out with a stretcher.

“I think that animal attacked him,” you added.

Yixing’s eyes flickered over to you with worry. The doctors nodded in acknowledgement then helped the nurses move the man to the stretcher. The two of you followed closely but were forced to stay behind in the waiting room. Yixing sat next to you in the uncomfortable plastic chairs that were connected to the wall.

“You never answered the question.”

Yixing frowned. “What question?”

You turned to look at him with your eyebrows furrowed, making him want to reach out and smooth the creases they created. “What you were doing out in the woods.”

Yixing stiffened. He pressed his foot into the tile floor to keep it from bouncing. “I was… hiking.”

“Without a shirt?”

He looked down. Crap. He hadn’t even realized that he wasn’t finished getting dressed before he took off. “I get warm easily.”

Your eyes narrowed suspiciously. Yixing fought to keep his face neutral. It was a pathetic excuse, he knew it. But you didn’t call him out on it. Instead, you leaned forward, unzipping the polyester bomber that was easily recognizable as his own, taking it off, and holding it out to him.

“I’m fine,” Yixing said, ignoring the jacket.

“You really should put it on. I heard the front desk call the cops. They’ll be here soon, and it’ll look suspicious. What would you tell them the reason was for you not having a shirt?”

A cheeky answer came to mind. Yixing bit down to hold it back, even if it would have caused your face to heat up in an adorable fashion. The instinct of making sure his mate was okay was almost too great to ignore. You were the one who needed to stay warm, stay protected. But you had a valid point. And you were inside, out of the wind. So, he accepted the jacket and ran the zipper almost up to his neck to hide the lack of shirt underneath.

The police arrived about twenty minutes later. They separated you, making him anxious. Over the next hour or so, Yixing gave his side of the story to the officer. They took him at his word that he was strolling through the woods. The doctors had already informed the officers that the wounds were clearly animal made. While severe, they weren’t life threatening. That gave Yixing a small amount of relief.

“Would you two like to see him?” one of the nurses asked another hour later. You nodded eagerly. Yixing stayed a bit behind as the nurse led you through the halls to a large room that held several beds separated by plastic curtains.

The man was awake. Black stitches covered his arms. Three claw marks ran down the left cheek. From what Yixing knew of the other victims, this guy was lucky. He was talking to a nurse when he looked to see who his visitors were. As soon as his eyes landed on Yixing, the heart monitor spiked and his breathing quickened.

“Hey, it’s okay, these are the people who found you,” the nurse said to try and calm him down.

“Oh.” The man’s heart rate started to slow again. Each breath was deeper until they were back to normal. “I’m sorry.”

“How are you feeling?” you asked, taking a step forward. Yixing fought the urge to put himself between you and the man you’d rescued. He was probably harmless, but he had also been through a traumatic situation.

The man nodded. “I’m… alive, at least. Thank you.”

You gave a small smile. “I’m glad I came along when I did. Did you,” you bit your bottom lip nervously, “happen to see what attacked you?”

Yixing held his breath.

“It was a large gray wolf,” the man answered. “Huge. Like a mutated one you would see in the movies. He came from nowhere, knocked me down. I thought I was going to end up like the others as he clawed at me. Then he was gone.”

Yixing’s fist tightened at his side, his throat constricting. He forced down a swallow. He couldn’t panic. Not here.

You frowned. “I wonder what scared him off.”

“Maybe you did?” Yixing said with a slight tease. It was more to keep his own mental state calm than for the benefit of everyone else.

“I’m not that frightening.”

“Whatever it was,” the man shook his head, “I’m thankful.”

“He should really rest now,” the nurse said sternly. Yixing nodded in agreement and, after the goodbyes were given, led you away.

Once outside of the hospital, Yixing stopped you. “I can take you home.”

“That’s okay,” you countered, “I can walk.”

He didn’t like that one bit. Besides, he really needed you by his side right now. “Where do you live?”

“In an apartment near campus.”

No way. “That’s nearly halfway across the city. I can take you. It’s not a big deal.”

You shifted form foot to foot, refusing to meet his eye. “I don’t… really like cars.”

“You made it here alright.”

“That’s because I was too worried about him to think about it. The adrenaline blocked everything out.”

“I’m a safe driver, I promise.”

“I believe you. I just-” You blew air out between your lips, which ended in a growl. It was actually kind of cute. Yixing pushed back a grin. It wasn’t appropriate right now. “My parents were killed in a car crash, so they kind of freak me out.” You sucked in your lips as if you hadn’t meant to reveal that vital information.

Oh. That explained… a lot actually. At least, in terms of what you had been holding back from him. He never wanted to push, but he felt better knowing more about you.

“I understand,” he said sympathetically. “Can I walk you home then? I can come back for my car later.”

You shook your head. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Maybe so. But I need to make sure that you get home safe.”

You weighed his alternative for a minute or so. Yixing kept his patience. He refused to push you farther than you were willing to go. He just needed to see you walk safely into your building and then he would be okay until he saw you again.

“Okay,” you sighed. “You can drive me home.” He could have leapt with joy.

Yixing waited for you to get in the car before sliding behind the wheel himself. The death grip you had on the side handle didn’t escape his notice. He made sure to slow down easily and to take each turn with care. The only words you spoke were to give him directions. It wasn’t until the car was in park outside of your building did you finally relax.

“Thank you,” you told him in a strained voice.

“Any time.”

“I’m sorry if I was a little dramatic. I—” the growl of your empty stomach interrupted your speech. You groaned from embarrassment. Yixing couldn’t help his laugh.

Knock, knock, knock.

Leaning over and looking through the passenger window of his car was a strange girl Yixing had never seen before. He rolled down the window barely enough to be able hear what she was saying.

“How the hell did you get (y/n) into a car?” the girl gasped. You visibly cringed in the seat, sinking down a few inches.

Yixing blinked, unsure of how to respond. “Um, I—”

“Yixing, this is my roommate, Ran,” you interrupted, saving him. “Ran, this is Yixing. We have class together.”

“Oh!” The inclination behind her exclamation was more than obvious. And Yixing didn’t object to it. “I just ordered pizza and I know (y/n) usually gets hungry around this time. Do you want to join us?”

You flashed your roommate a panicked look, but Yixing couldn’t resist the opportunity. “That sounds great.” He caught you flinching, so he added, “As long as (y/n)’s okay with it.”

“Yeah,” you relented. “It’s the least I could do. For the ride.” You flashed an annoyed glare at Ran before getting out of the vehicle.

Yixing shouldn’t be this elated as he nearly sprung from the driver’s seat. He walked around the car slowly and let you and Ran lead the way, in case you changed your mind. You didn’t, thankfully, and Yixing walked up to your door with anticipation so great that he almost was able to forget what the man had said back at the hospital.

Almost.

[firelordzukohere]

Interior Decor

Hello! I started this blog because I wrote a Zuko x Reader fanfiction and I wanted somewhere to post it that wasn’t my main blog. 

I came up with the idea for this fic randomly one day and I thought I’d write it down and share it with you all. It’s going to be 4 parts with a possible epilogue, but I’m not sure yet. Please let me know what you think!!

I’ll be updating every Sunday with a new chapter! Hopefully you guys really like this and keep reading!!

I’ve also posted it to AO3 if you’d prefer to read it there

Thanks!

Zuko X Fem!Reader

Warnings: Fluff, Slight Aangst(heh), and some implications

Word Count: Almost 3k

Summary: Iroh felt it was time for the Palace to reflect the time of Peace and Love that Zuko promised five years earlier at his coronation. He takes it upon himself to hire an interior decorator to help his nephew out and work together. What he didn’t expect was for Zuko to possibly find his own peace and love in the process. 

Chapter 1: Feng Shui >> Chapter 2: Tchotchke 

Walking into the grand entrance of the Fire Nation Palace, (Y/N) couldn't help but stop and begin mentally jotting down the changes she would make to the décor. It was very dingy, dark, and drab, as though the Palace had been sitting in it's own dusty iceberg for a hundred years, keeping it's hatred preserved with each speck of dirt. The windows were covered in black-out fabric, the walls had pictures of past Fire Lords glaring down at those who dared to enter their sacred home of destruction, plants wilted and dead, no life left within them, and the carpet looked as though it had seen millions upon millions of feet within its lifetime.

Now, (Y/N) wasn't trying to be rude, but it was her job to notice these things. She had been hired by General Iroh to redo the interior of the Fire Nation Palace. This meant every single room from the throne room to the dining hall, the ballroom to the Fire Lord's private quarters, everything needed a refresh. She expected this kind of thing to be done back when the Fire Lord had first taken over, however, her services weren't requested until five years after his coronation.

Which is why she stood at the entrance, questioning why it took them so long to get someone in here. The poor Palace staff and the Fire Lord must be drowning in darkness and discomfort. Not to mention cowering in fear at Sozin, Azulon, and Ozai's deep glares within several portraits throughout.

She was busy having a staring contest with Ozai, which she was undoubtedly losing because he was terrifying to look at, when Iroh walked up and greeted her with a warm smile. The look immediately lit the room up, sending a comforting feeling from the top of her head to the bottom of her toes as if she had just dipped herself into the warm ocean to cool off.

"Ah! Miss (Y/N), thank you for your patience," he bowed causing her to return the sign of respect back, "I was just making sure my nephew was ready for our meeting today as well. He's just finishing up with the council, so we'll go on ahead without him and he can catch up," the older man winked before guiding her further into the Palace, "Please, tell me what you think so far, first impressions may not always be accurate, but they do tell quite a lot, especially when it comes to decoration," Iroh said as they walked.

Clearing her throat, (Y/N) tuned into her interior decorator mode. "I feel like I'm living in the Fire Palace from Sozin's time," she said, bluntly, however still with a hint of hope. "I feel like this Palace has most likely been causing the Fire Lord nothing but stress, as though it's a dark cloud looming over his head, watching his every move, almost like Ozai never left." Her voice calm and diplomatic, she had dealt with several Fire Nation officials before and no matter how often she tried to soften the blow, she was usually always dealt with backlash and anger over her honest opinion of the look.

Iroh, however, surprised her, and laughed with his whole body, resting his hands on his stomach for a moment, stopping their stride. "My dear, you are spot on!" This immediately caused (Y/N) to smile brightly, grateful that she was with a client who didn't seem to want to fight her every move. "Even when Ozai and I were boys growing up in the Palace here, we always felt as though we were living during Sozin's reign. Not that we believed that to be a bad thing at the time," he chuckled before continuing on down the hall.

The hallway led into the throne room, which was one of the biggest rooms in the Palace according to the layout that Iroh had given her during her interview with him. The only other room that was as large was the ballroom followed closely by the dining hall.

"This is where my nephew holds council with everyone in all four nations, whoever wants a seat with him. My brother, father, and grandfather stopped using it for that purpose and just became a place to dish out their royal decrees, banishing visitors that were not worthy." (Y/N) frowned listening to the history of this room. "My nephew likes this room to be where he listens and does very little talking, which I think is a wonderful sentiment to have." She nodded and began jotting down notes on her parchment.

There needed to be more light, some greenery added to liven up the place, possibly a little less fire around the throne itself, to seem more welcoming. Overall, the layout of the room was beautiful, it just needed some acceptance instead of deterrence.

Iroh led her toward the next room which appeared to be the ballroom. It was gorgeous, high ceilings with chandeliers, ready for their candles to be lit and make the glass sparkle, tall windows that went nearly from the floor to the ceiling providing a glorious view of the garden outside. Other than a couple of touch ups here and there, this room was incredible. However, it looked like it hadn't been used in centuries. Webs and dust littered the vast room, sheets covered small tables and seating areas and were yellowed with age.

"When my father took power, dancing and parties became nonexistent. He loathed people enjoying themselves, obviously because he did not. My nephew would like to throw a celebration after this redecoration, allowing all nations to come together and dance." Iroh smiled.

"Obviously it was more of a strong suggestion by the Dragon of the West, who rumor has it, excelled in dancing due to his bond with the dragons," a husky voice behind them added, causing the two to turn and find the Fire Lord standing behind them in his royal attire, with a small smirk on his face.

(Y/N) had seen beautiful interiors, gorgeous landscapes, sunsets, flowers, paintings, structures, and everything in between, however, her breath left her body the moment her eyes landed on the Fire Lord in person. He was a very handsome man, defined features and golden eyes that pierced any girl's heart.

This admiration, unfortunately, caused her to stare at him longer than normal, creating an awkward tension within the room. Beside her, Iroh cleared his throat, waking the girl from her trance on his nephew. She blushed furiously and bowed properly to the Fire Lord.

"Your Highness, my apologies, I wasn't expecting you this early," she whispered quickly attempting to cover her ogling with a valid reason, "I'm grateful that you have allowed me the opportunity to work on your home and make it something that you'll enjoy living within and celebrating for years to come." He smiled at her before turning to Iroh.

"It wasn't exactly my plan, as I said, the Dragon of the West is a very convincing man and deemed it necessary that since I was bringing a time of new, the Palace should reflect that." Iroh smirked.

"Please Fire Lord Zuko," Iroh said with a hint of snark in his voice, "I just couldn't bear to see you glare at the paintings of your father strewn everywhere and decided it was a time for change." Zuko blushed and sent a small glare at Iroh. "Plus, you're never going to woo any ladies with a Palace looking like this!" His statement caused (Y/N) to cover her mouth quickly and let out a giggle. Hearing the noise from her, Zuko's face burned darker, matching the Fire Nation red of his robes. "Anyway, my dear nephew, I must leave you at this time, you see it's nearly noon and I have a Pai Sho game to play with an old friend," he stepped back and bowed to both his nephew and (Y/N). "I'm sure you can take care of the rest of the tour and inform her on any changes you'd like. She's brilliant and really knows what she's doing so take everything she has to offer into account."

"Wait, you're not staying?" (Y/N) stopped him, nervously. Iroh smiled and shook his head.

"This isn't my home, it's his, he should be first hand in working with you. You're both smart and will definitely come up with something great together." Zuko's eyes were daggers as he looked at his Uncle. Iroh merely smirked before stepping away and back down the hallway she had originally met him in.

"I apologize for my Uncle, he's… eccentric, to say the least," the Fire Lord said with a frown. "I guess we should move on with the tour," he mumbled awkwardly before shuffling toward the room after the ballroom. The dining hall.

They traveled through the dining hall, the council chambers-as Zuko refused to call it the war room anymore, the spa rooms, a few bedrooms though they all looked the same according to the Fire Lord, several various hallways, where they finally ended, his bedroom.

(Y/N) had filled several parchments with notes and ideas for the Palace. She was already growing excited about the new plans and was ready to bring some life back into the Fire Nation's symbolic building.

"Not much needs to be done in here, to be honest, I don't use it for anything other than a place to sleep," he grumbled as he had essentially the entire tour. After Iroh had left, Zuko seemed unenthusiastic about showing her around and even less excited about her decorating anything.

"With all do respect, your Highness," she started, unable to bite her tongue this time, as she had the previous dozen times he said that he didn't need much done to the room, "that's a problem. Your bedroom should be a safe haven where you go to escape, especially with your job," her (Y/E/C) eyes narrowed in his direction, attempting to convey her seriousness about the situation. "This room is a comfort to you, not a grave to your father's previous sins." His single eyebrow cocked.

"With all do respect Miss…" it was then he realized he didn't know her name. Iroh had handled all the details, Zuko simply nodded his head and did as his uncle said.

"(Y/N)," she whispered somewhat defensively, ready for his retort.

"(Y/N)…" he repeated, "I have an escape in the Palace, though it may not be my bedroom like it seems to be for several of your clients, I can assure you, I'm not like them." He began to walk out of the bedroom, stopping only to turn back at her and nudge his head, signaling her to follow.

Confused, the decorator followed him back toward the ballroom and out into the garden. This view had caught her eye earlier when she was first in the ballroom with Iroh and now, finally getting a thorough look, she couldn't help but stare at the area in awe.

A large tree sat in the center of the zen place, a tiny pond full of quacking turtle ducks swimming happily within. Several other trees and flower bushes littered the area, with small fountains and statues around. It was serene and tranquil, calm seemed to wash over her instantly as she took in her surroundings, admiring the wonderful atmosphere that the garden provided.

Zuko led her toward the pond where he crouched down to rub the head of one of the turtle ducks with the back of his index finger. The duckling quacked and nuzzled closer to his touch instinctively. As the other turtle ducks saw this, they began swimming toward, looking for their own affection from the Fire Lord as well.

(Y/N) couldn't help but stare at the interaction before her, amazed at how the Fire Lord's demeanor changed rapidly. He seemed at peace and happy in this moment just spending time with ducklings in the garden.

"You see, miss (Y/N), while others escape to their bedrooms, I find myself coming here where I can be calm with my thoughts," he smirked up at her as he pat the last turtle duck on the head and then straightened up. With a sigh, she nodded her head, understanding what he meant now. "I do, however, agree, that my room needs more of a makeover than I initially suggested. You're welcome to do with it as you will, just make sure my belongings are taken care of properly." She looked up at him hopeful that he was okay with her being there.

Smiling, she moved toward the tree next to the pond and plopped down. It wasn't quite as ladylike as Zuko expected, like he had witnessed his mother, Mai, Azula, and Ty Lee do, but he couldn't help but smile and follow her lead, sitting down beside her. As she began handing him papers with notes, he watched as she animatedly talked about what she was going to do with each room and how it was supposed to make him feel more comfortable.

"For a Nation about light and the sun, your Palace has very little of it," she started, pointing at sketches she had apparently made as they walked of the different rooms, "I think removing the coverings on the windows and allowing more light to come in will be great. Plus, the sun makes Firebenders feel better, so why wouldn't they want more of it?" Zuko nodded, realizing that it made a lot of sense. "Then your people will be able to see you better instead of the dark shadow that Ozai assumingly was previous." Her casual use of his father's name seemed to shock him, but he didn't say anything and continued to listen. "If they see your face, they'll feel they can trust you more, you're not a bad man to look at either and that could possibly help you in the department General Iroh was requesting which was a new lady friend." She rushed through quickly.

Zuko held up his hand to stop her, "Contrary to what my uncle says, I don't need a woman to make me happy." He said, "I'm doing just fine all on my own." This caused her to stare at him for a few moments in deep thought and Zuko couldn't help but wonder what was going through her head. She seemed to be lost in herself for a moment before her vision returned and she realized she had been staring intently at the Fire Lord.

With a small shake of her head, she focused normally back on him, "I'm sorry, um… yes you're right, you don't need a woman, I was just trying to help." She mumbled before looking down at her papers awkwardly. Zuko handed her back the ones that he had been given and smiled.

"These look great (Y/N), why don't we start tomorrow on it? I will approve anything you want to do," he said trying to reassure the girl who had what felt like an emotional moment from his words.

"No, let me do this right, especially with the Palace. I will return with better sketches tomorrow and then if everything is approved I can bring in a team to start clearing out rooms. We'll do them one by one so you're not without the entire Palace for a couple of weeks," she said, watching as he stood up and held out his hand for her to take. Gently she pressed her palm to his and goosebumps ran up her arm at the shockingly warm contact. He smiled as he helped her to her feet, waiting several moments before leading her hand back to her side and slipping it from his grasp. "Thank you for this opportunity your Highness, you have no idea how excited I am to be able to help you feel like this is your home," she repeated her earlier sentiment with a long bow.

"Zuko," he said bluntly, causing her to look up at him from her bow. Her eyebrow cocked slightly and he couldn't help but smirk at the emotion written across her face. "Call me Zuko, none of this your Highness formality."

With reddened cheeks she smiled and nodded her head. He led her back into the ballroom and toward the entrance to the Palace. "Tomorrow then?" she asked as they reached the grand doorway.

"Tomorrow," he said, looking at her intently. "I'm interested to see what you bring me (Y/N)," he bowed to her.

She returned the bow with one final word for farewell, "Zuko." Her lips formed a smirk that Zuko couldn't stop his eyes from studying for as long as he could before she turned and made her way down the steps, internally wondering why this job made her feel all fuzzy inside.

I hope you guys liked it! Please let me know!  Thanks!

Master List

[jungcity]

bane of the devil. | ix

genre: romance, fantasy, erotica

pairings: vampire!jaehyun x college!female reader

words: 14k

warning: bane of the devil deals with themes of deaths, physical, mental, and sexual abuse as well as toxic relationships. which may be upsetting for some readers. you are advised not to continue if you feel uncomfortable to these types of plots.

sexual content: fingering, semi-public sex (phew), blowjob, slight degradation(?)

“As it has been said: Love and a cough cannot be concealed. Even a small cough. Even a small love.” — Anne Sexton

Lucas and Eva stepped inside Madame Juana’s chambers. The first thing the two noticed were the navy blue curtains pulled to the side to reveal the gigantic gothic windows that permit a large quantity of light to infiltrate the room. The redolent of burning incense filled their nostrils as they spotted the witch mixing different herbs and colorful vials in a mortar.

“What’s that for?” Eva asked, her right hand resting on her dagger fastened to her waists.

Juana fanned the smoke to her face, inhaling the scent of the potion she was working on. She let the mortar sit near the window, where the sun could glare at it, before facing her two visitors. “For Y/N,” she said.

Eva’s mood began to dwindle. The fight from earlier hasn’t died from her system yet. And the thought of Y/N’s audacity made her temple ticked in annoyance.

Lucas remained standing near the door as he observed Juana’s chamber as if it was his first time beholding the eccentric room.

“I don’t know why, Madame,” Eva began, gathering the full attention of the witch as well as her comrade’s. The hunter stood rigid, chin held up high as she spoke, “Don’t you think I’m much more capable than her in killing Alena?”

Lucas shot up in alarm. Eva had no business discussing the matter with the witch. Juana had strictly commanded the both of them to remain silent about the matter. Especially around Y/N, who has no idea that the hunters knew her reasons for joining the Academy and the mission Juana bestowed upon her.

Juana walks with her hands behind her towards the fireplace. She poured tea in her pint pot before sitting on one of the soft couches, one leg over the other. After sipping from her cup, Juana cleaves her tongue to her upper lip, licking the excess tea.

“Do you think I don’t know that?” the witch asked while raising a perfect brow.

Lucas takes two strides to stand beside Eva. He gently wrapped his hand around her arm, but she wiggled herself free, refusing to lose her composure.

“Eva,” Lucas breathed in warning.

Whatever the hunter has in her mind, it’s better to let it go. No amount of disrespect would be tolerated inside the Academy.

Eva merely glanced his way before focusing her eyes on the sitting witch. “Then why?” she insisted.

Juana refused to look anywhere but at the fireplace. A small fire dances in it, casting a bit of an orange hue to the rather porcelain skin of the witch. Lucas would never understand the need of a fire in this sweltering weather.

Juana snapped her head towards the still-standing hunters. It was something that she didn’t invite them to sit. Then she asked, “Do you know what I’ve promised Diego before he breathed his last?”

Eva exchanged looks with Lucas. Voice laced with utter curiosity, the woman asked, “What?”

Juana smoothed out her skirt. “I won’t let his hunters do my dirty work.”

With that, Eva blinked. Confused and out of focus, she stated the first words that slipped past her lips, “But we were born for that type of life. Alena killed Sicheng—”

“Eva!” Lucas hissed. They were forbidden to speak his name. Now Lucas feels utterly enraged by the woman’s audacity. Juana wouldn’t let this past without ramifications.

“My son.” Juana pinned the words with warning. “Is alive.”

Eva shifted to where she stands, barely noticeable because of her forced confidence. “Yes. But she killed his humanity nonetheless.” She took a step towards the witch. “I want to help you, Juana. Let me avenge your son.”

Lucas would’ve been moved by the determination in Eva’s eyes, if not for her grip on Juana’s hands. This side of her, he didn’t know how to process. He admires her bravery and need for revenge. But it doesn’t sit well with him, and he doesn’t think it will be.

“I made up my mind, Eva. I won’t risk any of your lives. I need you alive.”

The statement ticked something inside Lucas. They are hunters: born and bred to fight off vampires. He knows how to use almost every weapon in the armory. But Y/N… she still has a lot to go, despite of her steadfastness. It took Lucas years to master the hunter life. By his own experience, he doesn’t think three months are enough for Y/N.

“Forgive me but I don’t understand any of this,” Lucas chimed in, garnering the attention of the women. “Eva is right, Juana. She’s more capable than Y/N. Let’s give her that credit. But you still insist to send Y/N off to the ball to kill Alena— the vampire primus in this town— and refuse to vouch on us to accomplish this mission instead.” Lucas’s brows were furrowed all throughout his sentence. “It doesn’t correlate.”

With a certain edge to her voice, Juana countered Lucas almost immediately, “Y/N is a collateral damage. And she needs me.”

“Collateral damage?” Lucas and Eva asked at the same time. But the difference between their tones was staggering: Lucas’s disbelief was evident in his voice, whilst pure mockery laced Eva’s.

“Yes. Collateral damage. She’s nothing but that. And as I’ve said, she needs me.”

Eva smirked. “And you took advantage of her.”

Lucas, on the other hand, didn’t know what to say. Words won’t come out of his mouth.

“Exactly. So let’s end this discussion before I turn you both into frogs,” Juana chuckled.

Eva’s mirthful laugh echoed through the whole room. But Lucas remained unmoving, fisting his hands behind him. This is not right. This is not what I’ve vowed to do.

“Lucas?” Juana called.

Lucas shook his head out of his trance. “Yes?”

“Juana asked if you’d join us to dinner?” Eva pronounced instead.

Dinner? Lucas’s appetite went downhill by the conversation that has transpired inside this room. He doesn’t think he could bite and swallow down food.

He shook his head as he refused. The two women shrugged before Eva linked her arm around Juana’s and guided her out of the room, leaving Lucas with his thoughts.

—

“What happened to your nose?” Rhianon asked as you seated yourself across from her in the cafeteria.

Irritation washed through you by the memory of what happened back in the woods. You would’ve felt better if not for the red tinge which adorned your nose yet again.

“I fought with Eva,” you mumbled while forking the green something on your plate.

“What?!”

Heads turned as Rhianon exclaimed. But she seems unperturbed by the stares as she reaches for your hand over the table. Then she speaks again, “Are you alright? What did she do to you?”

The catfight between you and Eva ended with glares and threats. It’s painful to recall, yet you don’t think you will forget it any time sooner.

After the fight, you anticipated a summon from Madame. But as the day continued on, you failed to see her and vice versa.

Unsurprisingly, Eva taunted you as you sparred with Lucas. Every now and then, she would tell how weak your stance was, or how frail your bones were. Lucas encouraged you to ignore her as best you could. But when she hit the back of your leg with her stick, you stood up and faced her. The both of your faces were mere inches away as you sized each other up. If Eva moved an inch then, you would’ve slapped the teeth off her gums. Lucas held her firmly and guided her away towards somewhere you couldn’t be bothered to ask before she could attack you.

“She just taunted me.” You shrugged. As if the fight didn’t leave a hollow feeling inside your chest. You would be lying if you’d truly shrug it off and tell everyone that it was only a part of your training and Eva must’ve been acting earlier for additional emotions. But it wasn’t. She was truly irritated with you.

Rhianon sighed, “It’s not the first time she’d done that.”

The statement piqued your interest. You looked up to see a frowning Rhianon. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… that’s what she did to me in my first day of training. I couldn’t show it to you through this uniform but I’ve attained a keloid here…” She twisted her arms a little to show the location of her keloid right in her biceps, “...when we sparred using daggers.”

“Using daggers?” You gasped in disbelief. First day of training… and with daggers?

“Yeah. Before entering the Academy, they would ask you about your skills. I told them my expertise was using daggers—” A pause, then her eyebrows knitted. “Did they not ask you about your skill?”

You blinked and slumped back to your seat. “I— they didn’t.” You wanted to tell her how you got in the Academy without the process of being ask in any interviews about your skills and whatnot. But the small, scared part of you refused to sound privileged to Rhianon.

“Well, that’s a first,” she commented, “They would normally ask about your skill in weapons before you could enroll. And if you don’t have any, they would advise you to return once you’ve mastered at least one weapon.” Then she chewed up the leafy vegetables with a scowl.

“I’ve never heard of that,” you admitted.

Rhianon did her best to hide her surprise, but you have already seen the glint of it through her eyes. It made you feel odd. All of the students who enrolled here had gone through thorough trainings on their own before entering the Academy. Do they know that you didn’t go through the same hardship? Is that why they look at you as if they are disgusted by your weakness?

“I… think that’s alright? I mean, Eva went easy on you because of that.” Rhianon once again reached for your hand and squeezed. “Don’t fret, Y/N. I know to myself that you’re going to be an adroit hunter.”

Yes, you believe that too. But all of the trainings you would go through would be for naught if until the ball you’d remain inadequate.

A vampire almost killed you. A hunter vowed to hurt you. And there’s a witch who’s withholding information from you.

In the vast expanse of this Academy, you only have three people you could trust. Two of them, you are still hesitant to confide in. That leaves you to one person only.

Jaehyun.

—

Jaehyun decided to return to his own room after the tenuous scene back in the woods. One hunter was more than enough for him to bear. Two would be the death of him. Albeit he’s half-dead already.

He must admit that you made him proud earlier. And he didn’t anticipate such fire in your heart and grace in your movements. If you’d continue to take your training by the heart, you’d absolutely chop off every vampire’s head without sweating.

The thought bothers Jaehyun until now. One way or another, you would he his enemy. And if you declined to be his enemy, you would be his prey. Being a hunter gives you some perks as a human being. As a hunter, you are still vulnerable to vampire attacks, but you would have a chance of surviving. Whilst being a human, the ordinary human, you’d remain ajar and weak for any vampire to prey on. Jaehyun forces himself to think that it’s for your best. But the pathetic part of him wants to drag you out of this Academy. Right now.

Both of you didn’t start off as friends. Hell, who, in their right minds, would offer friendship to someone who bled his stomach out on your doorstep and admits that he was a vampire on your first encounter? Despite of that fact, Jaehyun still couldn’t grasp the idea of you, killing his compeers.

However, why the fuck does he care? It’s your life. You could do anything with it. And it wasn’t as if he couldn’t protect himself from you.

On his way to his own chamber, Jaehyun drew in a halt upon noticing that Juana’s door was slightly ajar. Everything went louder as Jaehyun intensified his sense of hearing: the muffled chatterings of students from afar, the birds singing as they perched on a tree, the crackling of fire in Juana’s fireplace… and the conversation between her and her two hunters.

Someone’s forgetting that there’s a vampire prowling this Academy’s vicinity.

For a moment, Jaehyun debated whether to listen to his own room that was across from Juana. But he couldn’t risk being spotted. Over the years, the hunters have developed a keen sense of hearing. Courtesy of Juana’s magic, no doubt.

The hallway provided no space for Jaehyun to hide as it was in a straight line. He had no choice but to press himself to the wall. Exactly three meters away from Juana’s door.

Lucas’s voice had a crisp edge to it because of Jaehyun’s vampire hearing. “Eva is right, Juana. She’s more capable than Y/N. Let’s give her that credit. But you still insist to send Y/N off to the ball to kill Alena— the vampire primus in this town— and refuse to vouch on us to accomplish this mission instead.”

Jaehyun’s jaw clenched by the mention of Alena’s name. Once, he had worshipped that name. No more.

Mixed feelings swirled up inside Jaehyun by Lucas’s statement. He was right. Jaehyun has been wondering about how it doesn’t make any sense either. Y/N has the spirit, but she won’t stand a chance against a vampire primus if she’d only train for two or three months.

Jaehyun hates Lucas. But he must admit that he does have a point.

“It doesn’t correlate,” Lucas added.

Jaehyun then heard Juana’s sultry voice. “Y/N is a collateral damage. And she needs me.”

For a moment, and despite his sharp sense of hearing, Jaehyun doubted the words he heard. Y/N… a collateral damage? How could someone say that as if a person’s life is nothing but a toy you’d be so willing to throw once it served you enough entertainment?

“Collateral damage?” The two hunters asked. Lucas was appalled. Yet Eva didn’t share the same reaction. She was curious. Curious and mocking.

Red suddenly filled Jaehyun’s vision. The silhouette of gothic windows became a darker shade of crimson. Everywhere he looked, red dominated. It took Jaehyun all his willpower not to barge inside and snap Juana and Eva’s necks.

“Yes. Collateral damage. She’s nothing but that. And as I’ve said, she needs me.” Juana spoke as if she was talking about a fly and not a person.

Jaehyun tried to close his eyes to get rid of his red visions. But the anger inside him refused to subside. He walked towards the door with the grace of a panther, but before he could push open the wood, a force pulled him away. He took a step back to his own accord. No. Jaehyun won’t be able to protect you if he’s going to murder the women behind this huge door.

He pivoted on his heels and grabbed his doorknob instead. Without making any sound, Jaehyun entered his chamber. Dark brown once again coated his pupils as he shut the door behind him.

Heavy and velvet curtains refused to allow any light from infiltrating Jaehyun’s chambers. At least, that bitch witch had the notion that she was catering to a vampire.

What a fucking joke, Jaehyun mumbled. If you are a five-hundred year old witch or a veteran vampire hunter, you’d be careful to converse— even in the comforts of your chamber— to anyone about your wicked plans using your imbecilic minds especially when there’s literally a vampire on the loose.

Jaehyun had given enough credit for the students and hunters in this Academy that he’d forgotten how vapid their likes could be.

What now? he asked himself as he let his back fall to his mattress, his arm propped up on his forehead.

He’d been right all along. Juana is indeed hiding something from Y/N. Jaehyun’s head was full of scattered plans but his fury remained undeterred. He needs to plan something— anything. If it was his life on the line, he wouldn’t think twice about killing the witch and that hunter Eva. But it’s you. And somehow, that makes it more frustrating.

You need this. For your murdered parents. You have been waiting for this chance all your life. Jaehyun would kill himself before ruining this opportunity for you. If he could only do something about Hubert, to make him fucking talk, Jaehyun knows that he would go to the ends of the world to do it— for you.

And when did he start thinking this way? When did his chest start aching by the sight of you? As if you are the one star in his rather dark skies, and that he couldn’t reach you no matter hard he tries.  

Jaehyun bolted upright as swiftly as a cat, then ran a hand through his hair. He wouldn’t be able to think straight if he keeps thinking about you. With a frown, Jaehyun grabbed his cigarette pack on his drawer and lit one. Blowing smoke from his mouth, Jaehyun sat back on one of the soft couches and started to dwell in his other thoughts instead.

—

The day had worn you out to frazzle that all you could think about was to lay on your bed and get cozy in the sheets. Drying your hair with a towel, you walked and sat on your mattress, while Rhianon once again focused herself on reading her Book of Enchantments and Magic.

The golden embossing of the title against the velvety crimson cover never failed to entice you. You weren’t one for magic, but by the luring looks of the cover, you wanted to ask Rhianon about the words written on it.

“What’s your favorite enchantment, Rhianon?” you asked out-of-the-blue.

She seemed surprised by your question that she accidentally closed the book all of a sudden. “Oh, I… well… this might freak you out— but I like the enchantment where you could put back a missing part of a person’s body.”

Something inside you clicked. But you couldn’t put a finger to what it was. You furrowed your brows in scrutiny. “That’s so cool. Have you ever tried it?”

Rhianon sighed, “Uh… no. They said it is reckless. Especially when the person is already dead.” Then her face lit up as she looked at you. “But I wanna try it someday. You know… just to see the extent of my abilities.”

“Your abilities?” you asked. What abilities?

Rhianon blinked, clearly surprised by her own sentence.

Uncertainty creeped up in your chest. You weren’t dumb to wave off her statement. There is something she’s not telling you. Gods, is everyone in this Academy has their own secrets that they don’t tell anyone?

“I… I mean— oh! There’s someone knocking!” She threw the book to her bed before standing and bolting towards the door.

You stared at her back, your own thoughts suddenly disheveled. Then her little squeal broke you out from your trance.

“Your vampire boy’s here!” she exclaimed, opening the door wider for you to see Jaehyun standing on the doorway.

Your chest started to shrink on its own by the sight of him. Suddenly, you felt as if you were back in the woods and sparing with Jaehyun again. His unearthly scent weaving its way through your nostrils as if it left a permanent mark in there because of the proximity you shared with each other earlier.

“Uh, Y/N? He’s waiting?” Rhianon voiced out while nervously looking at the standing vampire.

“Oh, yes,” you mirthlessly chuckled. Pinching your arm to get a grip of your thoughts, you sauntered up to the door to face the leaning vampire on the doorframe.

You shot up a brow. “What are you doing here?”

“What’s with that expression?” He reached out to tangle the edges of your hair with his fingers. “Didn’t you miss me?”

Rhianon let out a suppressed scream behind you. You turned to face and glare at her. She straightened before scurrying back to her own bed.

Jaehyun was still playing with your hair when you swatted his hand away with a frown. “I told you, boys aren’t allowed here,” you said with a sigh.

“Let’s not pretend that you’re not enthralled to see me here.”

“I am not.”

Jaehyun grinned before wrapping his hand around your wrist gently. “Liar,” he said before pressing a kiss on the top of your head.

Heat crept up to your cheeks, you were glad for the darkness as it had successfully hidden your crimson cheek. With a last look at the reading Rhianon, you closed the door behind you.

You cleared your throat. “Okay, what’s this?”

“We’re going to train,” he simply stated. As if the moon wasn’t on its full glory in the heavens, and as if the students’ curfew won’t ring anytime sooner.

“Jaehyun,” you sighed, coaxing whatever patience you have inside you, “It’s nine p.m., please let me rest.”

“Do you want to be the greatest hunter of all?” he asked while wiggling his brows. His current expression has extremely juxtaposed his aura, that you would’ve chuckled if not for the fatigue sticking to your bones.

You deadpanned, “To be honest? I don’t. I just went here in hopes that I could—”

“Do you want to learn how to punch Eva straight in her—”

“Yes.”

Jaehyun chuckled, “That’s my girl.” Jaehyun took advantage of your astonished and blushing face and successfully guided you towards the railings. He leaned closer to your ear, arm still wrapped around you. “First lesson, learn how to jump.”

By looking at the ground below you, you wiggled yourself free from his grasp. “Are you nuts?”

Once again, a deep throaty chuckle resonated with him. “I’m kidding, of course. Just ride me— I mean, ride on my back.”

Ride me. You weren’t so sure if you’d survive this night without your lungs giving out.

“Don’t act so surprised, Y/N. There’s a process to that.”

“To what?”

“To ride me.”

“You’re disgusting.” You turned on your heel and walked away. But Jaehyun grabbed your arm once again.

“Please, kitten, don’t blush.” Jaehyun quickly placed her arm on your back, while his other scooped you up in a bridal style.

“What—! Jaehyun! Let me go!”

He shook his head, “I don’t think I could do that.”

You have no idea how he did it while carrying you, but Jaehyun had managed to climb on the cemented railings. You craned your neck and saw the strands of his hair brushing the roof of the floor.

Without any warnings, Jaehyun jumped. You wrapped your arms around his neck while screwing your eyes shut. The scream forced its way to your throat, but you refused to make any sound and have Jaehyun to tease you after you land.

It took him seconds to land on the hard ground. His body bounced slightly by the impact of his toes on the earth. Then he guided you to stand up on your feet.

Catching a gulp of air for your decrepit lungs, you slapped Jaehyun’s arm. “What was that?” you gasped.

Jaehyun rubbed his chest with a painful expression. “Damn, you are strong.”

You snorted, “Why are we here? I swear Jaehyun, if the guards see us, I’m gonna kill you.”

Jaehyun walked in front of you, purposely waving his hands for more dramatics. “As I’ve said, we’re here to practice your legs and your emotions.”

“Emotions and… legs?” you dubiously asked. “This is not what I am thinking, right?”

His playful façade swiftly turned into that of a predator as he stared at your face. “Why? What are you thinking?”

Jaehyun’s face was clouded in darkness as he stood under the moon. All his ludic emotions vanished instantly, replaced by the mystery that was inside his bones until kingdom comes.

You were reminded then that you wouldn’t understand Jaehyun no matter how hard you try. Both of you are different creatures pretending to co-exist in a cruel world. A world that forbids intimacy between a human and a vampire.

“Torture,” you answered with a nervous chuckle. “I meant you could torture my emotions and my legs, you know.”

“Why would I torture you?” he rasped. Little emotions adorned his voice. It was almost indecipherable, but it was there.

“I was just kidding! Let’s get this over with now, shall we?” You started to walk ahead of him. Agitation filled your chest without any reason at all. Jaehyun silently trailed behind you, until you reached the edge of the woods.

Crickets sang in the darkness. And the hooting owls were obscured by the lush fronds of trees. A shiver ran through you as the crisp wind caressed your body. It whispered to the branches, making them bend and elicit sounds as if they were snapping.

“Alright,” Jaehyun spoke behind you. “When I tell you to run, run as fast as you can Y/N.”

“What do you—” Your voice was cut off by the animalistic snarl he echoed. You pivoted on your heel to witness Jaehyun as he elongated his fangs, the red tinge on his pupils stark against the night. Like the embers of a cigarette.

“Run.”

With your heart in your throat, you whirled and ran towards the woods and into its danger. As the fallen branches snapped underneath your feet, you chanced a look at Jaehyun. His stature was turning smaller as you ran farther away from him. But he remained standing there, watching you disappear into the maze of trees.

All of a sudden, Jaehyun ran towards you. Your eyes widened in mortification. You could hear your heart pounding in your chest as you run and run deeper into the heart of the forest. The thought of a vampire chasing you kindled your adrenaline. It forced out a strength from your legs you didn’t know you possessed.

Jaehyun was near. You could feel him. Perspiration drenched your clothes. The fear inside your chest is raging like a wild animal. As the sweats dripped down your lashes, blurring your line of sight, you failed to notice the rock protruding from the ground. You hit its hard surface with your toes then you went tumbling down the earth.

For three times, your body rolled off the soil. You only closed your eyes, waiting for something to hit your head and kill you afterwards. But all you could feel was the dust and the dried leaves sticking to your sweaty skin.

“Oh, fuck,” you cried. Literal tears streamed down your face as you felt the defeat and the aching of your bones.

You remained lying on the ground while covering your face with your palms. You failed to see Jaehyun as he crouched beside you.

“Get up,” he said while nudging your shoulders.

That simple gesture was enough to irate you. You sat up despite the pain in your bones and glared at Jaehyun. “What was that for?” you sniffed.

“I needed to see if you could outrun a vampire,” he explained. He stood up and offered you a hand. You gave it a hard look before standing up on your own.

“That’s madness, Jaehyun.” And I was so scared, you wanted to add. But the stubborn part of you refused to acknowledge that. You had enough of Eva reminding you the same thing for hours, you didn’t need any reminder now.

“To you. But if you’re running for your life, and there’s a vampire trailing behind you, what would you do? Would you stumble on your feet and cry on the ground like what you did just now?”

You padded the dusty part of your skin and clothes. The dust from the ground has turned muddy already. It took all your willpower not to dash Jaehyun’s head because of it. You shouldn’t have said yes to this folly.

While watching you as you dust off yourself, Jaehyun added, “And you’re scared.”

“I am not,” you lied.

“You are. I could still taste your fear in the air.”

You rolled your eyes in exasperation. “Whatever. I want to go back.” Your statement was followed by a hiss, as you felt a sharp pain on your elbow. You folded your arms to see a large scrape of wound on the skin.

Jaehyun took your arm softly, while he reached for his back pocket to reveal a kerchief. In all his hard edges, you didn’t expect the softness of the way he dabbed the fabric to clean your skin around the wound. “Alright, I’m sorry for this. I shouldn’t have scared you like that.”

Your heart did its unusual thudding as you stared at his face while he leaned closer to inspect your wound. His pallid features was illuminated by the moonlight, making him more eccentric than he already was. The blood pigment of his lips was ever the only color in his rather dead-looking face. But how is he so beautiful being half-dead like that?

You immediately looked away when Jaehyun looked up to you.

“I have something to tell you,” he said.

Trepidation quickly settled in your chest like a boulder. “What is it?”

Jaehyun kept the kerchief to his back pocket before guiding the small of your back towards a clearing. You have a hard time seeing the path now that your nerves had calmed down. Then you saw it. It was a space of green bermuda grass at the other side of the woods. It provides enough privacy and tranquility to whatever Jaehyun has in his pockets to say to you.

Unfortunately, there were no stars twinkling in the skies when you looked up. Only the moon and the thick clouds could be seen in the heavens.

“It’s about the witch, and her hunters,” he began as he sat on the grass.

You did the same. “What about them?”

“I heard them talking earlier. About you.”

“What did they say about me?”

He gave you a look that pierced right to your soul. “She has no plans to help you, Y/N. To really help you. She thinks of you as a collateral damage.” Then he furrowed his brows. “Have you told anyone of your true intentions for joining this Academy?”

Your throat suddenly felt dry. “Lucas and Madame knows, of course.”

Jaehyun cursed as he ran a hand through his face. “I should’ve— fuck— she knows, then. Eva.”

How did she know? No, it was obvious who told her. But why would Madame tell her about it? When it was confidentially between you, Lucas, Jaehyun, and her only?

“That’s why she’s bitching. She knows she’s better and more capable than me,” you scorned, “And what about the collateral damage?”

“Eva wanted to finish the job for herself. But Juana refused and told her she needed Eva alive.”

You frowned. “But she’s willing to sacrifice my life.” You couldn’t believe it. There wasn’t a trace of sadness in you. Somehow, you have anticipated for this to happen ever since Jaehyun talked to you yesternight. Oh, how easily things are lining up. “They don’t believe in me,” you stated through clenched jaw.

You feel more insulted than hurt. What are you? What does your life means to them? Not because they are witches and hunters doesn’t mean your life is worthless than theirs.

You let out a deep breath, “We need plan B.”

“The plan B is that I’m getting you out of here, Y/N,” Jaehyun stated with a spirit that blew you out of proportion.

As much as the offer was enticing, you couldn’t will yourself to assent. “No.”

Jaehyun quirked a brow. “No?”

“No. I’m not leaving.”

Jaehyun worked his jaw then he moved his body closer to yours. “Listen, Y/N, those fuckers think of you as a bait. No more, no less. I’ve heard them myself—”

You reached for his hands. “I need to train myself.”

“I could teach you. You know I’m better than most of them anyways.”

By that, you chuckled, “Yes. But I need Juana’s protection.”

“Thank fuck I could protect you myself,” he countered.

You hated to say it, you truly do. But if you don’t, Jaehyun would only insist on getting you out of the Academy. “Not from Alena,” you smiled bitterly.

Realization dawned on Jaehyun’s face. His determined expression turned lax. But he knows it, too. However hell-bent he could be on protecting you from anyone else, he won’t be able to guard you against the vampire primus who turned him. He is a vampire now. And he must abide to their law if he doesn’t wish to be dead.

You tightened your grip on his hands. “But it’s alright. I understand. I truly do.” Blowing out a shuddering breath, you chuckled tonelessly, “Just… let me do this. This is the only way.”

Jaehyun’s hand strayed to your cheek. The intimacy of his touch blurring all your senses. “Alright. I know you’re doing this for your parents. In the meantime, we’ll pretend that we know nothing. We’ll find a way to make Hubert talk.”

You heedlessly leaned in to his touch. His hand was cold, but it warmed your body nonetheless. Gods, since when did your body started reacting this way around Jaehyun? “You said… Hubert has no tongue…” you began. Jaehyun nodded. “Where is his tongue, then?”

Jaehyun’s hand fell to his side as he let the memories swept his focus on the real world. “Well, there is a rumor going on back then. That he purposely cut his tongue out. But I don’t believe it. I think someone cut it to withhold anyone from knowing informations from Hubert.”

“Wait… so, let’s say someone cut off his tongue. How could Juana make him talk, then?”

“Through magic, perhaps. Or…” Jaehyun’s lips turned into a frown, “She could put his tongue back.”

She could put his tongue back. You furrowed your brows. You were certain that you have heard about body parts being put together by an enchantment— Rhianon!

As if a thousand ants crawled to your back as you shivered at the realization. Your eyes widen, then you took Jaehyun’s face with your hands. “I— my roommate! Jaehyun, she knows how to do that!”

Jaehyun’s face didn’t share the same excitement. “Only witches could do that, Y/N. Are you saying that your roommate is a witch?”

Your body felt leaden as you leaned back, losing your hold on his face. “No. She… she’s just really interested in magic. But perhaps she could help?”

“If the both of you are willing. You said you don’t want anyone else knowing your true reasons for coming here.”

A heavy sigh. “Yes. And I don’t think I could trust her just yet.”

This time, it’s Jaehyun who took your face with his hands as he searched for your eyes. “C’mon, don’t frown. We’ll find a way. Together.”

The rawness of his emotions moved you. It’s unbelievable to think that the same man who stood bloodied on your doorstep currently looks at you like that. You could almost tell the stories hidden underneath his eyes by how bold he lays himself tonight with you.

“Reading faces?” you chuckled to ease the swirling of your stomach.

Jaehyun didn’t let go of your face as he spoke, “Only yours.” Then his eyes cascaded down your lips.

Vampires do not breathe. So you didn’t feel his breath before his lips collided with yours. You let your eyes fall shut as you kissed him back. This isn’t your first kiss. But everytime his lips would touch yours, the feeling of being kissed for the first time always washes through you. It’s always anew. As if something didn’t want you to get used to it.

Jaehyun’s lips moved with ease against yours. As if he has already memorized the plains and bumps of your lips. He kisses you as if he has been doing it all his life. His tongue slid inside your mouth, tasting the crevices of the flesh inside.

Under the moon, the both of you fought for dominance. The wind billowed, sweeping a cold touch to the burning kiss you shared. Yet no amount of distraction could stop Jaehyun from tasting you.

You would destroy him, and he would let you.

To hell with the ramifications. And to hell with the forbidden love this intimacy would bear. Not even the death that reeks inside him could stop him from wanting you.

Jaehyun’s hands strayed inside your clothes. His every touch burns your skin, leaving your teat tingling and puckering. As if he could feel the desire between the both of you, he easily unhooked your bra and caught your right breast with his left hand.

Jaehyun circled your teat with his thumb, earning a gasp from you against the kiss. He chuckled before trailing kisses down your jaw, all while playing with the hardened teat.

A slick and thick liquid threatens to slide from your sex by his penetration. As if his vampire instinct could sense every bit of arousal from your body, Jaehyun leaned in to your ear and spoke, “Is that for me?”

You groaned. It was silly, because it was obvious. But the desire you were feeling couldn’t help but double by the question.

Tonight, he would own you. And you would let him.

He laid you down the soppy grass, his lips never leaving yours, his hands still leaving permanent marks in your soul.

Jaehyun, with both his swiftness and strength, he had managed to pull down your pajamas to your knees, revealing the lace underwear you were wearing.

You should cover yourself again. You should put an end to this folly. You should cut the feelings before it could bloom into something you won’t be able to control. But as the chill of the night crawled to your exposed skin, you let Jaehyun marvel at your body.

Jaehyun pulled away, then he slowly opened his eyes. Whatever blood he has in his body, they crept up in his lips as it turned swollen.

Your body was lucid and blurry from the desire. However, you refused to pounce on him like a wild animal. Somehow, you wanted to taste every bit of the moment.

His own desire mirrored in his eyes. Without any warning, Jaehyun swiftly pulled your underwear to the side and plunged a finger inside you. The gasp you emitted was too breathy, for a moment you were afraid for your lungs.

Carnality dances in his eyes as he slowly moves his fingers inside you. Your slickness is undeniable because of his penetration.

You shut your eyes. “Jaehyun.”

His hand rested above your head while he caressed strands of your hair. “Open your eyes and look at me,” he commanded. The virility of his voice made you open your eyes, so languidly as if to taunt his arousal even more.

You tried to hold his stare as he curled his fingers and deepened his reach. As if he wants to acquire something inside your flesh. Your stomach caved in as his fingers went faster. You writhe and you thrash when he pressed his thumb on your clitoris. A wave of signals tighten your lower abdomen, your arousal screaming for release.

He plunged his finger deeper, all while circulating your clitoris with his thumb. Jaehyun curled his finger inside you. “Jae— Jaehyun!” you whined against the woods behind you, and the stretch of grass in front. There were no stars in the skies, but you were certain you saw white lights bursting as you felt the climax washing through you like some sort of a wave.

Satisfaction was in the eyes of the vampire as your body went lax on the grass. He trailed open-mouthed kisses around your cheek and the sides of your face.

“Let’s stand up,” he offered.

A different person replaced you as your forehead creased in confusion. “We’re not… we’re not doing it?”

If he could blink from astonishment, he would.  What did you just say? Crimson painted your cheeks as his face softened. “Do you want us to?”

The wanting overcame all your senses. And you found out that you really do want to do it with him. As your clitoris once again pulsated from the notion, you nodded sheepishly. “Yes,” you breathed.

A tinge of red flashed in his eyes then it was gone in an instant as he shuffled his pants off. The reality of being in an open field, half-naked and waiting for a vampire to fuck you senseless somewhat obliterated the humanness inside you. You reached for Jaehyun as he lined himself up to your entrance and gave him a sloppy kiss. The head of his length touched your inner thighs, you jolted through the kiss from the contact.

A throaty laugh echoed through him as he lined himself once again to enter your sex. Jaehyun pulled away, an inch from your face. “How do you wanna be fucked?”

Your breath hitched as the desire drove a velvety punch in your gut. “Hard,” you answered. Jaehyun made a noise, somewhat between a groan and a guttural sound, before he entered you with smoothness and with ease.

Both of your mouths turned into o’s by the friction. Jaehyun placed your legs on his shoulder as he began to thrust in and out of you slowly.

“What… what is it?” you asked as you noticed the way his brows were furrowed.

Jaehyun looked at your eyes while he tried to thrust deeper. “You… fuck, you’re so tight.” Your mouth opened up to say something, but Jaehyun moved his hips to fully own your sex. Instead of a word, a cry sounded from you as he hit something sensitive inside.

It was indeed an uncomfortable position: with your pajama covering his lips. But Jaehyun tolerated no distraction as he mercilessly moved his hips in and out of your sex. You fisted a handful of grass with your palms, nails grating on the soil. Gods, you wanted to shout.

You bounced as Jaehyun continued to fuck you, balls-deep against the grass. His own throat emanating throaty moans, which added to the climax building up to your abdomen.

The night was unforgiving. So is he.

His pupils dilated, then it turned red as he pulled his length from your sex and spilled all his semen on your stomach. The warm liquid soaked your thin t-shirt, sticking to the fabric like a thick wax of white substance.

Jaehyun forced his mind to think again. But he was shrouded with absolute pleasure upon seeing how your clothes sipped his semen.

You did it. With him. Under the moon. And on the stretch of grass as far as the eyes could see.

You were only a girl, in a little town, with your scattered dreams and unrealistic goal in life. But tonight, you had sex with a vampire. You didn’t know how to process such mind-sweeping reality.

Jaehyun took care of you. He gently helped you put on your undergarments before he settled himself. After a few minutes of steadying the rhythm of your heart, with Jaehyun placing back the strands of hair behind your ear, you sat on the grass in silence.

“What do you feel?” you decided to ask.

Jaehyun is a vampire, yes. But he had been human once. You didn’t want to presume anything about his human life before, but with that kind of beauty for sure comes a great deal of girls behind him. He certainly knew how to please you, how to make sure he owned every inch of you. And that’s not something a beginner knows how to do.

“That was amazing,” he grinned. “It’s not something I’ve ever felt before.”

Without asking the question, he already knew the answer. A small and proud part of you wanted to know whether being with you, and being inside you illuminated something new to him. And it’s fulfilling to know that you did.

“But I am wondering,” he chuckled lowly, “I don’t know if this is my arousal getting a hold of all my vampire instincts, but, I couldn’t read your mind.”

The world stilled. And you have found out that you couldn’t answer. The dryness of your throat intensified.

“I…” you stutter.

Jaehyun raised a brow. “You, what?”

“I… I told Madame to block you off from infiltrating my mind.” Then you bit your lower lip in shame. You shouldn’t feel this way, right? It’s only right to take precautions. And he was not allowed to read your thoughts.

Jaehyun’s face grew vacant but it spoke volumes to you. “Don’t you trust me enough for your thoughts?”

You quickly waved your hand in defense. “No, it’s not like that— I just don’t want you to invade my mind.”

His expression remained eerie and impassive as he looked at you. “I didn’t invade your mind, Y/N. Not once.”

What? You knitted your brows. “But… what about the times—”

“Your thoughts were too loud. I heard them as if you were speaking to me with your own voice. Never once did I infiltrate your privacy and forced my way to your head.” He stood up and padded his breaches. “Come, let’s get you back to your room.”

Unable to process words, you remained sitting. The warmth from the intercourse you shared was now replaced by the coldness. But the wind didn’t provide such cold. It was in you, from you.

“Jaehyun,” you called out to him. But he didn’t turn as he entered the woods.

—

Rhianon turned the page of her book, but she found out that she couldn’t process the words printed out on the parchment. The memory of you as you carefully inquired questions and with Rhianon almost spilling her true self failed to vanished in her mind.

She still didn’t know your intention for being here in this Academy, but she would, soon. She needed to know if you could be trusted. She needs to make sure that you are not one of Juana’s tentacles.

She fastened the book shut as three knocks resonated from the door. Glancing at the wallclock hanging on your side of the wall that read as eleven fifteen p.m., she sauntered up to the door.

She veered the doorknob and swung the door widely. “Welcome bac—” Rhianon’s words died as she took in the face of the man in front of him. Tears easily seared the back of her eyes as she jumped and hugged the man. “Sicheng!”

Sicheng chuckled and hugged her back. “How are you?” he asked in her hair.

Rhianon pulled away and wiped the tears from her cheeks before answering, “Worse.”

“Let’s get inside,” Sicheng stated while looking at his left and right.

They both entered the room. Then Sicheng halted as he saw the other bed as pillows and blanket occupied it. “Who’s with you?”

“She’s not here,” Rhianon sniffed.

“Juana gave you a roommate?” Sicheng raised a brow as Rhianon led him towards her own bed.

Rhianon shrugged. “Still asking myself why. But why are you here? It’s dangerous.”

“Alena—” Sicheng chuckled by the look Rhianon gave her, but he continued on, “She commanded me to find someone. And I’ve decided to start here so I could visit you. How have you been?”

She knew not to ask about the mission. Sicheng would tell her nothing. Rhianon slumped herself back on her bed, while Sicheng sat beside her. “I don’t know. Juana still refused teach me anything.”

By her statement, Sicheng’s own expression hardened. Rhianon never fails to be astounded by the pale features of the man beside her. It’s been years— too many years— but the bleached face of Sicheng and his too-red lips still leaves her in wonder. Why do vampires look like that?

“You know why,” Sicheng answered.

Rhianon frowned. “Enough talking about me—”

“We didn’t even talk about you, Rhi,” Sicheng deadpanned. “Tell me about your roommate.”

Rhianon gathered her forgotten book on the mattress and played with its embossing while thinking of proper words to answer. “Well, she’s kind and nice. But I’m still skeptical about her. I’ve been alone in this room for years— then Juana barged in and told me to clean up because apparently, there’s someone coming.”

“It’s only right for you to be skeptical. Be wary of Juana and her plans. You know how cunning that woman could be.”

Rhianon punched Sicheng’s arm lightly. “You talk as if she’s not your mother.”

Impassiveness laced Sicheng’s following words, “She’s not. Tell me, does she still insist to avenge me?”

The woman sighed, “I think so.”

Sicheng let out a curse. “You must talk and tell her to fuck off already.”

“And be casted out from here? I don’t think so,” Rhianon snorted. “I need her guidance to become a witch.”

“You are a witch. You inherited her blood.”

Rhianon knew that if she spoke the same words to Sicheng, he would only brush it off like it was some kind of a dirty statement he wished not to hear again. But for Sicheng to say that to Rhianon, it was… heart-warming.  

“I am. But I know next to nothing. I have never even casted a spell yet.”

Sicheng reached out and took her hand. “I believe in you. You know that, right?”

Rhianon breathed. It’s been a while since she heard those words. When it comes to boosting her spirit, Sicheng remained unparalleled. “I know. And I think you’re the only one who does.”

“As long as I live, I will vouch for you.” Sicheng suddenly shifted, as if the air whispered on his vampiric ears. Rhianon sat upright, suddenly nervous of what did the man pick up. “Someone’s coming,” he hissed.

“Oh my, it’s my roommate.” She bolted to her feet, Sicheng copying her movement.

“I must go,” he pronounced, “While they’re still climbing the stairs.”

“Alright, come,” Rhianon stated as she pulled Sicheng’s wrist towards the door. “You could sprint away from here since you’re a vampire.”

Sicheng opened the door and pressed his lips to Rhianon’s head. “Take care of yourself. I’ll visit whenever I can.”

Rhianon nodded. “I will. You too, brother.”

When she blinked, Sicheng was gone.

—

Silence dominated the walk back to the dorms. Jaehyun was four paces ahead of you, and you didn’t bother to run after him. If he needed time to think, you would give it to him.

But you must admit, how things went downhill in the blink of an eye left a painful throbbing in your heart. Mere minutes ago, you were making love with him. And now both of you act as if you didn’t know each other’s name. Somehow, it had leached your bones to utter exhaustion.

You didn’t even notice that you were already climbing the stairs up to your room when you almost tripped over one of the steps. Gripping the railings tight, while your heart jumped in your chest, you glanced at Jaehyun who was already on his way to the fourth stair. Stubbornness made its way to your brain, whispering things such as: Why is he angry? It’s just right to block someone from infiltrating your mind. It’s called privacy! But you must also admit that you’d feel and act the same if you were on his shoes.

You stood straight and walked with forced dignity until you reached your doorstep. “Thank you, for tonight—”

But he already pressed his palm on the cemented railings and jumped.

So frustrating! You tugged on your hair before entering your room. Rhianon was splayed on her bed and snoring loudly when you entered. You shook your head while chuckling lightly, guessing that the question you have for her could wait until tomorrow.

A sigh went past your lips as you felt the tiredness seeping in your system. You badly wanted to sleep. But the sweat and the scent of sex still lingers on your skin. You turned on your heel and decided to shower instead.

As the cool water cascaded down your body, you couldn’t help but blush as you remembered Jaehyun’s hands. The way he kissed your lips, and the way he played with your teat. The memory made your clitoris throb in arousal.

Underneath his touch, you felt powerful. Like there wasn’t anything in this world who could take the power from you. He made you feel something— someone who isn’t exactly you. You gripped both your breasts as you felt the phantom of his hard length pushing in inside you. And you weren’t certain whether the liquid that has cascaded down your legs was from the shower or your sex.

“Fuck,” you muttered as you shook your body like a dog that has emerged from the water. This is weird, you whispered.

Jaehyun is a vampire. You are a human. There isn’t a happy ending to this story. But why do you dare to think that there might be?

—

Jaehyun couldn’t take it anymore. The reek of this vampire trailing behind him was too much for his sensitive sense of smell. So he snapped his head towards the shadow and bared his fangs. “Show yourself, boy.”

From the shadows emerged someone Jaehyun had learned how to trust when he became a vampire. “Sicheng? What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Nice to see you too, Jung.” The other vampire saluted lightly, before reaching out his hand to Jaehyun. The latter took his hand and then clapped his back. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Jaehyun kept his hands to his pockets. “Me, neither. Why are you here?”

“Alena sent me to find you.”

Jaehyun turned his back towards his friend. He never wanted to hear that name, now that his irritation could reach the roof of this Academy. “Tell her to fuck off.”

Sicheng snorted, but he trailed behind his friend nonetheless. “Why are you here?”

Jaehyun shrugged, as if the answer to that question could be spotted in his body language alone. “Protecting someone here.”

“Protecting?” Sicheng dubiously asked, “A hunter?”

“Get it over with, Sicheng. What do you want?” Jaehyun whirled on his comrade again when they reached the pathway through the building where his bedroom was located.

“She wants you to escort her to the coming ball. You know how it is. Everyone knows you’re engaged.”

He worked his jaw before placing a hand on Sicheng’s shoulder. “I’m not marrying her. So for the last time, tell her to fuck off because I don’t want the marriage.” Then he turned on his heel, but before he could walk away, Sicheng voiced out something which drew Jaehyun in a halt.

“I could smell her in you, Jung.”

Jaehyun felt his muscles tensed. Without facing his friend, he asked, “Who?”

“A girl. She’s here. As much as I want to, you know I couldn’t withhold information from Alena.”

Of course. Jaehyun knew that. It was Alena who turned Sicheng. She had her hand wrapped around his throat, and he was spinning on her fingers.

Jaehyun has no idea about Sicheng’s life when he was a human, but he somewhat understood what he must be feeling— being controlled against your will.

He ran a hand through his face. “I would kill for her, Sicheng.” Aghast by the truth of his own words, Jaehyun felt as if he was struck by lightning. He was truly willing to defy all odds— to defy Alena— for you. And if it comes to that, he knows he is willing to die for you, too.

“And Alena would kill her for you.”

Jaehyun wanted to shout. He wanted to throw and break things. But he willed himself to stay calm, because no hunter in this Academy would be able to stop his wrath if he succumbed to it. Yet he didn’t want to beg. He didn’t want to beg for Sicheng to keep the reality of you away from his Primus. From Jaehyun’s Primus and fiancée.

“Let it go, Jung. If you think you could protect her by staying at her side, you know you’re mistaken,” Sicheng added, “The best way to keep her safe is to leave her alone.”

With that, Jaehyun spun so fast— hands clenched into fist— and attempted to punch Sicheng in the face. But the vampire was gone before he could do exactly just that. With a clenched fist, Jaehyun stared at the miniscule tornado in the sand from where Sicheng once stood.

—

Your eyelids were heavy with something wet— wet and thick and coppery to the smell. What is that? You whispered as you slowly opened your eyes. The first thing you saw was the ceiling of plain white above you.

Where am I? Your body felt dense. Wet. Cold. It took you a moment to realize that you were in a bathtub. What? Questions filled your mind as you roamed your eyes around you. The walls are white. The ceiling is white. The tub you were in was white. You failed to see the furnitures and Rhianon’s bed wherever you look.

Your lower body was deep in the water. Your hair was soaked with something sticky that doesn’t feel like water. Then you tried to stand up. But your body was glued to the tub with an invisible adhesive.

All of this doesn’t make any sense. You could still recall the way you dried your hair before climbing on your bed and falling into oblivion the moment you closed your eyes.

How did you end up here?

Someone whispered. You craned your neck to see no one behind you. It was painful to tug your hands from the tub, as if your skin is peeling off as you pull.

“Help, help us,” they whispered. “Please, help us.” They sounded as if they were choking.

Your eyes grew frantic as someone— no, two bodies— emerged from nowhere. Their faces were obscured by how distant they were from you. But they slowly drew closer and closer.

You fought the urge to scream when you recognized their faces. They were your parents. With their necks slit open and blood gushing down from it.

“Help us.” They reached out their bloodied fingers to you.

A phantom hand wrapped itself around your neck. It was so hard to breathe.

“Mom, Dad,” you choked. “I— I’m trying my best— I—”

Then their faces crumpled. Their mouths widened as they scream at you. “You can’t save us!”

“I can! Mom! Dad! I can!”

You felt someone leaning closer to your ear. Then a whisper, “You can’t save them.”

As if someone drop an ink to the water, it slowly turned red. You could perceive the way the crimson color crawled and occupied the once crystal clear surface of the water. Then you were soaked in blood. Everywhere you look, there is blood.

“You can’t even save yourself,” the voice whispered again.

No. It wasn’t someone. Because when you turn your head to the side to face the voice, the bloodied face of Jaehyun greeted you.

“Jaehyun?”

You jolted awake the same time the rooster cackled. The first thing you did was to look around you frantically. Rhianon was there, snoring loudly. Then you touched your eyelids, there wasn’t blood. You are here, you are alive.

But that gave you little to no comfort.

Nightmares once dominated your every sleep when you were a kid. It was predominant in the year your parents had died. But it’s been years since you have had them. What business do they have to be showing up now?

From the darkness that covered the skies, you realized that it was still gloaming. You debated whether to go back to sleep, but you were afraid of the possibility of another nightmare. The look on your parents’ face, as if they were in absolute agony, pierced your heart with a hundred needles the size of your arm. You won’t survive to witness it the second time.

Instead of lying back to the bed, you grabbed your phone from the bedside table and tried to occupy your brain of different posts from the internet.

Haechan posted a picture together with Mark on his bedroom, with a caption that says: Y/N’s probably fuming that she couldn’t be with us tonight.

He was mistaken. You aren’t fuming. You are crying. Warm tears slid down your face as you looked at their picture. They are the only thing that tethers you to the real world. And that world feels as if it is slowly fading away like thin smoke.

You left a comment and decided to send your brother a simple message about your day. Wherever you are, Johnny, I hope you’re fine. Because I am not.

It’s been… what? Three days? Not even a week that you have been here and you felt as if the goal to discover the vampire who murdered your parents was too impossible to attain.

No. You cannot simply falter now. You have to keep making yourself stronger to attain Juana’s protection. And the thing about Hubert… you need to talk to Rhianon and convince her to help you. In all of this chaos, your goal to kill Alena remains undeterred.

You sat back on the bed and stared at Rhianon’s sleeping frame. What are you hiding from me, Rhi? Her book of enchantments silently lies beside her. It is her favorite book, no doubt. For a moment, you wanted to reach out and pick and read it. But it felt wrong somehow— as if the action would intrude on her privacy.

As you have no idea on what to do, and you refused to dwell on the memories of Jaehyun, you sat your back on the mattress while staring at the canopy, thinking about your nightmare and abour everything that you need to think. Until Rhianon shifted and sat on her bed.

She was wide-eyed while taking in your awoken state. “Didn’t know you’re a morning person,” she said as she stretched her limbs.

“I am not. I just had an awful nightmare and couldn’t go back to sleep because of it,” you sheepishly stated before sitting upright on your bed, back resting on the headboard.

“That sucks. And I’m afraid the breakfast would also suck. This Academy doesn’t even allow us to eat sausages,” she grimaced, “Breakfast, lunch, and dinner— it’s all the same and I’m so tired of—”

You cut her off, “Rhianon, I have something to ask you.”

She was still stretching her limbs when you cut her off, causing her arms to froze midair. “What is it?” She must have seen the gravity in your eyes for the first sliver of earnestness slipped past her lips.

“Are you a witch?” You felt awful asking the question. It was as if concluding a person’s sexuality. And that’s offensive. But you truly couldn’t waste time. Apologies would go after Rhianon’s answer.

“Why do you ask?”

“Well… your books, things—” You screw your lips shut as Jaehyun’s voice whispered in your ear.  

If the both of you are willing, he said. Are you? Are you prepared to strip naked all your secrets?

Before continuing, you gulped, “Because I need a witch’s help.”

Rhianon’s eyes bore into yours, scrutinizing your façade, as if she would find the answer by looking at you alone. “Juana is a witch. You’re here because you need her help,” she concluded, “Knowing her, she won’t give what you want that easily. And you must’ve realized that she’s not willing to help you at all— that’s why you’re searching for alternatives.”

Words slipped out of your system. You felt as if the alphabet was nothing but jumbled lines of letters in your mind. “I,” you cleared your throat, “Well, that’s correct. Most of it are.”

Moments of taciturnity, then Rhianon leaned closer. “Why did you let her fool you?”

“I didn’t. She’s still willing to help me, but she’s also sacrificing me in the sense. I mean—” you groaned. The words won’t simply come out.

“Y/N, tell me everything. So I know if I could help you,” she uttered.

While rolling your lip with your teeth, you ran a hand through your hair. “My parents were killed by a vampire. I need to know who killed them. Then I met Jaehyun— who is a vampire— and he’s helping me to discover what really happened to my parents. We arrived at Juana’s gathering, and asked for her help. She’s willing— but I must kill Alena, first.”

It’s Rhianon’s turn to gape at you. Then her expression hardened. “That’s insane, Y/N. I understand it now. You’re here because she said you must train. For Alena—” Then a heavy, painful sigh, “It’s impossible. That Primus is almost untouchable. Even Lucas— who’s the best vampire hunter to ever exist after Diego— is nothing compared to Alena.”

“What should I do? It’s the only choice left. I must kill her so Juana would help me enchant Hubert.”

Her brows furrowed. “Who is Hubert?”

“He’s a ghost. A gravedigger of some sorts. Jaehyun and I visited him, to ask about the fate of my parents. Apparently, he knows everything about vampires and their victims especially when it happened in the cemetery,” you explained, catching your breath after, “But he has no tongue. So he couldn’t talk.”

Something spark in Rhianon’s eyes. Interest, you could tell. “Where’s his tongue?”

“I have no idea. But you said… you said you’re interested on how to put back body parts right?”

“I am interested, Y/N. But I didn’t say I could do it.”

“Please, Rhi. I need this.”

She sighed, “Y/N. What did you discover to change plans like this?”

“Jaehyun heard them talking. Juana, Eva, and Lucas. They were talking about me. Juana said I am only a collateral damage— probably a tester to know how powerful Alena is. Before she would dispatch Eva or Lucas to kill her.”

Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the bedsheets. “Of course. She would do that. And why does she want you to kill Alena?”

“To avenge her son, she says, whom Alena turned into a vampire.”

Rhianon ran her hand through her face. “Fuck.”

“Why? Why, Rhianon?”

She shook her head at you. “Nothing,” she sighed, “This is complicated, Y/N. And I don’t know if I could help you. But… but I will try.”

Happiness and gratitude swelled inside your heart. Everything is lining up according to your plan, at last. “Thank you, Rhianon.”

—

It’s been a week since you shared your secrets with Rhianon and until now, she didn’t know what to do with them. You have repleted her too much information that she has no idea how to jumble in her mind. Her brother is right— she should really talk to Juana.

It has been years since Sicheng was turned. He had accepted his fate with the whole of his heart. Rhianon found it hard to swallow either— the turning of her brother. It made her angry, it made her want to tear Alena herself, too. But as the saying goes that blood is thicker than water, Rhianon found herself embracing the new life his brother decided for himself.

Sicheng was born as a male witch. For the witches, it is an atrocity to give birth to a male. A male witch is nothing: no magic, no abilities. Sicheng bore no supernatural instincts in his system. That’s why the remaining witches tried to cast him out. Rhianon would never forget the blood coming out from Sicheng’s hundred wounds when the witches tried to kill him. With his mother standing in the sidelines, watching the torture of her own son.

Rhianon and her grandmother helped Sicheng escaped, but they didn’t anticipate him to run to the vampire Primus of Detritius clan. When Rhianon forced herself to ponder the reason of her brother’s action, she knew to her heart that she would’ve done the same to survive.

What is the point of all this? Is it really the unbelievable motherly affection in Juana’s heart? That’s why she insists to kill Alena for allegedly turning her son into a vampire? Or is it the shattered pride? Because her mortal enemy has her son?

Rhianon soothed her nerves before pushing the doors of Juana’s chamber open. The first thing she noticed was the stark white hair of Lucas, as he leaned closer to Juana, obviously talking to her about something. Yet Lucas’s mouth shut abruptly by the sound of the door swinging open.

“Rhianon,” he stated.

At normal times, Rhianon would’ve blushed and squeal to herself that Lucas called her name. But this isn’t normal times. And she needs to talk to Juana.

“Leave us, Lucas,” Juana commanded.

Lucas pressed a fist to his heart before departing the room, casting a lingering stare at Rhianon’s face.

“What do you want?” Juana leaned to her table, reading documents Rhianon knew made no sense to her at all.

Rhianon willed strength to her bones, authority in her voice. “Sicheng wants you to stop whatever you are doing to get him back.” There’s no point for segue-ways.

“Don’t talk to me about Sicheng.”

Rhianon remained standing to where she was. “Aren’t you tired? You need to stop this folly! He doesn’t want to come back!”

The wooden chair of Juana grated the floors as she forcefully stood up. “Get out.”

She walked towards the witch with her chin held up high. “Stop ruining other people’s lives for Sicheng. You failed him. Years ago.”

“He is my son! How dare you say that to me?!”

The fire from the fireplace ignited brighter by Juana’s rage. Rhianon should run and shut the door behind her before Juana does something both of them would regret. But she couldn’t move a finger. Running felt horrid somehow.

“He is your son no more! He stopped being your son when you let the witches torture him to death—!” A palm to the cheek. Again. Rhianon bit her lip, tongue catching the swell of blood from the side of her mouth.

Juana’s fury enveloped the room with a darkness that wasn’t perceived by the eyes, but rather felt in the marrow of the bones. “Watch where you’re going, Rhianon. If you don’t want me to send you back to where you belong.”

Her shoulders vibrated by the petulant chortle she echoed. “Go on. Send me back to the woods. As much as I can remember, you’re the one who’s responsible for my being here. Grandma’s dead, so you don’t have any choice but to take care of me— your only daughter.” The word taste bitter on her tongue, as if it was acid scorching her flesh. “Perplexing, isn’t it? I am the one who inherited your witch blood. But you refused to acknowledge that— over and over— because what? And why? Why do you torture me like this, mother?”

All the neglect, Rhianon swallowed. But some wounds truly couldn’t heal without a touch of the right medicine. The patches in her heart yearns for a mother’s touch. And her own mother doesn’t want to tend to that.

Juana flinched by the word ‘mother’. Rhianon saw it with her own eyes. She flinched because she’s failed doing that responsibility again and again. “Because I hate your face. You remind me of your worthless father. I hate looking at you—”

“No, mother.” Rhianon gritted her teeth. “You hate looking at me not because of my father: you hate looking at me because you see a witch so powerful she rivaled your abilities.”

With that, Juana laughed her witch laugh. Mocking. Sarcastic. “Come again, Rhianon? You? Rivaling my power?”

Rhianon fisted her hands. “Yes. You know it. There’s no one who would inherit the magic in your bones but me. And I could feel it running in my veins.” Her mother’s nostril flared, but Rhianon continued, “You refused to admit it yet, but your powers are dwindling. And I am becoming stronger. Know this mother,” Rhianon pinned the words, “I will be better than you.”

Juana’s knuckles turned white. Her words clipped with warning, “Get. Out.”

Rhianon pressed a fist to her heart. Before she could bow, Juana sweeped all the things off her table.

“GET OUT!” she roared.

A triumphant smile spread out on Rhianon’s lips. She’s forgotten all respects, she’s forgotten the defeat, as she smiled and pivoted on her heels— turning her back on her mother.

—

A week has gone by. The days were occupied by you swinging your fist and your feet, drawing a bowstring or throwing daggers at a straw man target. The progress was slow, but it was there. Lucas had made sure that you appreciate yourself at the every end of the day. And you did, despite Eva’s unending glares and insults.

Rhianon provided you another comfort in the strict and lonely atmosphere of the Academy. Every now and then, if the both of you weren’t tired to the bones, you would talk about your plans. She seemed open about the discussion, but she still didn’t give away too much information about herself.

You knew she’s a witch. She hasn’t denied it yet, and she hasn’t confirmed it either. The question is still there, hanging between the both of you.

As much as you wanted to read through her books, you forced yourself to calm down since you would never want to rush her. Or make her feel as if you are rushing her. There’s still time until the gathering. All you need to do is ground yourself until then.

And Jaehyun… well, he remained conspicuous in the comforts of his chamber. The nights that he didn’t visit you had become the loneliest nights of your life so far.

There was an ache whenever you would turn around because you thought he was following you. You had become used to his presence that it was as if he left something in the corner of your eyes— a phantom— for you to miss him even more than you could.

It was maddening: this stage of developing feelings. The first are always the butterflies in the stomach and the need to see that person everytime. And when there’s a quarrel, you won’t know what to do. Because at the end of the day… there isn’t a knot of relationship tying the both of you.

You wrapped your hand aroud the neck of your beer before taking a swig from the bottle.

The nights were turning cold, so your roommate has decided to sneak in liquor to your dorm and drown yourself until you pass out. Rhianon seemed to be doing exactly the same.

“Where’s your vampire?” she slurred.

You watched as her eyes turned droopy with a small chuckle echoing through you. “He’s hibernating.” You wish. For all you know, he’s debating whether to help or abandon you now. The thought tied your stomach in knots.

“I’m sorry if I’m not doing anything yet to help you,” Rhianon shies.

“No. I understand. You’re giving me hope, Rhi. Please don’t put yourself down.”

Against the light of the room, a pinkish tinge adorned Rhianon’s gold skin. “I will try my best, Y/N. That, I could assure you.”

“Thank you.”

Rhianon tossed her bottle to the air, while laughing her heart out. There was something both ecstatic and sad in the way that she carried her expression that made you doubtful of the laugh that she was echoing. But you were never one to stick your nose to other people’s business, so you let it go and watched her in awe instead. You have been finding that same energy in you for weeks now.

She talks about her life, yet still careful of the words that comes out her mouth even though it is obvious that she is already intoxicated. Upon hours of swigging on her bottle and talking with slurred words, Rhianon finally started to snore as she reclined her head to the side of her bed.

You chuckled and helped her to lay down. You weren’t much of a drinker but you must admit that the beers had warmed up your body— too much for what you had expected.

Beer bottles littered on the floor, with chips and other wrappers that you have no idea how she sneaked in the dorms. You picked up the first bottle when a knock stopped your movements.

It’s eleven p.m.. Who could that be? Oh, no. It’s not the guards, right? With clammy fingers, you sauntered up to the door and swung it open.

“Hey,” he garbled.

There it was again: the thudding of your heart. Jaehyun stood on the doorway clad in his pajamas. He was looking at you with hooded eyes: like how a predator stares at its prey.

You gulped. “What are you doing here—”

Preventing you from finishing your words, Jaehyun pulled you closer, boxing you into a tight hug. Unable to form words nor move a muscle, you stood frozen and let him sniff on your hair like it was his favorite flower.

“I miss you,” he mumbled against your hair. “I miss you so much it hurts.”

His words and this feeling inside your chest. There was pain, there was suffering. But behind the hurt, you couldn’t help but fall.

“Jaehyun—”

“I can’t,” he whispered, “I can’t let you go.”

He pulled away and took your face with his hands. Those tantalizing eyes of him never failed to pierce right into the fiber of your very being. You shuddered by the intensity of his expression. “What do you mean?”

His lips were inches from yours. With the right push, those luscious lips would collide with yours undoubtedly. “You’re so beautiful,” he stated instead.

Jaehyun placed his hand to the small of your back before capturing your lips with a lazy kiss. You heedlessly wrapped your arms around his neck and guided him inside your room. You shut the door by pressing your back behind the wooden surface.

The hollow feelings that had been eating up on you of those days that he didn’t show himself were slowly closing in with the passion of the kiss. You have never thought that you could be this weak for a boy.

You and Jaehyun were like the sun and the moon— always chasing each other. But no matter how you run, you’d never sate the fervent wanting inside your souls for one another.

Jaehyun’s kisses moved downwards until he was sucking on your neck and eliciting moans from your lips. Perhaps the sound drove him mad, for he fumbled on your clothes and tried to get them off of your body. But you grasped his wrists to stop him.

Wide-eyed and with his mouth swollen because of the kiss, Jaehyun stared at you. “Why?”

“Let me,” you whispered before licking his lips. An echo of a throaty moan moved past his lips before you sunk on your knees and pulled his pajamas down his knees.

Jaehyun’s look hardened as his throbbing cock displayed himself in front of you. You gulped by the sight of him— in all his glory— then took his length by your hands.

“Suck me good, angel.”

You inspired upon hearing that same virility, that same wanting. And you did as you were told. With your sex aching by the arousal, you took Jaehyun’s cock in your mouth. His scent whiffed your nose, making you move your tongue along the veiny length of his cock as you swallowed him up and down.

Mouth hollowing by the burning desire and greedy need to make him come for you, you took the root of his penis and pumped while you sucked the crown of his cock. Jaehyun seized a handful of your hair when his hips jolted forward. The movement drove you wild, that you double-fisted the other half of his cock while you sucked his head down the length your mouth allowed you to swallow. Your eyes fluttered upwards and saw Jaehyun grit his teeth as he did his best not to make any sound.

The thought of Rhianon waking up kindled the lust a little bit brighter. Then you sucked Jaehyun until your jaw ached. The restraint and his grip on your hair making you delirious that you took his whole length until his cock hit your throat.

Jaehyun straightened as his hips stilled. Warm and thick spurts of semen filled your mouth you struggled to swallow. You whined against his cock, the taste of his semen overwhelming your tongue, your throat and every flesh inside your mouth.

“Swallow it. All,” Jaehyun commanded. You whimpered and did as you were told with diligence and tears searing the back of your eyes.

With one last gulp, you stood and faced Jaehyun. His cock was still hanging and rock-hard when he wiped your lips harshly with his thumb, painting your lips with the last bit of semen still on your gums. Then he captured your lips, tasting his own self.

You whimpered by the animalistic penetration he did inside your mouth. During the kiss, he fumbled on your pajama strings and pulled your panties down with it. You gasped as he inserted a finger inside your dripping sex abruptly. Jaehyun lifted your one leg as he dipped another finger. When your mouth opened, he looked at you in warning.

“You can’t really shout, can you?” Then he curled his fingers, stretching your flesh with carnal desire in his eyes.

“Jaehyun—” You whined as you grabbed his shoulders for support.

“What? What, angel? Tell me what you want.”

“I’m— I’m coming—” you struggled to breathe and say the words because of the pace he was fingering you in. “Jaehyun!” you cried when he released his fingers.

Without another word, Jaehyun pulled your body towards the space between your bed and Rhianon’s. She was snoring softly, oblivious of what’s happening around her.

“Jaehyun— she might wake up—” you breathed.

Jaehyun seemed as if he didn’t hear a word because he pressed his lips to your ear, licking your earlobe before whispering hoarsely. “Get in all fours, angel.”

Your eyes widened as you glanced at Rhianon, who had her body turned sideways. If she would open her eyes, she would see your naked lower body. But the lust was blurring all your senses, and the insatiable need to have Jaehyun inside you was a physical ache cursing through your swollen clit.

You gulped before bending over the cold hard floors. Palms and knees pressed on the tiles, your body inches away from your sleeping roommate.

“Wider, angel,” the devil whispered before spreading your legs with his.

You swallowed a gasp when the air caressed your sex. “This is a bad idea.”

“Why? You’re afraid of being caught?” Jaehyun leaned towards you, the skin of his cock pressing on your sex, making you giddy with pleasure. “Don’t tell me you don’t want this, angel. I could smell the lust in your pretty little cunt.”

You bit back a cry when Jaehyun inserted himself inside you. With his hand pushing your upper body down the tiled floor, and his other pulling your ass to the air, Jaehyun started to fuck you from behind.

Your cheek was pressed against the cold hard floor, while his balls slapped against your buttocks by every thrust. A whimper escaped your lips, intensifying the adrenaline coursing through your veins. The slap of skin to skin was so intense you were clearly baffled that Rhianon continued to drool and snore on her bed.

Jaehyun willed your body to bend while he wrapped an arm around your neck, still fucking you with the same pace that hit all the right spots in your sex. “Jesus, fuck,” he muttered while ravaging your tight cunt.

His outburst made you lose your mind as you let the pleasure pull you underneath its grasp. Your knees hurt and your back aches but Jaehyun kept you in that position, fucking you restlessly and fervently as if it was blood— as if it was his lifeline.

“Jaehyun—!” you whimpered when he reached for your clit and rubbed it harshly, building your climax right in your lower abdomen.

“Right,” he uttered, “Scream my name and let all the hunters know how filthy you are for a vampire.”

Your sex tightened by the dirty words, and Jaehyun felt it too. For he released your clit and let it throbbed in anticipation for a climax that was put off. “Jaehyun,” you cried, “let me come.”

“Soon, angel.” Then he let you fall back to the floors as he pulled himself out.

Your legs were still shaking when Jaehyun climbed in on your bed and sat. He tapped his lap while jacking off his cock.

“Ride my cock,” he commanded once again.

You shuddered by the command. As you remained sitting on the floor, with Jaehyun masturbating on your bed and Rhianon snoring behind you, you decided to touch your clit and get it over with. The climax you have been anticipating since earlier was hanging on a loose thread, ready to burst and drive you mad.

“Don’t even dare,” Jaehyun warned before you could rub your swollen clit. The danger in his eyes made you halt, and with a whine you climbed up on your bed and sat on his lap. “Be a good girl and ride me.”

Jaehyun was… huge. It was your first time to realize as his cock reached the skin a few centimeters up your navel. His cock would destroy you. And you would let it.

Placing your hands on Jaehyun’s knees, you sank your sex down his length. He gritted his teeth, fangs slowly elongating. You arched your back and dragged your sex along the rigid length of his cock. Jaehyun placed a thumb on your clit and started to draw lazy circles that made you shiver in pleasure.

Rhianon was meters away from the both of you as you fucked the brains out of each other. Whenever you think of being caught, your desire would double up. You continued to drag your sex down his length, buttocks slapping against his lap by every arch and fall your body makes.

His brows knitted together as you vacillate your hips. By every pump of your hips, your lower abdomen and core tightens. Jaehyun’s business rubbing your clit like that didn’t help— it was maddening.

One last stroke of his thumb and you would explode from the pleasure of it all.

As if he heard the animalistic roar of your body language, Jaehyun leaned and grabbed the back of your head, holding your eyes with his red pupils as your cunt quivered and your stomach caved in. You bit back a cry when your climax finally washed through you. Jaehyun grinned when you started to shake, his cock still inside you. He pulled you closer and let your forehead sit on his shoulder while your lower body still shivered from the pleasure.

“Goddamn it,” he muttered before pushing you away from him. His semen spurted out from his cock and to his thighs, to your own mattress.

You languorously watched his jaw clenched. All the strength from your body was sapped, but you forced yourself to sit and lick the semen off his legs. Jaehyun cursed as he watched you. Then he grabbed your chin and planted a savage kiss on your lips.

“So fucking dirty for me,” he whispered as he fisted a handful of your hair. You gaped, feeling the salacity in his voice down to your very core.

Jaehyun planted open-mouthed kisses on your shoulders, neck, jaw, and cheek as he laid you down on your mattress, covering both your bodies with the sheets.

Your mind was hazy and your eyes were heavy from pleasure. You let the tingling feeling to spin inside your stomach as Jaehyun continued to pepper you with soft kisses.

“Are you sleepy?” he whispered while scooping you closer to his frame.

Finding words to say and failing in the process, you only nodded.

“Sleep, angel,” he mumbled.

But before you could close your eyes, you stared at him and tried to memorize the plains of his face to join you to dreamland. “You hid yourself from me for a week.”

Jaehyun let out a throaty and full chuckle before placing kisses on each of your fingers. “I did. Because I needed the time to think.”

You hummed, trying to raise one brow in inquisition.

“I needed the time to think because I was afraid.”

“Of?”

“Of everything regarding you, angel.”

You hugged his waist, burying your face to his chest and inhaling that unnatural yet enthralling scent from him. “What do you mean?”

“Never mind what I mean. Just…” Then he began to caress your cheek, sweeping strands of your hair away from your eyes. “... trust me. Believe in me.”

“I believe in you.”

“Then I am thankful,” Jaehyun whispered once again. With one last kiss on your cheek, you drifted fully to oblivion, the dreamlands pulling you under.