#confession I was the beanpole man

[rosiesramblings]

i started watching ted lasso and the brainrot is soooo sosososos bad and the lack of trent tk content (and ted lasso content in general) is criminal so do you (pretty please) have any hcs about mr trent crimm the independent?

I have a confession to make... I didn't really give a shit about trent crimm the independent until like a few weeks ago. But then a combination of his thing with colin and the celebration after the game in the last episode where he is so obviously unmasking around ted for the first time that I was like oh shit ok this character is now allowed to take up space in my brain.

So without further ado:

This man. I don't know how tall he actually is. But conceptually, in my head, he is an absolute beanpole

Obviously autistic (last ep made me go back and reevaluate every single trent scene in the show for clues) and when he's jumping around with ted and beard and freaking out about 'the Lasso way!!' it literally would be less obvious if he had a physical mask to take off lol

All that said, he has a strange relationship with touch

Most places, he's really sensitive to light touches, especially the back of his neck and his knees

Will go boneless and collapse if someone (ted) tickles under his arms

Beard thinks that's hilarious. Roy rolls his eyes but would rather trent be the victim that roy himself lol so he doesn't protest

Is a dad, and so he does have a bit of a ler side

He's terrifying like Beard in that he's a silent observer, and so he knows everyone's bad spots before he even tickles them

I think that he would hesitate to tickle the team because he is so conscious that his presence in the locker room is a privilege he doesn't want to abuse

When he does get comfortable enough to do so, it's mostly sneak attacks and acting innocent after a quick flurry of pokes

Colin is the exception in that he will absolutely wreck him with the slightest provocation

I hope you liked these anon! Anybody please feel free to add on or expand lol

[fandomchokehold]

👁️👁️

Soooo this is Samson 👉👈

Half Sun Elf

35 years old

He/him

Lawful/Neutral Good

Grew up in a small village called Elmwood which I’m headcanoning as fantasy Ireland so I’m justified in giving Sam and his dad Irish accents lmao

He’s a doctor (or at least wants to be but too poor for med school), learned everything he knows about practical medicine from his mom (sun elf) and learned how to care for patients by taking care of his chronically ill dad (human)

His dad died when he was 7 and his mom took her own life when he was 11, he was supposed to go live with his aunt and uncle in Calimport but they sucked so he stowed away on a ship when he was 12, became a part of the crew, and then left when he was 15 and they docked in Waterdeep

He was homeless in Waterdeep for a while until my other tav Odette (duergar monk she/her) took him in and basically adopted him as her little brother. Years later when Sam is 30 he finds Wren (my human sorcerer tav they/them) beat up in an alley and takes them to the flat for treatment. They also have no place to call their own so, with a lot of pleading and puppy eyes from Sam, Odette agrees to let them stay

5 years later they all get snatched up by the Nautiloid

Here’s just a bit better description of his appearance since character creator only does so much

He’s a 6’4” beanpole, tall and lanky as hell

He has decent upper body strength from working on a ship and in a bakery most of his life but a pretty slim lower body

Absolutely covered in freckles

Has curly hair that he likes keeping trimmed short in the back cuz of hair on neck sensory issues

His right eye (your left) is a rich brown color while the left eye (your right) is a gold hazel color (you can kinda see if you zoom in on some of the pics)

He always wears glasses my guys blind as a bat

He has a scar on the lower left side of his abdomen and back from where he got ran through with a rapier in a pirate attack while he was sailing

And here’s just some more fun facts

He canonically romances Gale and is monogamous but I’m planning to make OOC stuff of him myself so go crazy go stupid aaahhh

The only thing I won’t do OOC for him is hetero stuff cuz if I had to label his sexuality it would be demisexual homoromantic and I’d feel weird having him be with someone who isn’t a man or masculine nonbinary

He’s a Verse / Switch but usually prefers topping

He’s circumcised (I made his parents both retired clerics just to justify it lmao)

Will enthusiastically demonstrate all the knots and rigging skills he acquired from his sailing days if his partner is up for it *wink wink*

Gives the best aftercare (he is a doctor after all)

He cares a lot about others, usually more than himself, which makes it hard for him to see when he’s being taken advantage of

Can be very perceptive in other situations though (knew Nettie was up to something when she grabbed a plant he recognized as dangerous, didn’t drink Jaheira’s drink cuz he could smell the herbs)

He’s ambidextrous and can sometimes lock in on a task and be found illustrating a surgical exposure with one hand while writing a description with the other

He doesn’t drink alcohol (doesn’t like the taste or how it makes him feel plus has bad memories associated with it) but he does smoke a tobacco pipe when he’s stressed

Apologies if this got long I’ve been obsessed with this OC of mine since before I even got the game lol he means so much to me ❤️

I am planning on writing a Gale x Rolan x Samson fic soon that’s gonna be post Lorroakan defeat and include some hurt/comfort, sappy confessions, and then Rolan getting sandwiched between Gale and Samson as he receives the most tender love and care that probably makes him cry… if you’d be interested in reading something like that I can tag you when it’s done 👀

It might take a little why for me to get around to it cuz my chronic illness is still acting up and I’m still recovering from being in the hospital and having to go back to work so apologies on that 🫶

Also love Rackal what a beefcake

I wanna draw some spice because I got a good long weekend ahead and need some silly things to draw between bigger projects. I also really wanna practice more spicy stuffs.

Some quick facts about my Tav for your consideration:

Rackal Orro:

-52 years old

- Captured on the Nautiloid alongside his twin sister.

-Half Drow (human mom, drow father. Mom was a Barbarian, dad a former cleric turned simple shopkeep. All the height/muscle comes from Mom.)

- former fighter turned paladin (Oath of Devotion). Smashes his Oath while saving the tieflings, specifically one grumpy one in particular (honestly, good riddance; it was getting in the way of getting shit done)

- Former Flaming Fist turned mercenary/adventurer prior to events of BG3; been out of the Fists for 5 years

- Burn scars from failed Fist mission 10 years ago, wherein he lost his longterm lover

- Romantic life has been meh since; a couple of relationships, none lasting more than a couple months. Ends up in slow burn with Rolan and falls HARD.

- Chaotic Good

- Service Dom/Top

Persona: Comes off a bit stoic/too serious at the start of the adventure/until the Grove party (though, to be fair, he’s just trying to keep his sister alive and is constantly assessing an increasingly disastrous situation, realizing fairly quickly that there is more going on than the tadpoles. Also, it doesn’t help that his dead lover is haunting his dreams telling him to eat even more tadpoles.). After a breakdown, mellows out, but still maintains a pretty serious attitude. Rather impulsive, especially in situations he perceives as a threat. Loyal, wary, does not forgive easily. Scratch is one of the few things keeping him sane.

- Volo Lobotomy Status: signed right the fuck up after downing a quarter bottle of whiskey. It was perfect timing; the moment Volo suggested it, Rackal had experienced:

Surprise vampire in camp; now his sister is a bloodbag.

Lae’zel trying to kill him.

Shadowheart and Lae’zel trying to kill each other.

Lae’zel fucking his sister, which he could’ve ignored if it DIDN’T WAKE UP THE CAMP

Dead lover jumpscare

All within 48 hours.

He was genuinely thinking “ FUCK IT TAKE ME OUT.”

Ref pics:

[huskofachance]

@sincataclysm​ The Best Song about capitalism biggering  Legit fight me community, this song is lit as fuck and  captures that whole decent into greed! And I adore this song!!  I wish it hadn’t been cut from the Lorax.   UGH! Such a good song.  Also yes.... Yes I did RP as the Once-ler 

Ya wanna fight about it?

“Who cares if some things are dying? I don't wanna hear your crying! This is all so gratifying“

[espressokiri]

Hii~~ I really likes your “secret relationship with their polar opposites being exposed” post. Can you do one with Tsukishima, Sakusa, Osamu, and Ushijima?

Tsukishima Kei, Sakusa Kiyoomi, Miya Osamu, Ushijima Wakatoshi x GN!reader

In which a secret relationship is unveiled.

Warnings: Language in Osamu’s.

Genre: fluff

Note; Henlo<3 I’m sorry if Ushijima’s is a little short, I’m not really good with depicting his character :(

Tsukishima Kei

Sweet s/o vs a salty constipated beanpole.

Tsukishima wasn't one for romance, nor did he think he would find an interest in anything that was remotely considered romantic.

But here he was, eye twitching from the sheer adorableness you showcased as he passed by the baking club.

He had glanced inside as the wonderful aroma wafted from the room and he had caught your eye, a bright grin directed at him as you wiggled you flour covered fingers in greeting.

He just nodded his head towards you before making his way towards the gym.

The interaction didn't seem like a lot but you two were classmates and you'd always catch him staring at you while you were jotting down notes.

His friend Yamaguchi had mentioned the boy's favouritism for strawberry shortcake so you had decided to make it during club hours to gift it to him afterwards.

"Ah, Tsukki is just talking to the captain. I can hand it to him for you if you're getting late, L/n-san." Yamaguchi mentions, hand rubbing the back of his neck as he shyly stares at his classmate.

Y/n beams up at him, "that would be great Yamaguchi-kun! I need to rush home before cram school." Handing him the small boxed cake, an extra being handed to Yamaguchi.

"That one is for you!" Y/n mentions and Yamaguchi blushes at the gesture, he knew it meant nothing but a token of friendship, Y/n was just someone that took care of everyone in different ways.

"T-thank you!"

Tsukishima raises a brow at the box handed to him by Yamaguchi, his friend holding his own with a smile on his face as he tells him that you made it.

Tsukishima does admit that when he tried the treat in the comfort of his room, it tasted heavenly. The perfect mix of sugar in the whipped cream and the soft sponge of the cake made the perfect combination. The strawberries tasted fresh too.

You didn't even bother asking him about how the cake tasted yesterday, busy chatting with your friends.

He scoffed as you didn't even glance his way that day.

Was surprised to find another small box of the same cake on his desk after lunch period.

He kept glancing at you but it seemed like you made it your mission to avoid his gaze.

A looming presence made itself known and a shiver ran down your spine, you looked up at Tsukishima with a cheeky grin as he stared back curiously. “I’d like it if you only baked for me, thanks.”

Huh?

Mans sucks at expressing himself but ended up confessing through a store bought iced cookie in a shape of a dinosaur for you which read ‘I like you, dumbass.’

You bet you teased him relentlessly.

Now this man was someone who likes to keep his relationship on the down low.

Hates people meddling with his privacy, aside from Yamaguchi who was aware of the whole thing.

You can’t hide anything from Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi who may have let it slip to Yachi that the two of you were dating because lets face it, he had a crush on her in high-school.

Yachi, a whole cinnamon roll, had blurted it out on accident during practice when she got scared of an escalating argument between Tsukishima and Kageyama.

“L-L/n-san wouldn’t like that you’re fighting, Tsukishima-san!”

“Eh?!”

Cue chaos in the gym.

Yachi continuously apologizing and bowing as Tsukishima held a nervous Yamaguchi by the front of his shirt.

Sakusa Kiyoomi

Cousin’s best friend turned lover.

Literally could not tolerate you at the beginning.

Your teasing nature contrasted with his serious one but he slowly started to grow fond of it.

You bought your favourite scented sanitizer and hand lotion for him once and he’s bought the same ones every time since then.

Was pleasantly surprised when you unconsciously rubbed hand lotion on his hand, giving it a massage while talking to him about a topic you were passionate about. 

“Are you blushing?”

“N-no.”

“Sure, Omi.”

A teasing grin is always present.

When he’s at practice you would snatch his hoodie from the locker room and wear it on top of your uniform, proudly smiling at his confused expression. Rolling his eyes once he notices you wearing it. 

Would get slightly jealous when he sees you interact with his cousin, well aware that you were his friend first before Kiyoomi came into your life. His face is all scrunched up and eyes narrowed.

You want to laugh at his expression.

“What’s wrong with your face.”

“Nothing’s wrong with my face.”

“Your usually handsome face looks like you sucked a sour lemon.”

“You think I have a handsome face?”

“Shut up.”

Demands hand massages because he likes the feeling of you rubbing lotion onto his hands.

Silently just slams his hand on your leg asking for attention.

He’s a big baby who acts all high and mighty.

He’s more affectionate in private, he’s also a private guy like Tsukishima.

“Don’t stay too late at practice, Kiyoomi. Y/n is waiting for you after club hours.”

“Komori, you bastard.”

His team wasn’t really as chaotic tbh.

They were glad Kiyoomi had found someone <3

1/2 of the twins and Bokuto on the other hand...

“EH? How did a grub like you end up with someone outta your league?!”

“Our Omi-Omi is grown up now!”

Miya Osamu

Who knew Osamu would have a thing for a hot-headed s/o.

You were in one of the classes he attended, thankfully it was one Atsumu wasn’t in.

You may or may not have insulted Atsumu to his face once.

Osamu liked that you were outspoken and unfiltered, he found it refreshing compared to the fangirls who would butter them up and put on a facade for them to like them.

“Can you guys just shut the fuck up?!” You glared at the crowd of girls who were bothering Osamu while they were waiting for the teacher to come in for their lesson.

“You shouldn’t use foul language like that!” One of the girl’s scolded but you simply scoffed and flipped her off, “watch me.”

“Also, what makes you think someone like him would be interested in people as annoying as you. If you do like this, Miya-san, then I suggest to stop thinking with your dick. Now shut up, your squealing is making me get a headache.”

Osamu stared at you mouth ajar.

Suna was snickering in the background, silently planning to befriend you.

You had a misconception of how Osamu really was due to his twin, but then again two outspoken and hot-headed people weren’t a good match in the same area.

Osamu had to approach you slowly, thinking you would hiss at him like a cat would. 

Apparently he wasn’t as bad as you thought.

Would offer you the extra onigiri he made as a peace offering.

Osamu was happy to talk to you openly and without any filter as well, appreciative that you were not one to judge him.

He would also express that he admires you and your ability to speak your mind.

“’Samu! What’re ya doing with a pig like them?!”

“Say that again I dare you.” You narrowed your eyes at the older twin who glared back.

“What’re ya gonna do pipsqueak?”

“I wont hesitate to beat you up, bitch!”

“Hah? I’d like to see ya try!”

Suna and Osamu had to break you two up because you two were causing a scene.

Osamu almost choked you with his onigiri when he had slipped a confession note wrapped in foil inside.

“You tryna kill me, ‘Samu?!”

“Who told ya to eat like a damn pig?!”

People think you two act like siblings so no one questioned anything.

Except Suna who was too perceptive for his own good.

Mans had blackmail for days with the amount of photos and videos of you two cozying up to each other in secret.

“‘Samu! Is Sunarin telling the truth about you and L/n?!” Atsumu grabbed the front of Osamu’s shirt and shook him aggressively.

“Get yer hands off of me ya imbecile!”

Needless to say you had chased Suna across campus to beat him up.

Atsumu felt like he was going to die at his twin’s betrayal.

Ushijima Wakatoshi

Hyperactive s/o and a big bear.

What a lovely combo.

We all know Ushijima is the type to not be bothered by anyone approaching him or anything.

Would participate in conversations if needed.

And then there was you who would bounce over one day while Tendou and him were conversing about the latest shounen jump.

“Satori! I need to borrow one of your mangas!”

“Y/n! Say less!”

“Who’s your handsome friend?”

Ushijima blinks at you before introducing himself.

The meeting was nothing too dramatic but you were quite persistent with befriending the tall male.

His dry answers not bothering you at all.

“Do you think I can climb you like a tree?”

“I am not a tree, Y/n-san.”

“Let’s go to the bookstore!”

“You have too much energy, Y/n-san.”

It took a while for him to realize his feelings towards you, the hand holding and the excited glimmer on your face had made his heart beat erratically.

It wasn’t until he had confronted Tendou about it that he realized it was him liking you.

Would ask you out on the spot.

“L/n-san, I am interested in courting you. I would like to know if you reciprocate my feelings.”

You just blinked at him in shock, sitting at your designated seat with your classmates watching with slack jaws at the bluntness the ace had.

“S-sure, Ushijima-san.”

He’s honestly the sweetest guy.

It’s nice to know he’s blunt with his feelings despite not being able to read the room sometimes.

Would listen attentively to you and remember the little details.

He himself would be the reason to have your relationship outed.

“Semi, I’d appreciate it if you moved away from my s/o.”

“S/o?!”

“Ushijima-san has a s/o?!”

[oranoyaora]

unholy matrimony

ft. timeskip!tsukishima kei

warning(s): angst if you squint

tags: childhood friends to lovers

notes: inspired by giveōn’s “unholy matrimony”.

“Do you ever want to get married?”

Tsukishima paused before looking up at you sitting at the bar counter as your gaze focused on how he nimbly cut up vegetables. At his silence, your eyes flitted up to his, waiting for him to respond.

The tall man studied you. It was something he had thought about a few times. It seemed like a nice idea, but what stopped Tsukishima was the fear of you both falling out of love.

Marriage.

A huge commitment. One that should be built from a journey of love.

But that’s just it.

What is the point of building a love so great, for it to be locked up? What is the point of getting married if there’s a possibility for it to fail, unraveling years and years of work going into a relationship?

Tsukishima believed that any relationship you foster is a commitment in itself, and that sometimes, relationships come and go. A relationship can remain stable, but that doesn’t cancel out the chance for it to crumble.

Anything could happen.

In his heart, he knows that the both of you would fight tooth and nail to make it work. You’ve both had your ups and downs with one another.

“Not really.”

Tsukishima was just honestly comfortable with where the two of you were at and didn’t feel like he needed to take it a step further.

You smiled at his answer.

“Well, I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

The two of you were more than elated to have saved each other from the heartache that could have ensued if the idea of marriage had been one-sided.

“Besides, I thought we were already married,” he added.

Your brows furrowed in confusion, “Huh?”

“When did that happen,” you laughed lightly.

The man shrugged, “When we were eight.”

“You mean when I tied up grass and made them into rings, put them on our pinky fingers, and declared that we got married?” You laughed again.

Tsukishima curtly nodded as he resumed to cutting the vegetables in front of him.

“We were kids, Tsuki,” you reasoned.

“And look where we are now,” Tsukishima quipped.

“Touché, you damn beanpole,” you muttered.

Tsukishima shook his head and scoffed, “I can’t believe you didn’t know that we’ve been married this whole time.”

“Really, Tsuki?” You rolled your eyes.

“It’ll be our twentieth anniversary in September,” the blond continued.

You could not believe this guy.

“You literally just told me that you don’t really want to ever get married.”

“I was talking about official marriage, idiot. You know? The one where you have to sign all those papers?”

“The attitude was not needed,” you bantered back.

“Well, you clearly didn’t understand that we’ve already been married for almost twenty years.”

You crossed your arms and pouted, “I want a divorce.”

“Too bad, you can’t,” Tsukishima snickered, “let’s not forget that you made us pinky promise that we would stay married forever that day.”

“Whatever,” you uttered defeat.

Tsukishima smirked triumphantly. There was a short, yet comfortable silence that fell upon you two. The only distinct noise that could be heard was from Tsukishima chopping up some vegetables.

“I only asked because I wasn’t sure if you were the marrying type,” you admitted.

Tsukishima didn’t say anything, knowing that you would continue your rant.

“I just think that you don’t have to necessarily get married if you’re in love with someone.”

“Did you just confess your love to me?” The man mocked.

You sighed in exasperation.

“That’s it. We’re getting divorced.”

[hqshine]

𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒

Includes: Tsukishima, Sakusa and Kuroo

genre: fluff, abit angst

a/n: Hi guys, so my national exams are practically over and i have more time to invest in the blog right now. I apologise for not being able to express my gratitude for all of my followers after reaching milestones so do note that i’m accepting requests now (rules apply found in my pinned post) probably for a limited time

taglist: there is also a new taglist form, thus i will start a new list! please do sign up. To those in my old taglist please enter your user again just to confirm that you would like to remain in the taglist!

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO LOVERS

Tsukishima is the stereotypical type of tsundere who is indifferent and cold to others.

So imagine if you live in the house opposite of his, literally his next door neighbour. The two of you weren’t two peas in a pod, it was more of like a cute puppy chasing after its owner.

From a young age, you’ve fallen in love with the cold-hearted guy, and followed him no matter what. Despite knowing that he doesn’t reciprocate your feelings, you would continue to shower him with handmade gifts and reminders to take care of himself.

He on the other hand, feeds off the attention in a way. Slowly, he began to notice you a little more, from the way you would always catch up to him no matter how short your legs were as compared to his to the way you would always try to make him smile or fall for your antics. Without saying he did fall for your antics

but it only made him more indifferent, choosing instead to tease you by giving his attention to other girls. going out of his way to reach out weaker students but insisting that he didn’t want to help you

and although it breaks your heart continuously, you still stick by his side

And he only notices how much he fucked up when other guys start to give you their attention.

He’s jealous, definitely, especially when he realises that you seemed to be drifting away, giving up on your feelings for the beanpole

his hands would tighten around his pen whenever some other guy came up to you with a love letter, teeth clenching when he realised that you missed his birthday.

As he had enough, he would slam his hand on his table before dragging you out to a more secluded corner, blush adorning his cheeks and he would lay his chin on your head and mumble out

“please, just look at me again. i’m sorry i should’ve told you the truth sooner” and he confesses, chin still on your head to hide his blush from you not knowing that you were hiding your face into his chest to do the same

“i..like you, be mine, also i miss your strawberry shortcake” he would finally mumble out, his blush growing heavy and his hands snaking around your waist to bring you closer to him as you giggle and nod.

ENEMIES TO LOVERS

he’s your rival, growing up into enemy mafia gangs has cultivated both of you to identify the other as your enemy.

So why is his eyes glaring daggers into your wound as you limp to a safer corner, both of your families has been ambushed at the same time by another more sinister gang.

Sakusa rips of his mask and you begin to open your mouth, “look if you want to mock me for failing do it later, my wound is killing me-“ you say with a struggle, wincing as the pain flows through your body, your teeth clenching as you begin to sway with haziness.

Sakusa is immediately at your side supporting you, gripping you by the arms and your waist.

Although his touch is gentle with you, his eyes and his voice is dripping with pure venom and hatred.

“Who did this to you, name now”

RIVALS TO LOVERS

this man could ace any test without studying before hand and while the two of you were the top of your class, you still had to struggle through tons of revision and pressure from your parents and the man himself to retain your position.

and when the big fat 80 mark stares at you mockingly, the man of the hour is walking towards you with confident strides and voice dripping with sarcasm

“so what did our genius y/n get this time? think you can finally beat me?”

His footsteps follow you in a hurry as you rush to the only safe place in school, the library

“y/n..i didn’t mean it, i’m sorry-“

“leave it kuroo, just- leave me alone” you say, tears threatening to fall already but you refused to let them drop now infront of the man.

You expected him to turn around in the other direction but was very wrong as he instead grabs you by the wrist and pulls you to his warm chest, shielding you from everything else as you breakdown within the bookshelves.

The stress and pressure being let out after all this time

Kuroo’s warm grip and gentle caress of your cheeks while he mumbles motivating words calming you down soon enough

“how are you still so beautiful after you cry, you’ll always be number one to me y/n. You, have me wrapped around your finger”

— Likes and reblogs are appreciated! <3

[reidsnose]

Black Eye

overview: reader and spencer go to reader's highschool reunion as a fake couple

genre: fluff i think

warnings: mild violence and swearing, a guy being kind of a total creep, and mentions of bullying

a/n: idk if its any good again just love the idea but it was inspired by a dream i had last night (thank you temporal lobe) so yeah let me know what yall think !! :) also im posting this at like ass oclock in the morning so whoops

masterlist

-

-

you and spencer had gotten yourselves in quite the situation.

your dreaded highschool reunion was just around the corner and you made the mistake of complaining about it to penelope. she was always trying to make everyones life easier (and more interesting) so when she heard you had no date she took it upon herself to find you one.

it didn't take a lot of looking, none at all actually; because Penelope had already been trying to figure out ways to get you and Reid together.

you two were undeniably perfect for each other. you were an amazing team at work, you hung out alone all the time (though both of you denied these hang out as being dates, Garcia had her own ideas on this), and you were both very obliviously head over heels for each other.

and somehow, through the magical ways of Penelope Garcia, you and Spencer were now sitting in the parking lot, fake married for your high school reunion.

"do we need to go over our back story again?" you worried, looking up at him.

"our backstory is basically all true anyway we just fall in love after a little bit. and i have an eidetic memory so i remember; you're my wife you should know this!" he joked, trying to relax you. "we got this! we're gonna be so married!"

Spencer had actually never been this nervous in his life but he was trying to be brave for you. it would be more embarrassing for you both to show up like nervous wrecks than if you had just come alone. he was just happy to get to be fake married to you.

"the marriedest!" smiled, fist bumping him.

"now lets go make some people jealous!" he chuckled getting out of the car and jogging over to your side, opening your door before you got the chance to; like a true gentleman.

you stuck out your hand which he happily took into his, neither of you commenting on the redness you both had sprinkled across your cheeks. as you walked in, you saw all the people you dreaded seeing.

the boys who tormented you were balding and the girls who made sure you felt awful everyday had wrinkles riddling there skin. you were surrounded by botched botox and bleached blonde to cover graying hair. you felt terrible to admit it, but you were a little happy to see that their beauty had faded like this; they made their looks their whole personality in high school, you couldn't help but wonder what was left for them to be. not that it mattered, but you and Spencer were undeniably the most attractive couple there.

you actually had an ok time, you had spotted a few of your friends that you hadn't seen in quite a few years and it was nice to catch up.

Spencer had wondered a bit, but not too far, he was talking to some guys who used to be in science club when you were younger. you smiled at the thought of what they might be talking about.

"y/n! hey youve really filled out!" you heard a gruff voice from behind you.

you turned around and were met with the very unappealing face of the ex quarterback. Spencers attention had been caught at the sound of your name.

"um..hello," you muttered, trying to covertly back away from him.

"i see youve got a ring, interesting i dont remember us getting married!" he said in an incredibly creepy tone.

"do you know im a federal agent now?" you said through a gritted smile.

spencer had already begun walking towards you, he could tell something was off.

"ill tell you what sweetheart," he put his hand on your shoulder, pulling you slightly closer to him, "you can put me in handcuffs any day."

you threw his hand off of you and drew back your fist, but were cut off before you could deliver the punch but his hand engulfing your own, and squeezing.

"THATS MY WIFE!" spencer yelled in a voice you had never heard from him before.in the blink of an eye he was standing between in front of him. "do not ever talk to her like that, let alone lay a finger on her or so help me God i will-"

"what beanpole? what are you gonna do? what if i did this?" the man asked.

and then he sent a swift punch to Spencer's face.

thats gonna leave a mark.

in a matter of seconds, Spencer had him overpowered, laying face first on the floor with his hands uncomfortably angled behind him, completely helpless.

"now i'm going to let you go and you're going to walk out of here unharmed. if you try anything like that again, ill let my wife handle you. and i promise if she gets a hold of you, you'll be a dead son of a bitch." Spencer muttered in the mans ear, gruffly pulling him up by his collar and shoving him towards the door.

"were leaving." you said, grabbing Spencer's hand, trying to ignore how incredibly attractive he looked right now.

"babe if you want to stay we can stay," he offered as if he didn't just have his shit kicked in by a coward with misogynistic tendencies.

"honey, i want to take you home," you smiled, liking the way it felt to call him a pet name. you walked into the parking lot, "what were you thinking?"

"i was thinking this guy is trying to hurt you and i was not going to ever let that happen." he answered confidently as you two reached the car. "plus this totally made the marriage thing more believable. i wouldn't get a black eye for just anyone."

"thank you. i'm sorry you got punched trying to protect me." you sighed, feeling incredibly awful about the whole thing.

he chuckled, "id do it again."

you fought hard against the blush creeping up your face.

"i gotta say, the black eye really suits you. you look pretty badass." you chuckled, trying to change the subject before it got too sappy and you said something you shouldn't.

"maybe it should just be my new look," he joked, looking down at a ping from his phone. "uh oh."

"we have a case?" you asked.

"yep. and hotch wants us in the office asap which means we cont stop by either of our houses." he sighed before starting the car.

the drive was mostly silent. but a comfortable silence. Spencer thought about how in the moment, he didn't care how many punches the guy threw at him, as long as it meant you were ok, he was willing to take it. he knew he loved you far before that moment but that truly solidified it.

at the same time you were thinking of how quickly your time as a 'married couple' was over. it felt so right to call Spencer yours. so unexplainably perfect for the two of you to be together. if only your time wasn't cut short by a sucker punch.

you neared the building's parking lot. you looked over at Spencer who you could very easily tell was lost in his own world.

"whats going on in that beautiful head of yours?" you asked, causing him to stifle a smile.

"just thinking." he answered.

"what about?"

"us." he stated, pulling into his parking spot.

oh. oh.

"do tell."

he hesitated, "if i tell you, and you disagree, do you promise it wont change anything about us?"

"i promise."

"did it feel right to you? us being together?" he asked, his eyes innocent and filled to the brim with a mixture of anxiety and adoration as he looked at you.

"yes. it absolutely did. and i was so mad at the assclown for cutting our time short," you admitted, "and punching you in the eye, obviously."

"i- i'm not sure how to ask this but- do you...would you..sorry i-" he stammered.

"yes."

you cut him off, pressing your lips to his. his hand gently cupped your face, deepening the kiss and you both felt like you were on cloud nine.

"thats exactly what i was trying to say," he cracked a dopey smile, causing you to chuckle.

"i've been trying to say it for so long." you confessed, causing him to smile impossibly wider, "we gotta go hotch is waiting."

"just one more kiss?" he asked, which you gave in to, obviously. and then another. and another.

maybe it was good thing that he got a black eye that day, because when you got to the office the whole team was so focused on it they didn't even notice the hint of your lipstick left on spencers lips.

-

-

ultra mega super cool taglist:

@mac99martin @imhreid @spencersmagic @hollydaisy23 @raelady1184 @a-broken-pact @padfootswife @hey-there-angels @star-stuff-in-the-cosmos

[shih-coulda-had-it]

casualty report

my entry for @queenangst‘s bnha gen contest! Link to AO3, but also contained below the Keep Reading.

WC: 2,454

Summary: Hospitals are supposed to be places of healing. Yet whenever Toshinori sits in one with Gran Torino, it seems that Toshinori is always clawing at his own heart. Spoilers up to C305.

//

The air is cold, sterile, and silent, save for the low hum of machinery and intermittent beeping of the heart monitor.

Yagi Toshinori enters Gran Torino’s assigned room in a similarly muted fashion, sliding the door open and shut with barely a click. He finds the chair where he left it; the old man hasn’t gotten any visitors besides him and the nurses. Like Midoriya, Torino teeters on the knife edge of survival, and like Midoriya’s classmates, Torino’s colleagues are swamped with work.

Toshinori has the privilege to visit them both. So he splits his time between his teacher-mentor-father and his student-successor-son and waits. They are similarly stubborn about clinging to life; Toshinori is confident they will wake.

Whether they will be happy about it…

As he sits, Gran Torino’s eyes crack open. His already labored breathing stutters, resulting in a full-body twitch that eventually culminates in a pained groan.

“Take it slow,” Toshinori advises.

“Stupid lesson from a stupid teacher,” Torino snaps. Toshinori looks away to focus on the bright yellow fabric bundled on top of a cabinet, neither laundered nor repaired. He’ll have to do it later. 

The silence between them is tense. Surprisingly, it’s Torino who breaks it.

“Izuku?”

“Coma,” Toshinori says, fingers curling into fists. Before Torino can curse, Toshinori adds, “I think he’s talking to the predecessors of One for All.”

“Not something you could do,” the old man comments. He’s peering down at his injuries with a detached fascination: the maimed leg, the thick compress hiding beneath his bandages. Toshinori is uncomfortably reminded of his own injury, and of his own convalescence. He had recovered quickly, and privately, though he suspects that One for All had assisted with the process.

However lucky Torino is to have survived, Toshinori thinks the aftermath will be so much messier.

“It’s not,” he agrees.

“How can you tell?”

“A feeling,” says Toshinori. He forges on despite Gran Torino’s disbelieving eyebrows. “I think oshishou had a point, about the predecessors’ spirits living on in One for All. I’m not able to channel One for All anymore, but I think I still have some connection to the Quirk.”

“Ghosts in the machine,” says Torino dryly. He studies Toshinori. “Oh. You’re not joking.”

“I wouldn’t joke about this.”

Honestly, Toshinori had thought Torino would be ecstatic (as ecstatic as the old man ever got, as he swung between smugness, serenity, and seething fury) at the possibility of reconnecting with Shimura Nana. He had also quailed at the thought of telling Gran Torino that Toshinori’s own connection seemed to be a one-way thing.

And Toshinori doesn’t know how to tell Torino that he feels betrayed, in a way.

When he was researching the previous users of One for All, an alien-like urgency had pushed him past investigating to obsessing. As though a whisper had filtered through his head and said: what else, what more, why now?

Shinomori’s case. The hypothesis that Toshinori’s Quirkless heritage had protected him from the pitfalls of a stockpile Quirk.

The harsh intake of multiple people breathing in at once, even though Toshinori had been alone, with only stacks of heavily-redacted reports to keep him company. All of Toshinori’s devotion, and it had earned him nothing but sleepless nights and silent vigils.

Torino sighs then, heavy with resignation. And just like that, he moves on. “Shigaraki?”

“Escaped,” Toshinori reluctantly says. He doesn’t want to talk about the current situation of society and its failure to stabilize in the wake of so many terrible revelations and events. He really doesn’t want to talk about Tartarus. Except, it will be impossible to keep Torino in the dark about it forever. “Don’t have a heart attack on me, but—All for One’s back on the field.”

One heartbeat. Then two.

Something like forty years ago, Gran Torino and Toshinori had sat in a hospital room, numbed to the core by the very real confrontation and consequence of baiting All for One into the light. The superficial injuries belied the grief suffusing Toshinori’s body, and although he hadn’t recognized it at the time, the terror in Torino’s.

White-faced, Gran Torino had told Toshinori that they could not afford to stop moving.

Sleep. Wake up. Go to school. Your internship hours are going to be spent sparring with me.

For the rest of the year?

Until I’m goddamn satisfied.

It was a miracle they had survived the first week without killing each other. In retrospect, Toshinori could see the value in Torino’s decision to forgo the mourning period. Toshinori had still ended up sobbing on the ground, confessing to his father what he could not to his mother.

And of course, without dwelling on Toshinori’s admission, Gran Torino moved on to the next point of business.

“Cockroach,” Torino says through gritted teeth. The heart monitor stays impressively calm. “Third time’s the charm, then?”

“Torino-sensei, the third time was Kamino Ward. It’s safe to say the odds are against us.”

Toshinori’s bleak assessment earns him a narrowed glare, and it’s a sign of how exhausted and bitter Toshinori feels that he is unfazed. He can afford to be scared of Torino when Torino is walking of his own volition, cursing up a storm about the fact that he can no longer eat a whole box of microwaved taiyaki.

“Casualties?”

“Multiple civilians,” says Toshinori. “Multiple pro-heroes. None of the students, thank goodness.”

Torino stares at him. “There were no students at the hospital.”

“Many were… encouraged to participate in the mansion raid.” It still leaves a sour taste in his mouth. Terrible, yes, to see Eraserhead bandaged up yet again due to Toshinori’s failures, but it was even worse to see his students file back into U.A.’s dorms, eyes shadowed with something more than grief. Midnight’s death haunts them still.

The old man breathes.

“What else?”

“A loss of trust,” Toshinori says, leaning his elbows on his knees, fingers pressed together like a prayer. “Civilians want to protect themselves, and the remaining pro-heroes of Japan are stretched thin. Some died, and many are retiring.” He offers Torino a mirthless smile. “Yoroi Musha is out.”

“Twenty years too late,” Torino responds.

“You never liked him.”

“Gimmicky cowards with a chip on their shoulder shouldn’t be in this line of work.”

Well. Either Toshinori takes that as a personal insult, an unintentional dig, or Gran Torino’s acerbic sense of humor. He goes quiet anyway. Now is a good time as any for a lull in conversation to occur, but Toshinori doesn’t get long to contemplate his next move. 

“What’s eating you up,” Torino demands flatly.

“Nothing.”

“Pull my other leg.”

“It’s nothing,” Toshinori stresses. “And if there was something, I wouldn’t want to talk about it.”

“Toshinori. When you bottle up your specific brand of guilt, it has a tendency to backfire on you spectacularly,” says Torino. “I’m not walking away for a long time, so get it off your chest right now while I’m wired to half a dozen machines.”

Toshinori interlocks his fingers.

“Toshinori.”

“The Public Safety Commission has been disbanded,” he tries. “Their headquarters were attacked the same time the raids occurred.”

“Unsurprising,” says Torino. 

“I don’t think anyone could have anticipated a direct attack, Torino-sensei.”

“I’m not talking about the Commission. I’m talking about you. Deflecting.” 

Hospitals are supposed to be places of healing. Yet whenever Toshinori sits in one with Gran Torino, it seems that Toshinori is always clawing at his own heart.

“Do I disappoint you?” Toshinori asks, resigned to hearing an answer he already knows, staring hard at his hands. He’s pushing the wrong side of his fifties, less grizzled and more gaunt, more of a beanpole and less of a pillar. It’s impossible to remember all the things he did right when all Toshinori can see is where he went wrong.

And even though Gran Torino looks so fragile, tiny and bedridden, bandaged and hooked up to more machines than Toshinori can count on one hand—he still has the strength to look ahead.

Toshinori didn’t learn that. He had thought he did, those six years ago when he survived the fight with All for One, because in spite of the grievous injury, All Might had forged on.

“You can be honest,” Toshinori says. “Just like in U.A.”

“We’re a long way from that time,” says Gran Torino. His expectant and unimpressed expression hasn’t changed.

“It was a yes or no question, Torino-sensei.”

“No, then.”

He says it so simply. Toshinori blinks. Torino tips his head to the side, watching with half-lidded eyes how Toshinori processes his answer. Except Toshinori cannot fathom when this change of perception happened, because just as recently as Kamino Ward, Toshinori had still been reduced to sitting on his ass, listening to Gran Torino’s instructions.

“You’ve done more than anyone should have asked of you,” Torino says. “And you did it well.”

“I overlooked so many problems,” Toshinori protests. “So many people didn’t feel safe.”

“Brat,” says Gran Torino fondly.

“Torino-sensei.”

“There’s something more than that. You’ve been dealing with that insecurity for decades, and you know as well as I do that even a Symbol of Peace can’t catch everything. What’s going on?” Torino is ruthless when he wants to make a point; Toshinori circles back to his original impulsive question and thinks��

“Midoriya-shonen,” says Toshinori in a soft voice. “He’s talking to the predecessors.”

“So you said.”

“And I couldn’t. I can’t, even now, even though I’m connected to One for All still.” From there, the words come spilling out. “Oshishou told me from the beginning that One for All had some kind of spiritual essence. She might not have said outright about the voices, but she hinted at it. That we could meet again, somehow. And all those years… forty years, Torino-sensei, and—and nothing. Not a word, not a vision.”

Midoriya’s crybaby genes must have bounced over the connection, because horrifically, Toshinori can feel his face contort and his eyes water. He hasn’t cried in front of Gran Torino in decades.

“Like I wasn’t worthy,” Toshinori concludes, choking on the last word.

Here is what Toshinori learned on his own, independent of Gran Torino’s teachings: don’t cry. Smile through the fear and the pain, and don’t cry.

Conveniently, Toshinori has forgotten that all those decades ago, Gran Torino never censured him for his tears. So it is now, that Toshinori feels the unfamiliar prickle and the cooling trails sliding down his face, and Gran Torino says nothing.

Until he does.

“You’re everything Shimura stopped hoping for. Did you know that?” Toshinori jerks his head up from its bowed position; he can hear oshishou saying in her wry tone, typical Torino. Can’t make eye contact when communicating an emotion. “I saw her through almost every big milestone in her life. Her pro-hero license, her marriage, her pregnancy. The loss of her husband, and then her son.”

“You didn’t try and stop her.”

“She knew best.” Torino’s grin is painful. “I believed that then, and I believe it now. Kotarou survived longer than he would’ve if he stayed in her custody, which was ultimately her goal. So Shimura was right on that, never mind what Kotarou did with his life after. And you… I told you already.”

“You know me,” Toshinori jokes. He recalls his rusty impression of Torino’s lecturing tone, perfected during those golden hours of patrol with oshishou. “‘It takes twice as long for me to tell you something, versus me beating the lesson into you once.’”

“Then listen,” says Torino. “When Shimura met you, she was still hurting from giving up Kotarou. She couldn’t stop being a hero, but she didn’t want to stop being a mother. And every day, the news cycle spoke of a crime wave, fueled by something bigger than the injustices of the world.

“I was enough to keep her from drowning in work. It wasn’t until she met you that she started smiling again. That she had a son again.”

Toshinori scrubs his eyes. “Really could’ve used this talk forty years ago,” he manages.

“I wasn’t this emotionally intelligent forty years ago.”

“If Hound Dog ever managed to sit us down for therapy, he’d diagnose us both as emotionally-stunted,” he tells Torino. “You probably perpetuated a family cycle, Torino-sensei.”

“One of us cries, and it isn’t me,” Torino shoots back waspishly.

“It’s Midoriya-shonen,” Toshinori agrees.

Torino’s laugh comes out as a wheeze, and Toshinori winces in sympathy. The exhaustion that comes out of crying begins to settle in; he hasn’t allowed himself to cry for a while. Not in front of the students, and not in front of his colleagues. Gran Torino is situated in that blurred zone of family and teacher and co-worker.

Gran Torino is tiring as well. The conversation’s taken a lot out of him, and it surely doesn’t help that he was treated to a hint of Toshinori’s resurfacing insecurities.

“You asked if you disappointed me,” the old man says quietly, hoarsely. “Didn’t I disappoint you?”

His throat sticks.

Torino smiles, wry. “I know,” he says.

“Torino-sensei,” Toshinori attempts, horrified at his slip. He should fix this. He has to make sure Gran Torino knows that the past is past, and that his efforts haven’t been wasted on an ungrateful child. As Toshinori opens his mouth to reassure Torino, an urgent flicker of something calls out to him.

His head jerks to the door. Outside, down the hallway, in another room—

“He’s waking?”

Toshinori looks back to Torino, distractedly saying, “Yes,” before he freezes. Gran Torino has propped himself up halfway, teeth gritted with the effort it takes. He has reached out and clumsily pressed his hand against Toshinori’s forehead, fingers dipping into his hair.

It feels like a benediction.

“I am,” Torino forces out, “so proud of you. I could not be prouder. You were worth it, do you hear me, Toshinori? You are, still.”

The moment doesn’t last forever. Whatever burst of adrenaline fuels Torino, it dwindles with emotional vulnerability. He pats the top of Toshinori’s head and slumps back into his pillow, looking gray with exhaustion.

For his part, Toshinori stares, wide-eyed, like he’s fourteen years old again, meeting Gran Torino for the first time.

“Go,” says Torino. “Izuku shouldn’t wake up alone. He should have his family with him.”

There is a weak grin pulling at Torino’s mouth, familiar in its toothiness. Toshinori gets to his feet. He’s unable to return the smile, because he is suddenly terrified that if he leaves this room, Torino will somehow find a way to escape the hospital, hole up in his apartment, and—and—

“He’ll need you too,” says Toshinori. “Get better soon, tou—Torino-sensei.”

Gran Torino closes his eyes, and Yagi Toshinori moves on.

[anime-grimmy]

Even more prompts, this time Stampede centric:

this hc has been stuck in my mind for a while now, but I just can totally see poor Meryl having to drive through the night, tired beyond belief, while all the other guys just snore loudly around her. This hc lends itself well for late night talks though. Meryl is huffing and puffing, complaining how everyone just leaves her to do all the work, when Vash speaks up from behind her. As usual, Meryl almost topples the car with how bad it swerves, but since everyone is so used to that by now, Wolfwood and Roberto just sleep right through it. Cue Meryl and Vash bantering and then it turning into a suprisingly deep and honest conversation or sth.

since we're on the topic of "vehicles". We know from ep 2 that Vash can in fact right a thomas, which was not a thing in the og. So I think it would be funny if it's the opposite for Meryl, her temperament not rly letting her vibe with the animals, so she cant ride one. So when they have to make a getaway, everyone hops on a thomas to flee, except for Meryl cos she just knows the overgrown bird would throw her right off. When Vash runs up to her and tells he to hurry, she confesses she cant ride a thomas, and to her suprise he just swoops her on his own and they right off after the others. Meryl will never admit that despite all the adrenaline, being cuddled up back to chest with Vash was in fact a very nice experience

speaking of cuddling up to someone (wow, my transitions are on point today), Meryl has always been kinda baffled how someone as lean as Vash was as athletic and strong as he was. So, when Meryl is being Meryl and runs straight into the trouble Vash (and probably Wolfwood) find themselves in without Roberto being there to hold her back, Meryl suddenly finds herself being thrown behind cover by Vash to not accidentally get shot or something. Only in this close proximity, pressed up against his chest and grabbing onto his arms for dear life, does she notice how this beanpole of a man was all solid muscles. Meryl cannot look him in the eye for the rest of the day as the feelings that revelations brings with it send her reeling.

last one is just a small hc, I like the thought that either of their earings isnt just accessories but sth important to them. Maybe you have a situation where, in a scuffle, one of them loses an earring and the other is rly suprised how frantically the other searches for it. Or they get a closer look at one of the earrings and notice some kind of message or stuff engraved on one side/ on the inside of it. This rly just leads back to my adoration for the idea of them exchanging earrings as a promise to come back to each other.

Trigun hyperfixation has an iron grip on me and I desperately need to get my head to think of something else. Especially cos I crave so much for good stories but to my suprise, a lot of (vashmeryl) fanfics I read are extremely samey, especially the post-anime ones.

That being said, while reading, I was actually suprised to see a few scenarios or themes never explored? So I thought, since I can't get my brain to focus anyways, might as well drop some vashmerly hcs and prompts.

the one I'm most suprised has not been explored at all is Meryl and Milly trying to teach Vash how to actually talk/flirt with women. I still dunno how Vash came to be known as a womamizer in the og anime cos he is abyssmal when it comes to flirting. So, after an especially embarassing rejection, Meryl picks a fight with Vash as usual and he's all like "yeah, then you show me how it's done." Not one to chicken out on a competition (and with avid encouragement by Milly) they set up a fake date. I can totally see it going really funny, Meryl trying her darn hardest to act like an actually interested date but can't help herself from cringing and and scoffing at how stupid Vash' approaches are. So basically, it would be a mix of silly flirting and a lot of bantering. By the end Meryl admits that he's not half bad if he just turns down the goofiness a bit, mentioning if he just ties up the night nicely he might even score a second date (she means in general, not realizing that it sounds like she's implying a date with her). Cue Vash doing the only smooth move in his life and stealing a goodnight kiss, asking "well, did it work?"

less of a prompt or headcanon, but in all the scar-centric fics Ive read, not once is it mentioned how Vash has a literal cage over his heart? Ive always loved this little design aspect, since it so obviously shows Vash fortifying his heart and keeping everyone out. I can also see Meryl being all smug like "well, im small and nimble, and the spaces between the bars are wide, I can easily slip through"

another funny thought about the metal grids on his body would be them cuddling but Meryl's hair gets caught on the metal and now they have to akwardly maneuver out of this situation

Meryl uses any and all situations to be taller than Vash. Since she is so much smaller than him, she usually stands when he sits, especially when they argue, tries to be just a few stairs above him or walks a few more steps up a slop so she can peer down on him. Not that her presence isn't big enough already, but she for sure tries her hardest to assert dominance.

To her dismay, Vash likes to use this moments to pick her up. I dunno why, but since Meryl is so small I can see Vash just enjoying it to pick her up and twirl her around. Lugging her around like a pretty looking sack of potatoes.

Vash is a human pretzel. He will contort his body in ways to hug as much of Meryl as possible.

Meryl becomes incredibly good at ignoring Vash if she needs to work. She could be sitting at her typewriter, only noticing Vash has her in a vice grip when Milly asks if she isn't distracted.

Despite how spiky it looks, Vash' hair is actually pretty soft and fluffy, and once Meryl finds out she uses any opportunity to run her fingers through it. Vash doesn't mind cos he totally digs the head scratches (humanoid typhoon? more like humanoid doggo)

when traveling together, they usually share a thomas cos Vash can't ride for shit. Vash likes to be dramatic and complain about it (cos he's a big boy thank you very much) but he can't deny that he wholly enjoys being cuddled up behind Meryl for hours on end.

Welp, just some food for thought cos my brain is in Trigun overdrive. These are specifically based on the 98 versions of them but I have a whole lot for Stampede as well haha

[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

Soft Epilogue

Prompt: Hear ye, hear ye, I humbly request from the fanfic goddess, a merlin fanfic of epic fluff proportions!! Lol I love your writing, can I request an Ace!Merlin and Ace!Arthur platonic love life bond?

Thanks for the request, babe! it seems fitting that on my birthday I get to upload a fic about ace qprs

Read on Ao3

Pairings: merthur qpr, implied morgwen 

Warnings: none my dudes

Word Count: 1807

In the end, there’s no big celebrations.

Oh, Camelot has a feast to end all feasts, but that’s not the point.

 There’s no big rushing into each other at the end of a hard-won fight, Arthur looking all stupidly heroic with his hair all sweaty or Merlin rippling with otherworldly power that makes men want to fall to their knees.

 There’s no kiss after years and years of pining finally being deforested—get it?

 “Shut up, Merlin.”

 “What, that was a good one!”

 “Merlin!”

 —alright fine, there’s no big kiss, there’s no music that swells romantically in the background—

 “Though not for lack of trying on your part, I’m sure.”

 “Will you shut up, you prat, and let me talk?”

 “It’s a wonder you ever stop talking.”

 —okay, look.

 It’s simple.

 It’s the end of a fight. Everyone’s exhausted. There are heavy pants and the scrape of steel on steel from the trodden corners of the battlefield, as soldier after soldier, knight after knight, falls to the ground in a heap. Some get back up. Some don’t.

 Arthur’s fingers fumble on the pommel of his sword. Huh. He needs to redo the grip on the left side. It’s fraying. His fingers are too clumsy. They won’t hold the damn thing properly. The chain mail keeps snagging where it’s come loose. He really needs to fix the grip.

 The sword sings quietly as it slides home, back into the sheath, away, away. His breath leaves him in a rush and he looks up, looking around, counting.

 Leon stands, already directing the survivors to start taking care of those they lost. He catches his king’s eye and nods. Once. Arthur nods back.

 Gwaine pushes his hair out of his eyes and makes a joke. It’s what he does best. As the desperate chuckles start up again, Arthur’s mouth quirks up in a smile. Gwaine catches it.

 Elyan strips the last of the shrapnel from someone’s wound and hauls them to their feet, a man of the people until his last. Arthur watches, paralyzed by the weight of the crown on his shoulders, as Elyan helps in ways he can’t.

 Percival stands. Shadows Arthur as they start to move through the field. The weight is a little easier to bear now, as his breath starts to sink back into his chest.

 Lancelot turns, smiles. Says ‘it’s good to see you,’ as if they’re just mates, running into each other after a long hard day. As if he’s about to buy Arthur a drink at the tavern and talk about the harvest, the new work from the blacksmith siblings, how much he misses looking up at the moon. Arthur just claps him on the shoulder.

 Everyone’s here. Except—

 “Arthur?”

 So there’s no dramatic turn, no big flourish. Time doesn’t slow to a standstill as they rush into each other’s arms. The bards would be so bored, there’s no dramatic confessions, no infamous realizations, no murmured apologies through the hurried meeting of lips. What would they have to sing about?

 Well, perhaps they could sing about this.

 Arthur turns, sees Merlin standing there. He smiles. Merlin smiles back. There’s a little cut on Merlin’s shoulder. Barely enough to graze through the tunic, but enough to draw blood. Arthur frowns, stalks forward, gently tips Merlin’s head to the side so he can have a look.

 “I’m fine, you prat.”

 “You’ve managed to injure yourself.”

 “Wasn’t me!”

 “Given how clumsy you are, I’d be surprised.”

 Arthur presses gently over the cut. It’s nothing more than a scratch, should close by the end of the day. And yet Merlin just rolls his eyes and lays his hand over it. A moment of golden light later and it’s like nothing ever happened.

 “There. Happy now?”

 “Mm.”

 Merlin sighs and moves his head back. Arthur doesn’t. For a moment, their foreheads rest together.

  Thank the heavens you didn’t die, I would’ve dragged you back here myself.

  Just so you could kill me?

  Obviously.

 That’s all. Don’t look so disappointed, there needn’t be more.

 Oh, alright.

 The ride back to Camelot is slow. There’s work to be done along the way, after all. There are people to tend to, knights to bury and mourn, families to tell. There are knights that return to Camelot only for their hands to shake too much, their eyes to go too glassy. These knights leave with the highest honors Arthur can give them, thanked sincerely for their service and the knowledge that the people will forever be in their debt.

 There are preparations to be made, hugs to give. Gwen throws herself into Elyan’s arms, Lancelot’s arms, Merlin’s arms, Arthur’s arms. Gaius isn’t far behind. Each of them breathes in the scent of the other. Home.

 “So you missed me?”

 “Of course I missed you!”

 “I’ve got your favorite waiting, Merlin.”

 “Thanks, Gaius.”

 “Oi! Why don’t I get a hug?”

 “Oh, fine, come here.”

 Arthur looks up to the top of the steps to see Morgana. No longer is she the intimidating figure cut from Camelot’s noble cloth, dressed up like Uther’s legacy, no. Just a simple dress, one of Gwen’s, her hair down around her shoulders in limp curls. If Arthur were someone else, he’d say she’d never looked better.

 “Don’t tell her that.”

 “I don’t need to, she knows.”

 “Merlin!”

 “What? She’s your sister.”

 She smiles, a little dimmer, a little warier, as she descends the steps and holds out her arms. Arthur doesn’t hesitate.

 His sister is here, finally recovered from her long fight with the magic Morgause wove through that horrid bracelet. Morgana hugs him back, tighter than they can imagine.

 “I’m glad to see you,” Arthur mumbles into her shoulder.

 “I’m happy you’re back.”

 Merlin joins them a moment later and Morgana pulls him in too, laughing at Arthur’s affronted face when Merlin squawks and his elbow digs unceremoniously into his ribs.

 “It hurt, you idiot.”

 “She pulled me!”

 “If you weighed more than a beanpole maybe that would help.”

 “My weight is just fine, thank you very much.”

 The feast is glorious. Food and wine flow freely out of the castle into the city below. The people dance, sing, yell, live. The city comes alive with the sound of its people. And that’s the end of the story.

 They won.

 They’re safe.

 They’re with the people they love.

 “You can’t just leave it there, Merlin.”

 “What happened to wanting to keep your privacy?”

 “Just—get on with it.”

 “Fine, you prat.”

 It’s not entirely over. There are still nights where Merlin wakes up and his fingers tingle so much it feels like they’re about to fall off. Nights where he swears he hears a low rumbling voice in the back of his mind, feels giant hands on strings grafted to his arms. Nights where he still feels like Destiny’s puppet, strung along without a second thought.

 There are still nights where Arthur can’t stop hearing the singing of steel and the weight of a sword in his hands. Nights when he can’t stop seeing Uther’s face, hearing his voice, seeing Morgana dead and twisted, broken on the ground. Nights when the flames rise high as knights—his knights—slaughter innocent people as part of a meaningless war.

 There are still nights when they think they can hear each other screaming.

 But Arthur is always there to roll over and wrap his arms tighter around Merlin. He’s here, he’s right here, and he’s warm, and nothing, nothing can take something away from Arthur once he’s decided it’s his. Merlin jolts awake to a cold nose pressed in the crook of his neck, sleepy declarations of ‘mine, my Merlin, go away, leave my Merlin alone, he’s mine, you can’t have him.’ Or it will be to tender words, gentle hands shaking him away, whispered promises of ‘you’re here, it’s alright, I’ll keep you safe, you did it.’

 And Merlin is always there when Arthur clenches the pillow so hard he looks like he’s going to break his fingers, there to gentle them away and pull him close, tuck his head under his chin and say ‘it’s over now, it’s safe now, they’re all safe, they’re all safe.’ Arthur wakes up to rough tunics, slim fingers woven through his own, the warmth of someone else who won’t ever leave. Or just the weight of an arm or leg thrown across his middle. It’s just enough to wake him up and realize that there is someone who, even in sleep, wants to hold him close.

 In the morning, Merlin will wake before Arthur does. The morning will ruffle along the edge of the curtains and he’ll shiver, hiding a little further under the covers. Arthur will hold him closer, unwilling to give up his heat source just yet. Some days, Merlin will let him, falling back asleep with his fingers carding through Arthur’s hair.

 But on most days, he carefully separates himself and tucks Arthur back up, pulling on his clothes and moving to get their breakfast set up. His fingers will brush a vase and a bouquet of flowers will bloom, one of the side effects of training with Morgana. He’ll smile and pick one out to give to Gwen.

 Arthur will wake slowly, first reaching out to feel where Merlin’s gone, then sitting up to spot him at the window, or the table, or right next to him, comb in hand. He’ll grumble, saying Merlin gets up too quickly, only for Merlin to laugh and pull him up to eat.

 The sun will rise through the curtains as they eat, get dressed, and leave to go about their days. The door will close softly behind them, waiting to open again once the day is over.

 There’s no furious declarations of love, no gritting of teeth as they fight to make the world change. Just slow, steady, constant. A touch of a hand here, a brush here. A knowing look or a quick jab. Nothing rough, just soft.

 They deserve a soft epilogue.

 “Hmm. Should’ve known you’d get all sappy.”

 “You like me sappy.”

 “I think I should go see Gaius, my teeth are starting to hurt.”

 “You love it.”

 “…maybe.”

 “Did Arthur Pendragon just admit I was right?”

 “Shut up.”

 “He did! He definitely did!”

 “Shut up, Merlin.”

 Morgana just rolls her eyes and wraps her arms around Gwen to watch the two of them bicker.

 “He’s right, though,” Gwen murmurs after a moment, leaning back to look up at her, “they do deserve a soft epilogue.”

 Morgana smiles. “I think we all do.”

 She’s right and she should say it.

[brokutosan]

Title. Before The Snow Falls, I Would Love to See You

Pairing. Hinata Shouyou x Fem!Reader. Very slight mentions of Yamayachi!

Summary. In which after two years, he’s finally coming home.

Warnings. Manga spoilers up to chapter 379. Super short, but fluffy. Title is a line from ‘An Early Winter Letter’ by the Korean poet Kim Yong-taek.

Being in a relationship with Hinata Shouyou meant being in a relationship with his love for volleyball as well. But when that love led him to Brazil, on the other side of the world of all places, Y/N had nearly gone ballistic.

Working around his tight volleyball schedule in highschool was one thing, but having to accommodate to him being in a whole different country was a whole different matter all on its own! Making a relationship work was hard enough with the other at your side, but putting an ocean between that bond makes it that much more challenging. Besides, Hinata had only grown the balls to confess to her long after their highschool graduation. Meaning when Hinata left for Brazil, they’ve only been dating for a few weeks, maybe a month or two at best. Preparing to fly across the world three weeks into their relationship was a minor setback, Hinata once said.

Though Tsukishima argued that the mere fact that they were actually dating deserves a recognition all on its own. “Like two lovesick idiots that were too blind to notice their mutual feelings for three years,” He said. (Hinata hates how Yamaguchi and Kageyama wholeheartedly agreed, feeling betrayed by his own friends for never telling him his feeling were requited).

And the beanpole was correct. Hinata took too long to confess and he couldn’t find it in his heart to blame Y/N, who was probably just as clueless as him. Had he sucked up the balls to do it literally anytime in his highschool years, then maybe having a highschool sweetheart would have been another thing he could lord over Kageyama (he’s only half joking).

Though at the end of the day, Hinata still confessed and his feelings were returned, or even better, she pined after him all of highschool too! (“Yeah, that’s not something to be proud of.” Yachi told him with pure sympathy in her eyes the night Hinata told her he confessed). And despite thousands of miles between them, his relationship with Y/N is still far stronger than Kageyama’s relationship with his stupid milk cartons. (God, he really needs to help that guy get a girlfriend).

Anyways, emotional whirlwind and memories over dating his dream girl aside, Hinata is finally coming home! Two years of texts, calls, and the few handful of weekend visits led up to this moment when Hinata, in all his sun kissed glory, can finally properly announce his homecoming to all those he’s missed while living alone in Brazil.

His mom, Natsu, the Karasuno boys, even Kageyama and Tsukishima (those slimy bastards), Yachi, and most importantly, Y/N. No longer does he have to crave her presence during the lonely nights, tossing and turning until Pedro yells at him to go to sleep. No longer does he have to wish he could slip into his cellphone where the pictures of them together has helped him survive long days spent without her. No longer does he have to worry about crossing oceans to have her in his hold again, because he’s finally coming home.

Hinata lets his excitement get the best of him and sprints towards the airport exit, where, lo and behold, he spots her standing in the crowd. Granted it’s easier to spot her next to Yamaguchi, who’s about six feet tall. Oh, and also there’s that hideous poster in his hand, which looks like the work of a toddler. He tries not to let out a laugh as he approaches them.

“Shou!” Y/N screeches, momentarily dropping the bouquet of flowers in her hands as she bolts towards him. Hinata simply laughs as he lets go of his bags in order to catch her in his arms. In one fluid motion, he tightens his hold on her back, supporting her legs that are wrapped around his waist.

“I knew you couldn’t keep it cool.” Yamaguchi chuckles as he watches the event unfold. Y/N sticks out a tongue from over Hinata’s (much broader) shoulders as she tightens her hold on her boyfriend.

“You’re not allowed to leave me, ever.” She pouts. Hinata gushes while Yamaguchi cringes at the couple in front of him.

“Wouldn’t even dream of it.”

“Okay! Let’s get out of here, I’m starving!” Yamaguchi exclaims, clapping his hands together before reaching out for one of Hinata’s suitcases. “There’s this ramen place that recently opened up, and I can’t wait to try it! Oh, Hitoka-chan said she’ll meet us there!”

“Did he ever grow the balls to confess?” Hinata whispers to Y/N after setting her down. She shakes her head ‘no’ and adds, “No, he’s much worse than you.”

“I can still hear you two!”

-

“Woah, Hinata, you got so tanned!” Yachi says upon arriving at the table. She sets her bag down in front of her before taking a seat beside one blushing Yamaguchi. “You look good!”

Hinata says something that can’t be understood, mostly because his mouth is full of food. Y/N smacks his arm for being gross, Yamaguchi proceeds to wipe down everything that was in the ‘splash zone’ and Yachi laughs at her friends.

“Ew, say it don’t spray it, moron!” Y/N scolds, taking a napkin and wiping Hinata’s mouth. The scene reminds Yamaguchi of his little cousin.

“It’s a shame Tsukishima-kun and Kageyama couldn’t make it.” Yachi sighs, reminiscing her highschool days. “It’s fine, I’ll see those jerks eventually.” Hinata responds, this time with an empty mouth.

“Ah! Speaking of, mind giving this to that Four-Eyed-jerk face for me?” Hinata reaches for his backpack and pulls out something shockingly pink and equally sparkly. All three eyes turn to the horrid thing he’s holding up so proudly, a ‘Rio de Janeiro!’ shirt that looks like it straight up got shit out by a unicorn.

“I -” Yamaguchi speaks up first, reaching for the shirt with trembling hands.

Yachi is the first to snap out of her trance, and giggles out, “I’m surprised you didn’t get one for Kageyama.” Hinata’s response is a shit eating grin, all while reaching in his bag for a matching shirt, this time a shocking shade of red. “First thing I’m doing in Tokyo is recording his reaction.”

Y/N gives him an unamused look, somehow not surprised at her boyfriend’s childishness. Hinata turns to her with a familiar glint in his eyes. “Y/N! I got you one to-”

“I’m shipping your ass back to Brazil if you so as much take that thing out.” Hinata gulps, shoving his hands back in his bag and nods his head vigorously. Their two friends laugh from across the table, reminiscing about the very familiar scene in front of them.

“Nice to know some things never change.” Yamaguchi lets out a dreamy sigh. Yachi simply nods in agreement.

“By the way, what’s your plan Hinata? What team are you thinking of?” Hinata’s mouth is stuffed, but Y/N pinched his thigh before he could even think of talking with his mouth full again. He swallows everything in his mouth and answers, “The Jackals!”

“Is there a particular reason why? Oh! Is it ‘cus Bokuto-san’s playing there?” Yachi asks.

“Wait really?!” Hinata’s leaning over the table, a bewildered look in his eyes. “Oh man! I didn’t even know that! I was just gonna go ‘cus they’re the best team holding tryouts right now!”

The pair, Yamaguchi and Yachi, once again look at him out of disbelief. “Wait, why does that totally sound like something you’d do?!”

“Because it is.” Y/N answers, not as surprised as her friends since she’s heard him blabber about this for the past month leading up to this day. Still, it was nice to see him get so excited for something.

“Yeah - and I, being the perfect girlfriend that I am, even did research on all the V.League teams and made a powerpoint about their strengths and weaknesses. And then this idiot tells me he already had his mind set on the Jackals because they’re the only team holding tryouts within the same month he’s coming home.”

Hinata fiddles with his fingers a bit, before speaking up, “Yeah, sorry ‘bout that babe. If you told me beforehand I would’ve checked out your presentation!”

“Then it wouldn’t have been a surprise!” Yachi and Yamaguchi simply watch their friends with smiles on their faces.

“They’re totally forgetting we’re still here.”

“Yup.”

The four friends finish their meal, heading out into the night and going their separate ways.

“I’ll see you guys tomorrow! I’m gonna go walk Yachi home!” Yamaguchi calls out. Hinata has a cheeky grin on his face and Y/N is making kissy faces while connecting her hands into a heart. These idiots are perfect for each other, Yamaguchi thinks to himself.

The two immediately halt their motions when Yachi turns around to say her goodbyes, fake innocent smiles adorning their faces. “See ‘ya next time, Hitoka-chan!” Y/N smiles, sending one more wink at Yamaguchi’s direction for good measure. Her and Hinata laugh as he flips them off the moment Yachi turns the other way.

“Ah, young love. Remember when that was us?” Hinata muses like an old man. Y/N snorts in response, “Yeah, I remember pulling all my hair out wondering whether or not you liked me back!”

Hinata chuckles, reaching for her free hand. “I think it’s safe to say that you were worth the wait.” Y/N blushes as he brings her hand up to his lips, placing a light peck on the back of her hand. God, the things this guy can do to her.

“Yeah, yeah.” She mumbles, a soft smile on her face as she’s finally all alone with the man she’s been missing for the last two years.

“Shouyou.” She calls out. He stops in his tracks, looking at her with those beautiful brown eyes. He looks back at her beautiful form standing under the street lights, and wonders how in the world he got so lucky with her. He notices her eyes are a little teary, and before he can voice his worries, he’s interrupted by a,

“Welcome home.” The sentence is simple enough, yet conveys so much emotion he just knew she’s been holding in this whole night. With his other hand, he cups her face and wipes away a stray tear with his thumb.

“I’m finally home.”

A/N. Another reupload! Originally meant to be a contribution to Hinata’s birthday, but either way, I love him. - chuu

[therainroguefanfiction]

⁂ In WAR✘ and LOVE ♥ (Kei Tsukishima) First Love

📑 Table of Contents

Genre: Friendship, Slice of Life, Comedy ☁

Word Count: 3,597 ☁

Pairing: Reader x Tsukishima ☁

World: Haikyuu!! ☁

Author’s Note: This is my very first Haikyuu fic. Am I nervous? Yup. Am I excited? You bet! If enough people like this one shot, I might make a part two with a better ending, I don’t know lol

WARNING: This fic features a reader that has just graduated high school and a first-year. If you have a problem with this or this makes you uncomfortable, please do not read.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

You stepped up to the door of Karasuno’s gym, hearing the sound of squeaking shoes and hands slapping volleyballs. The sun was nearly set behind you, casting rays of orange and red across the earth. You were supposed to have arrived an hour earlier, but the train was delayed because a woman went into labor during the journey.

You slid the door open and stepped into the brightly lit gym where the volleyball team was practicing. ‘Hmm, looks like they just finished a three-on-three,’

Kiyoko, the team’s manager, was the first to notice you, tapping Daichi’s shoulder before pointing at you. He grinned when his brown eyes fell on you and he jogged over. “Y/N, you’re here! I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”

“Sorry, Dai, there was an issue on the train and we got held up.”

He quirked a brow, resting his hand on his hip as he used his father tone. “Did you hurt someone again?”

You scoffed at the implication of his words. “That was one time, Dai, and the pervert deserved it for trying to feel up that middle school girl,”

“Yes, yes, a modern-day hero.” He teased. “And it happened at least three times that I’ve seen.”

Before you could respond to him, you suddenly saw a blur and felt a body slam into your own, arms wrapped around you and pinning your arms to your sides. “Y/N!!”

“Tanaka,” you grunted in annoyance. “Let me go before I punch you in the spleen.”

“Hah?!” His aura darkened and his arms tightened. “You think you can take me just ’cause you’re older? Let’s go! Here and now! I’ll bea -”

Daichi grabbed the back of the second-year’s shirt, yanking him off of you. “Knock it off!”

“Y/N started it!”

“Real mature,” you rolled your eyes, fixing the t-shirt you wore.

“What are you doing here, Y/N?” Suga questioned curiously, tilting his head to the side.

‘Ah, precious Suga. As adorable as ever,’ You offered him a shrug, nodding toward Daichi. “No idea. Ask your captain,”

By now, the rest of the team had gathered around, most of whom you recognized, but there were four faces you had never seen before and you assumed they were first-years. None of them really caught your attention as anything spectacular, but the tall blonde did stand out among them – he had to be six feet tall, easy.

“I was hoping you could lend the team a hand until we can find a coach,” Daichi confessed, rubbing the back of his neck.

“That seems pretty counter-productive considering I know nothing about volleyball,” you responded blankly.

“True,” he grinned. “But I could really use a hand keeping these guys in line.”

Now that had you intrigued. “With violence?” you grinned, a glint in your eyes.

Suga sweatdropped, patting your shoulder. “They can’t play in matches if you hurt them, Y/N…”

You clicked your tongue. “So I don’t break nothin’. Easy,”

“You missed the point…”

The orange-haired first year approached you like a curious animal, looking up at you with wide, brown eyes. His head tilted to the side like a cat. “Who are you?”

‘Damn, this guy is almost as short as Yuu,’ You hummed, leaning forward to flick his forehead. “Didn’t your mama ever teach you it’s rude to ask who someone is before introducing yourself first?”

He huffed, his cheeks expanding like a chipmunk. Was this kid the human embodiment of the animal kingdom? “Shouyou Hinata,”

“Good boy,” you ruffled his orange hair, chuckling when his cheeks darkened.

“I’m not a dog!”

“Meh. Humans, dogs. Same thing.”

“They’re not even close, Y/N…” Suga facepalmed.

Daichi ran his hand over his face, second-guessing his decision to ask you here. “You haven’t changed at all.” He shook his head, turning his attention to the four first-years. “Guys, this is Y/N. They graduated last year and they are a close family friend. I suggest not messing with them unless you have a death wish.”

As if to prove his point, you offered them a sadistic grin, your aura darkening. “If you’re a masochist, we’ll get along quite well!”

Three of the four stepped back with fearful expressions but the tall one kept his ground, golden eyes narrowed as he observed you. At first glance, he didn’t seem at all affected by your intimidating stance, but you didn’t miss the bead of sweat rolling down his cheek.

You hummed in amusement. ‘This guy has a pretty good poker face,’ “Well? Are the rest of you going to introduce yourselves? Or should I just call you thing 1, thing 2, and thing 3?”

The navy-haired boy stepped forward, a mixture of intimidation and annoyance swirling in his dark eyes. “Tobio Kageyama,”

You nodded your head in thanks, turning to the mousy brunette with freckles. His cheeks burned under your gaze and he quickly straightened his back, staring up at the ceiling. “Tadashi Yamaguchi, nice to meet you, senpai!”

“I’m not your senpai,” you stated blankly.

“Oh,” Tanaka suddenly started laughing, clutching his middle. “Right, you’re Y/N-san now, ain’t ya?!” He laughed harder as if he has just told the funniest joke in the history of mankind.

You rolled your eyes at the man-child before turning your attention to the blonde. “How ’bout you, beanpole?”

For a moment, he just stared at you with narrowed eyes. Whatever he was feeling, he was disciplined enough to keep the emotion from his face. And then he turned, walking away without a word.

Tanaka decided to feel offended for you and shot forward, only to be held back by Daichi. “You disrespectful lil shit, get back here!”

“Do you have to be so damn dramatic about everything?” you pinched the bridge of your nose. “If he wants to be an anti-social shit, let ’em. I don’t really care either way.”

His annoyed expression morphed into one of adoration as he clapped his hands together, nodding enthusiastically. “You’re so cool, Y/N-san!”

“Cut the -san, shit!” You snapped. ‘Christ, I forgot this guy changes emotions more than I change my damn underwear,’

“It’s time to clean up for the night, guys!” Takeda entered the gym with his typical goofy grin, which only widened when he saw you. “Y/N! It’s been so long, how are you doing?”

For the first time since you arrived on the school grounds, you offered the man a soft, genuine smile, something that surprised the first-years, one in particular. Since arriving, you had offered them only blank or aggressive expressions and, for some reason, seeing you make such a soft, kind expression took them all by surprise. Seeing your smile struck Tsukishima in a way he wasn’t used to and he paused to observe you, he felt his heart pick up speed.

A strange feeling was bubbling within his stomach and he couldn’t find a logical explanation for what it was. More than anything, he found himself feeling annoyed that you were being so kind and gentle with Takeda when he had gotten the opposite.

He did not like where this was going. Not one bit.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

You glared at the arm wrapped around your own, dragging you down the street at an ungodly hour. Since you lived in Tokyo, Tanaka had been kind enough to volunteer his house for you to stay in while you were assisting the team. His family didn’t even question it, they just accepted you with open arms and far too much hugging. Living with him also meant that he was there to make sure you were awake by four-thirty so he could drag you with him to the school for morning practice.

“Will you stop dragging your feet? We’re gonna be late!”

“The fuck you mean late? It’s barely five in the morning, bro.”

“Exactly! Daichi should be unlocking the gym any minute now!”

You groaned, turning your gaze to the sky, which was still dark since the sun hadn’t yet risen. “This is going to be a long day…”

He laughed loudly, scaring away a pair of birds that had been resting on the power lines above. When the two of you arrived, the captain and Suga were already there and working on setting up the net and bringing out the balls. Hinata and Kageyama arrived soon after, followed by the rest of the team.

While they started on their warmups, you let yourself fall against the stage, sliding down to the wooden floor with a tired grunt. Kiyoko sent you a concerned look but knew better than to bother you. For the next hour, everyone left you alone and you were able to block out the loud noises they were making, your eyes sliding closed. Mornings had never been your strong suit, and you had gotten into trouble on more than one occasion for showing up late to school. You were just beginning to doze off when a loud, sharp yell disturbed you.

“Watch out!”

And then you felt a sharp pain in your face, almost as if someone had just spiked a volleyball into it. The gym went deadly silent as the ball fell to the ground, bouncing a couple times before rolling away. Your nose burned, a thick stripe of blood leaking from your left nostril.

Suga was the first to react, rushing toward you with a concerned look painted on his face. “Y/N! Are you okay? You’re bleeding, come on I’ll take you to the nurse.”

You didn’t complain as he pulled you to your feet and out of the gym. The cold wind nipped at your skin as you headed across the walkway into the main building, Suga keeping a strong grip on your arm as if afraid you would fall over if he released you.

The nurse was the same young man that had been working there when you attended the school, a navy-haired man with eyes brighter than your future. He turned his attention to the two of you when you entered, quirking a brow.

“I knew you were gonna be held back,”

Your eye twitched, sending a wave of pain through your face. “I wasn’t held back, you jerk.”

He hummed as if he didn’t believe you. “Have a seat and tell me what happened. Another fight?”

“Y/N got hit in the face with a volleyball,” Suga explained with worry, helping you sit on the side of the stiff bed.

Despite trying to keep himself professional, he let out a short laugh. “Sorry, sorry. I just imagined you trying to do sports, ha!”

You rolled your eyes. “I wasn’t doing sports, I was trying to sleep.”

He sat down on the stool, rolling over to you with a grin. “That sounds right. Sugawara, you can head back, I’ll take good care of Y/N.”

Suga chewed on his bottom lip, torn between doing as he said and staying with you. “Is it broken?”

Kaze hummed again, sliding his hands into latex gloves before moving closer, his thumbs on either side of your nose. You winced at the sudden pressure. “Nope, not broken. They’ll be just fine.”

Suga released a relieved sigh, offering you a smile. “I’ll see you after class, Y/N.”

You sent him a mock salute, watching as he left the nurse’s office.

“Hold this cloth over your nose and tilt your head forward,” he ordered, handing you a piece of folded gauze.

“I thought it was backward,” you mumbled, placing the gauze over your nostrils.

“And this is why I’m the nurse and you’re not~ When you have a nosebleed, you shouldn’t hold your head back because blood can go down your throat and irritate your stomach, which may result in vomiting and more nose irritation.” He paused, seemingly proud of himself. “Look at that, you’re not even a student here anymore and I’m still slapping you with knowledge! I should be charging you.”

“Don’t count on it,” you responded, your words slightly muffled. It took about fifteen minutes for your nose to finally stop bleeding and ten more before Kaze would allow you to leave the office.

‘The hell am I supposed to do now?’ you wondered as you left the school building, heading for the vending machines near the gym. It would be weird if you just waited around for school to end, but you were too tired and annoyed to go anywhere else only to be dragged back to the gym once the school day ended.

You decided to settle down on a bench behind the gym, arms folded behind your head as you stretched out your body. The tree above you blocked most of the light from the sun, the shade making the breeze feel colder than it actually was, but you didn’t really mind. Your eyes slid closed and it wasn’t long before you were asleep.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

“Hey, wake up.”

Your body was shook lightly and you grunted, eyes blurry as they gazed up at the face hovering over you. It took a moment before you were able to focus on the face. “Ah, it’s the beanpole.”

He scowled at the nickname, straightening his body as you sat up on the bench, yawning loudly. His cheeks darkened as he took in your appearance and how adorable you looked after having just woken up.

“School over?” you questioned, rubbing at your eyes.

“Yeah. Sugawara-senpai is looking for you,”

“Mm, ‘course he is.” You pulled yourself to your feet, making a move to brush past him but his long, slender fingers curled around your upper arm to stop you. You paused, turning your body to better see him.

His brow was furrowed, lips parted but no sound escaped him.

“What?” you demanded. “Spit it out or let me go,”

“I’m sorry,” he said suddenly, his golden eyes far more interested in the dirt at your feet.

“For?”

The blonde’s pokerface was broken, making way for a guilty expression. His lips parted, closed, and then parted again. And then it clicked.

“You hit the ball,”

He nodded. “I didn’t mean to hit you… I’m sorry.”

The corner of your lips tugged up into a lopsided smirk. “You gonna make it up to me?”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What do you want?”

“Not much,” you shrugged, eyes glinting. Even with your bruised nose, you were able to send a shiver of fear down his spine. “I’m thinking you can be my personal slave for a while,”

“No way!” He scowled.

“Fine then,” you shrugged, turning toward the direction of the gym. “I’ll just have to get you back, then. Watch your back, beanpole~”

With a groan, he jogged to catch up to you. “Kei Tsukishima,”

You quirked a brow. “That a curse or somethin’?”

“It’s my name, idiot.” He deadpanned.

You grinned, offering him your hand. He hesitated, his hand hovering in the air before finally resting against your own. Despite the coldness outside, your skin was warm against his, seeming to travel up his arm and into his cheeks. His heart started to race within his breast and he felt… nervous. Why did you make him feel this way?

Likewise, you felt a spark when your hands connected, warmth filling your body and settling on your chest like a small kitten looking for a place to sleep. You weren’t the most observant person in the world, but you hadn’t been out of school long enough to forget about how your classmates gushed about what falling in love felt like. Each one had something different to say about the experience, but there were always overlapping descriptors. What you were feeling now, like he was the most important person you had ever met, that you just wanted to wrap him in your arms and never let go… Were you falling for this bratty first year?

‘No no, that can’t be possible. We only just met,’ But you’d be lying if you said time didn’t stop as soon as his hand slid into your own. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the blonde boy in front of you. “Hey -”

“Y/N!” Suga rounded the corner and you quickly pulled your hand away, shoving it into your pocket. Tsukishima’s fell to his side limply, as if he wasn’t sure what to do with it. Suga smiled when he finally reached you, resting his hands on your upper arms. “How are you feeling? Did you get the okay from Kaze-san?”

“I’m fine, stop worrying so much, mother hen.” You flicked his forehead and he pouted.

Tsukishima’s lips formed a thin line as he watched the two of you joking around, the third-year’s hands still on your arms. He didn’t like it – the casual way he touched you, the caring way he looked at you, the smile you offered him, your tone teasing him. He wondered what it would be like to be in Suga’s position right now.

“Tsukishima?” Suga called, offering the blonde the same worried expression. “Y/N didn’t attack you, did they?”

“What kind of monster do you take me for?” You scoffed.

“…I’m not answering that.”

“Coward,”

He stuck his tongue out at you before turning back to the blonde, but he was already walking away toward the gym. You stared at his back as your feelings swirled around you uncertainly.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

Several days passed by, filled with fleeting glances between the two of you and a cacophony of unanswered questions. While you had been asked out several times during your time in high school, you had never been interested in dating or being in a relationship. And love? You would have said it didn’t exist if your classmates hadn’t been so adamant about finding it.

“Don’t worry, Hinata. Shake it off and keep going.” Daichi told the boy with an encouraging smile, once again taking on a more fatherly role.

You approached him as he stood beside the court, observing as the team took turns working on their receives. “Dai, can I talk to you for a minute?”

He looked at you in surprise before nodding, his fingers wrapping around your elbow as he led you from the building. You weren’t aware of the golden eyes following your form until they could no longer see you.

Once a safe distance away from the gym, he gave you his attention. He had always been close to you from the day the two of you had met, and he hadn’t missed how off you had been acting the last few days, but you were an introvert and kept to yourself unless it got serious. He knew it’d be a waste of time to ask you directly, so he waited until you came to him of your own accord, as you so often did.

“What happened?” he asked softly, folding hid arms across his chest.

You were quiet for a moment, eyes focusing on a small, grey bird that was hopping across the grass in search of food. “Is it possible to love someone you’ve just met?”

His eyes widened. He had prepared himself for a multitude of scenarios that could be the cause for your strange behavior as of late, but love? He never would have guessed that. It just wasn’t something you cared about. “Anything’s possible,” he commented, chuckling when you clicked your tongue, dissatisfied with the answer. “There’s a reason people talk about love at first sight. It’s definitely possible.”

“It wasn’t love at first sight though.” You muttered. “More like… love at first touch, I guess?”

“Hmm. And how did you feel when you touched?”

“Weird,” your brow furrowed as you recalled the moment and the emotions that had come along with it. “Warm, content. I wanted him to be mine.”

Daichi smiled warmly, resting his hands on your shoulders. “I never thought I’d see the day when you actually fell for someone. Who is he?”

You trusted Dai with your life, but you weren’t sure if you should tell him. It was his teammate, plus he was a first-year and you were no longer a high school student. There were only four years between you, but you knew people wouldn’t see it that way. You were now considered an adult, even though you hadn’t changed at all in the short amount of time you had been out of school.

“You can tell me,” he spoke softly, as if reading your mind. “I won’t judge you, you know that, Y/N.”

“Tsukishima,” you answered, meeting his gaze. His eyes remained warm, not showing any disgust or malice.

“Really? I didn’t think he was your type.”

“I don’t have a type,”

“Are you gonna tell him?”

“‘Course not,” you scoffed, turning your attention back to the bird. A crow had joined him in his search for food. Every time he managed to snatch a bug, he would bring it over to the smaller bird, nipping at his head before hopping away to continue the search. “It’s bad enough my first love is a first-year. Can you imagine getting rejected by one, too? Nah,”

“I think you’ll regret not taking a chance,”

“Maybe, but I’ll probably regret it more if I do.” You smiled softly at him, “Thank you, Dai, for always being here.”

“You’re family, Y/N. I’ve always got your back.” Daichi held his arms out and you chuckled, allowing yourself to fall into his arms. Like always, he seemed to make your worries disappear, if only for a few moments.

Tsukishima glanced out the door, just barely able to make out your form in the distance. He could only watch in frustration, hand clutching the door frame tightly as his captain held you to his chest.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

📜 Read more by checking out my masterlist 📜

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[spotlightsgodark]

Special thanks to @storytales-and-dreams for tagging me before I even had a selfship blog!

Introduce yourselves. Who are you? What do you like to do?

✨ Ah. Hello! Rae’s the name, mischief making’s the game...among other things.

💉 Oho? Is this an interview? It’s an interview, isn’t it. Well then! You can call me Julian. Doctor, disaster, and the luckiest man on earth.

✨ You overestimate me, dear.

💉 Nonsense!

Anyways, moving on.

How was your first meeting like?

✨ May I take this one?

💉 The stage is all yours, darling.

✨ Now, let’s see. How long ago was it? Hrmm, a couple months...no, no, too recent. 

✨ …

✨ Ah! I remember now. It was the dead of a moonless night, perfect for a journey, as Asra would say. He lent me his deck and set off before I knew it. It was then when I heard a knock on the door, making me realise I forgot to snuff out the lamp before closing for the night. The person on the other side of the door was none other than Countess Satrinava herself! She went on about something about dreams and a proposal: work at the palace and help her solve a mystery and I get accommodation. Gave her a reading before she took off. I thought that was all for the night until…

💉 Oh! This is my favourite part.

✨ Why am I not surprised.

✨ ...until I hear a voice. “Strange hours for a shop to keep”, if memory serves? I looked around, searching for the source of the disembodied voice, only to hear it again.

💉 “Behind you.”

✨ I turned around to find myself face to...beak with this overgrown beanpole of a plague doctor. I tried to run, but I was caught. So much for being slippery. Knocked his mask off by accident…

💉 ...and the rest was history.

💉 I’ll say, I didn’t quite expect you to run that night. Perhaps I was too good at being threatening, hah!

✨ In all fairness, you were in a mask that basically meant certain death to whoever saw it.

How did you get together? Who confessed first?

💉 Well, ah, we didn’t exactly “get” together so much as fate forced us together. He was sent on a manhunt and I was his target, so to speak. 

✨ I wanted answers and so did he, I guess it worked out in the end though. Due to...unfortunate circumstances, neither of us really knew the whole truth.

💉 That doesn’t mean we didn’t get into our fair share of trouble while looking for answers though ;^)

✨ Yeah, most of which you caused, Devorak.

💉 What can I say? Even trouble can’t resist my allure.

✨ As for the confession, as one could guess by now, he did it first. At probably one of the most inappropriate yet fitting moments.

💉 Ah! I remember this like it was yesterday. We were facing off against the devil himself, both of us bound by his chains. Pasha, Mazelinka, Asra, the countess and doctor Satrinava were nowhere to be seen. Had I been the man I was all those years ago I’d admit my defeat, sacrifice myself for their sakes as I awaited my demise. But I’ve changed, thanks to him. I told him everything that was on my mind in the moment, what he has done for me, how I wanted to be by his side through hell and high water. I told him I loved him.

✨ As cheesy and inopportune as it was, I couldn’t help but feel the same. After all we’ve been put through, we were at each others’ sides, and I think it says a lot. I don’t think I could ever forget how you looked at me, I still can’t believe you told me then, of all times. That’s why I love you, you goofball.

What are your thoughts on PDA?

💉 I’ll take every chance I get to show him what he means to me, isn’t that right, dear?

✨ Absolutely. I’m not complaining, being spoilt by you in front of flustered onlookers is always fun. 

How do you show your affection towards each other/what are your love languages?

💉 Er, breaking and entering is a love language, right?

✨ If it were, you’d be more than fluent in it. A true virtuoso.

💉 *snrk* I’ll add that to the list of languages I can speak.

✨ Jokes aside, though, I just really like spending time with him. There’s never a dull moment with this man, I swear. He could make watching grass grow interesting. Other than that, I always try to find time to help him however I can. Though I usually tend to be on the receiving end of getting assistance.

💉 Hm, if I’ll be honest, sometimes words just aren’t enough to show him how I feel, and trust me, I know words. It’s times like these where physical touch can speak more than any sappy poem ever could.

Who’s more introverted and who’s more extroverted?

✨ Oh, Ilya for sure is the more extroverted one out of us both. Don’t get me wrong, I love people. But it gets a little too much sometimes. Plus, there’s something nice about taking some time to rest and regroup on your own. I will admit that his outgoing nature has gotten me out of my shell more times than I’d like to admit. 

Who’s the big spoon and who’s the little spoon?

✨ I like to joke that despite being the big spoon, he’s emotionally the little spoon. But I don’t think there’s really a clear-cut answer for that. Half the time I don’t think we even spoon.

💉 I’m a knife.

✨ If by that you mean one of your long limbs is constantly jabbing me somewhere when we cuddle, then you absolutely are one.

What do you like doing together the most?

💉 What do we not like doing together? There’s so much to enjoy when he’s around! I swear, he can light up a room just by existing. But, ah,  if I had to narrow it down to one thing, it would definitely be travelling. He’s just so curious, it’s adorable! Always pointing out new sights, even things I don’t pay attention to!

✨ Call me simple, but I actually just really like enjoying downtime with him. When it’s not as busy in the shop or the clinic, he’s cleaning up between patients, humming away and dancing around between stations. I’m not even sure if he notices it himself, but it’s my favourite thing to see.

Tell us a fun fact about the other!

✨ Contrary to popular belief, Ilya can’t sing very well. But he’s surprisingly good at duets.

💉 What can I say? We’re better together.

✨ (bold of you to assume I was good either.)

💉 As for Rae, not many know this, but he keeps a hoard of trinkets upstairs. How do I know this? I thought it was junk that Malak kept bringing in and nearly threw them away until I got a stern earful from him. Never again.

Tag other selfshippers and their f/os. 

...I unfortunately don’t know many others that well, and the ones I do know have already been tagged! But feel free to do this if you wish!

[tsu-kei-shima]

Tanaka + kouhais, congrats on 50 followers

Got a little carried away hehe. here ya go leo!Word Count: 1244---

“Tanaka-senpai?” Hinata began, face pinched in what Ryuu could only guess was whatever deep thoughts plagued Hinata’s mind.

“Yeah?”

“Do you think that… Oh, it’s probably stupid. Nevermind.” Hinata looked down at the ground, his whole body drooping with it.

“Course not! If it’s buggin’ ya, it’s probably pretty important. Besides, even if it is stupid, I’ll still listen anyway.” Ryuu smiled, face-splitting and genuine.

“Um, it’s just that… Well, Bakeyama always gets so many confessions! Stingyshima too! And they always say no! But because they’re tall and a little bit attractive, the girls still all fawn over them!”

“I know what you mean, little man,” Ryuu said, closing his eyes as he placed a hand over his chest. Over-the-top, sure, but it wasn’t like Ryuu was exactly trying to be.

“No way! You’re so cool! You’re the future ace! I bet you get confessions all the time!” Hinata eagerly matched Ryuu’s enthusiasm, swinging his arms wildly around.

“I wish. Bald guys aren’t exactly the top of anybody’s list…”

“Your hair is so cool! Like, BAM!!” Hinata insisted, smoothing his wild orange hair down as best as he could. “Besides, Stingyshima’s hair is only a little longer than yours.”

“I guess that’s true. Well, anyway, this is about you! Don’t worry about how much attention you’re getting from the girls. You and Yachi are super close, right? What matters is the depth of your relationship, not how many you have. One genuine friend is way better than a hundred confessions!”

“You’re so wise Tanaka-senpai!” Hinata cheered.

“Well of course I am! Call me senpai again!”

“Tanaka-senpai!”

“Hell yeah! Popsicles after practice!”

“Woo! Tanaka-senpai is the best!”

---

Tsukishima didn’t normally do things like this. It was jarring to see him, mild flush on his cheeks, bowing out of politeness, especially for Ryuu. Sure, the two occasionally got along, but mostly when there was a more irritating target for them to verbally harass. Most days saw the blond beanpole mocking Ryuu for his enthusiasm.

“Tanaka… senpai,” Tsukishima said, lifting from his bow. “I would… like to go to Sakanoshita after practice. As thanks for helping me with my blocks.”

Ryuu could cry. He felt the tears welling up in his eyes, furiously rubbing at them so as not to start bawling in front of his… well, ‘adorable kouhai’ didn’t quite match the one-hundred-ninety-centimeter salt shaker before him, but Tsukishima at least looked nicer when he wasn’t insulting everyone within a thirty-foot radius.

“Hell yeah, Tsukishima!” Ryuu exclaimed, reigning in the overwhelming flood of emotions. The other boy flinched, a scowl briefly crossing his features.

“Try not to yell,” Tsukishima said, though he sounded incredibly doubtful as to whether Ryuu could manage that.

“Sure thing!” Ryuu said, flashing a thumbs-up.

Despite agreeing to be quiet, Ryuu was quite loud as he led the blond down to the shop, talking animatedly about how much the other boy had improved in blocks. Tsukishima didn’t say much of anything, though his ears were tipped with pink the whole time Ryuu complimented him.

When they finally reached Sakanoshita, Ryuu bought him a popsicle despite his protests.

“I’m supposed to be showing my appreciation,” Tsukishima said, still holding his wallet open. Ryuu waved him off.

“A good senpai always pays! Don’t worry about it all.”

“Whatever. Thank you,” Tsukishima said, not quite looking at Ryuu when he said it. Maybe ‘adorable’ didn’t quite fit Tsukishima, but Ryuu might settle for endearing, or at the very least, tolerable, when he tried.

---

Kageyama quietly studied his hands on the bench, expression unnecessarily intense like it tended to be. Ryuu jogged over to him, clapping him on the back probably too harshly.

“Wow Kageyama, ya tryna burn a hole through your hands?” Kageyama startled briefly, looking up at Ryuu instead of his hands.

“What? No, of course not. I couldn’t play volleyball if that happened.” Ryuu could tell by the furrow of his brows that Kageyama was being genuine.

“That’s not— You know what, nevermind. Why are you lookin’ at your hands?”

“I have a hangnail. It’s really bothersome.” He was back to looking at his hands, and Ryuu noticed that his middle finger passed over his index a few times, likely pulling at the hangnail.

Ryuu sighed. “Just put some tape over it if it’s botherin’ ya.”

“Why would I do that? It’s just gonna make tossing the ball even harder.”

“Its tape! You can’t possibly notice that much of a difference!”

“I can,” Kageyama insisted.

“Fine. What can I do to help?”

“I didn’t ask for help,” Kageyama said.

“I’m offerin’, goober. Is there anything you need help with?”

“Well, if you could, I’d appreciate it if you told Tsukishima to stop half-assing his jumps. He doesn’t listen to me.”

“And you think he’ll listen to me?”

“Um. Maybe not.”

Ryuu shook his head. “Besides, I was offering help with your hangnail problem.”

“Oh. Well, you can’t help with that. Just gotta wait until it goes away.”

“Maybe if you called me your favorite senpai, you’d feel better,” Ryuu said.

“Sugawara said I could only call him my favorite.”

“What?! Jeez, say it anyway!”

“Alright. Tanaka, you’re my favorite senpai.”

“Woo! Do you want a popsicle after practice?”

“Sugawara alre—”

“Damn you Suga!” Ryuu yelled, pushing up his sleeve as he turned to face the silver-haired setter.

Sugawara just snickered, hiding his smirk very poorly behind his hand. “Sorry, Tanaka. Looks like I’m the better senpai today,” he said, winking. Ryuu was going to aim a spike right for the stupid mole under his eye.

“Get back to practice!” Daichi yelled, and the other boys jumped up quickly, returning to the court to avoid Daichi’s wrath.

---

Yamaguchi’s tenacity was admirable. Ryuu knew he practiced serves more often than anyone else at practice, eyes uncharacteristically intense and focused. He also knew it took quite a bit to put up with Tsukishima as often as he did, though it was possible Yamaguchi actually liked the bastard so he didn’t mind as much as everyone else on the team did.

“Yama-yama! Aren’t you tired of practicing?” Ryuu asked, already beginning to toss the stray volleyballs from his practice into the cart.

“Oh, is it already time to go?” Yamaguchi asked, gripping the ball a bit tighter.

“Well, I’m closing up tonight, so I’ll hang around if you wanna stay a bit later. I’ve got nowhere to be.” Not exactly true, as he had a project he really ought to get started on due next week.

“Only if it’s not a bother.”

“Just help me clean up after and you’re all good!”

Yamaguchi nodded resolutely before turning back to the net, breathing in deeply to regain his focus.

Ryuu continued cleaning up while Yamaguchi practiced, whistling to himself cheerily to help the time go by faster. He was just pulling the brooms out of the closet when Yamaguchi shouted.

“Woo! I got it! Tanaka-senpai! I hit all the bottles!”

Ryuu peeked curiously past Yamaguchi to see all the water bottles knocked on their side.

“Damn, you’re crazy! I don’t even think that pretty boy from Seijoh’s got that kind of accuracy!”

Yamaguchi flushed bright red at that. “That’s way too much! I’m not even close to Oikawa’s ability!”

“Hell yeah, you are! Do you want a popsicle from your coolest senpai ever to celebrate?”

“I don’t want to impose—”

“No worries at all! My treat!”

“Are you sure?”

“Totally! Gotta keep Karasuno’s number one pinch server happy!”

“Tanaka,” Yamaguchi groaned, hiding his face in his hands.

“Hahaha! Let’s hurry and clean up so we can go!”

“Okay,” Yamaguchi said, before starting to the other side of the court to begin picking up the volleyballs he’d sent over.

Yamaguchi made sure to thank Ryuu profusely for letting him stay at the gym, and later, for buying him a popsicle despite it being the only one left. Ryuu wasn’t even all that upset when he didn’t get to have one, much too preoccupied with just how happy Yamaguchi seemed to be at the small gesture.

“You’re a really great senpai, Tanaka,” Yamaguchi said, quiet enough to barely be heard. Ryuu doubted he’d ever go a full day without crying about how incredible his kouhai were.

“W-wait! Don’t cry, Tanaka-senpai!”

“I’m just so happy! You’re the best!”

[salmonthestoryteller]

Afraid

Animal Kingdom Fanfic

(Fair warning! I’m only halfway through season 2. This is set in S1, but I probably still have errors because I don’t know about things referenced in the  later seasons)

The thing was, Adrian had never been afraid of Deran.  He’d known what he did - what his family did - to maintain their lifestyles. No details, of course. No one outside the family had details. People whispered about the possibilities behind their palms. Each guess more outlandish than the next if the drinks and drugs were flowing.  But nobody actually knew anything.  That was pretty much the point.

Adrian had fallen in with Deran and Craig in school and in those days the three of them had gotten into all sorts of trouble. When they were younger Deran used to say that Adrian had one of those smiles that made all the women coo and made the cops say, "Are you lost, son?" instead of, "Clear out, you punks!"

He'd been scared of Pope since they were young.  Pope was always a little off, and he spooked him. "He sees everything, you know." Julia remarked one day. That had him looking over his shoulder for weeks afterwards until Deran finally asked him what was wrong. When he'd finished laughing, he'd told him Julia had been messing with him. These days he wondered if Julia hadn't been right.

Baz he hadn't been scared of when they were kids. Baz had always seemed careful with all of the younger kids. Gentle even. Then puberty had hit and Baz was both less gentle and more attentive to what they were doing. Puberty was a mess for every kid, but Adrian spent his figuring out that his friends slowly hardening physiques were much more attractive to him than any of the skin mags Craig kept shoving at him. He'd asked Deran about the skin mags, and when he'd admitted they didn't do anything for him either it had given him a false sense of security. Hindsight had 20/20 vision.

Craig had shot up like a beanpole - no muscles at first and clumsy in his new height. It made him stick out; drew attention. Made it harder for them to be covert about pulling stunts and shoplifting. Deran didn't gain height as fast but was slowly gaining muscle in a way that Adrian thought was both unfair by comparison and distractingly attractive.

Deran was the one who thought to use Craig's new height to distract the cashier while he himself did the five finger discount.  Adrian had never stolen anything before - he'd always been lookout and distraction. Having his best friend shove his hand down his pants to hide their shoplift goods had made him a nervous wreck in more than one way.

Having to confess to Baz what they'd done didn't help. Baz had started pushing back against Pope's until then unquestioned authority. One of the ways he did it was by grilling them about their mischief and giving them a hard time for it.

Having a sexuality crisis over your best friend in front of said best friend's elder brother? Baz had kept glancing at him, and his cheeks had flared red in shame every time. There was no polite way to explain he'd popped a boner over having Deran put his hand down his pants. He kept saying he'd never actually participated before. Being jeered for being scared was better than what Baz might do to him if he knew the truth.

Baz and Pope's rivalry made him see him in a new light and it wasn't pretty. So, yah, he'd been afraid of Baz before.

Craig made him nervous when he got too high, but the only time he'd probably actually been scared of Craig was in high school. He hadn't come out, but there had been plenty of whispers. Then he'd lost his virginity to a foreign exchange student and Craig had found out.  Craig had grown into his height in high school. No longer clumsy, and with new muscles to match.  Being friends with him and Deran made people think twice about laying into him despite the rumors.  A part of him figured once Craig knew the truth that would change.  That he may even target him the way he picked on some of the other students when he needed to make it clear he wasn't someone to mess with.

When Craig had cornered him on the beach to ask about the rumors he honestly thought he might beat him up, and he'd been scared.  He still looked him in the eye and admitted to fucking the guy.  Craig's response had been so anticlimactic to his fears.

"So you're like gay?"

"Yah."

"Huh."

"That a problem?"

"Well, I don't dig guys so I don't know the guy's number.  I mean, should I be riding you for giving up your V card to a dog or congratulating you for losing it to someone hot?"

If his laugh was slightly hysterical he decided he couldn't be blamed. This was not the conversation he'd expected. "He was hot."

"Well, alright, man, way to go." He'd pulled him into a headlock to noogie his head hard.  He'd given a shout, and struggled despite knowing he was no match for Craig's new muscles.

His throw away comment at the end was, "Hey, see if you can get my baby brother to finally lose his virginity. He's so damn frigid."

He'd thought at the time he meant to encourage him to hook up with one of the girls that were always at Smurf's parties. Years later he wondered if Craig hadn't been suggesting something else entirely.

Deran and he had fought over the foreign exchange student. They were on the outs for over a week about it and he didn't understand how it was his best friend who had the issue with his sexuality and not Craig. Then Deran had cornered him late one night in the showers on the beach and stuck his tongue down his throat. Apparently they'd been having two different fights.

Despite the kiss, they didn't hook up in high school. Deran refused to talk about the kiss and things between them grew tense. Then a group of homophobic assholes had decided to try to corner him at school. Deran had broke in - fists flying and together they'd taken them down. They'd both gotten weeks of detention for fighting, but it was better than suspension and it had resolidified their friendship.

If "just friends" was something he wasn't sure he wanted from Deran now that he'd kissed him, he'd pushed it down. Deran never came out and continued to hit on girls. Given Craig's reaction and Deran's "Fuck Baz. Fuck Pope." attitude he didn't think it was his brothers' opinions holding him back. It was Smurf's.

Smurf terrified him. Not when he was younger - when it came to kids Smurf knew how to make them love her. As he got older, though, and understood things better, that changed. As did the way she looked at him. He wondered if she suspected his feelings for her son. If she secretly knew Deran's orientation and either blamed him or considered him a security risk. Someone Deran might dare to care for more than the family. More than her. He knew what could happen if you made Smurf an enemy. Julia and her falling out made it clear even her own family wasn’t immune to her wrath.

He’d run into Julia one day by chance years later.  High as a kite by the bridge late at night.  “Still staying on Smurf’s good side by not fucking my brother?”  She’d asked him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”  He’d replied, because Deran wasn’t out and had made it clear he never intended to be.

“LIke hell you don’t.  Our baby boy Deran always looking at you like he wants to eat you.  Smurf always glaring at you like it’s your fault.”

“I really don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her words made him nervous.

“You can fuck him, you know.  She doesn’t care about fucking.”  She had waved her hand as if dismissing the idea.  “And you can even love him.  You’re not family, so it’s okay if you love him.”  She’d leaned in close then, as if sharing a secret. “The problem is if he loves you.  Cuz family isn’t allowed to love anyone but Smurf.”

There had been something manic in her eyes that night.  Something that reminded him suddenly that she was Pope’s twin.  “I have to go.”

Julia had stepped in front of him, blocking his way, an unpleasant grin stretching her face.  “Holy shit, he loves you - doesn’t he?  That’s why you aren’t fucking.”

Belize was years in the future, and he had shaken his head at her words.  “You’re wrong.  About everything.”

Julia shook her head.  “Nope.  See it wasn’t the drugs - Craig can be as bad as me.  It wasn’t the stealing - her baby boy - ha! - your baby boy skims the top sometimes. It was the love.  I was supposed to be like her.  They were supposed to love me, but I wasn’t supposed to love them.  I wasn’t supposed to have favorites.  Everyone was supposed to think they were the favorite.  That’s how you keep them in line.  If you can’t do that.”  She shrugged.

“You’re high.  You should sleep it off.”  He’d try to get around her, and she’d grabbed his arm - leaning into his space to whisper in his ear.

“Baby bro always got mad when he saw you with one of your boys.  Glaring like he wanted to fuck you right in front of everyone.  Maybe you’re right to not let him.  Maybe you should be careful. Codys don’t like to share.  If you let him fuck you, that’s it.  You’re his.  Never forget that.”

Julia scared him that night.

But Deran?  Deran didn’t scare him.

Even when he had J help beat him because J had caught them together and Deran was desperate to cover it up.  He wasn’t scared of Deran for that.  He was furious with him.  Then he’d had the gall to ask for the rent?  Fuck that, and he’d told him so. Deran had backed down.  Had covered the rent - must have stolen it from one of Smurf’s hidey holes.  He calmed down, but he knew things couldn’t be the same.

Belize had been a dream, but everyone has to wake up from a dream sooner or later.  He’d been caught in a haze since.  Sneaking around with him.  Weeks between seeing him.  Watching him make out with numerous girls in front of his brothers to maintain his facade.  Somehow the dreamy feeling of Belize hung on his peripherals, blinding him the moment Deran touched him.  But the beating was a wake up call.

They didn’t want the same things.  Deran would never make a life with him, and he wanted that.  So while Deran stayed away as he healed up, he’d run into Dave.  He was far from perfect. Couldn’t surf worth shit.  He was a good guy, though. He was also out.  There was a chance for a life there.  Then Deran had started coming around again.  Not for sex at first - just a check in.  To see if he’d broken their friendship when he’d broken his ribs. He’d cared for Deran too long to stay angry.

Then Deran met Dave and things went south fast.  He’d been scared before he knew it was Deran that night.  The moment he’d seen his face, though, he wasn’t afraid anymore.  Apparently having Deran break into his house in a jealous fit over him seeing another guy was a turn on. Who knew?  He’d been as angry at himself as Deran for the lapse.  He was supposed to be moving on with Dave, not falling back into things with Deran.

And the way Deran spoke pissed him off.  Reminded him of why this couldn’t work.  He wanted someone to have a life with.  Deran didn’t want that.  Was too ashamed - too scared - to try for it.  So he’d lashed out.  Dragged up the spectre of Smurf between them, where it had probably always been but never been spoken of.  He’d thought when Deran left, that would be it. That would be the end.

Then he’d gotten a call from Dave who was at the hospital.  He didn’t even need the whole story to know who was to blame, but he’d listened anyway.  He’d also hated himself a little for thinking - you barely made it two miles?  Because he knew he could go longer.  He reminded himself comparing Dave to himself, or Deran, always Deran, wasn’t fair, but it was there in his head anyway.  ‘Deran and I could have gone twice that length.’  They’d done long distance swimming for training in Belize.  He’d never forgotten, and he was sure Deran hadn’t either.  That was one part of this message - this chump isn’t good enough for you.

One mile most people could have managed with their lives on the line.  Farther than two would have been a death sentence for a lot of people. Two was stretching it, and dangerous for someone without practice.  If Dave had been a poor swimmer he could be dead and not just shaken.  He reminded himself of that. Reminded himself what the other part of the message was. This was Deran saying if Adrian didn’t get Dave out of the picture, he would.  That he could.  It was easy for him.

Still he hadn’t been afraid of Deran.  He’d been angry.  Storming to the beach to face him down with what he’d done.  Angrier with every mile because Deran had no right.  He hadn't even come after him - he’d come after Dave.  He’d known him long enough - knew all his weaknesses - he had known that would be a far more effective message to him.

He’d try to act clueless, but Adrian wasn’t buying that shit.  Furious, he’d dragged up Smurf again.  If he pushed hard enough, he could push him away, right?  Make him lash out.  Just end things once and for all.  Fucking him wasn’t more important than him insulting his family.  Because to the Codys family was everything. Apparently he’d miscalculated somewhere along the line, because instead of lashing out Deran had been smug.  “I’ll see you tonight.”

A part of him was shaken.  What the heck was this?  They’d been friends since childhood.  No matter what sexual tension had threaded that friendship through adulthood, they’d stayed friends until Belize.  Belize had felt like a romance, but since returning to California that feeling had curdled.  Stolen moments of passion.  Nothing more.  Nothing deeper.  He’d thought at the least their old friendship meant more than their fucking if he ended things.  Instead, for the first time, Deran was using his family’s power against him to make him do what he wanted. Making him jump like a puppet on a string.

Julia’s words played in his head on repeat. “Codys don’t like to share.  If you let him fuck you, that’s it.  You’re his.  Never forget that.”

And the crazy thing was, he still wasn’t afraid.  He was confused, and hurt, and angry. He didn’t understand why Deran, who was terrified of discovery, would insist on binding them together this way.  Why it was more important than their old friendship, even.  Deran could find someone else to fuck. To pay off for their silence.  Why twist their friendship, their relationship, this way?  And how could he think there would be no consequences for trying to twist him into his plaything?

Bringing up the notion he’d use Pope against him had been a knife of his own choosing. A part of him knew that he would never actually send Pope after him like he had with Dave.  That hadn’t been the point.  He hadn’t wanted him injured, he’d wanted him punished. He wanted him to… to what?  Stay with him? Be with only him? But not openly with him. How did everything get so messed up?

Deran hadn’t kissed him since Belize.  He hated him for kissing him that night.  For his desperate plea for them to be okay after he’d twisted them into such strange ugly knots.  How could they be okay in that moment? How could anything be okay?

Julia’s words were in his head again.  “You’re not family, so it’s okay if you love him. The problem is if he loves you.”

No, he wasn’t afraid of Deran.  But with Julia’s words in his head, the Codys power more evident than ever to him, and his and Deran’s relationship twisted and rotten between them, he realized he was a little afraid of himself.

Because despite all that he still loved Deran.  Even as he told him he didn't. Even as he finally found the right words to make him walk away.

Fini

If there was something that struck me about the unhealthy twists and turns Adrian and Deran's relationship took in s1, it was at no point was Adrian afraid of him. Not after he'd beaten him to hide their relationship, not after he had Pope dump his boyfriend in the ocean. Each time he confronted him, and he was angry at him. Never afraid.

I rewatched their final S1 scenes, wondering if he was afraid then, especially since he brings up the possibility of him setting Pope on him, but once again his stance isn't one of fear. Frustration, because Deran refuses to even care about what he did. Hurt that Deran would do this to them. Resentment that he was trying to force him to do what he wanted

But once again he doesn't seem afraid to me.  He's not afraid to tell Deran to his face he can order him to do whatever he wants because his family's power, but that power will never make him love him. (Which is essentially what he's saying when he says "you can't make me have feelings I don't.'')

I also think he was lying. He very much had feelings for Deran still. He wouldn't be so hurt if he didn't. I don't blame him for saying he didn't, though.  Not with Deran's actions during s1.

I didn’t need to fall into another show, but here I am.

[a-teez]

hey! i'm attempting to include ot8 ateez in an au i have on here, but unfortunately i don't know their personalities too well :( i would really appreciate a quick run-down (???) of their personalities :') i don't want to accidentally write too oooc that's why. thanks!!

Of course! 

Hongjoong

He is like the fun dad of the group. He still acts silly during play time, but when it’s time to get to work he is ready and focused, and expects that of anyone else working too. But yeah when they're not working he is just the cutest little bean c:

Seonghwa

He has been described by the other members as the “mom friend” because he, like Hongjoong is a very good worker. (For example, when they trained in America, he said the part he looked forward to was not Universal Studios, but instead was most excited about the dance studio.) From what I have seen, he is maybe a little quiet, but super nice!

Yunho

Yunho is definitely part of the beagle line. He is very lively and silly. He likes to joke around with other members, but if none are around he is sure to find some way to entertain himself. Also, he winks more than maybe anyone I know.

Yeosang

Ok, so I’m not technically saying that he is a fuckboy, but he wears an awful lot of beanies and Playboy brand clothing for him not to be one. I mean for his self-introduction, he rode a skateboard into frame and then confessed his love.

San

Another beagle line cutie! He is not called Sanshine for nothing! He is always bright and smiling. He is super energetic, one time when they were at the beach, he was in the background of every shot yelling about how happy he was to be at the beach. I don’t think he loves anything more than brightening the mood.

Mingi

From what I have seen, he looks big and tall but is actually just a shy-ass beanpole. He is indecisive in the cutest way possible, and breaks into giggles every time the members point out his low voice. Truly a gentle giant.

Wooyoung

You would never know it by looking at his stage performances, but he brings out the uwu like no other! He is super gullible whenever the other members tease/play pranks on him. 

Jongho

Super athletic. So strong. Muscle man maknae. He always tries to seem like a grown up more than the youngest but you can’t outrun the truth Jongho, you will always be the baby!

I hope these have helped a little! If you want to get to know their personalities more, I recommend watching either Code Name ATEEZ or their training videos in America.