#did i mention i really like naomi

[haywirehorse]

this shot of naomi

[linagram]

[ 𝚔𝚎𝚒'𝚜 𝚝𝟷 𝚟𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚊 ] 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢

his vd is here, everyone. the most problematic male prisoner so far's vd.

just so you know, i feel like the universe itself didn't want me to write his voice drama. the power went out like two times while i was trying to write it, uni is killing me and i also had to rewrite his voice drama multiple times.

i'll be so surprised if anyone votes him innocent tbh 😭😭 the original version of his voice drama was supposed to make him look more sympathetic, but that scene was deleted because 1) his vd would end up being way too long and 2) i had to stop myself from revealing too much kei lore, like this is only the first trial! the original version was also supposed to reveal more information about kei and eiji's parents and i also had to delete that, again, it would just be too long and it would look like i was trying to give you reasons to vote him innocent. (and i'm not doing that! do what you want with him <3)

also this voice drama mentions those other crimes kei committed before milgram and. um. yeah, they're bad. i don't want to spoil anything, so just know that there will be mentions of torture, they're not detailed though. there's also a mention of kei getting injured thanks to eiji. again, it's not detailed and the injury isn't that serious. (also warning for kei refusing to accept that eiji and miki are not a couple and just being his usual self. you know what i mean /lh)

(divider link)

(sounds of footsteps)

Miki: Hey, Eiji-san..

Miki: That next prisoner.. he's your brother, isn't he?

Miki: I mean, you both have the same last name and you look alike, so..

Eiji: Yes, he is my brother.

Miki: Ah, I see-

Miki: Wait, REALLY??

Eiji: But even though we're related, it doesn't mean that I will forgive him that easily.

Miki: But.. He's your family..

Eiji: Well, I don't consider him my family. I don't see my own parents as my family either.

Miki: Were they.. um, bad people?

Eiji: .. Yeah. The worst.

Miki: .. I'm sorry.

Eiji: It's fine. I'm just happy that Milgram gave me an opportunity to punish this guy for ruining my life.

Miki: But Eiji-san.. We are supposed to judge them for their crimes.

Miki: We can't judge them for something that's not the reason why they're here.

Miki: Like, for example, maybe that prisoner really was a bad person, but what if his crime is actually forgivable? We can't just vote everyone guilty based on their personality-

Eiji: I know this guy better than you do.

Eiji: And let me tell you, he does deserve the worst and most painful death.

Miki: Was he the one who did.. this to you?

Eiji: ...

Eiji: Even if I tell you the truth, you will still try to defend him.

Miki: I will defend all the prisoners until I actually see why they're guilty and why they deserve to be punished. Until that, I will try my best to understand their motives and reasons!

Eiji: .. It's only the fifth interrogation, but you've already changed so much.

Miki: T-thank you, I guess?

Eiji: It's time. I hope you're ready to meet him.

(door opens)

Kei: Oh! Here you are!

Kei: You really kept me waiting, you know.

Eiji: Get your feet off the table.

Kei: Yep, it really is my dear brother.

Eiji: And is that a milkshake?..

Kei: Yeah, a strawberry one. Want some?

Eiji: Where did you get that-

Eiji: Oh.

Kei: I made a request and this adorable little guard gladly agreed to get it for me!

Eiji: .. Gladly?

Miki: Uh-

Miki: W-well, y-you see..

Eiji: (to Kei) What did you do?

(sounds of Miki still trying to explain herself)

Kei: Nothing, really. I just smiled at her and told her she's the only one who can help me and that's it.

Kei: And why are you so nervous? Really, I should be more nervous than you.

Eiji: Yeah, I'm literally about to vote you guilty and punish you for every single thing you've done.

Kei: No, no, I'm not talking about that!

Eiji: And what are you talking about then?

Kei: Well, now my plan is ruined.

Eiji: .. What plan?

Kei: Oh, I just thought that maybe I can try to seduce the guards so that they vote me innocent, but then I found out that the guards are actually my own brother and some high school student who turned 18 recently, so..

Kei: Yeah, that's not gonna work.

Kei: But judging by your partner's reaction-

Eiji: If you do anything to her, I'll forget about the whole "three trials" system and I'll just kill you right after the first trial.

Kei: Hey, I literally just told you that I'm not gonna do anything to your girlfriend, so calm down!

Eiji: SHE'S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!

Kei: ...

Miki: ...

Kei: .. Then who is she to you?

Kei: It's impossible for her to be anyone else to you. You know, she's a cute girl and she's always with you, of course, you'd start falling in love with her sooner or later!

Eiji: You don't even know what it's like to love someone.

Kei: Of course I do-

Eiji: Not in that way.

Kei: .. Fine, you win.

Eiji: Let's just get started before I smash that glass over your head.

Kei: Woah, scary~

Eiji: So, Prisoner 005.. Sanada Kei, 25 years old.

Kei: That's me!

Kei: (to Miki) Wait, no, actually, did you know that I'm the younger brother and Eiji is the older one?

Miki: Really??

Eiji: Don't believe a word he says. He loves to lie just to mess with people.

Kei: You are no fun at all.

Miki: Actually, Eiji-san..

Miki: Do you mind if I'll be the one asking questions this time?

Eiji: Huh? Why?

Miki: I just.. don't want you to get too emotional. I think it wouldn't be fair if you were the one judging your brother.

Eiji: But I-

Eiji: What are you talking about? You know that I will judge him fairly!

Kei: Oh, I would love to talk to your partner more, Eiji! You get kinda boring sometimes.

Miki: Hehe..

Miki: U-um, first of all, Sanada-san-

Kei: Just call me by my first name. Me and Eiji are brothers, so like, it can get confusing.

Miki: O-okay then. So, do you like this place? Is it comfortable?

Kei: Are you worried about me? That's so kind of you!

Kei: Well, I'm not really happy about the fact that I'm in prison, but wow, I don't know who's responsible for all this, but they really brought some of the hottest people I've ever seen to this place.

Kei: Like, have you seen Eiko? Or Shun?

Kei: Yurika is beautiful too, but.. we don't get along well, haha.

Eiji: Do you even have any friends here?

Kei: Of course I do! I've already mentioned Shun and Eiko and I'm very close with them! I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that they're actually in love with me.

Kei: Oh, I'm close with the younger prisoners too! I'm basically their older brother figure or something.

Eiji: .. Really?

Kei: Akio can say whatever he wants, but he really does trust me. I'm the only prisoner who knows some of his darkest secrets, hehe~

Kei: And me and Riku are so similar! Haha, he really reminds me of my younger self.

Miki: I see.. I'm glad to hear that you like it here.

Miki: Okay, second question. I don't remember Eiji-san mentioning it, but.. what do you do for a living?

Eiji: ...

Kei: Oh, well, I'm just a photographer-

Miki: Really? That's so cool, I can definitely imagine you being one!

Kei: I'll take that as a compliment. But to be honest, I'm.. not exactly proud of working for fashion magazines and most of my "normal" photos.

Kei: I'm more proud of working for my father's friend!

Eiji: Wait, you still work for-

Miki: Oh, is it because they're someone famous?

Kei: .. I wouldn't say that. It's actually better for his identity to stay unknown.

Miki: Why though?

Eiji: Because that friend of our father is a criminal who kidnaps people and tortures them.

Eiji: A-and then Kei takes photos of them while he does so and that man either keeps the photos for himself or sells them to other.. monsters like him.

Miki: .. What?

Kei: Man, when you say it like that, it sounds like something illegal. Just so you know, all of my.. uh, "models" are still alive!

Eiji: Yeah, they're alive, but I'm sure most of them are now missing at least one body part!

Kei: Hey, it's not my fault that people like those photos so much. I just do it for the money, it's not like I have a choice-

Eiji: Don't even try lying to us, you just do it because you enjoy it! You're not any better than him!

Kei: Well, what's so wrong with me liking my job? You enjoy being a prison guard and torturing people and I enjoy taking pictures of people while they're being tortured! We both suck, let's admit it.

Eiji: .. But I-

Kei: What, are you trying to say that you don't like making people suffer? Come on, everyone can hear other prisoners' screams when you interrogate them. I definitely heard Shun begging you to let him go earlier. Why would you be so cruel to him if you didn't like hurting people?

Kei: Ah.. You're just trying to act more like me, aren't you? You're just scared, aren't you? You don't know what to do, you're lost, you're confused, and now you have to judge your own brother! Of course, you have no other choice but to act like your older brother who is so much stronger and braver than you!

(sound of glass breaking)

Kei: .. Well, this is a new one. Usually I'm the one who makes people cry and I never end up being the one in pain, but I'm open to new experiences.

Eiji: I just thought it would be nice to change things up.

Miki: EIJI-SAN, WHY DID YOU DO THIS?

Miki: Kei-san's hand is bleeding and I don't have anything to-

Kei: Please, don't worry about me, I'm fine. I have a very high pain tolerance.

Kei: Unlike my little brother~

Eiji: YOU-

Kei: Haha, what are you gonna do next? Come on, show me what you've got! You want to be as strong as me, right? Then act like it!

(sounds of Eiji standing up and walking closer to Kei)

Kei: What, are you going to slap me or-

Kei: ...

Kei: W-why is everything so colorless now?..

Kei: I don't want to live in a world like this..

Kei: Hey, give my sunglasses back.

Eiji: Make me.

Kei: Come on, you're just acting like a child right now. I said, give them back.

Eiji: Nope.

Kei: WEREN'T YOU TAUGHT TO LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR OLDER BROTHER SAYS?

Kei: Ah-

Kei: So I can't even touch you, huh?

Kei: So boring..

Miki: Wait, so this means.. We're allowed to do whatever we want while the prisoners aren't able to do anything to fight back?

Eiji: Sounds fun.

Kei: Heh, you really did turn into a younger version of me.

Eiji: S-shut up!..

Kei: How interesting.. So, you can either vote me innocent to protect me like you always did in the past or you can vote me guilty just to see me cry and make me apologize to you.

Kei: I wonder what you will choose.

Eiji: I've already told you that I will vote you guilty no matter what.

Kei: Sure, say whatever you want. But remember one thing..

Kei: If you vote me guilty just because you want to see me suffer, that means you really are just like me.

Eiji: !..

Kei: *laughs* Finally! This is the face I wanted to see so much!

Miki: Eiji-san, are you okay?

Eiji: Just a reminder that I still have your sunglasses and I can break them right now.

Kei: .. See? We really are alike.

(bell rings, machinery sounds)

Miki: Wait! Kei-san, I don't know what's going on and I don't know anything about your relationship with Eiji-san..

Miki: But please, tell us at least something about your crime! Just why are you here?

Eiji: That doesn't matter-

Miki: IT MATTERS TO ME!

Eiji: ...

Kei: .. So like, is she the one who's more dominant or-

Miki: Tell us about your crime. Now.

Miki: If you do, maybe I'll be able to change your brother's mind. And you want to be voted innocent, right?..

Kei: .. *laughs* Wow, Eiji, your girlfriend is insane.

Kei: Fine, I'll give you a hint. Just give me my sunglasses back. I don't feel like myself when I'm not wearing them.

Kei: Oh, and make my dear brother vote me innocent, of course.

Miki: Eiji-san, sunglasses.

Eiji: You're really gonna let him-

Miki: Do you want to learn more about his crime or not?

Eiji: ...

(sounds of Eiji's footsteps)

Kei: Thank you~

Kei: Ah, I feel so much better with them.

Kei: So, about my crime. Haha, I wonder what my video will show.

Kei: But anyway, here's your hint! Look at my uniform. Look at it very carefully.

Miki: What do you mean by that?

Eiji: You're just trying to fool us, aren't you?

Kei: Okay, then, Eiji, do you remember what you said earlier?

Kei: My name, my age.. what else?

Eiji: "Sanada Kei, 25 years old"..

Eiji: Listen, I don't have time for this.

Eiji: Let's just finish this already.

Kei: Well, I tried my best to help you.

Kei: So, Eiji.. Vote me innocent, just like a good older brother that you've always wanted to be, would.

Kei: Or vote me guilty and accept your defeat-

Eiji: PRISONER 005, KEI, SING YOUR SINS!

Miki: "Prisoner 005".. IT WAS "PRISONER 005"!

═════════•°• ⚠ •°•═════════

[tojikai]

Sundered 8: BRAKES

Pairing: Gojo x reader

• Part 1  |  Part 2   | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 |  Part 9 | Alt. Ending

Genre: Angst

tags/cw: angst, babydaddy!gojo, babymomma!reader, motherhood, insecurities, arguments

word count: 6.7k

But sometimes, the best isn’t what our heart wants; the perfect isn’t what our heart seeks.

“Did you find it?” Before Satoru could even answer, you came jogging in. Your gaze shifted between him and Toji, curious as you noticed the awkward silence that took over when you approached. Or…has it been there before you came? “What is it?” You asked, puzzled. Walking inside, your eyes met Satoru’s. He shook his head, giving a small smile before answering.

“Nothing. Toji was just saying that we should check Yui’s things to make sure we didn’t forget anything else.” You could see his Adam's apple bob up and down, eyes half blinking. “Well yeah, I did. Her extra shirt was still on the hanger. I ironed it earlier.” You walked past him, smiling at Toji before you jogged upstairs, making the two men relax.

“Y-yeah, of course. I could free my schedule, just tell me the details.” Satoru’s voice was much lower; quieter when he was sure that you were out of earshot. Toji nodded, blinking as he took a deep breath. “I’m glad you didn’t tell her.” Satoru doesn’t know why he hid it from you, but he felt like it would only worry you. 

But could he really not tell you about it? He doesn’t want to lie to you.

“You know, it could only worry her; she probably doesn’t even trust us in the same room together.” He added as if sensing Satoru’s doubts. He’s got a point, but still, Satoru wants your relationship to be transparent. Yes, he still hasn’t told you about what happened with Naomi and his mother but that’s a different case.

“Just send me when and where.” Satoru took a deep breath, pulling out a calling card before quickly handing it to Toji as he kept an eye on the hallway to make sure you didn’t see any of it. “Though, she probably won’t be happy about not being informed of this-” Footsteps can be heard as you appear with the clothing item in your hand.

“Why didn’t you go to Yui? Let’s go.” You gave Toji a quick kiss and goodbye before walking out the door, looking back at him just to make sure that he was already after you. And he is, but not without glancing at Toji who only nodded at him. “I was waiting for you, I could see the car from there.” He explained, opening the car door for you.

“Yaaaay Mama! Dada!” The little girl put her hands up, opening and closing her chubby fingers, “Nummy!” She squealed louder as Satoru wiggled the pacifier in his hands, legs kicking as she desperately tried to grab it. “What’s my name?” He tried to keep the object away from her.

“Toru! Dada Toru!” She pushed on her chair, trying to move closer to her dad. Satoru laughed, letting her take the pacifier in her small hands. “Here’s your Nummy.” He cooed before putting on his seatbelt, ready to drive. You looked at him through the rearview mirror, meeting his gaze for a split second before you looked away.

“What is it?” He asked you, raising his brows as he drove. You shook your head, “Nothing, I was just…I was wondering if you and Toji get along well now.” You didn’t really want to ask this to Toji because he still gets grumpy at the mere mention of Satoru’s name in your conversations, which can’t be helped since they’re almost always about Yui.

“I think…” He let out a small laugh at the end of his short answer.  For a second, he thought about telling you of his conversation with Toji but— ‘It could only worry her.’ His words reverberated in his head, making him bite his lip, waiting for your reaction. “Okay. It’ll get better, I guess.” You let out a large breath, lightly slapping your thighs with your hands.

“I’ll… I’m really trying to be less annoying to him. I know that it’s uncomfortable for the both of you.” He was trying to find the right words to assure you. He doesn’t want you to think that he’s threatening your new relationship. Your new happiness.

“And that he probably doesn’t even want you around me even for a minute and that’s why I was saying that we should lessen—” You turned to look at him, making him pause as he quickly glanced at you. He was worried that he may have said something wrong or hurtful to you. That’s the last thing he wants.

“Satoru.” You licked your lips, feeling bad that he was probably feeling the same way you did when he was still with Naomi. Probably much worse because he’s also regretting so many things at the same time. “We don’t have to do that. We do it for Yui, I could talk about it with Toji. I will.” You start to look back on how your ‘talks’ with him went.

But if it’s for Yui, you’re determined to make him understand and make all of this work.

“We can’t give Yui the family she deserves.” The words tasted bitter on your tongue as you leaned your elbow on the car window, massaging your temple. “But I don’t want her to feel that.” Thinking about the time scares you; how fast it goes, how quickly it changes. You fear that you’ll wake up one day and you won’t have answers to her questions.

“Hey…” You felt a hand on yours, noticing the car stop. You turned your head at Satoru, only noticing how blurry your vision has gotten. “You’re already doing so many things for her. She won’t feel that. That’s why I’m still here. You don’t have to shoulder this alone even if we’re not with each other.”

In Satoru’s head, he doesn’t like that you’re not with each other. But if that’s what heals you from everything he’s put you through, then so be it. But that doesn’t mean that he won’t be there for you; only heaven knows how much he wants to give you everything if only you allow it. 

But he’s not that lucky anymore.

It took you a minute to snatch your hand away, probably just needing the warmth that it provided you in that vulnerable time, but you still did. “Sorry,” He murmured as you turned away, wiping under your eyes quickly. “Did you have breakfast? I’ll get us something.” He cleared his throat, thinking about how Toji probably cooked breakfast for you.

“I’ll just have coffee–“ You sat up straight, getting cut off by your baby as she struggled to get out of her seat. “Mama! Ma!” She whined, kicking her feet as she reached up to you and pointing outside. “Do you want something, Miss?” Turning her attention to Satoru. “She wants to go inside.” You spoke, removing your seatbelt.

“Alright, come on.” You stepped out of the car to get her, letting Satoru take her small bag. She squealed at the drawing of the cartoon on the wall, making you kiss her cheek. “That’s why she wanted to go inside.” Satoru laughed, letting you walk in first. Greeted by the employee as you scanned their menu, your daughter started pointing.

“Such a cute baby,” An old woman beside you said, “Looks very much like the Dad.” She laughed, making Satoru pat the little girl’s head, proud. “Thank you, Ma’am. She’s a mini of him.” You joked, allowing the old lady to play with your child as you conversed with the employee.

For some reason, the interaction made you feel warm. It’s been a while since you felt like this when going out with them. You used to avoid these situations with him due to how things were, but lately, your guard’s been down around him. Maybe it’s because you can see with your own eyes how much he changed. 

If only he was like this before, would things have been better?

“How old is she?” The old woman’s voice sounded far, drowned by your thoughts. “She’s 2, ma’am.” You could feel Satoru’s hand on your shoulder, snapping you out of your trance. Your eyes met his, overflowing with concern as he tried to keep a conversation with the woman until she left.

“You ok?” He spoke, adjusting Yui on the baby seat. “You zoned out earlier.” He made sure to pull the chair for you before going to his. Shaking your head, you gave a small smile, “It’s nothing, just trying to recall if I packed everything she needs.” It wasn’t convincing, but Satoru felt like he’d be meddling too much if he asked further.

Maybe he really should not add up to the things you’re worrying about.

———————————————————

“What is it about?” Satoru’s fingers tapped on his jeans, nervous as to what his baby mama's boyfriend was about to ask him. He was worried that it’d have something to do with the time he spent around you. Satoru isn’t sure if it’s possible to reduce that since you have a daughter.

“You know, to be honest, I just want to know how you see things.” Toji started, putting down his mug. “I know what happened between you and Y/N before I came along but I want to know what you were planning to do if I didn’t appear.” Satoru was confused as to why he was asking all of it but his brain started to think back to it, nonetheless.

At that time, he was thinking about marrying Naomi. He saw it as an assurance that he was doing so much better; convinced that she was truly the one for him. Spending a year with her, he was sure that she was the better person for him. What with his daughter calling her mom, he thought that maybe it could put an end to most of his problems with you.

Recalling all of this just made him realize how much worse things could’ve been.

Seeing the pain in your eyes the moment those hurtful words came out of his mouth set all of these plans on fire. You looked shattered; like the tiniest glimmer of hope in your eyes died along with your aching heart, hearing that the man you love regrets everything he had with you. 

It almost felt like stepping so abruptly on the brakes that he hit his head from the impact. When you crumbled in front of him that day, you were bare to Satoru. All the feelings, all the pain that you held in your heart were presented before him.

Satoru remembered thinking about why you were like that with him, why you acted indifferent. 'She has always loved me this much. She was just hurt.' And it broke him too. A couple of days after that, he tried. He tried to tell himself that it was just the emotions, that it was just the guilt eating him up and that’s why he couldn’t see anything but you. 

But he caught himself thinking about how he’d like to put you back together again piece by piece if he was given a chance.

He didn’t think too much of it; just a poor interpretation of his feelings towards your pain. He thought about his loving girlfriend, he reminded himself that there was someone who willingly put up with him when he was a mess. That’s how it always went. That’s how he pushed the thoughts of you away. With her, her words, her touch, her body.

But it’s never enough when he thinks about how you probably cry yourself to sleep at night, thinking about why you weren’t enough to get the same treatment that he was giving her. That’s when his plans started to falter; like a building threatening to crumble, dust began to shower down on them.

The day he went to your house, he found himself fixing his collar, and his hair, thinking about the words to say to you. And if you’re not there, he thought of ways to get to you. But there Toji stood. With a smug look on his face and marks all over his neck that scream “I just fucked the girl you dreamt about last night.” 

That day he wanted to ask him directly what the fuck he think he’s doing, but that wouldn’t seem right, knowing that Satoru’s nothing but a baby daddy to you. That day was a deja vu. All the events that happened between the two of you are being shown to him, and it seems like he’s feeling the pain threefold.

After that, Satoru tried. He tried to tell himself that he just got upset because of how disrespectful Toji was acting. He just couldn’t stand that he acted as if he owned everything in that place, even flexing the hickeys you gave him the other night.

He thought that was the worst he could see that day but for some reason, seeing you in that shirt with marks on your collarbones triggered something in him. A question he didn’t see coming popped up in his brain and along with it was the guilt that he felt for his girlfriend: 

Am I too late?

The next thing he knew he was getting up and getting ready for when you pick Yui up from his place. He caught himself pulling at his clothes and pushing his hair back as he waited for you to open your door; like a teenage boy waiting for his crush. He denied himself that he wanted to look good; to look better for you.

Until it all sank in; until he couldn’t handle it any longer. Each time he sees you with Toji, doing things that you should be doing with him, he gets pushed a bit more. He was already getting pulled back towards you again even before he came along but now that he’s beside you, it felt like Satoru’s spiraling back to you at the speed of light.

Then, that night happened. When all the bands that he used to stop himself snapped.

“I would appreciate it if we could be honest with each other. This could greatly affect the decisions I’m about to make.” Toji’s serious voice interrupted Satoru’s memories. He blinked, clearing his vision of him. He stared at the cup with a grim expression, which made Satoru realize the weight of the conversation.

This is not just a conversation, Satoru thought, licking his lips before speaking again.

“I’d…Back then, I was denying what I wanted. I…I was trying to get her back. Not just to make up for all that I said and done.” He rubbed his palms on his pants, seeing Toji lean back on his office chair. “I had a girlfriend, then. Naomi. I didn’t really want to admit to myself that my heart wants to get back with Y/N when I’m with someone so good to me.” He shook his head.

Satoru’s disappointment and anger about what happened between him and Naomi felt like a ton on his chest. She was a good woman to him and it’s true, but thinking about how everything aged; he can’t even bear the thought of her and his memories with her. It’s just sad that it had to end that way.

He can’t help but to blame himself for the actions that she took. He could’ve written a better ending for them.

Satoru heard Toji sigh as he straightened his legs under his table, crossing his arms as he nodded for Satoru to continue. “Then, you appeared. And I don’t know. I don’t even know how it happened but everything that I was feeling about her was rushing into me faster than it used to and maybe…” Satoru panted, shrugging as he gestured with his hands.

He couldn’t believe that he was really talking about this to his baby momma's boyfriend. “It just got me desperate. I told myself I was too slow and I lost my chance and I really did but…” He looked at Toji, wanting to convey his sincerity. “I just want her to be happy. I feel like all I did was ruin things for her. I don’t want to ruin what she has with you.”

It was a tough thing to say for Satoru. The words felt like shards of glass in his heart. It’s not what he wants but if it’s what he must do then he’ll do it. Toji’s silence got him wondering if he was pissed or relieved that Satoru was aware that he was not getting you back as long as he was there. But in Toji’s mind, that’s not the case.

“So you’re saying that you wanted to get her back even before she got with me?” He blinked slowly, trying to comprehend Satoru’s words. “I thought you only started to want her back because you don’t want to see her with someone else.” He didn’t bother filtering the words. He can’t think of a better way to put this.

“It’s always her. Even if I end up with someone else, I need her to know that I had always wanted it to be her.” 

Toji didn’t think that Satoru would be this transparent to him about his feelings towards you. There was an eerie look in his eyes as he stared at the open window, a defeated look plastered on his face. 

“If I didn’t enter the story, would you still be doing all of this for her now?” Satoru’s eyes were back at him, nodding as he sat straight. “Yes. It would probably take longer than it did but I’m sure that I was bound to fall back into her at some point.” Toji’s brows furrowed, trying to think of what the situation would be like if it were like that.

“Weren’t you planning to marry Naomi?” Satoru chuckled bitterly, considering it another poor and rash decision that he made. “I was. Before I fought with Y/N.” Before he found that small light of hope in your eyes. Before he realized that not all of it was lost.

Toji laughed, rubbing his face with his palm as everything that had been going on sank in. He’s talking with his girlfriend’s ex. And he’s telling him all of this. Like it’s the most natural thing to do. He sighed, swallowing as he bit his lip, feeling himself getting agitated by the second. 

“I know I said I’d appreciate honesty, but I didn’t think you’d actually say all that to my face.” He chuckled bitterly, recalling every sentiment he just said about you. “I’m her boyfriend. Her new man.” His chest heaved, blinking to allow himself to calm down. He’s the one who asked for this to happen, so why’s he the one getting pissed now?

“What do you want me to say?” Satoru’s voice was calm, looking away from Toji’s piercing glare. “You should’ve just told me to fuck off and stay away, though the latter one’s not possible because Y/N and I have a child.” Satoru sat up straight, as if getting ready to be kicked out. Toji’s jaw tightened visibly at the words.

Not because they’re insulting but because they’re right.

That’s what he wanted to do. He thought that if he couldn’t get you away from Satoru then maybe Satoru could just stay away from you. But obviously, it isn’t just some responsibility for him. Satoru isn’t the type of guy to just send money for his child. He’s not the type of guy to be just happy that his child knows he exists somewhere.

He wants to be present; to be there for Yui and watch her grow. He wants to be with her but of course, your circumstances wouldn’t allow that. Maybe this isn’t as easy as Toji thought it’d be and that’s what makes him mad. 

“Toji, I know we’re not on the best of terms with each other, but what are you trying to get with this?” Toji didn’t like how he asked it. It made him sound like a villain and that’s the last thing he wants. 

Is he getting so desperate that he allows himself to seem like one? “I agreed to this without knowing what you’re planning to do, I’m just here to be honest to you. Really.” Satoru wanted to ease the tension between the two of them for your sake. 

He knows that you’re still very uncomfortable with the two of them being around each other and that you’re also thinking about how to make it better. He thought that this “conversation” would help.

“Do you really love her? Or did you just learn to love her for your child?” Toji gave his all to sound composed, scratching the edges of his thumb with his index finger. “I don’t remember telling myself that I have to love her. I just know that I love her.” Toji could hear his teeth grind against one another; his frustration starting to surface.

“Look, if you want to hear from me that I am not trying to take Y/N away from you then, I’ll just say that.” Toji remained silent, forgetting what this meeting is supposed to be and how it’s supposed to go. He’s bothered by this ever since he fought with you, but he cannot let that cloud his mind of what he would deem to be right. 

And obviously, that’s not what’s happening right now.

“But you can’t tell me not to love her when even I myself can’t control that.” You weren’t lying when you said that this man changed a lot. It felt like this is the most mature Toji’s ever heard him talk.

 “To feel that is one thing but to act upon it is another and I don’t plan on doing that.” Satoru wondered if you’ve been arguing about this with him, probably why he’s like this. He remembered your problem with him constantly mentioning his wife in whatever you do but after that, you never really told him anything about it anymore.

He didn’t try to pry even when it felt like your mind was always somewhere else because he didn't want to seem like he’s taking advantage of the situation.

“Well, it’s good that I don’t have to remind you.” Toji murmured, tilting his head as he furrowed his brows. Looking away, he pulled at his collar with his finger. The man in front of him looks nothing like a threat. Yet, he can’t find it in him to let it go.

Probably because deep down, he knows that this is not a one sided problem.

“I won’t ask you to stay away from Yui. I’m a father too. I just needed to hear this all from you, Satoru.” He opened a drawer, taking out a packet of cigarettes before putting one between his lips. The fire from the lighter lit up a portion of his face, inhaling only to let out smoke from one side of his mouth. “Why?” Satoru asked, leaning back.

“I don’t know. So, I could do better I guess?” Toji chuckled, making the other man’s brow bump with each other; not with anger but with an irritating confusion.Just as he was about to ask, Toji answered his question. “We didn’t fight. There’s just nothing left to do about it. Guess we gotta put extra effort.” 

With that he stood up, signaling that he’s already over this conversation. And Satoru sat there, still in the dark with his intention. Does he have some kind of mic here that recorded what he just said? Satoru doesn’t care. 

What he said was the truth, and it would be too funny to suspect Toji of some kind of evil plan when he’s literally the one who got heated up.

“I hope to work with you better, Satoru. After all, we love the same woman.” With that, he walked to the door to leave but not before Satoru could say a word. “Just take care of her for me. I’m sure she wants it from you.” It came out softer than he intended to. He looked down at his hands as they played with one another; defeated.

He didn’t hear a sigh from Toji. The sound of the door closing was the only signal that he already left. Clicking his tongue, Satoru stood up before running his fingers through his hair. He wonders if it’d be right to ask you about your situation with Toji. He wonders if you also want him to adjust. 

He wonders if he’s just a nuisance in your life right now. Like how he made you feel before. 

————————————————

“She should start when she’s like four. Or five.” Toji put Yui’s bag down on the couch as they ran around him. The kids were still not tired enough to calm down after a whole day of swimming. Their cheeks are all red from the sun and you mentally noted to put aloe gel on her face before bed.

“Megumi will start next year?” You asked him, hearing a hum as his gaze followed the two kids who ran to your daughter’s room. “‘Gumi we’ll be going in a few, don’t fall asleep!” Toji called to the little boy who only stared at him from a distance before turning away. You felt a pair of hands pull you as Toji sat you on his lap.

“Did you have your own fun too?” He teased, squeezing your thigh as he kissed your cheek. Your mind went back to the other day. It has been a while since the two of you did it due to busy schedules. You admit that you felt like you and Toji are still being extra careful with a few topics but this past few days was a breather. 

“Mhm, definitely did.” You whispered to his lips, feeling his teeth bite your bottom one as he kissed you. You don’t know when it started but things started to feel a bit different between you and Toji and you don’t know if it’s because he’s starting to drop his worries for you and Satoru or if it’s because he’s just tired of thinking about it.

You were gonna talk to him regarding that but this weekend kind of assured you that it’s all going fine. As for you, you’re trying your best to adjust. You told yourself a thousand times that you had to think about Toji too and not just yourself but for some reason, you still find yourself questioning how you should do some things. 

That’s not a good sign but you thought that maybe you could just take one step at a time. Toji’s making adjustments for you and you can’t just let him do all that work. The only thing you’re fearing is if it’s gonna burn out the two of you sooner or later.

It’s not that your relationship with him is not sturdy, but it’s still young. There are still so many things that the two of you might go through. You’re afraid that all of these are just taking a toll on both of you and one blow from a different direction might just take you down immediately if it ever lands.

Toji stayed for about half an hour before calling Megumi who definitely fell asleep on Yui’s bed. Meanwhile, your little girl was sitting beside her big bear, whining about the burns on her face, begging you to call her Dada. 

“We’ll just put medicine on it, okay?” She stomped her little legs, pulling at your shirt to pick her up. “It’s because you won’t let me put sunscreen on your face properly earlier.” You clicked your tongue, letting her sob on your shoulder. “Dada…” She wiggled in your arms, a small hand holding her cheek.

“Just give Satoru a call. Or get him to come over. She probably misses him.” Toji picked his son up. The latter option shocked you a bit because you didn’t expect him to actually suggest the man he’s so uncomfortable with to come over and be around you. Even if it’s not for you, you still didn’t see it coming out of his mouth, especially after all the fights you had.

“They’ll meet in a day, anyway so it’s—” You started but he cut you off by talking to Yui. “Dada will come over, it’s okay. Stop crying.” The toddler’s cries softened to sniffles as she looked up at him. His hand patted her head, before turning to you to give you a kiss on the forehead. “She needs him right now. You know how kids are.” 

The gesture made you feel a bit sad. You’re aware that this is not about the two of you but still, you know how he is when it comes to Satoru being with you. “You shouldn’t hold back if that’s what Yui needs.” You shouldn’t hold back if that’s what you need. He wanted to tell you that as well.

He remembered asking you casually about how you were with Satoru. Of course, you found it weird and got worried. You kept saying things to comfort him to which he quickly reassured you that it wasn’t like that. 

“Of course, I did.” You told him, swirling the liquid inside the sippy cup. You wouldn’t look up at him the whole time. You placed it beside the other cup before moving to sit beside him. “We had a rough time, but it wasn’t always like that.” There was a hint of nostalgia in your voice; a mix of melancholia and fondness for the lost time.

“Why did it become like that?” He leaned on his elbow, fixing the ornaments in front of him. “Because of the rush, I guess. Bad timing.” You shrugged, drumming your fingers on the marble counter. “We just became parents. We didn’t have time to become lovers.” You chuckled half-heartedly.

“But I know I did.” So, Satoru wasn’t lying when he said you were in love. “Have you ever wondered if… if it’s just because of the responsibility that you share?” He prodded further, feeling like he was having the watered-down version of the conversation that he had with Satoru. Something he apologized to him for 2 weeks later.

“Probably at first. All of it is just for Yui. But at some point, I just found myself looking forward to days with him.” You sighed, staring blankly as you probably tried to recall more memories. You quickly looked at Toji, realizing the words that came out of your mouth. It’s not supposed to be like that. You’re not supposed to speak like that.

“Did you ever—” He began but you’re quick to cut him off, getting more and more worried about his behavior. You’ve been having open talks with each other, deciding that it might help with the crack in your relationship with him but this still makes you feel anxious. Because what if you hurt him again? What if something you say makes it worse?

“Are you alright? You keep asking unusual things.” You jokingly put your hand on his forehead, making him grab your wrist as he pulled you to him. “Hey, I was just curious. I want to do better.” He kissed the back of your neck. It’s true that he wants to do better for you. Hell, he wants to be the best for you.

But sometimes, the best isn’t what our heart wants; the perfect isn’t what our heart seeks.

“Alright, I’ll try to contact him. I doubt he’d be here, though. It’s a work day, I don’t really want to bother him.” You squeezed his hand reassuringly before walking with him to the door. Megumi’s small arms were wrapped around his neck as he bid you goodbye for the day. 

You wanted to ask him if it’s really okay with him but you reminded yourself that if it’s for Yui, it doesn’t matter if it’s not okay with anyone. “Text me when you get home.” You told him after he put Megumi in his seat. “Yeah, love you.” He kissed your lips once more before getting in his car and driving away.

You watched his car disappear, rubbing your baby’s back as she started to whine again. “Alright, we’ll call him.” You walked back inside, spotting your phone on the coffee table. You kissed Yui’s cheek as you dialed Satoru’s number. It rang twice before you heard his voice from the other line.

“Hey, everything okay?” You ignored the way your heart swelled at how alert he was to your calls. You figured that he’s probably working, "Dada!" Yui called to him, kicking her little feet and making you grab them. You put the phone on speaker "What's wrong, love?" Satoru's voice was full of worry because of how his daughter cried.

"She got sunburnt. She was swimming with Megumi earlier and now it's starting to sting." You pushed her hair back as she tried to take the phone from you. "Are you busy? She keeps asking for you. I didn't want to bother you but—" Without letting you finish your sentence, you could hear the chair scrape the floor. "Don't think like that. I'm never too busy for Yui." 

"Would it be… Is it ok if I come over? I'll get ointment on the way." You could already hear the car keys and you pictured him walking out of his door and to his car. "Yeah, it's fine. Toji actually suggested that because Yui won't stop crying. Thank you." A small silence can be heard from the other end.

"I'll be there in a few, text me if you need anything else." After that, he lets you hang up the phone, waiting patiently for you say something. "Dada will be there. Stop crying now, you weren't crying earlier." You checked her face, feeling bad that she has to pay for having fun. But you think the blush that it left on her cheeks are cute.

After a little while, a knock on the door pulled you away from your phone. Even though, you already know that it's Satoru, you still peeped through the hole just to make sure. The night his mom stormed in your house and threatened fo take your child away was still vivid. You don't want Yui to see something like that again. 

"Da!" She immediately cried when she saw him, reaching for her father to take her. "Hey, why? Where's your ouchie?" You saw a couple of bags in his hand as he took the crying child. "I brought you guys something, I thought you might not have had your dinner yet." He sounded shy, taking the smallest bag.

“Oh, thank you. You should eat with us, sorry for calling so abruptly. She’s being fussy.” You smiled at him, not missing the fond sigh that escaped his lips. “It’s nothing, it’s a win-win situation.” He jokes, tickling the little girl’s belly which caused her to erupt into laughter. 

“Let’s put this cream on your face so it doesn’t hurt, alright?” You watched the two of them sit on your couch and all of a sudden, it became the highlight of your day. How he removed his shoes when she asked him to lay down, how he listens to her almost incomprehensible rants, how he gently applied the ointment on her cheeks, producing the most beautiful giggles.

It almost felt like a normal family, resting after a long day of staying out. With her favorite show playing, you watched her look up at her father just to make sure he’s watching the same thing. And he’d go and nod, talking to her like it’s the most serious thing in the world.

“You should eat with us.” You found yourself saying as you wiped your hand. You reminded yourself to text your boyfriend as you turned away, feeling wrong for how you feel but how can you not feel that way when the scene you used to dream of just came alive in front of you? 

Maybe you’re just tired. Maybe you just wanted the comfort of your bed. Maybe you just want to not think about it, maybe it’s better to ignore these feelings because there are other things you should be feeling right now. Like wanting to see Toji and be with him. You shook your head, setting up Yui’s table. 

And there he comes, with your daughter in his arms, wearing one of the house slippers you left under the couch. “Can I borrow these?” He chuckled and you could feel the stretch on your cheeks from how small they look on him and suddenly, it’s just the three of you again. Eating under the warm kitchen light, talking about your daughter.

Like how you always wanted it to be.

——————————————————

“Just take care of her for me. I’m sure she wants it from you.”

Toji pursed his lips as Satoru's words reverberated in his head. He knows nothing, he thought, glancing at you from the mirror. You were busy checking Yui's bag, completely unaware of the thoughts of the man in front of you. Toji has been selfish before. But his head was clear enough to finally judge things with deep consideration to the external factors.

Any man or woman wants nothing but to work things out for their family. But sometimes it just gets too much for them. But for some, they just need time. And he doesn't know how to feel when he thinks about how you and Satoru probably just needed time to fix yourselves as individuals for the relationship to work.

Even though Megumi already understands that his mom will never be home. There are still instances where he would ask Toji about her and by that, he could tell that his son's wishing for her. Whenever you'd do something for him, he would say "Like mom?" and he don't want you to know that not even the smile on your face could ease the searing ache in his chest.

“What do you think about getting back together with Satoru?” The question already escaped his lips before he could even think. Your eyes snapped at Toji, looking at him like he just said the most obnoxious thing. You walked to him, stopping his hands to do his tie yourself. 

“Why are you suddenly asking about that now?” You counted back to the first time he was talking about you and Satoru.“Nothing. I mean, he mentioned that his mother’s never around him anymore. Isn’t she like the bane of your relationship with Satoru?” He peered down at you, curious as to how you’d react.

Toji didn’t mean to ask it so abruptly, but he knows that he has to talk about it sooner or later. He knows that the both of you are trying and your relationship shouldn’t be this hard if only adjusting comes so naturally. 

He knows that you put in a lot of effort just so he wouldn’t feel insecure and overthink. He also knows that sometimes it just shows, you’re probably just denying that to yourself. He’s also too aware of how the both of you would tread carefully around the topic of his wife. 

“I don’t want you to feel like you can’t miss her or talk about the things she does.” You told him that once but still, Toji can’t help but feel bad when those days come and he knows that he’s not giving his full attention and mind to you.

“I’m literally in a relationship with you, stop asking if I—” You tried to chuckled it off, brushing the palm of your hands on his chest to straighten the fabric but Toji caught them. “What if this isn’t working?” He sighed, squeezing your hand as if it will lessen the weight of his words.

You don’t know if you’re hurt that he probably wants to end it or if you’re hurt that there’s a hint of truth behind his words. “What are you saying?” As if suddenly coming back down to reality, Toji shook his head and pulled you close. “I think I woke up too early, come here. Sorry about that.”  He kissed your forehead but that didn’t take away your worried face.

“Toji you can’t just say that and expect me not to overthink.” You don’t know if you’ve prepared yourself enough for this possibility. It would hurt you if you’ll lose such a good man in your life. “I’m…I don’t know if I still feel comfortable, or if I’m just getting used to it Y/N. I know you try, you do it so well, baby but,” He took a deep breath, pausing.

“I don’t think I can continue like this. I don’t think we should continue like this.” 

PREV | NEXT

taglist: @forever-war @astral-hydromancy @witchbybirth @starshinedowo @coffee-on-a-rainyautumn @lost-lonnie @haitanifxn @dearsunaa @clairdelunaax @anxious-chick @tigerchaeee @gingerspicelattemix @tsukkisrightpinky @crowiechan @makimais @infinitemoonlight @iloveblogging2 @cloudsinthecosmos @uchiwife @bellaadonnas @lawlietily @lilxnvm @poopoobuttsy @yihona-san06 @luhvbot @sagekko @asbony @uhremmi

@kurookinnie @why-am-i-here-again-shitheads @galaxyfever @guenievresworld @y2kcy3brz @chocokaylarobin @hopeannalea @shizuuuuuuuu @tojirin @teapartyspilled @ackermendick @shadowarchon @vinkiesz @awkwardaardvarkforever @nvvacanesworld @wolffmaiden @underburningstars @rntrsuna @vampgguk @doulcha @creolequeen11210 @reosnagi

[first-frost-fallen-snow]

It all happened so fast. One minute he was tailing this man to make sure he wasn't Kira, the next he was married to him. Raye had been engaged before, but that didn't work out. Since then he couldn't fathom the thought of even dating someone new, it felt like a betrayal.

Logically, he knew that none of this was romantic. This was some stupid plan from the task force he wasn't allowed to know the details of. All he was told was to play house with a man he barely knew, that was terrified of him and the situation they were in. Raye knew all too well what it was like moving to Japan and being thrust into new and frankly horrific circumstances - that was him only a few years ago - so he did everything he could to accomodate.

Raye did what he thought was the best thing he could. He researched Ed's conditions so he knew how to react and what Ed would need in certain circumstances. He kept the house tidy, even cooked meals for Ed - despite their situation, he found small joys in the mundane. But he never forced Ed to interact with him, nor was Ed obligated to wear the ring. Like coaxing a cat, he showed signs of trust but did not coerce Ed into reciprocating. His personal rule of thumb was to act as if they were simply roommates.

Never had he thought married life would be like this. His initial plan was to marry Naomi. He wanted to meet her parents and earn their blessings. They'd buy a house and a yard - they even planned to have kids. Back then he could clearly see two children chasing eachother in the yard while he and Naomi sat together and watched. The rings would catch his eye, and he'd look at Naomi and think how did I get so lucky?

Opening his eyes, Raye broke this reverie. He didn't want to seem like he was awake, yet, since he was unsure if that would startle Ed. His gaze was drawn to his own ring, something that made his eyes prickle with tears that he quickly stifled. It wasn't that Ed was a bad man, or that Raye was particularly unhappy, he simply missed Naomi.

Not only that, but Raye was the kind of man to enjoy physical touch. He wasn't going to just cuddle up to Ed because they were married now. He didn't even know a single thing about Ed aside from the fact that he was a suspect. He was sure any attempts to get to know him would go down the drain. So he remained lonely, making sure not to sleep too close to Ed so he didn't cross any boundaries.

That was enough thinking for now, Raye supposed as he slowly sat up. He wasn't sure if Ed was awake yet, but he made sure to be quiet and tuck the blanket back in when he slipped out of bed. He picked up his own ring, fidgeting with it for a moment. He stared down at Ed, only finding himself feeling... pity. It wasn't Ed's fault they were in this situation - poor Ed must have been terrified. He must've missed home, where there was no Kira case and he could go about his day without a stranger in his house.

Raye let out a long sigh - though keeping it quiet as not to wake or upset Ed - and headed towards the closet to pick out an outfit. He wasn't going to change in front of Ed, nor would he imply vice versa. They may have been married, but he would rather be overly cautious of boundaries than be careless. He planned to take this outfit to the bathroom.

His cat, Soots, hopped up onto the bed, demanding attention as he passed by. He shushed her quietly, scooping her up to take her with him so she wouldn't wake Ed.

"We're married"

《 from Raye Penber @first-frost-fallen-snow because that would be the funniest route to me also sorry for like disappearing I was focusing on moving out and now my fatigue is killing me 》

Ed awoke for once not slumped over his keyboard, yet also not in the empty apartment he'd moved into when he first moved to Japan. Though he supposed technically, the apartment he was in belonged to him, as did the bed he lay in, though both truly belonged to the man laying next to him. He squinted at the clock on his nightstand, at red LED numbers so blurry, only years of practice allowed him to decipher the time without having to put his glasses on. He still had time before he had to get up, a couple of hours before he had to get to work.

A flash of gold on the nightstand drew his eyes from the clock to the ring next to his glasses. It was the only piece of jewelry he owned, and far more expensive than anything he would ever purchase for himself. There was a similar ring on the other nightstand on the opposite side of the bed that belonged to the other occupant--Raye Penber.

Ed... still didn't know what to make of his new situation, let alone the man he was now legally bound to. He didn't hate him, certainly, though whether he trusted him was yet to be decided. Their marriage hadn't been Ed's idea, nor had it been Raye's. A necessity to facilitate the Kira investigation, it had been called, and Ed had only begrudgingly agreed to it for fear of opposition somehow being used against him as evidence and landing him in prison.

Thought of their marriage left an uneasy feeling in his stomach. He'd sworn when he got his job at Encom, and finally escaped his father's control that he would never put himself in any sort relationship where there was a power imbalance and they were not equals. He wouldn't put himself in a situation where he could be abused again. And yet here he was, a foreigner, far from anyone he could call a friendly face, barely understanding the language and culture, and though their partnership was supposed to be one of equals, it didn't feel that way.

Not that he had anyone on the other side of the Pacific he could call for help if he was able, anyway. His therapist, maybe. Though he didn't trust that the call wouldn't be monitored. Or an old rival, if he was desperate.

He felt trapped. He was relying on a man he barely knew to keep him from being falsely accused of mass murder. He was at risk, not just from his partner, but from the people in charge of the investigation as well, People he felt like were treating the investigation as nothing more than a game, where both his and his partner's lives were nothing more than disposable pawns.

How strange it was, that such a tiny band of metal could hold so much meaning. To others, it would have been a symbol of joy as bright as it's polished surface, but to Ed it had just replaced the physical handcuffs that had bound him to his legal partner to with a symbolic one.

[oikasugayama]

Could I ask for chuuya and dazai (separately) x fem reader where the reader wears a low skirt at work and bends down to get something and how the guys would react? Nsfw ofc

I only did Dazai because I got really carried away, oops. Have 2.3k of unedited, filthy dazai + coworker!reader smut. MDNI!!

You’ve wanted Dazai for quite a while. He’s so hot, and he’s silly, and sometimes he can be really nice and suave. The fact that his eyes linger on you heavily every time you wear a short skirt or a low-cut blouse only make you want him more because it sure seems like he might be interested in you too. You don’t talk to him a lot unfortunately given that he’s not in the office every day, and you’re Kunikida’s secretary, but sometimes he does linger by your desk and chat with you (until Kunikida runs him off), or when the whole office goes out for lunch he’ll sit at your table with you, Naomi, and Junichiro. Once when you were sitting across from each other you even swore that he had to have known that his leg was against yours, forcing your legs slightly wider apart as he slid his further and further toward the outside of the booth. Any time you looked at him while he did this, he would just quirk the corner of his lip up in a smile and turn back to the conversation. There was sexual tension between the two of you, there had to be.

One day you’d had enough of being the shocked one, you wanted to be bold to see if you could get him to break and finally invite you back to his place after work. You put on a button-up blouse that “accidentally” lost its top two buttons, your shortest skirt, a red silk thong that was definitely part of a lingerie set, and you made sure to put on some extra perfume so he’d smell it any time you got near him. Now you just needed the opportunity to get his attention. 

He was late to the office, as always. He casually walked in, hands in his pockets, a smirk on his face as usual 45 minutes after he was supposed to be there. You say nothing to him, as usual, not wanting to draw any unnecessary attention. Kunikida already gave you an uncomfortable glance-over this morning and offered to sew your buttons back on if you still had them--you couldn’t risk him looking at you and seeing the sultry look in your eye when you greeted Dazai.

He saw you, though. Dazai. His eyes locked onto yours as he took his jacket off and slung it over the back of his chair. He very obviously trailed his eyes down to your chest, and you sat up straighter and tucked a bit of hair behind your ear, watching him watch you. You weren’t backing down, and he noticed.

Maybe that’s why he declined the offer to go to lunch with the group later that afternoon. You also declined, telling a little while lie to Kunikida that you had plans with friends at a different restaurant, so you’d be leaving in a few minutes to go your own way. Kunikida is sharp, but Dazai is sneaky, and you’d never mentioned to your boss how Dazai’s eyes defile you every time you show a bit of skin. If he’d known, he wouldn’t have ever left you two alone in the office. 

A couple of minutes after everyone was gone, you got up and crossed the room to Dazai’s desk pod under the guise of putting something on Atsushi’s nearby desk. As you approached, Dazai “accidentally” swiped a pencil off the edge of his desk right into your path.

“Oops,” he said lowly. You glance at him over your shoulder and give him a half smile.

“I got it.” Normally you’d squat or crouch down to prevent anyone from seeing your butt, but that’s not the goal today. You have an objective.

You slowly bend over at the waist, reaching for the pencil with your fingertips. You can tell the exact second your panties become visible, because Dazai hisses and leans back in his chair.

“Fuck,” he sighs. Before you’ve even stood back up, his hand is on your ass, pushing the curve of it up from the bottom to make it jiggle.

“Dazai-san,” you say sweetly as you fully stand and turn toward him. You hold the pencil out toward him and he grabs it quickly, throwing it onto the desk. His hands are on your hips then, pulling your skirt up so he can feel your soft, supple skin.

“Tell me you want me,” he demands, stilling his hands but holding you in place.

“You first,” you say, reaching out to trace your fingertips along his jaw. There’s a look in his eye you’ve never seen before. A type of hunger you’ve only dreamed about him having for you.

“I’ll fuck you on this desk right now,” he swears in that low, calm voice. It makes you wet just to hear him say such a lewd thing to you.

“You can cum inside,” you coo, and that’s what does it. He stands so suddenly that his chair is knocked backwards with a loud crashing noise. His lips are on yours, kissing you hard and fast and desperate. His hands grope your ass, squeezing and massaging and using the leverage to force you against his body, to feel his hard-on though his pants.

You waste no time fumbling with the bottom of his shirt, pulling it loose from his pants. You unbuckle his belt, unzip his fly, and shove your hand inside, feeling his cock straining against his underwear. He moans against your mouth, and you let out an involuntary whine. You’ve wanted to hear that sound for so long.

“I’m surprised Kunikida left you alone with me,” Dazai mumbles, pushing you back just a little until you hit his desk and sit on it. He spreads your thighs so he can stand between them, then he starts teasing his long, deft fingers over your clothed heat. “He’s always on my ass telling me not to be inappropriate with you.”

“Oh?” you ask shakily, still trying to feel him up though he’s got you distracted now with his feather-light touches.

“Mmm,” he hums, taking his hands away from you. He pushes his pants and boxers down enough to free his cock, and you can’t help but to stare at it. You hoped it would be big, maybe even taken a few long glances at his crotch while he slept unknowingly on the breakroom couch. But it’s even bigger than you expected, and your pussy flutters with anticipation. “I think Kunikida wants to make a proper lady out of you.”

“Proper ladies don’t fuck their coworkers in the office,” you say, pulling your panties to the side. Dazai watches you and licks his lips, giving his cock a few strokes. He reaches forward, slides two of his fingers up your slit and groans.

“You’re so fucking wet.”

“I wanna fuck you so bad,” you admit, leaning back onto your hands. You both moan to some degree when his fingers slide into you.

“The feeling is mutual,” he mumbles back. He gives a few pumps, a few twists, before pulling back out and smearing your slick wetness all over the head of his cock. Then, with urgency, he lines his tip up with your pussy and teases for just a few seconds, collecting more of your natural lube so he can slide in smoothly. 

“Dazai,” you whine, squirming, trying to get closer. He says nothing as he pushes forward slowly, pulling out just a bit, then continuing in until he’s almost completely buried in you.

“Fuck,” he moans, dropping his head down. He can’t stop looking at your pussy taking his cock in. “You’re so fucking hot. God, this pussy is so tight.” You whine and moan, leaning back more until you bump into his computer.

“Get this shit out of the way,” he mumbles, annoyed, as he reaches behind you and shoves stacks of papers and his computer monitor to the side with reckless abandon until you have room to lay on his desk and pull your knees up and to the side. You’re at the perfect level now for him to start drilling you, and oh does he.

The once quiet office is filled with wet squelches and skin slapping skin as he fucks you, holding you by the hips so you can’t slide away from him. He fucks you hard and quick and dirty. He fucks you all the way to the hilt, stuffing you full and letting his balls smack against your ass. You’re so wet that it covers his cock all the way to the base and starts to make a sticky ring against his body. 

“Oh, Dazai,” you moan. “Shit-- Fuck-- oh, you’re so fucking big.” 

“Good fucking pussy,” he huffs out. He reaches up with one hand and starts palming your tit, massaging and squeezing. “I’m gonna fill you up with my cum. You’re gonna like that, huh? Gonna sit at your desk all day doing work for Kunikida with my cum in your pussy.”

“Yeah,” you whine loudly. You manage to pull another two buttons free and Dazai takes advantage, reaching inside to knead your boob and pinch your nipple, making you moan even more. “Fuck me so good, Dazai. Make me cum, please.”

“Oh, I’ll make you cum, baby, but I’m not done with you yet.”

He pulls out of you then and you whine at the loss of his thick cock buried deep in you. He leans down, pushing your shirt and bra to the side to suck on your tits. He swirls his tongue around, suckling and nipping with his teeth while his other hand tweaks your nipple and massages. After a minute he switches, giving equal attention to the other breast. You take the opportunity to run your hands through his hair, scratching at his scalp and pulling on his hair.

“They’ll be back in fifteen,” you warn him. “We don’t have a lot of time.”

“Mmm, but there’s so much fun to be had,” he sighs, resting his face in the valley between your breasts. “Do you live in the ADA dorms?”

“No, I have a roommate across town.”

“Tell them you’re staying with a friend tonight.”

He stands up and takes your hands, pulling you up too. You’re afraid he’s gonna stop here, but instead he turns you around, kisses down your neck, and then firmly pushes your shoulders down so you’re bent over his desk. Without another word he lines up with your hole again and enters you quickly. He sets a brutal pace, utilizing long, hard thrusts to make you feel the full extent of his cock. It’s so long and such a nice girth that it fills you completely, stretching your walls so nicely and thrumming against your cervix with every thrust. Once again the office is full of the sounds of skin slapping skin, your pussy squelching every time he enters you, and a steady stream of moans and curses from both of you.

“You’re gonna cum with me,” he says after a few minutes reaching around your hip to feel you up. He finds your clit in only a few seconds and rubs it frantically while still fucking you hard, trying to suddenly overwhelm your nerves to make you cum hard, and fuck does it work.

“Dazai,” you call his name loudly as a warning, whimpering and whining while pushing back against him. “I’m gonna cum, Dazai, fuck, I can’t stop--”

“--Cum,” he commands. “Cum all over this fat cock, princess.”

Your orgasm wracks your body, making your knees shake and your thighs tremble. You cum, slightly squirting, making even more juices squish out of your pussy as he fucks you through your orgasm. The pulsing of your walls as you cum squeezes Dazai’s cock so good, making him cum too, spurting ropes of his seed deep into you. He stays buried to the hilt, grinding against you, for several seconds after you’ve both worked through your orgasms. When he finally pulls back, he holds you down by your hips so he can watch cum drip out of your pussy and onto the floor. He swipes some of it onto his fingers and reaches around, holding it in front of your lips.

“Open,” he says, and you do, sticking your tongue out and taking his fingers in, sucking the cum and other fluids off his fingers. “Good girl,” he says, rubbing his other hand on your ass. After he finally pulls his fingers out of your mouth, he readjusts your panties so they cover your abused cunt.

“You’re gonna leak through your panties,” he says, finally allowing you to stand back up. “Gonna leave a damp spot on your chair by the end of the day so you have a reminder of me.”

“Good,” you say, buttoning your blouse again. “And I’d love to come over tonight, by the way. I’ll tell my roommate not to expect me until late.”

Dazai smiles and finishes tucking himself back into his pants. He also kneels down and uses a tissue to wipe the cum off the floor.

“Only a few minutes left,” he says when he stands back up. “Clean yourself up and get ready.”

“What about your desk? We really messed it up.”

“Don’t worry about it, just go sit at your desk like a good girl.” He presses a firm kiss to your lips then pats your ass so you’ll get moving. He sighs wistfully, climbs on top of his desk, and lays over it, draping himself all the way across Atsushi’s desk as well. Now the mess looks like another dramatic Dazai performance that no one even questions when they come back from lunch.

[trippinsorrows]

with me + part twenty

authors note: this is more on the boring/filler side, and i apologize for that, but it covers some necessary things and hints at other things. plus, the one after this is wrestlemania and then after that is the infamous disney trip, and those def won't be boring/fillers. 👀

also, what do you ya'll think reader is having? i'm also open to name suggestions cause i hate naming characters lmao

status: in progress // masterlist

warnings: fluff, language, angst, and suggestive themes

song inspo: with me by destiny’s child

faceclaims

words: 6.6k

taglist: @pixiedust4000 @yolobloggers @wanderingreigns @southerngirl41 @msbigredmachine @romanreignsbae

Life is one crazy ass ride.

You’ve always known this, but the past few months have really shown you just how insane things can be. It’s been up, it’s been down, it’s been just a fucking rollercoaster of events and emotions, but somehow, things always seen to work out in your favor.

You expected, maybe more so hoped, that your Live with Jadah would go over well. Would help people see and understand that there’s so much more to the story, so much more to you than the lies that have been fed to them by your apparently psychotic ex-best friend. That was the semi-goal.

Well, to say that goal was met is a bit of an understatement.

The Live went viral, spreading and making it to most global and some international platforms. TMZ formally issued an apology to you, Joe, and Jadah, and retracted their story with Mariah, even scrubbing the interview, which Joe’s legal team believes is only to avoid getting caught up in the several lawsuits she’s been slapped with. 

So many publications have turned the tide, no longer speaking on you and your situation with an almost judgmental stance but rather just reposting the Live and letting the facts speak for themselves.

And social media…..holy shit. 

One thing you never expected was for the Live to go viral, but you especially never expected for yourself to also go viral in a different way, that is.

While the general public was initially against you, bashing you every which way to Sunday, it’s almost completely turned with the vast majority now utterly and wholly intrigued with you. They’ve dug up old headshots from when you cheered in college, clips of you either practicing or competing, and a few Snap videos you were in, again, all during your college years.

Not to mention the clips they took from the Live, primarily of you playfully twerking with Jadah. That clipped with the TikToks you did with Naomi has resulted in people making TikToks and “edits,” as Alexis explained, posting and sharing everywhere.

Apparently, the vast majority of social media finds you extremely attractive, and have even been comparing you to the infamous prison bae, Jeremy Meeks, from way back when. Minus the criminal aspects, of course.

“Look at this one! These are my favorite.” Alexis turns her phone so the group of you can see what is yet another edit of you, err, more so your ass than anything to good googly moogly by Project Pat, which apparently was already going viral on TikTok as people post videos of friends and loved ones with a nice ass. Seems you’ve been added to that group.

“I don’t get the fascination,” you admit with a shake of your hand, fingers tapping against your glass of lemonade. “Like, I’m not even famous.”

“You kinda are now,” Bianca suggests. It's a crazy suggestion, too, because in what world does someone like you, from a small ass town with virtually no major social media footprint, qualify as famous. “Not like, A-List celeb famous, but you don’t make it to the Shade Room if you’re not at least kinda famous.”

Alexis makes a sound, adding, “ya’ll whole lil situation made the March event on their calendar.”

“On their what?” Jadah is understandably confused, asking, “what the hell does that even mean?”

“Twin, I’m gonna need to make a PowerPoint for you or something.”

“Please do, and make sure to add the fancy transitions.”

“Custom slide backgrounds?”

“You know the key to my heart.”

The meeting and union of Jadah and Alexis remains to be seen as one of the worst or best things you could have ever done. They’re so damn similar it felt almost criminal to not introduce them, but with both having such strong personalities, a clash could be one of the titans. So far, however, they’re vibing just as well as you and Jadah have. Hence why all of these ladies are sitting around your coffee table, various drinks in hand, most alcoholic, except for yours of course. 

Which reminds you…

“Oh shit,” you announce, four sets of eyes falling on you as you realize you haven’t shared the news with the majority of them, ironically, Jadah being the only one to know. “I haven’t had a chance to ask.”

You decide to be dramatic as hell, pausing as Alexis is the first to say, impatiently, “ask what, hoe?”

Another pause followed by an intentional rub of your belly as you nonchalantly ask, “which one of ya’ll wants to be in charge of planning the baby shower?”

You’re met with instant screams and squeals of enjoyment, a big smile falling on your face as you’re hit with all of the questions and exclamations. 

“I knew it! I knew it was just a matter of time before BDJ struck again!”

“Y/N! Oh my goodness, congratulations!”

“No freaking way! That’s amazing!”

“I’m gonna act like I didn’t already know, so congratulations, great value sister wife!”

Alexis and Jadah’s statements make you laugh while Bianca and Kaylah’s cause your heart to swell. You then try to quiet them down, “thank you, guys. We’re excited. But, we haven’t told Callie yet, so please keep it to yourselves.”

“Of course.” Kaylah excitedly asks, “how far along are you?”

“Almost three months,” you answer, proudly. Although entirely unexpected, or maybe not depending on how you look at it, you’ve found your excitement at this pregnancy growing every single day. Excitement at having another child, giving Callie the chance to be a big sister, to give Joe the opportunity to experience this pregnancy with you from conception to birth and beyond. He deserves it, especially now that you know what he went through with Jadah.

“Wait. Damn. This means we can’t have a hot girl summer until next year!” Alexis is pouting as she downs the rest of her drink before reaching for the bottle to get a refill. “You couldn’t let that nigga shoot up the club later this fall instead.”

Kaylah’s nose turns up as she also takes a sip of her moscato but not before muttering, “didn’t need that visual.”

Rolling your eyes, you point out, “Alexis, we are too damn old to be having a hot girl summer. Half of us are moms and/or in relationships except your non-committal ass.”

Non-committal has nothing to do with the topic that floats to the front of your mind, but having a room full of women to consult with seems like a perfect opportunity to discuss something that’s still bothering you to some extent.

“Let me ask ya’ll something.” You take a sip of your sparkling apple cider and get to explaining. “So, every time I try to talk to Joe about planning for when the baby gets here, like having my mom or his mom come stay with us a bit to help out when he’s on the road, he either ignores me, changes the subject, or just pacifies me. And I’m trying really hard not to cuss him out, but between baby emotions and me being me, it’s hard.”

Being perceptive is always something you’ve prided yourself on, valued as one of your attributes, so it’s hard not to miss when Kaylah, Alexis, and even Jadah all look suddenly uncomfortable with your question, like they also want to change the subject.

Bianca is the first and only to speak out.

“Yeah, that’s kind of weird.” Her agreement is the quintessential example of validation you were needing for this situation. “I get you’re barely three months, but why not start with the plans now? The sooner the better since it seems like his schedule is pretty hectic.”

Throwing your hands up in the air, you echo her sentiments. “Exactly! And one thing to know about me, which I know he has to know about me is that I like to plan. I hate surprises. We need to start figuring out this shit now.”

“I’d definitely talk to him about it, cause men can be very go with the flow, but this isn’t one of those things that I think should be go with the flow.”

“I feel like you should maybe just wait it out and see where the cards fall.” Kaylah’s suggestion is casual, but her eye contact is sparse, and you actually don’t know what to make of that. 

Jadah contributes to the conversation with agreement to Kaylah’s point. “I agree. Trust your man, whore.”

“But—” And as if present and overhearing said conversation, your phone starts to ring, the man himself filling up your lock screen. “Speaking of the devil…..” You lift and show your phone to the group. “I gotta take this ya’ll.”

“Well, duh.” Alexis says like it’s a no brainer. “BDJ probably won’t stop calling until you pick up anyway.”

Laughing, you untangle your legs and climb off the sofa at the same time you answer his FaceTime, quickly telling him, “hold on.”

“I’ll be back,” you inform, but the last thing you hear is Bianca making the awful mistake of asking Alexis what “BDJ” stands for. Alexis and Jadah start to laugh. 

Obviously, Jadah also knows what’s up. 

Locking the door behind you, you sit down on the patio set that was delivered only two days prior and situate your phone on the accompanying table. Legs crossed, you give him the go, “okay, i’m good now. Just wanted some privacy.”

He doesn’t hesitate to slide right into protective papa bear mode. “How you feeling?”

“Alright.” Your hand unintentionally lands on your stomach as you explain, “had some nausea this morning, but that’s not out of the norm. I had pretty bad morning sickness when I was pregnant with Callie the first few months.”

You can tell he’s not entirely satisfied with this answer, leaning more on the concerned and conservative side. “When’s your next checkup?”

“April 8th. I made sure to schedule it so you can be there.” Joe indicated he wanted the first Monday after WrestleMania to be a day of rest for you and Callie, and it can still be, but you also couldn’t miss the opportunity for him to be a part of your first official well-baby visit. Especially with this being the first time you’ll be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat. 

That must especially be special for him.

“I promise I’m okay, Joe.” Out of respect for him and his emotional state at such an important time in his life, you haven’t told him everything Jadah shared with you. Haven’t made him aware of your knowledge regarding his loss. You’re not sure if you ever will, to be honest. If he wishes to discuss that with you, you’ll always be there to listen and support. But, there’s zero desire to dig up painful memories and trigger this man. 

That doesn’t, however, mean you can’t reassure him when you can see there’s a level of anxiety and apprehension. 

“If I wasn’t, you and Dr. Young would be the first to know.” It’s a promise. You would never do anything to risk unnecessary complications with this pregnancy. “How do you feel? You look tired.”

He’s looked as such for the past couple weeks, and you feel slightly bad, knowing the whole Mariah ordeal must have taken a toll on him. Not to mention his intense training and preparation for WrestleMania.

Of course, he just shrugs, playing it off. “I’m good.” You make a knowing sound. “What?”

“Seriously, Joe. This is me. I know you like the back of my hand. You’re exhausted. It’s okay to admit as such.”

“I’m fine, Y/N. I promise.”

Joe is every bit stubborn as he is caring. He won’t agree with you, but that doesn’t make what you’re saying any less true.

“Whatever, just know I’m giving you a well deserved massage when we come to see you next week.” Coyly, you imply with a shrug of your shoulder. “And maybe a lil’ more depending on the layout of your place and if we can get some privacy from your lil’ twin.”

“Naw, that lil more is happening no matter what, even if I have to fuck you in the rental.”

His tone of surety makes you laugh as you think about something. “I don’t think we’ve ever fucked in a car before.” The list of places this man has been balls deep in you is endless, but a vehicle and plane seem to have not made the list. Yet. “Might have to change that.”

He also laughs. “Wherever you want it, baby, you just gotta tell me when and how.” Just more and more reasons to love this man to infinity and beyond. He matches your freak so well.

Joe asks about Callie, of course, and you let him know she’s in seven heaven playing with her cousin in her new room that’s gradually filling up even though she still doesn’t even have all of her stuff from back in your apartment. It also goes without saying that you remind him she’s absolutely thrilled to see him soon, the same as you, which is the same as him. Reunions between the three of you are just all around enjoyable.

Naturally, Joe apologizes, for no good reason, at not being able to come with you as you take Callie back to your hometown for your final apartment walkthrough and to close all other matters, officially making your move to Florida complete. It’s a bit of a bittersweet thing, leaving the place you grew up and have so many memories in. However, what’s ahead of you is so much better than what’s behind you. 

And while you would love Joe to be able to come too, it’s also not necessary.

Especially when he finds out what else is on your agenda before you say goodbye for good. 

Realizing your time with him could be cut at any moment, you decide it’s now or never to break the news to him. “There’s something I need to tell you, and I know right off the bat, you’re not going to be in agreement, but I need you to just hear me out.”

He’s hesitant and already skeptical but nods. “I’m listening.”

A deep breath followed by a quick prayer to the big man that Joe will at least try to be open to this plan. “I’m gonna go see my dad while I’m there.”

This is something you’ve really been thinking about, on and off, since the Christmas ordeal. It just hasn’t been such a major priority given all the other fires you’ve been having to put out. Alexis was right when she said the dynamic with your dad has a lot to do with the situation with Joe and not telling him about Callie.

And you being able to acknowledge that has made you realize you’ve been holding onto a lot of pain and anger towards that man. More pain than anything. And it’s time to let it go. The same way you’re leaving that town for good, albeit bittersweet, you need to drop the baggage of hurt at the door before the curtain closes permanently.

In this case, that means sitting in front of the man who is your biological father and nothing more, speaking your peace, and closing that chapter.

For good. 

To some extent, you expected, maybe more so hoped, for Joe to be more receptive. 

It was wishful thinking, at best.

Immediately, he protests, face turned up in a scowl that reminds you of Callie when she’s in one of her moods. “Like hell you—”

Closing your eyes, you do your best to keep your voice leveled. “Hear me out, please.”

“Y/N, do you not remember the last time you saw that man?” Most definitely do you remember. That was definitely a low moment for you. “You were a fucking wreck. I’m not seeing you go through that again, especially with you being pregnant.”

“Do you really think if I had even an inkling it wouldn’t be safe for our baby I’d be doing it? Come on, Joe. You know me. I would never put either of our children in harm's way.” And you know he knows this, knows this very well, but you can also understand his anxiety from a couple different angles. “Before when I saw him, I was still looking for his love and approval. I can admit that now.” It’s been a tough pill to swallow, going back and forth between emotion and logic, coming to grips with such an uncomfortable truth. “I don’t need that anymore. I don’t even want it. I have you. I have Callie. My mom. Our friends. Even this new baby, but if I’m leaving that town for good, I need to leave all of the hurt it brought me there too. That includes making my peace with him.”

When he still doesn't say anything, you continue to plead your case.

“I need to do this, Joe. I’m not asking you to understand.” You’re not quite sure he could. This is one of those things that unless you’ve lived it, lived with a neglectful, uninvolved parent, you just couldn’t get it. “I’m just asking you to trust me.”

He’s quiet for a few minutes, and you already know it’s because he’s sitting on your words, doing his best to meet you where you are. Eventually, he says in a resigned voice, “I don’t want you going alone.”

There’s an immense amount of gratitude for his blessing, and his request is more than fair.  You also figured as such, assuring him, “I already talked with Bianca about it. She’s gonna go with me.” 

This seems to make him feel at least a little bit better. He scratches his beard. “Alright. But the minute you start feeling off—”

“I’ll cut it off. I know.” That goes without saying. You meant what you said. Nothing could make you put your baby at risk. “Thank you, Joe.”

Not wanting this to be the last topic you discuss, you switch gears a bit to something that will hopefully lessen his unease. “I also think we should tell Callie when we come to see you next week. I just told the girls today, and I’m gonna tell my mom while I’m there. Callie deserves to know.” The order of which you’ve told people about your pregnancy isn’t exactly how you would have preferred it to go. In a perfect world, it would have been Joe, Calllie, your mom, and then your close friends. But, life be lifing, so you just have to roll with it as best you can. 

Joe nods. “I agree.” You overhear a distant voice in the background before his gaze falls on you. “I gotta go, babe.”

It’s hard not to feel disappointed. “I get it.” This pregnancy has your emotions a bit on the high, sensitive end, because there’s no reason for you to feel like crying just because this man has to get back to work. You miss him like crazy, sure, but this has always been a bit of the dynamic. You get him in doses, sometimes big, sometimes small. “Can we still call you tonight? You know Callie can’t sleep unless she can tell both of us goodnight.”

It’s such a twist, a beautiful, unexpected thing. Once upon a time, it was just you she needed to see and/or speak to before she could fall asleep. But now, it’s both you and Joe, and you honestly couldn't love that more. 

Their relationship and bond is so precious to you.

And now that you understand what Joe’s been through, you can see why he’s always willing to move heaven and earth for her. She’s the little girl he’s always wanted and finally has.

“Of course.” You weren’t expecting any other answer. “I love you.”

A warm smile sets on your face. “I love you too, baby.”

You settle on a time that works best for him and end the call. Ignoring the sadness at not being able to talk to him further, you walk back in the house for a sure pick-me-up.

“Well, it’s about time,” Bianca teases, dimples nice and pronounced. “Thought we were gonna have to check on ya’ll.”

“No, she’s back too early….” Alexis, as per usual, confuses you when she asks, “ya’ll weren’t having phone sex?” She curses and then grabs her purse, digging out her wallet, slapping a wad of cash into Jadah’s expecting hand.

“Told you,” Jadah says knowingly, smirk on her pretty face as she counts the cash. “One thing I do know about Joe is he’s an all out type of man. It’s rounds or nothing.” She then looks over at you, apologizing, “hope that doesn’t make you uncomfortable.”

“It doesn’t.” It’s an honest answer. You’re old, mature, and secure enough to acknowledge and be okay with the fact your man has been with her in almost every way he’s probably been with you. Outside of the emotional connection component, which is really what matters the most to you. Sex would just be sex if you didn’t love him as much as you do. If he didn’t love you as much as he does. That’s what makes it so explosive. 

“Well, it bothers me!”  Kaylah looks so disgusted, and you can’t blame her. “Joe is literally like my brother!” 

Bianca cosigns with a shake of her head. “And it bothers me because Y/N literally is my sister.”

“That’s so wild, so ya’ll are half sisters, right?” Jadah asks, pointing between the two of you as you move back onto the sofa. “Same mom or…..”

“No, same dad, but we don’t claim him.”

Jadah makes an ‘O’ with her mouth as Alexis leans over to whisper something in her ear. “Got it. Daddy issues. Ya’ll should just jump him then.”

“That’s what I said! Stomp his ole’ mean ass.”

Yeah…..putting Alexis and Jadah together may have created a new kind of threat to society.

“Anyway.” Refocusing them is really the best and only option. “As we were discussing, ya’ll think I should bring it up to Joe when we fly there next week?” You then remember the pact mentality and aim your question toward Bianca. “Let me just ask you, cause you seem to be the only one who gets where I’m coming from.”

At that, Bianca opens and closes her mouth. “Oh. That. I…..I think you should just leave it alone. I’m sure Joe has his reasons.”

Now it’s your turn to look shocked. “What? That’s not what you said literally not even 10 minutes ago.”

Bianca switching up on you definitely wasn’t in the cards, especially since she was providing you all the affirmation and validation you were seeking in your dilemma. 

She looks off, almost in a guilty, sheepish way. “I changed my mind….”

“What did ya’ll say to her?” It’s directed toward Alexis and and even Jadah, because Kaylah doesn’t seem like the type to try to sway people one way or the other. “Can’t leave ya’ll asses alone for two minutes.”

“I don’t like your tone, Mama Mia. Watch it.” Alexis warns, and you can only roll your eyes. “What you need to be focused on is what you’re gonna wear to the Hall of Fame and WrestleMania.”

Kaylah gasps, also remembering. “Shit, I completely forgot about that.”

Your eyes land on her with premature excitement. “You’re going to the awards too?” She nods and you let out a big sigh of relief. “Oh thank god, I was kinda nervous. I’m sure Trinity is going too, but the more the merrier, I feel like I’m gonna be so out of place there or everyone’s going to hate me.”

“Girl, like Joe is going to let that happen.” Jadah is, surprisingly, the first one to jump to calm your nerves. “Him taking you in and of itself is such a ‘fuck you’ move. He really said ya’ll not about to bully the woman I love and think I’m finna just keep her on the backburner.”

“I agree.” Kaylah chimes, providing additional and useful context. “The internet wrestling community is a cesspool, and they’ll always find some reason to complain and bitch, but Joe has never been about that. He’s gonna have you on his arm regardless of who has something to say about it.” 

“Ummmm, why are we acting like majority of the internet isn’t all on Y/N’s dick now that ya’ll cleared up the air?” Alexis lifts her phone, adding, “I literally can’t get on TikTok or Twitter without seeing edits and photos of Y/N that the internet has dug up. They can’t get enough of her.”

“Her ass, specifically,” Jadah adds, and you shake your head. 

“I think what they’re trying to say is that maybe you should redirect your focus on fashion and hair choices vs public perception, because it seems to be in your favor currently.” Bianca’s advice is wise and on time. It also is very much giving off teacher vibes, just another thing you two can connect on.  

You’re really happy you asked her to come visit you. 

That you gave her a chance.

It’s proving to be a really good decision.

“Well, I’m gonna have my mom do my silk press while I’m there, so there’s that.” Typically, you avoid heat like the plague, sucking up the pain in the ass wash days to keep your curls hydrated and thriving. However, you’re okay with every now and then sitting in that damn chair for what feels like, and is, hours for these special occasions. And attending the Hall of Fame awards as well as WrestleMania definitely constitutes a special moment. “As far as fashion…..I have no idea. I don’t really have a lot of fancy clothes, and the ones I do have are before Callie and even now with the weight I’ve gained from this pregnancy already, I don’t know if I can still wear them.”

“Well then it’s obvious what we need to do.” Alexis says with a ‘duh’ tone. “We need to go find you some dresses! Like, today.”

“I probably do need to pick up something too.” Kaylah says with a heavy sigh. “I think Josh said something about wearing red.”

“Of course you have to wear red. That’s Bloodline colors.” 

You chuckle at Bianca’s enthusiasm. It’s kinda cool that she’s also into wrestling. You’re so tempted to ask Joe if he can get tickets for her, Darius, and Taylor, but you also don’t want to do too much. It already means a lot to you that he got tickets for your mom and Alexis. 

“I hate to pull the girls from their playing. They must be having a blast considering not one has come down in like over an hour.” It’s true. Not to mention you can also occasionally hear the chorus of giggles and shouting indicating just how great a time they’re having.

“I can watch them for ya’ll.”Jadah’s suggestion causes all sets of eyes to land on her. She rolls her eyes. “You all go get the shopping done, and I’ll stay here with the kids.”

“Jadah, you don’t have to—”

“I don’t mind. I’m not really that big on shopping anyway.” Finally. A difference between her and Alexis. “Plus, I have some client stuff I can get caught up with.”

You’re still reluctant, offering her another out. “If you’re sure….”

“Y/N, I would hope by now you’ve figured out I’m too blunt to lie. I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to.” Jadah shrugs, directing her next statement to Kaylah and Bianca. “If you’re also good with it too, of course.”

Bianca and Kaylah echo agreement with you, hence it being decided.

With a chuckle, you announce, “I guess we’re going shopping.”

———-

Things have been hard since you first landed back in your hometown.

Saying goodbye to your students was hard. 

Saying goodbye to friends in town has been hard. 

Bidding farewell to the apartment you first brought your sweet little girl home to after she was born was very hard.

Visiting your grandma’s grave one last time for who knows how long…..that’ll be brutal.

But this….confronting your father for the last time…

To say you’re a bit on the anxious side is putting it nicely. 

This was always going to be on the nerve inducing side for a variety of good and valid reasons. It’s just getting to the moment where it happens, where you sit in the parking lot of the restaurant he agreed to meet “you” at is just bringing out some indecision you’re certain comes from a place of anxiety.

Finally stepping out of the car, you and Bianca reach the door of the restaurant when she turns to you, mouth turned into a bit of a frown as she reminds, “you sure you want to do this?”

“It’s not about what I want to do. It’s about what I need to do, Bianca.” It’s the truth. This isn’t something you’ve been dying to have happen your entire life, but for the sake of your healing, it’s what needs to happen. “But, if you feel uncomfortable, I totally get—”

“Not at all.” She reaches for your hand. “You’ve got this.”

A deep breath followed by a head nod as you accept her hand. She gives you a little squeeze and opens the door, leading the way figuratively and literally. As expected, he’s already there and waiting, sitting near the back of the restaurant. You’re not surprised a man like him is right on time. He seems like the punctual bastard type.

And Bianca has reiterated as such before. 

Together, you walk hand in hand towards him. Your eyes never leave him, watching as he lights up with a genuine smile at seeing Bianca, but that smile almost instantly drops when he sets his gaze on you.

Expected. 

Wholly expected.

Immediately, his nose is turned up in visible disgust, primarily directed toward you. “Bianca, what is the meaning of this?”

“What?” Her voice is full of nonchalance as is the expression on her face. “I told you your daughter wanted to speak with you.”

He just didn’t know which daughter.

There’s no denying or misunderstanding his anger at the subterfuge. He shoots up from the table. “I’m not putting up with—”

Bianca is quick with it, assertively informing him, “if you want even a chance of seeing Taylor again, you’re gonna sit right back down and hear her out.” It means the world to you that not only has Bianca agreed to be here with you today, but it’s the fact that she’s willing to be so loyal to you.

Like a sister.

Because she is your sister. 

He scoffs almost immediately. “Using my grandchild to blackmail me? That’s low, Bianca. Your mother and I raised you better than that.”

She crosses her arms and matches his energy. “You are the last person that needs to be talking about raising anyone.” She then looks at you, placing a comforting hand on your arm. “I’ll be right over there if you need me, okay?”

Nodding, she gives you one last supportive squeeze and ignores her father to walk over and slide into a booth across the room. 

Left alone, you watch him begrudgingly sit down so he’s across from you, same set of brown eyes locking. It kills you how much of yourself you can see in him, starting with the same set of eyes. You just have to remind yourself that that’s where the similarities end. 

“This won’t take long, which I’m sure you’ll be happy to hear.” He doesn’t agree nor disagree, not that it makes much of a difference to you. At all. “I’m moving from this town. Tomorrow’s the day I hand over my keys, and I’ll officially be living in Florida full time. Not that you care, because we both know you never have and never will give a flying fuck about me.”

“Is there a point to this?” The edge in his voice, maybe even a couple months ago, might have killed you. Stolen your joy. Now, it does nothing. He no longer has that power over you, because you’ve taken that power back. 

And it feels so damn good.

“I did it, you know.” Without giving him a chance, if he even would, to respond, you continue. “I made something of myself. I’m successful. I have a career. I found love all without you ever doing a goddamn thing for me.”

For a second, you swear you see a different emotion flash in his familiar irises, but it’s gone almost instantly, replaced with that permanent disdain you refuse to allow sway you from your goal.

“I have a man who loves me in every single healthy way that exists, who loves our daughter more than there are words in all the languages put together.” Emotion chokes you up, but you manage to stick with the mental points you made for this conversation. “And you wanna know something? We conceived her when he was still married.”

Leaning forward as you lower your voice, both for privacy and emotionality. “But, I didn’t tell him. I deprived him and our little girl for the first almost five years of her life because I was so scared that he was going to be like you, that he was going to reject her and hurt her the way you hurt me.”

It’s a bit painful for you to verbalize those words, but also so damn liberating to free them from the confines of your subconscious.

To also release those shackles they had on you. 

“But, I was so so so wrong, because he is the best damn dad she could have asked for, and he was angry with me for not telling him about her. He wanted to be in her life. He wanted her. And it’s through that I finally realized something.”

Your voice cracks as you finally release your truth and acknowledge freedom from over 30 years of emotional bondage.

“I’ve finally realized after all these years that it’s not that I’m not good enough for you.” You shake your head, pointing at him with all the intention and determination you can muster up. “You’re not good enough for me. Not good enough to be my dad. Definitely not good enough to be a grandfather to my kids. Not good enough to be in my life.” There isn’t an ounce of hesitation or a stutter in your voice. “It’s not that I don’t deserve to be in your life. You don’t deserve to be in mine. You never did, and you never will.”

And never again will you seek out that love and validation from him. You don’t need it. 

You never did.

“I actually feel sorry for you, because I am an amazing, strong black woman who was raised by an even more amazing, strong black woman who was also raised by a phenomenal black woman. And my daughter….” Just thinking about Callie, her warm smile and the great big hug she gave you, before you and Bianca left her and Taylor with your mom, makes you all choked up again. “—is the kindest, sweetest, smartest kid you could ever meet. But as long as there is breath in my body, you will not know her or any other kids I bring into this world.”

That’s a promise, an oath, a swear on everything that you love and hold dear.

“After today, you are dead to me, and I truly hope you one day see all that you missed out on, but I’m not going to wait around for that. I’m going to spend the rest of my life surrounded with love and family because that’s what I deserve.” Grabbing your purse and sliding out the booth, you make eye contact with Bianca who starts to head over. “Take care, Captain Wilson.”

As soon as she’s at your side, he shoots up from the booth. “Bianca, if you leave with that girl—”

“That woman,” Bianca corrects with all the sharpness. “You mean my sister?”

His lips turn up with a hateful snarl. “This hoodrat trash is not your sister.”

You actually laugh at his words, laugh at the fact that he’s truly so pathetic and a piece of shit he couldn’t even take any of what you just said to heart. It also makes you wonder if he’s aware of all the shit that’s been happening online regarding you. Not that it makes a difference.

It’s just something else he would try to use to justify not being in your life.

Like a coward.

“No.” She lifts her chin, taking your hand. “She is my sister, but you?” Bianca shakes her head, and you can hear the emotion catch in her voice. “You’re not my father. You’re the trash.”

If he offers a visible response to her harsh words, you’ll never know because Bianca tugs on your hand, directing the both of you to turn around as she marches you out the restaurant. Once out of the vicinity, she spins you around and brings you in for a big, loving hug.

“I’m so damn proud of you.” Eyes closing, you accept and lean into her embrace. You’re also insanely proud of you. “You said what you had to say. The ball is in his court now.”

“I highly doubt he’s gonna do anything with it.” Separating, you again thank her. “I really appreciate you being here with me today. I’m not sure Joe would have been okay with me doing this, if you weren’t here.”

She smirks, head tilted to the side. “Nowhere else I’d rather be, hun.”

It’s the truth. Along with the fact that you’re not even sure you would and even could have gone through with this if not for her assistance and support. It’s crazy how the people you’ve met in recent months have become such important figures in your life and the people you thought were important are now strangers.

Life….always a wild ride, for sure.

“And speaking of Joe….” She’s understandably confused as you casually throw out, “guess who’s going to WrestleMania with her little sister?”

Bianca’s eyes are as wide as saucers. “Seriously?” Laughing, you nod. “Oh my god—” She captures you in another big hug, the two of you nearly hopping like damn teenagers. “Wait, just me or—”

“Of course not. Taylor and Darius too. I feel like he might divorce your ass if you tried to go without him.”

“You’re not entirely wrong.” Her laughter lessens as she looks at you with admiration and appreciation. “You really didn’t have to do that, Y/N.”

“It wasn’t that big a deal.” And it wasn’t. After biting the bullet and pushing aside unnecessary anxiety, you just shot Joe a text asking if there was any way Bianca and her family could attend Mania. His response was an almost instant yes. “Besides….we’re sisters.” Your eyes begin to water as you give a one shoulder shrug. “We look out for each other.”

Her smile matches the emotionality of this moment. “You’re damn right we do.” Sniffling, she wipes her eyes and then gasps. “Shit, now I need to find a dress. Does this town have any stores where I could maybe find something?”

Her question is so laughable. “Not really, sis. Let’s just wait till we fly home. I’m sure we could find you something there. Maybe the boutique where I got my dresses."

Home…..

You’re not sure if you’ve referred to Florida as home prior to this moment, but it feels so good, so right. Like it’s where you’re supposed to be. Where you were always supposed to be. 

Home with your daughter, with your man, with the baby growing inside you.

With your family.

[chososluv]

𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐲! 𝐬.𝐠.

✎₊˚⊹♡ summary & note: a fictional piece in which you are Geto Suguru's baby mother. A failed relationship between you two, you both settle for co-parenting your twin daughters (5 year olds - Naomi and Kimiko) . It's been several years and even though you think you moved from Suguru, doesn't mean he necessarily has even tried for a second... – whew i been sitting on this one for a minute!!

🏷 tags & warnings: no beta reader! i'll get to the mistakes as i reread! mature content is ahead. fem!reader (she/her), Suguru is early 30s and reader is in her late 20s, black!reader, mentions of suguru incarcerated, grinding, alcohol and drinking, heavy making out, swearing and no smut (yet)! part one of two (?)

✎₊˚  word count: 10k

minors do not interact

“Mommy!”

It’s music to your ears hearing the sound of your twin girls whenever they catch sight of you after a long weekend away. You smile, a gentle laugh falling from your lips as they run across the lawn and up the stairs to the porch. You kneel down as two small bodies collide into your own. You full on laugh as the girls giggle, allowing you to capture them in each of your arms as you hold them tight. Their small hands hug you back as you stand up, lifting them off the ground and onto your hips. You give them each a wet kiss on the nose and they erupt in another chorus of giggles.

“How was your weekend at daddy’s? I missed you two.” You ask your girls, meaning the last part beyond words could express. Usually you liked the weekend to yourself but for some reason the lack of noise left you feeling disoriented. It was the first weekend in a while you really missed your girls and wanted them filling the space with their silly questions and shrill laughter. You tried to busy yourself with Shoko and Yuki too but you always found yourself staring at your lock screen of your two girls. 

“Daddy’s was so much fun!” Naomi bursts out first. You turn your head to give her your attention, her eyes peering up at you excitedly. The older of the two (by a few minutes) has her hair in bubble pigtails today. 

“Yeah! We went to the zoo with him and uncle Satoru!” Kimiko shouts next, causing you to turn your head to face her next. The youngest has her hair styled just like her daddy’s with a half up and half down and her eyes mimic that same excitement Naomi had. 

“Yeah and then he got spit on by a goat.” Naomi states as both her and Kimiko giggle at the memory. Their excited storytelling has you not paying attention to the body that exits the car finally. The door closing completely misses your ears until another voice joins the conversation.

“Don’t forget to add the dumbass provoked the fucking goat in the first place.” Your eyes move away from Naomi to see the third body approaching the porch. Your eyes settle on your baby daddy and ex-boyfriend as he stops at the bottom of the steps. He places a foot on the bottom step as he looks up at you. His handsome face adorns a grin at the sight of you and he can’t stop from scanning you from head to toe.

You notice, and can’t help but feel time slow down, completely forgetting he swore in front of the kids.

But the girls surely did not let it slide.

“Daddy! Language!” Naomi and Kimiko shout at the same time. You shake your head, finally released from the trance he put you in.

“Yeah, not in front of the girls, Suguru.” You scold him and he holds his hands up in surrender. A chuckle escapes his mouth as sees the same disdained expression across all three of his girls' faces. 

God they look alike, he thinks

“I’m sorry little mamas.” Suguru apologizes because he ultimately knew better and he was horribly outnumbered. He ascends the stairs to give wet kisses on the twins’ foreheads to further butter his apology. The two girls laugh, giggling at their father’s gesture before the youngest speaks.

“It’s okay, we forgive you daddy.” Kimiko says and Naomi nods in agreement. You fight the urge to roll your eyes - failing miserably - as Suguru looks at you. He still sees you wearing that annoyed expression and he licks his lips before addressing you.

“But does mommy forgive daddy?” Suguru asks, hitching an eyebrow up and the gesture has you losing your breath slightly. Flashbacks of a younger Suguru plague your mind and it felt like you two were young adults all over again. Heat rushes to your face as he closes the distance between you two. You lose track of time, falling into a trance as the smell of his cologne dances around your senses like a sweet pheromone. You forget your daughters are still on your hips until Naomi swings her leg wildly and breaks the spell he had on you.

“Mommy! You should forgive daddy!” Naomi says and Kimiko nods.

“Yeah, mommy he said he was sorry!” Kimiko adds, both of your girls are back on his side within an instant. You can’t be surprised though, they always flip flopped whenever it was convenient for them. So, of course kisses from daddy would make everything better. You only shake your head but find yourself looking back up at Suguru.

“Yeah, fine I guess I do.” You roll your eyes as they squeal. You quickly set them down, arms tired before the two girls run off into the house. Naomi crosses the threshold, Kimiko right after before the youngest screams back at you two. 

“Mommy, you should let Daddy stay the night so we can all have fun!” Kimiko yells over her shoulder before Naomi and her scream as they get into god knows what. You’re left alone with their dad who continues to wear that silly smirk on his face. You narrow your eyes at him to fight from smiling back. 

“Did you tell her to say that?” You accuse, raising an eyebrow and Suguru chuckles and shakes his head.

“And have you chew me out later? Hell nah I didn’t.” Suguru is believable with his statement and you don’t bother to press. It shouldn’t be a surprise to you since the girls always wondered why you and Suguru lived apart but their friend’s parents lived together.

 It was a tough conversation to have with five year olds, but you tried to explain the best way their brains could handle.

“Mommy and daddy just argue too much, babies.” You told them one night and they only looked at you with hopeful eyes.

“But, you guys don’t argue anymore right?” Naomi questioned and Kimiko nodded at the question.

“No, we don’t-”

“So can daddy come live with us then?” Kimiko blurted and Naomi stared at you with the same eyes. You chew on your bottom lip, anxious and dreading where this conversation was headed. A topic you always feared having with your kids.

“It’s complicated, baby.”

“What does' complicated 'mean?” Kimiko asked, attention span already shifted from her father at the word you threw at them. Naomi seemed to also forget the original topic of their dad, also focused on the new word. You could only mentally thank the heavens that they were still at the age of being easily distracted.

But you knew that night the questions would only happen more often.

Back to the present with Suguru, you nod.

“Good. Because that’s the last thing they need right now.” You tell him and he nods.

“I agree. You've been getting questions too?” Suguru asks and it's your turn to nod.

“Yes,” you sigh out shaking your head, “we should have seen this coming though. It was my fear when we split up.” You chew on your bottom lip, trying to keep the stinging in your eyes at bay. The last thing you wanted to do was cry in front of your ex boyfriend. Call it pride but you didn’t want to give any indication you missed him.

“Yeah, mine too.” Suguru agrees, mirroring that same expression that resembled close to pain and regret. Though he felt the latter emotion more than the former. You can see it in his eyes and he starts to fix his mouth to say something but you cut him off.

“Thanks for making them happy,” you say, “I never get them back upset.” Suguru only shrugs nonchalantly.

“Those are my babies y/n. You ain’t gotta thank me for taking care of my own blood.” Suguru replies to you. He raises a point, you shouldn’t and don’t have to thank him for taking good care of Naomi and Kimiko. Even though he hurt you like hell when the girls were young babies, he was always a good father to him.

“Yeah I know… I guess I’m just realizing what a great father you are to the girls despite all that's happened…” You trail off, attempting to end your word vomit before you end up opening old wounds. You stop yourself from continuing your thoughts and hope Suguru doesn’t notice you’re reliving the past before him. You try to shield your face from all emotion and pray he doesn’t pick up on the hurt you’re feeling.

Unfortunately for you, Suguru still knows you more than you’d like.

“Y/n, what’s wrong?” You want to kick yourself for not maintaining a better poker face. You only shake your head and look away from Suguru. All the old feelings and memories came rushing back, crashing into you and causing your eyes to sting once more. You bite your lip once more and shake your head as your foot starts to tap. You’re trying your hardest to keep from crying.

“Nothing, I just-” Throat closing you cease speaking and close your eyes. You gave up trying to hide that you were about to cry, but you kept your eyes closed as you were still stubborn. Silly as it sounded you didn’t want Suguru seeing you cry over your history. It’s the pride that resonates deep within you — or what little you had of it left.

“Aye, please look at me, mama.” Suguru reaches a hand out but hesitates touching you. Past memories flash of you slapping his hand away and scolding him for not respecting your space. His palm burns to touch you despite this, but he tries to ignore it to keep from being cussed out. 

“Suguru.” You say, voice breaking and bottom lip quivering softly. You bring a hand up to your eyes as you decide to finally open them. Salty tears break from their cages, flowing from your ducts and down your cheeks. You finally manage to look up at him, vision blurry as you wipe your tears. 

“I’m sorry, y/n.” He says and for the first time you see him cry while he says it. Tears are brimming the edge and one soft blink sends them down his cheeks. He’s not crying as hard as you, but the few tears make you realize for once how sorry he looks. Usually you shrugged off his apologies but something felt different this time.

“I know, Suguru.” You say to him, nodding as he peers at you curiously. That same hand comes back out, testing the waters because all he wants to do is wrap his arms around you and hold you close. All he wants to do is hug and soothe all the pain you were feeling away. It was the least he could do after he caused you all the pain in the world. He hated his younger self more and more every time he watched you cry. 

“C’mere.” Suguru continues to hold that hand up, beckoning you to come close to him. You look between his hand and to his eyes, studying the way his irises look back at you. Your eyes search for any sign of deceit while you try to think of any cons to falling into his arms right now. When your eyes come up empty and your mind blank, you give in.

As your bodies collide you can’t ignore that tingling feeling deep within your stomach. His scent clouding your nostrils as time seemed to warp. All those past feelings of romance, adrenaline, hurt, worry, and love came at once. Overwhelmed by the feelings, you cry into Suguru’s chest harder. His hand drops the girls’ backpacks and brings you into a tight embrace. Suguru tries to hold back the tears he feels when he actually feels you hug him back.

Fingers pressed into his strong back you allow yourself to wail. You let go of all the walls you had up, finally letting go of that pain you held onto for so long. You shake against Suguru and all he does is continue to hold you and caress your back, soothing you through your sobs.

“I gotchu mama, let it out.” He says against your forehead before kissing it. You cry a little harder before taking a deep breath. You pull yourself out of his chest but remain in his arms before speaking.

“Suguru, I forgive you.” You tell him truthfully and meaning it this time. You’ve said it before, not sure if you felt one hundred percent but this time you knew you meant it truthfully.

And judging by the way Suguru smiles back at you, you can tell he sees this too.

“Thank you, y/n.” Suguru says, wearing that same smile. Lips twitching, you can’t help but mirror his expression. Comfort exudes from both of you as you hold one another. A time warp happening again as it felt like old times where you two reconciled after a fight. The feeling was so comforting and warm that you two didn’t want to break away from it. Even though both of your brains have a nagging voice in the back saying this was wrong.

Especially when Suguru looks at your lips and has to lick his. And definitely when he feels himself leaning in to get a quick taste of what he’s been craving for so long. And for certain when you start to feel yourself set up for his lips against yours.

“Mommy, Daddy, what are you guys doing?” Kimiko’s voice breaks the daze from you two, causing both of you two to cease holding one another. You quickly wipe your tears before turning to your daughter. Kimiko stares up at both of you, eyebrows raised goofily as she wears a mischievous glint. You can’t help but swallow thickly at her expression. Sometimes she scares you with her wittiness.

“Daddy was just giving mommy a hug, Kimi.” You tell her finding no use in lying. Kimiko looks between you and Suguru, a big smile stretched across her face.

“Daddy, do you still like mommy?” Kimiko asks in an accusatory tone. That mischievous expression was still present and you can't even look at Suguru right now. Your face felt hot and you felt ridiculous because why was your five year old making you feel this way — embarrassed.

“Kimi.” Suguru says sternly, not bothering to answer her question and resorting to using his parental authority. If he was talking to Naomi she might’ve caught the hint, but Kimiko being Kimiko… 

“Daddy.” She tries him, glint still there and you have to look over your shoulder to see Suguru. His eyebrows are furrowed thickly, attempting to put on a stern face to scare Kimi but when you look back at her and see she’s not backing down you giggle. Kimiko looks at you, laughing as you shake your head.

“You are trouble, little lady!” You scream, swooping down and scooping Kimiko up. She screams as you carry her into the house. You toss her up in the air before catching her and blowing raspberries on her cheek. Kimiko squeals, giggling as she tries to fight against you.

“Mommy!” Kimiko giggles as you kiss on her cheeks. Naomi comes running into the room, hearing the commotion with a barbie doll in hand.

“Kimiko what did you do?” Naomi questions, seeing you tickle her younger sister to death.

“Not listen to grown ups. You want to be tickled to death next?” Suguru asks, entering the house and closing the door behind him. 

“No, daddy!” Naomi says and Suguru smirks at the oldest. 

“Smart girl.” He applauds her as you continue tickling and kissing Kimiko until you finally think she’s had enough. You continue holding her as she catches her breath from her endless giggling. 

“Let's take baths and get ready for bed huh?” You say as you bounce Kimiko in your arms. Both of your girls pouted and it was almost scary at how simultaneous it was. 

“But we’re not sleepy!” Naomi argues, extending her arms out dramatically to put emphasis on her energy. Kimiko nods.

“Yeah! Daddy let us stay up later last night!” Kimiko throws her father under the bus and you shoot an annoyed glance at Suguru. He looks at Kimiko with wide eyes.

“Kimiko baby, what did we say about snitching?” Suguru asks of her and you further raise your eyebrow at the audacity of Suguru and his partner in crime.

“Suguru.” You raise your eyebrow at him and he looks at you nervously.

“Awh, Daddy you’re in trouble.” Naomi whispers and you nod.

“Mhmm, Daddy sure is.” You agree and Suguru chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Anyways, mommy is right y’all need to go to bed.” Suguru deflects back to the parental duties at hand. You side eye him, letting it slide for now as the girls sigh in unison. You walk over to Naomi, grabbing her hand to guide her to the bathroom as you carry Kimiko. Suguru takes the backpacks to the girl's room as he hears you start up a bath for the girls.

Several soapsuds later you manage to gather your two girls into bed with Suguru’s help. Despite insisting they weren’t sleepy they were suspiciously yawning quite a bit after the bath. By the time you and Suguru wrangled their wild hair into their bonnets and helped brush their teeth they were fighting sleep. You two were barely able to wish them goodnight before they drifted off to sleep, snoring softly as today’s events finally caught up to them. The both of you kissed their foreheads before leaving them to peacefully sleep in their bedroom.

“Thank you for your help.” You say as you enter the living room. Suguru turns to look at you.

“Anytime. I’ll head back home.” He said and for some reason you hated that feeling you felt when you heard those words. You weren’t ready to be apart from him yet. You struggled to find the words to ask him to stay but Suguru noticed your silence. He looks at you from over his shoulder before he places a foot in his shoe. He pauses seeing the hesitation and slight scowl on your face.

“Unless,” he takes his foot out of his shoe, “you want me to stay?” A smirk on his face at the cockiness that exudes from him. You don’t bother putting up a fight.

“Yeah. Sit down and have a drink with me.” You say and he raises a brow. However, he sits down and lounges back on the couch as if he’s at home.

“Bratty and bossy still I see.” Suguru says, eyeing you up and down and you only wear a sly smile on your face. 

“Some things don’t change, Suguru.” You say before heading into the kitchen.

“Except that ass getting fatter.” Suguru mutters.

“What?” You call, retracing your steps to have him repeat his words.

“Nothing, mama. I’ll have that drink.” Suguru says and you roll your eyes. The man snickers as you disappear into the kitchen. You shuffle around the kitchen in an attempt to find the bottle of wine you recently purchased. However, after coming across it finally you had to remind yourself that you were sharing a drink with Suguru. Not your usual company of Shoko and Yuki, but your ex-boyfriend.

You place the wine aside and reach for something stronger.

Two cups of ice and a Crown apple later you walk back into the living room. Suguru has made himself at home during your absence. The television plays a trashy reality show, serving as background noise because Suguru is scrolling through his phone. He sees you out of his peripheral vision with two glasses and a bottle in hand. He gets up from the couch, meeting you halfway to take the glasses from your hands. You thank him as the two of you settle down on the couch. Shots are poured instantly by your hand and you hand one to Suguru while claiming the other for yourself.

“Damn, you still heavy handed as hell huh ma?” Suguru eyes the drink from the side, seeing how much liquor you poured into his cup and you can only chuckle. 

“Some things don’t change.” You repeat once again before knocking the shot back at once. Suguru follows suit and quickly downs his drink. Both of you softly hiss at the bite of the liquor but smoothness of the apple that chases behind the whiskey. Suguru watches you reach for the bottle, pouring another shot but this time significantly smaller.

“What you been up to?” He asks, realizing he never had a chance to speak to you so casually. He watches you look off to the side, deep thought as you go through all the major things that have happened. He reaches for his glass as he takes a slip, awaiting your reply.

“Nothing really. Just looking after the girls, working, and seeing Shoko, Utahime, and Yuki when I can.” You say earnestly. Really your life is boring now that you stopped arguing with Suguru on a daily basis. Plus, the girls demand so much of your attention you don’t have time for the same thrills you two used to get into. It was for the first time you realized how relaxed your life really is now that you two have been successful at co-parenting.

“Good to know y’all are still tight.” Suguru says before sipping and you pick yours up to do the same. 

“Yeah. Not even your antics could separate us.” You chuckle and he laughs as well. 

“I remember when Yuki threatened to beat my ass after I fucked up.” Suguru reminiscences and you shake your head.

“Which time though?” You tease him but wait for his face to fall. It never does and he can only laugh knowing it was the truth.

“Fair point.” Suguru says as he takes a sip. You decide to down the rest of your drink since you’re not driving.

“How have you been? How’s the shop?” You ask Suguru. You place your glass onto the coffee table before you two and turn your body to face him completely. The alcohol finds its way down your chest before settling warmly deep in your belly. That warmth begins to tingle in your face and other places you attempted to ignore.

“Not much has been going on with me either,” he shrugs, “and the shop is good.” Suguru finishes before taking another slow sip of his drink. You notice he’s slowing down and see a soft flush dust across his cheeks. You fight to keep from grinning as you notice the physical effects of the alcohol. 

You can't help but wonder if he was fighting that same ache you were busy with. You make a quick prayer he doesn't see you squeezing your thighs tightly before him.

“And I take it besides being spat on by a goat, Satoru is doing okay?” You ask about the goofy white haired male and Suguru can only laugh at the referral of the incident. He shakes his head at the aftermath of his best friend sulking and his girls going absolutely crazy.

“Yeah he’s still a dumbass.” He tells you and you laugh.

“Some things don’t change.” You say it for the third time tonight. Suguru nods and takes a long sip at that statement. 

“Ain’t that the fucking truth.” Suguru curses and reaches forward to grab the liquor bottle. He pours you a shot before placing the glass in your hand. You snort, shake your head and take a long sip of the liquor. Suguru mirrors your generous swig and the two of you hold a gaze but say nothing. His eyes are wandering all over your face, reading your expression as you do the same to him. The two of you trying to figure out if the other was experiencing the familiar pleasantness amongst you two. Another time warp happening as it feels like old times together after a long day of work.

For you, it was a nostalgic feeling. 

Ever since telling Suguru you forgave him, you felt so at ease and at peace around him. You want to be close to him and the desire reminds you of when you two were younger. You don't bother to try to focus on the fact that you shouldn’t feel this way but instead you start to embrace it. Maybe it was the liquor — and the growing ache between your legs — but for once you didn’t want to think rationally.

For Suguru, he felt as if he was about to lose his mind. 

The grip on his glass tightens as he scans you from head to toe. Your t-shirt shows a teasing peek of your cleavage and your leggings accentuate the thickness of your thighs. He fights licking his lips as he sees your weight filling in the most dangerous places. Your curves are drastic, and he can tell you have a generous ass even from you sitting. You looked just as beautiful as the day he met you, if not more, and it tested his patience being this close to you. When he asked you if you wanted him to stay, he definitely didn’t think you were going to say yes. You would only do that in his scenarios during his daydreams.

But when you actually said yes? It took everything in him to remain calm and not look overtly excited.

The liquor is running through his veins and he only fights harder to keep from coming onto you. But god it has been years since he’s had you to himself like this and all he wants to do is tell you how much he fucked up and how badly he wants you back. 

But he knew he couldn’t come on strong and ruin any chance.

If you even felt the same.

“Why you babysittin’? Your tolerance low now, Ru?” You ask him, deciding to break the silence after peeking at his glass. He looks at it, swirling the liquor around before looking at you. You recognize that look in his eye he gets when he’s about to be flirty.

“Ru, huh? Been awhile since you called me that.” Suguru flirts, raising his eyebrow at you. You roll your eyes and fail miserably to fight the grin that stretches across your lips.

“Yeah. I guess it has been.” You admit, your face slipping into a sultry countenance that Suguru is far too familiar with. He only smiles wider.

“Call me that again and I’ll down all this right now.” Suguru proposes. This time you raise your eyebrow at him, knowing your baby daddy is flirting with you and you should be playing hard right now. But with the way he looks at you like you’re the only thing he wants and ever needs — coupled with the liquor — all you wanted to do was keep playing these games with him. You aren't burdened with the possible consequences that could happen.

So you lick your lips and then reply.

“Ru,” you say leaning forward, “drink the rest of the fucking drink.” You demand, emphasizing the profanity and Suguru holds your gaze. He only takes the glass to his lips before staying true to his word and finishing it. He places the glass onto the table and turns back to you. His eyes look all over your face.

“Y/n, mama?” He asks. He has to before he backs out.

“Yes, Ru?” You ask, wondering where he was going with this.

“You got a man?” He asks of you and you raise your eyebrow confused. However you answer.

“No… why?” You ask him and his heart races in his ears. He’s about to do it.

“Good, because I ain’t tryna beat up a motherfucka.” Suguru says and before you can ask further his warm fingers are on the back of your neck. His body falls closer to yours, bringing your face to meet him halfway with the pull of your neck. You look from his eyes, to his lips, and back to his eyes to see him focused on your lips. Your heart is thumping loudly in your chest, begging to escape as Suguru continues to lean in to kiss you.

You should stop it. You should hold your hand up to block his lips from landing on yours. You should untangle yourself from his hold and go get him water. You should tell him to stop this and he should never try to kiss you again. You should tell him to sleep it off while you lock yourself in the bedroom and call it a night.

Should’ve, would’ve could’ve.

Because you sure as hell did none of what you should have done.

Instead you welcome his lips with yours instantly. A collision of passion erupts between your lips and spreads through you like wildfire. You meet Suguru more and more and he happily continues to meet you halfway. He steals your breath away from you every time he dives back in for more. Testing how far you could go, you slip your tongue between his lips and the man flat out groans. Before you can even register he is lifting you up and placing you into his lap.

You settle in his lap so easily and try to shake the feeling that his lap was made specifically for you. His broad hands find themselves sliding down the purchase of your back and not stopping till they find your rear. Nails sink into your ass, molding the fat in his hands as he gets reacquainted with your body. A gasp falls from your lips at the feeling of his rough hands on your ass after so many years. It feels so good you’re not even ashamed to admit you missed his hands on you like this. You keep kissing him and start nipping on his bottom lip after retreating your tongue.

“Bite my lip again and I’ll take you right here on this couch.” Suguru warns against your lips, pausing and kissing you briefly. You only smirk, snickering before kissing him in response. He kisses you back, gripping your ass before smacking the fat roughly. You giggle and decide to bite his lip again. Suguru grunts before slapping your ass again. You bite a scream, trying not to make too much noise but that fails when Suguru throws you down on the couch. You yell out but you’re silenced with Suguru’s lips against yours. You smile softly in the kiss, wrapping your arms around his neck to bring you closer. Suguru smiles when he feels you smile as he settles between your legs.

“Crazy how I still fit so perfect between these legs.” Suguru pulls away from your lips to trail kisses across your cheek. His hot lips end up at that tender spot on your neck he still remembers all this time. His words cause goosebumps to prickle, invoking a physical response and you shudder as he kisses on the spot. He licks a circle before biting down and you buck your hips up. 

“Suguru.” You whine beneath him, the tingling of your clit increasing beyond relief. Your hips continue to grind up against him, the friction of his jeans causing little relief as you try to find his erection. Suguru smiles against your neck as he continues to lick and bite along your neck. 

“You grindin’ against me and shit what’s wrong, mama? Tell me and I’ll make it better.” Suguru says, kissing the spot that starts to turn red. You sigh out.

“I need you.” You can’t stop yourself from saying the words before they come out. Suguru hums against your neck, loving your response and he removes himself from your neck. He looks at you all over as you open your eyes to meet his stare. Another familiar situation underneath him as his locks fall, tickling your face as the chain around his neck threatens to do the same. The nostalgic feeling hitting you once again and suddenly you’re having romantic flashes of your past intimate times together.

“Been waiting for you to say those words for so long.” Suguru groans out before leaning down to capture your lips with his. You two share a messy kiss, lips sliding sloppily as spit mixes before briefly pulling away. You welcome him once more, kissing him with heavy intensity. He matches, thumbs on your waist that toy with the band of your leggings. The gesture has your heart jumping in your chest once again and your own hands find themselves at the hem of his shirt. 

Suguru is sliding down your leggings, deciding he can’t wait any longer and you lift up your hips. He manages to slide them halfway down before you tug on his shirt. He pulls away allow you to take it off. The tee lands on the floor, exposing Suguru’s ink on his broad chest and toned abdomen. You run your delicate hands over the ink, old and new to you, and look up at him. He smiles down at you, hand coming to hold your cheek before kissing you. You kiss him back, starting to shimmy your leggings off until something jolts you to sobriety and back to Earth.

“Mommy? Where are you?” The sound of a sleepy Naomi causes everything to halt. You nearly jump out of your skin and you push Suguru off of you. He lands on the opposite end of the couch as you stand up. You shimmy your leggings on properly before grabbing Suguru’s shirt off the floor. You throw it at him, hitting him in the face but you don’t care. You fix your hair and your shirt as you exit the living room.

“Mommy’s right here! What’s wrong baby?” You round the corner to see Naomi at the top of the steps. Her hair is free from her bonnet, wildly all over the place as she rubs her eyes sleepily. She holds her stuffed animal in her hand as she pouts.

“I had a bad dream.” Naomi pouts and you see the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Your heart breaks at the sight of her unhappy and you immediately hold out your hand, signaling for her to come down the steps.

“Come on baby, let's get some water and then we’ll talk about it, okay?” You ask as she nods, descending the steps with her stuffed animal still in hand. When she’s within reach you pick her up to bring her into the living room. Suguru is sitting inconspicuously on the couch but frowns when he sees Naomi’s distressed state. However when she sees him she perks up instantly.

“Daddy?” Naomi says incredulously as you place her next to him on the couch. He smiles, happy to see his baby girl still excited to see him after spending a whole weekend with him. He holds out his arms as she crawls into his lap.

“Yeah, baby girl I’m here. Daddy heard you had a bad dream? Wanna tell me about it?” Suguru asks, shielding a protective arm around her and with her relaxed you sneak off to the kitchen. You quickly get her a glass of cool water as Suguru keeps her company.

“And then the monster chased me!” Is what you heard when you rejoined them. Suguru listens intently, nodding when appropriately and he sees you approaching with the water.

“Don’t worry about a monster I’ll shoot it,” you roll your eyes, but Suguru chuckles, “momma’s got your water so be a big girl and take some sips for me, yeah?” He coaxes her as you hand her the glass. She takes it with her tiny hands before sipping a generous amount. You frown, wiping her forehead to see remnants of sweat beading at her crown.

“Are you hot, sweet girl?” You ask Naomi and she nods. You peel her onesie open to allow her to get some air. You knew sometimes when she got hot her dreams only turned wicked to mirror her discomfort. Suguru keeps her in his lap but grabs a nearby paper to fan her. 

“Daddy, why are you still here?” Naomi asks after a few moments of silence. You look at Suguru, wondering how he was going to explain this one to her.

“Daddy and Mommy were just hanging out.” He says, eyes flickering to you to show a flirty glint before looking back at Naomi. She looks at you and you nod.

“Yeah. Daddy was just telling me how well you behaved this weekend.” You say, knowing that would ease her curiosity for now. She smiles softly before taking another gulp of water.

“You feel better now, lil ma?” Suguru asks, rubbing her back and she nods. You take the water from her and she curls into her dad, resting her head on his chest. You take the glass back into the kitchen and rejoin them on the couch. Naomi remains laying against Suguru, surely ready to go back to sleep at any second. You see the way she yawns repeatedly and blinks sleepily. 

“Get some rest, Naomi.” You assure her and she sleepily nods before closing her eyes. She was always good at listening and you were thankful for it. Soft snores begin to escape her mouth before you two even know it.

“I’ll go put her back to sleep.” Suguru whispers softly, trying to not wake her up. You nod, agreeing to that before he gets up from the couch. Him and a snoring Naomi make their way back to the twin’s bedroom as you clean up you and Suguru’s mess. It’s only then you realize the gravity of what the fuck was happening before Naomi woke up. You’re placing the glasses into the sink before bracing yourself on the ledge. You still feel Suguru’s hands all over you, his lips kissing you, and his teeth biting at your neck. Your legs grow weak, lungs hitch, and clit begins to tingle as you try to shake the feeling away.

“What the fuck.” You say to yourself before putting the liquor away. 

You definitely had enough of that for tonight.

You make your way back to the living room to meet Suguru at the same time. He looks at you, awaiting for you to say something but you also wait for him to say something. The both of you feel the awkwardness that falls between you two. The need to address what just happened on the very couch that was a few feet from you. Your eyes can’t help but look there briefly before looking back at him. Suguru studies you before pressing his lips together. You know he’s about to speak.

“Y/n—” But you’re scared and cut him off.

“I think you should go.” You say, trying to ignore the hurt that flashes across his face. Suguru looks at you, scanning you up and down hopeful you will change your mind. But when he sees that look in your eyes he knows what game you’re about to play. That look of wanting to retreat and hide, yet with confusion, you were bound to shut down on him. You were still in need to process what the fuck just happened on your couch and Suguru could understand it. 

So he doesn’t press.

“Alright, y/n.” He says before walking over to where he placed his shoes. A small toxic feeling erupts within you, hoping he would fight to stay because he usually does but then you have to remind yourself that this is a new Suguru before you. So when he actually respects your space it's surprising — as bad as that sounds.

But you already told him to leave so you walk over to walk him out after he secures his shoes on.

You two come out to the porch and he turns around to look at you. That same hopeful expression is still on his face because he wants to stay with you bad. He wants to find himself between your legs again, making you sing his name all night as he traced every inch of you with his tongue. He was begging to learn the layout of your new body as there were curves he needed to retrace. He wants you all to himself all over again.

But when he looks into your eyes and sees the mix of emotions, pain and longing being of them, he can only get mad at himself from fumbling you in the first place.

And because he was desperate to get you back, he would wait as long as he needed to.

He would do anything to prove that to you.

He just needed to tell you.

“Text me when you get home please.” You say, looking away briefly. You were nervous to utter the words but look back at Suguru and realize you were nervous for nothing.

“Will do.” He says curtly. You look at him, expecting him to say more but he doesn’t.

“Okay. Goodnight.” You say, starting to turn around but Suguru grabs your arm. You turn to look at him and before you know it he has his hand back on your cheek. He’s guiding you to a quick kiss before you can even register, his lips feeling so good against yourself you struggle to hide your desire to want more when he pulls away. His eyes stare down at you, caressing your cheek before he speaks.

“Let me know when you’re ready to talk about what happened on that couch, mama.” Your stomach drops at the directness of what just happened but you nod. Your eyes itch because you know unpacking what happened with Suguru tonight was more than just the liquor. You couldn’t blame the Crown on the raw intensity of the emotions you felt when Suguru touched and kissed you.

However, you nod and he places a gentle kiss on your forehead before dropping his hand from your cheek.

“Goodnight, y/n.” He says before parting from you. You watch as he descends the steps and heads to his car. He hops in, starting up the engine before pulling out of your driveway a few moments later. You wave him away as he blows the horn, leaving you with the cool summer air and your thoughts running a mile a minute. 

* * * 

“Y’all did what?” 

Shame manifests in the heat that scurries across your cheeks. You have to lift the wine glass to your lips and take a handsome gulp to calm your increasing nerves. The scrutinizing gazes your friends gave as shocked work on all of their faces had you feeling guilty at what transpired between you and Suguru. 

“I think y/n said her and Suguru made out.” Yuki says smugly, holding a hand out to Shoko who rolls her eyes. You can’t believe your eyes as you see Shoko slide a twenty to the blonde. She snatches it up before tucking it into her pocket and you only scuff at your best friends.

“Y’all had a bet?” You ask and Yuki nods.

“Of course. A long ass one — but a bet nonetheless.” Yuki tells you, smirking as she looks at Shoko from the side. The brunette only continues to roll her eyes and puff on an electronic vape in her hand.

“Yeah. I thought you were completely done with Suguru but Yuki apparently knows you better than I do and knew you would cave in one day.” Shoko does not bother hiding her disdain at her losing the bet and you and Utahime both shake your heads.

“You two are ridiculous.” Utahime says.

“Yet you keep coming back for more.” Yuki raises her eyebrows like the flirt she is and Utahime only shakes her head once more. You sigh, shaking your head and taking another long sip from your wine. You knew this was only the beginning yet it was already so painful with Yuki and her smug expression.

The situation with Suguru happened Sunday and now it was Friday night. Tonight is your monthly scheduled girls’ night with Shoko, Utahime, and Yuki. Suguru had the girls again and got them this morning before you went to work because he knows of the monthly tradition. When you saw him this morning you thought the time apart would dull the sparks you felt last time but you couldn’t be more wrong. Your stomach was at your knees when you saw him exit his car this morning. His hair was tied up in a messy bun, putting emphasis on his strong jaw you wanted to run your tongue along. 

Not to mention the gray sweats that left you searching for a print absentmindedly.

Although nothing happened because you still played that stubborn game. It was a moment where Suguru looked like he wanted to confront you about what happened since you hadn’t called or texted him since he told you he got home safely, but the loud squealing of his babies prevented that. You only used that as an excuse to why unpacking that right that second was a bad idea. 

So you and Suguru made it another day without addressing what happened. Even though that's what you wanted, you can’t ignore the disappointment you felt when he drove away. 

“Anyways, you guys made out. What else happened?” Shoko asks, placing her vape down and picking up her wine glass. She takes a hefty sip, clearly enthralled with the change of events despite losing the bet. However, her brown eyes gaze at you with a look that is laced with concern and worry. That look only further makes your stomach twist and you take another sip of your wine before answering.

“Nothing. Naomi woke up because she had a nightmare.” You say. All three women exhale loudly, not realizing they were all holding their breath while awaiting your answer. They were suddenly thankful the eldest twin put a pause on the risky business occurring between her parents. Your best friends would be supportive of you no matter what you decide, but they never wanted you to do something you may have regret.

And with you telling them the nature of alcohol being involved they weren’t fully convinced that was something you truly wanted.

“Well thank god for that.” Utahime says and the rest of you nod. You take another sip and speak.

“Yeah but we were close. My leggings were almost off-”

“Wait, just your leggings? Not even your shirt? Yeah you were definitely thinking with your pussy and not with your brain, baby.” Yuki clocks you and the other two look at you for confirmation. You can only smile sheepishly and take another huge gulp from your wine. At this rate you’d be drunk shortly if you continued, but god this wine didn’t feel strong enough. 

“Y/n this is serious though,” Utahime looks at you with eyes of concern, “do you regret it at all?” She asks the critical questions you feared all night. You look between your three best friends, licking your bottom lip as you feel your eyes stinging with tears. You feel ridiculous at the threat of crying because of a simple question so you try to blink them back but they notice. Utahime places a hand on your knee, thumb rubbing back and forth before you let the tears escape.

“No.” You admit for the first time aloud to yourself. More tears fall down your cheeks and you quickly try to wipe them, feeling weak for crying but you should know better. Your friends would think nothing of the sort of you because you've been through so much with Suguru. Between him being in and out of jail and the nights filled with toxic arguments, it was turmoil and heartbreak that they never wanted to see you go through again. Not just with him, but with anyone out there.

“Do you still love him?” Yuki asks, not able to stop herself. The other two women look at her with a pointed look but she ignores them. You understand the stares Shoko and Utahime gave her, but you also understood why Yuki was asking you this. It’s why you’re friends with her. She asks all the right questions no matter how hard they are.

“I…” you trail off shaking your head, “I don’t know.” You say honestly and your best friends give you a look of sympathy. They know what you’re feeling and know they can only help you with so much . This was something you really had to do some inner reflecting to figure out.

“And that’s okay,” Utahime assures you, still rubbing soft circles on your knee, “we’ll be here in any way you need us, okay?” She says and the other two women nod at her words. You nod at your best friends, another chorus of tears running down your cheeks before you look at your friends with gratitude.

“I love you guys.” You sniffle and Yuki pouts before removing herself from between Utahime and Shoko. She comes to your vacant side to hug you. You lean into her warmth as Utahime squishes you from the other side and Shoko decides she has to join in. She comes to the front and hugs all three of you.

“We love you too, y/n,” Shoko says against your hair before kissing it, “we’ll be with you however you decide to deal with this.” And the other two women nod against your frame. You can only break out into a small cry in response, the love and security filling you endlessly because you knew your girls always had your back.

You couldn’t be thankful to have a reliable support system.

Not too far from you, Suguru was having his own debriefing with his own friends after successfully putting the twins to bed. A drink in hand, he sat with his friends Satoru, Kento, and Choso. The three men look at him expectantly after he says he has something to share.

“So? What is it, Suguru?” Choso asks, taking a sip from his drink as the other two men look on. Suguru sighs, looking at his drink, the brown liquor suddenly the most captivating thing in the room. He looks back at his boys and then replies.

“I almost had sex with y/n.” Satoru and Choso yell out as Kento shakes his head.

“Your baby moms,” Choso asks for clarity and Suguru nods, “fuck bro.” He takes a large swig from his beer, shaking his head as Satoru claps his hands dramatically.

“I fucking knew yall were going to slip up at some point,” Satoru yells before sucking his teeth, “fuck I knew I should have got in on the bet with Shoko and Yuki.” muttering the last part to himself but Suguru heard. He pays his best friend no mind and is more focused on shushing them.

“Dumbass one and two shut the fuck up because if you wake my babies up…” Suguru threatens, trailing off but the two men lower their voices. Kento continues to shake his head at the two dumbasses in question but looks at Suguru with worry.

“What even happened?” Kento asks and Suguru sighs, shaking his head and taking a generous gulp from his drink. The brown liquor didn’t feel strong enough at this moment so he took another sip before answering.

“Crown fucking apple, bro.” Suguru sucks his teeth and all three of them shake their heads at the mention of the liquor.

“Gets you everytime.” Satoru shakes his head and Suguru throws the cap of a beer bottle at him. He giggles, ducking before taking a sip of his beer.

“And the fact that she actually let me hug her for the first time in years.” Suguru shares and the trio of men all look at him with wide eyes. Suguru nods as he takes a sip of his drink, his friends mirroring his action at the news of you accepting affection. Satoru, Kento, and Choso all knew about the shit you two went through and knew how much distance you put between you and Suguru. They heard — even saw —the cold shoulder you gave him and only kept topics pertaining to your kids. Any other topic you didn’t see a point in having because you were only co-parenting with Suguru, nothing more.

No deeper friendship than what your kids could see and for damn sure no relationship.

But as honest bystanders they definitely did not blame you one bit.

“Come again? Y/n let you hug her? Were the kids watching?” Kento asks and each of them find their surprise when you shake your head no.

“Nope. They were long in the house. She was crying too and told me she forgave me.” Suguru tells them and they all whistle at the change of events. Even Kento has to take a sip as Choso and Satoru do at the news of you forgiving him and being vulnerable while doing it too? They knew you were serious. 

They all take long sips before Choso responds.

“Then she invites you for drinks?” He asks and Suguru nods.

“Yeah. And I finally got the courage to kiss her.” Suguru spills and the three men shake their heads again at the confession. It wasn’t a surprise to any of them though. They were well aware and far too familiar with Suguru and his desire to get you back. They knew it was more than a long shot but they didn’t blame you with the amount of fuck ups Suguru did. Not to mention they all know what an attractive woman you are and the fact that you even give him the time of day still is a blessing on their friend’s end. You could have anyone you wanted.

“And she didn’t slap the shit out of you?” Satoru asks incredulously and Suguru nods. He can’t help but smirk smugly and he takes another sip from his drink.

“Sure didn’t. Kissed me back and honestly we might have fucked that night…” Suguru shakes his head and Satoru raises an eyebrow. Choso also looks confused and Kento waits for Suguru to elaborate.

“What stopped y’all? She came to her senses?” Satoru teases and Suguru throws him a mean glare. He sucks his teeth.

“Nah, bruh Naomi had a nightmare and woke up. She was looking for y/n and I literally almost had her out her leggings.” Sugru says, shaking his head at the memory last Sunday. Frustration wasn’t even the word to describe what he felt but all that melted away when he saw the peril on his baby’s face. It was long forgotten when she perked up at the sight of him too, that smile of hers so contagious on him.

“That’s quite the turn of events.” Kento mutters before having to down the rest of his drink at the news sinking in. Satoru and Choso nod, following suit as they all polish off their drinks. Suguru only follows naturally since he’s at his own house and doesn’t have to drive home. His daddy duties are long done for the night and he can relax a bit.

“You’re fucking telling me.” Suguru mutters, rubbing his forehead at the slight stress he felt. He wants to feel excited about finally feeling your lips on his again, but with you avoiding him this morning he couldn’t celebrate just yet. He saw the way you tried to keep the conversation focused on the girls and when he finally had a chance to speak on what happened the girls came rushing out. He knew you would use that as an excuse to push the conversation further off and it took everything in him to drive away without confronting you.

You gotta show her you’re different now, he spoke to himself as he drove off and directed his attention to his screaming girls in the backseat.

“And now how is she acting?” Chosos asks, sensing there was more to this story after they all refilled their drinks. When he sees Suguru look at his Hennessy rather than his boys he knows it's not good. He takes a sip from his beer as he watches his friend speak.

“Weird as fuck.” Suguru admits and they all utter a damn and have to drink to that news. They had feared you would have reacted this way had anything happened between you two.

“Damn, Suguru.” Satoru sighs out and takes two large gulps from his beer.

“I fucking know bro.” Suguru continues to look at his liquor swishing around in his cup. They saw their friend looking hurt before them but there was nothing they could do. After all, it was Suguru’s fault why he was in this position in the first place. 

“So, what’s your plan now?” Kento asks, looking curiously at his friend and Suguru briefly looks from his drink to his friend. He sighs, shrugging.

“Patiently wait until she’s ready to discuss it.” Suguru says, knowing that’s the only way to deal with you. You need your space to figure things out and the last thing he wanted to do was make you feel cornered. He wanted you to come to him when you felt comfortable. 

“Smart man.” Kento says, impressed with his best friend and seeing the growth between him now and his younger self. Suguru looks from his drink and to his friend, smiling softly before taking a gulp.

“Time behind bars makes you think about all the shit you could have done differently.” Suguru admits solemnly and the other men can’t help but nod and take big sips at the memory of their boy behind bars. 

“I never wanted to rub it in,” Choso says, “but you fucked up badly fumbling y/n.” Kento and Satoru nod at his words and Suguru can’t even get mad because he knows he’s right.

“Choso’s right. Y/n was nothing but good to you.” Kento adds and Satoru nods.

“Both of them are right.” Satoru finishes. Suguru can only look between all his friends finally.

“I know. I got a lot of making up to do.” He admits to everyone, including himself. They all take a brief moment, soaking in the silence amongst the four of them before Satoru’s eyes light up. He makes a noise, garnering the attention of his friends that have them raising their eyebrows. A cat-like smirk spreads across his lips before he takes a sip of his drink.

“I just had the best idea.” Satoru says, giggling to himself mischievously as everyone looks on, waiting for an elaboration.

“You gonna share or?” Choso asks and he quickly looks at Suguru. The male scans his friend up and down before looking back at Choso.

“I will, with you and Kenny boy but not in front of him.” Satoru jabs a thumb in Suguru's direction and the male raises his eyebrow once more.

“What the fuck are you planning?” Suguru demands but Satoru ignores him.

“Why not tell Suguru?” Kento asks and Satoru answers him.

“I’ll explain but not in front of Suguru,” he turns to look at a steadily pissed off Suguru, “you’ll fuck up the plan if I tell you.” His teeth clench at his friend who continues to test his patience however Satoru continues to wear that same smug look. That look that taunts him for being out of the know.

“If you fuck up anything I got going on with my baby mama–” Suguru starts off but Satoru cuts him off.

“I promise I will not fuck anything up and I will take full responsibility if things go south but I’m telling Kenny here because he’ll tell me if he’s a good idea or not.” Satoru says after hooking a arm around Kento’s neck, point his thumb at Kento as he says his beloved – not – nickname. Kento only rolls his eyes and unwraps Satoru’s arm from around his neck.

“It’s true, Suguru,” Kento assures him, “I got your back. If it's not a good move I’ll call it off. Although I’m interested to see what this plan is.” Kento finishes as he strokes his chin, falling into deep thought as he thinks about what Satoru could possibly be planning.

“I trust you.” Suguru says, reaching out and him and Kento dap one another up. Satoru pouts dramatically.

“So you trust him and not me?” Satoru questions and Suguru lifts his glass up to his lips before quickly replying.

“That's exactly right.” Suguru says as Kento and Choso chuckle. Satoru only continues pouting and Suguru shakes his head seeing similar mannerisms in that of his twins.

“I don’t know why. I’m the only one who’s in  a successful relationship.” Satoru casually gloats as he crosses his arms over his chest. He huffs, pouting but the other three men shake their heads.

“I’m still trying to work out in my head how you managed to get Utahime to go for that.” Kento says, taking a sip from his drink and Suguru and Choso can’t help but agree. Satoru only blushes at the sound of the woman’s name but he shakes his head.

“Is it so hard to believe that I’m handsome and charming?” Satoru asks his friends and they all nod without a second question.

“Absolutely.”

“Yeah dumbass.”

“Yeah, Satoru.” 

“All of y’all are haters,” Satoru huffs, “anyways thank me later when you and y/n get back together.” He finishes out before taking another handsome sig of his drink. Suguru only looks at his best friend and hopes for once he’s right about this mysterious plan Satoru insisted on leaving him in the dark with.

Even though Suguru was clueless about the plan he one thing for certain:

and that was he would do anything to get you back.

©𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐬𝐥𝐮𝐯 ╰┈┈➤ MASTERLIST!

[sabrinasfadingmoon]

So happy to see wednesday bts posts for season two !!! I knew they were starting production but seeing it and getting a cast list is amazing!

I will say though I am sad Naomi won’t be returning as Yoko this season. I think they fully fumbled her character, they pushed her to far to the sidelines. Not to mention Yoko and Divina who didn’t get enough attention. I mean god, fanfics did a better job at giving these characters everything. I mean at this point I feel like I personally know Yoko with how much I’ve read of her and written for her. She is Enids best friend and a little part of me is devastated Enids best friend will no longer be there.

On another note it’s really sad Naomi won’t get the opportunity to be in the second season. I’m sure there are reasons like she sad scheduling and yokos story not progressing which is STUPID because she’s a vampire so they really should write more for her. Like- you know what, no, I won’t rant. We’re fine.

I wish Naomi the best and I will continue to love Yoko and write her as Enids best friend. She will live on!!!

[syoddeye]

useless, part three

Part three (and the finale!) of my submission to @glitterypirateduck's O, Captain! Challenge. As a reminder, I rolled a d100 to select three prompts. I finally used my third prompt.

42. The story spans over a period of 10 or more years

14. Opposites attract

66. Price or Reader is auctioned off for a date as part of a fundraiser

cw: one pregnancy mention (Reader does not get pregnant, has never been pregnant)

Read Part One, Part Two. Tag list: @v1x3n @kiranezra

~4.2k words, Price x f!Reader. This is the most self-indulgent shit I've written in awhile. Please enjoy.

It's past midnight when you limp through the front door of your flat, dropping belongings and articles of clothing alike, shedding both the weight of personhood and your eighteen-hour day. You set your keys down on the end of the counter, ignoring the thin folder for the umpteenth time. James will undoubtedly text about it in the morning, his patronizing messages more reliable than any alarm clock. A half-hour commute home, and you didn't even glance at your phone in fear of accidentally seeing another email from his lawyer. Solicitor. Whatever.

Hamhock slinks out from his lair beneath the bed, weaving between your ankles when you drag yourself into the bathroom.

"Hello Hammy," You whisper, eyeing the newer crop of gray hairs near your roots with a weary neutrality. Definitely the fundraiser's fault. Your hair started to change long before this year's planning began, but this is the longest period you've gone without dyeing it. One thing to thank James for. Not only did his departure give you a crystal clear focus, it freed you from his ridiculous expectations. He'd've commented the moment he spotted the wisps of silver, then casually worked something like anti-aging cream into the conversation.

The prick poisoned the well, and now the only man in the world for you currently lies at your feet. How it should've been from the start, really.

After checking the orange menace's automatic feeder, you slip into bed, allow him to assume his nocturnal throne—your armpit—and plug your phone in one-handed. Your eyes glaze over at the sight of notifications, thumb swiping by muscle memory, and set an alarm. With two weeks left until the big day and more than a hundred unsold tickets, you need every moment you can get. You sigh, counting the tasks of the day ahead instead of sheep.

You'll sign the divorce papers tomorrow.

~~

Naomi practically forces the granola bar into your hands. The assistant stage manager and the props lead—the younger woman is the glue to your glue. A newer fixture at the Bramble Theatre, she was you to an extent, maybe a decade ago: fresh-faced, eager, and optimistic.

"I didn't like how you were looking at the wax fruit."

"We should swap the oranges for plums. Or pears."

"We've been through this. The oranges fit the palette, from the paintings to Dotty's–oh, quit pulling my leg."

You grin, then jut your chin at the stack of slips in her hand. "Are those the waivers? Did all the volunteers sign?"

"Yes, I can post headshots today on socials, so that should boost sales."

"Good. That's one fire extinguished," Rubbing your temple, you lean back in your chair. "I feel gross about it, though. I mean, we run shows that are hundreds of years old, but a date auction? Why don't we raise a guillotine out front and sacrifice effigies to raise money?"

Naomi blinks and whips out her phone. "...Okay, one, I'm noting the effigy idea for next year, but two, the auction won the vote, and everyone participating volunteered."

You grimace. "I know, it's just–"

The sudden opening of the door to your shoebox office interrupts. Theodore, business manager, director, and occasional movement coach, bursts in. Everybody's a multi-hyphenate.

"Terrible news!"

Wonderful. A new fire. You squint, chewing, and watch Naomi try to stifle a laugh valiantly. "Whatever could this be about?"

The older man slams his palms onto your desk, his layered pendants tinkling. "I've punched the numbers, including a best scenario, stars aligning–"

"Teddy. Out with it."

"–we're going to be £40,000 short. Even if we sell out, even if we raffle off the company like cattle, we are circling the drain!"

The tired amusement leaves your body, and in its wake sits a five-digit number and the distant idea to schedule a salon appointment.

The annual fundraiser for the theater, your hard-won home, is a dramatic, demanding, and near-disastrous event every year. The theater has continuously operated a hair above the red, but the laundry list of expenses from the last year cannot be ignored. The new light rig, the stage flooring replacement, the curtain repairs—they never stop. Sponsors and grants only go so far.

Originally, you took this job for its laughable but slightly higher pay and because running around like a madwoman between four gigs at a time wasn't as thrilling or charmingly bohemian as it was in your twenties. Your livelihood depends on the playhouse's success. And the economy. And the general public's attitude toward the arts. All wildly variable. It made you resourceful, and already, you were composing a mental list of people to politely bully for pledges promised in years past. You need time and a phone charger.

"Teddy," you set the half-eaten granola bar down. "Go get ready for afternoon rehearsal. Naomi, cover for me today?"

"'Course."

Theodore swipes his spindly fingers over his brow, nodding fervently at your resolve. "If anyone can pull it off, it's you. Do tell if there is anything yours truly can do." With a flourish, the director departs your office, but Naomi lingers.

"You know if it's donations we need…"

You shake your head, immediately knowing what she intends to suggest. "Out of the question."

"But think of her–"

"I'd rather debase myself and resort to dinner theatre."

"I'm just saying–"

"Naomi," You stress. "I am not calling my mother."

She frowns. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. Are you really so proud you wouldn't leverage your family's connections to save the Bramble?"

It makes you pause. As usual, she's right. Irritatingly so. You could take another salary cut, but you'd need to find a flatshare, a humiliating idea. Hammy wouldn't survive it, the sensitive thing. You sigh and dismiss her with a wave.

"Fine I won't rule it out. But I'm going to shake down half the city first."

~~

An hour later, you've managed to secure a percentage. Not too shabby, but far from the goal. You take a break to read James's team's latest, vaguely threatening missives and entertain the idea of withholding your signature until he makes a donation. What's a little extortion in the name of art?

You know it's wrong to delay this ugly process. How close relief is should you simply sign the papers. But it's another failure, another black spot in your life's ledger. Another dream crushed beneath the boot of reality. With a wave of bitterness, you type out a curt reply, ensuring you will sign the papers and ask them to arrange for a courier tomorrow.

Naomi's suggestion takes advantage of your mind's lethargy, testing the strength of your will and stubbornness. The last time you phoned your mother was months ago, on the anniversary of dad's death. The old man took his last bow five years back, and it destroyed the last bridge between you and your formidable mother. In retirement, she still holds court with major political players stateside…and across the pond.

Before you let your loathing catch up, you pull up her contact card and dial. It's after noon in D.C., the middle of the week. You might get lucky and reach her voice–

"Is everything alright? You're not in the hospital, are you?" Her donnish, sharp voice hurtles you through time and space to your teenage years. 

"No," You answer with gritted teeth. A headache waits in the wings. "No, I'm fine, mom."

"Then why are you calling?"

This is why dad handled conversations. You stand, swiftly shutting the door to your office and locking it. "Can't I just call my mom?"

"Of course. Historically, you do not," There's a low murmur of chatter in the background. She's at a luncheon or at the club. "So I assume there is a reason."

Having an ex-ambassador for a mother is a joke. All that practised charm for everyone else in the world, none of it reserved for you. "Okay, yes, there is a reason."

"Thought so. Well, darling, what is it? Is it James? Don't tell me you're pregnant."

You return to your desk and eye the bottle of bourbon on the corner. "No. James and I are divorcing, remember? This is about my work."

There is no acknowledgement of the separation. Instead, your mother pulls the phone away from her mouth, excuses herself from wherever she is, and the background noise dissipates. 

"Your work."

"Yes, the Bramble? Look, we're two weeks out from our big annual fundraiser, and–"

"Oh, you need me to write a check." The clicking of her heels halts abruptly, and if you didn't know any better, she wilts. "Fine. How much do you want?"

Your face heats with a mixture of frustration and embarrassment. "I am not asking for money. If you would stop interrupting me…Ugh, mom, I need help contacting some of your old friends here. If there's anyone you know looking for tax deductions or a pet project to brag about, the Bramble is in a bad spot financially."

In the past, whenever the theatre and, by extension, your chosen profession came up, your mother took the opportunity to lecture. She reminded you of the wasted opportunities she afforded you. She brought up your old schoolmates and their current positions. And most insulting of all, she always, always compared you to a certain soldier. Bracing yourself for her monologuing, you reached for the bottle.

"Why didn't you open with that, darling?"

Your fingers close around empty air, and you nearly pitch out of your seat in surprise. "What?"

"Send me the information. I've been meaning to reconnect with some old friends. When is the fundraiser?"

"In two weeks," You repeat, scrambling to pull up your email on the ancient desktop. "Tickets are–"

"Email it. I'll book my flights today and let you know when I'm getting in."

Your hands hover over the keyboard, and your neck protests the angle it bends to keep your phone lodged between ear and shoulder. "Oh, no, mom, you don't need to come."

"Nonsense. I'll, of course, make my own donation, and as a donor, I ought to see where my money is going."

Christ. For the Bramble, you remind yourself and exhale. "Okay. You do that. Listen, I have to get going…but mom?" It kills you to say it. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome. Oh, this will be so much fun. I haven't visited since before your father. You know, on the topic of reconnecting, I happened get an email from the Prices the other day, and John–"

There it is. You kick into fourth gear, rattling off your exit. "I've really got to run. Thanks again mom, send me your flight info. Love you. Bye!"

You feel like you've run a marathon and dodged a bullet. And yet, as you send the email and file the waivers, your mind snags on your mother's words. On a name. His name. It's not the first time your unhelpful brain's waylaid you with a trip down memory lane. Admittedly, it's happened more since James asked for the divorce. Most nights, if it isn't life's stresses hounding you, it's an endless parade of what-ifs behind your eyelids.

What if you studied economics instead? What if you stayed in America? What if you hadn't gone to that stupid New Year's party? What if you hadn't kissed John? If you didn't get on the train? 

The people in your circle frequently speak about living life without regrets. It's a romantic notion and a highly unrealistic one.

Your phone buzzes—Naomi. You're needed. Pushing the past where it belongs, back on a dark shelf, and head out to put out another fire. 

~~ 

Three days before the fundraiser, your mother lands in London and hosts you at her hotel for dinner. Playing catch-up is a professional sport with a whirlwind of names you barely remember and memories you remember very differently.

You pick at dessert, listening to another story.

"–and he was so insistent that that school of yours was a breeding ground for monsters, and I told him, isn't that what's needed in today's society? People need thick skin in politics and business. You'll be happy to know, though, he bought four tickets to the fundraiser."

You don't remember who you're talking about but smile and nod. It's a tough pill to swallow, your mother's success at rallying old friends with deep pockets. Teddy's practically in love with her despite having never met her, popping his bald head into your office to sing her praises whenever another pledge arrives.

Your response is rote. "That's wonderful, mom. Thank you."

She prattles on for another half hour before you decide it's time to return home to Hamhock and burn the midnight oil on the fundraiser's date auction. You asked the company for fifty-word bios and actors, bless them, struggle to contain their self-praises. When she finally pauses to take a sip of wine, you rise. "I should head home, lots to do–"

Ignoring you outright, her head turns, and she grins. "There you are!"

Following her gaze, your brow lowers in confusion until you clap eyes on a trio headed in your direction in the company of a server. Very briefly, you consider the melodramatics of matricide. You've been set up.

Mr. and Mrs. Price look well for their age, puttering toward your mother. They are greyer and a little shorter, but the warmth is there.

John, however…

The universe is intent on humbling you.

The hair is the first thing you notice. Short, kempt, and annoyingly a dark shade of brown. It's crept southward onto his face in a beard of a choice style. There is comfort in the finer details that clarify as he nears. He hasn't escaped time's passing with a face marked by crow's feet, frown lines, and forehead furrows. Beneath his shirt, there's a slight suggestion of a belly, though, with his thick arms and the narrowing of his waist, he's clearly a wall of muscle.

The worst part is how infuriatingly kind his smile looks. It's the beard. Softens him. Once an arrogant prick, always an arrogant prick.

John rumbles your name in a whisper, reeling you in for a polite peck on the cheek. "You're a sight for sore eyes."

You're years beyond fifteen and twenty-five, but how swiftly the impulse to snark resurfaces is alarming. Maturity tempers you. "You look good, too."

After a few minutes of greetings, the two of you are tasked with heading to the bar to fetch drinks. Wholly unnecessary what with a server, but it's a clear command to let the 'adults' talk for a spell. Nevermind being shy of forty. John's quick to try conversation when the order's in.

"You haven't changed a bit," He observes, leaning against the bar beside you. 

"Now there's something a woman wants to hear after a decade." You huff, casting your eyes across the restaurant, finding it difficult to look at him. The dark blue of his sweater makes his eyes pop.

"Fourteen years, actually," He corrects. "Drinking martinis, actin'…"

You snort. "You're half right. The Martini half."

His elbow gently knocks into yours atop the bar. "Apologies. My mother told me you'd been in My Fair Lady last summer."

That draws your attention. "No. The theater put it on, but I'm the stage manager. I haven't been on stage in ages." Your eyes flicker to the table, then back to him. Heat crawls up your collar. What other information has your mother passed along? Glancing down at your bare ring finger, you turn the conversation. "Not so different from a Captain, I reckon. How's that going?"

John squints a little, and his mouth pulls into a familiar smirk, tugging at old strings in your stomach. "Can't complain."

"Riveting stuff," He chuckles at that, a deep rasping sound, and you find yourself grinning. "Don't suppose that bit of clandestine, secret agent-type shit your mom's talked about?"

"Secret agent?"

"Yeah. Mentioned it in a Christmas card maybe three years ago?" You smile triumphantly into your glass. Seems both your mothers have a penchant for dressing up the truth.

His jaw works a tick, and something heavy passes behind his eyes. "Well, 'm not. Not exactly."

"Let me guess. If you told me, you'd have to kill me?"

He refocuses some, and a short laugh leaves him. "Something like that."

It's all painfully familiar, but it feels different with a little more life under your belt. His mere presence keeps you on your toes, yet you haven't felt this comfortable in months. For all the history and tension, talking to him is easy. A silence passes, the drinks arrive, and you ferry them to the table.

The night passes better than you expected when you first saw the Prices. They express belated condolences over your father, you chat about the fundraiser, and John politely navigates questions about his work. It frightens you when he briefly mentions Piccadilly to know he'd been there in the carnage. Part and parcel of military life, you guess. 

"John, be a gentleman and walk her to the station," His mother chides as the five of you congregate in the hotel lobby.

"He doesn't need to do that," You hastily say. Not again.

"'Course."

There is something dreadfully giddy to how your parents wish you both goodnight.

At least you do not need to take his arm this time. Still, there is no way John isn't thinking about that night. Not when that look of quiet desperation he wore is seared within your memory. It's silly, but you peeked at his hands earlier, and like yours, they're naked.

You break the silence to fish. "How long are you on leave?"

"A week. Got in yesterday."

"Do you normally visit your parents?"

"Often."

Doesn't mean there isn't a woman in his life. 'Often' is not 'always'. 

"Visit anyone else? Friends?"

He chuckles. "Sometimes."

You roll your eyes. "You know, you haven't changed much either. Aside from the beard and smoker's lung. Still a stunning conversationalist."

John smirks down at you. "Picked it up in the army."

Oh, yes. He remembers.

The conversation lulls, and the walk is short. You figure John's keen on a repeat when he wordlessly escorts you to the platform. But today's not a holiday, and the station is reasonably busy. He watches like a hawk, nonetheless, when you check the time.

"Brings back memories," He quietly comments.

Nodding, your thumb rubs where your wedding band used to rest. "Sure does." You respond and meet his gaze.

You studied theater, moved back to London, went to the party, and kissed John. You didn't regret those choices—only one.

The invitation flies out of you as your train emerges from the tunnel.

"Do you want to meet Hamhock?"

~~

"He's…certainly orange."

"Don't rush to spend all your compliments at once," You glare, arms full of Ham, then coo at the cat. "John's jealous because he's going grey in the beard."

"I am not."

"Saw them on the Tube. Can't those from me," You tease and set the cat down, giving your kitchen a quick glance. A silver lining of work eating up your schedule is that you last cleaned two weeks ago, and it's held.

"What're those on your head then?" He gestures with a finger and toes off his shoes. 

"Details of a person ageing gracefully." You play it confidently, but part of you holds a breath.

He hums and sidesteps Hamhock. "Suits you. It's pretty."

Maybe inviting him over is a mistake. The bolt that runs through you from the compliment pokes at something you thought buried. "What a gentleman," You try to inject as much sarcasm as possible, but your voice quivers. "I'll be right back. Sit tight?"

You leave John in the kitchen to retreat to the bathroom to regroup. Come on, you scold yourself over the basin for getting worked up. It's just John. 

And yet, what remains of your confidence perches on a cliffside at the sight of John pointedly staring at the folder of your copies of the divorce papers on the counter. Fantastic.

His small smile is genuinely sympathetic. It's enraging.

"Y'know, I knew you were married…When I didn't see a ring at the hotel, though, I wondered."

Your chest tightens, and you shove the folder into a bookshelf. "Yep. Finalized the divorce two-ish weeks ago."

You're not in the mood to be reminded of your failures.

"Sorry it didn't work out," John murmurs.

"That's life. That's how it works sometimes," You exhale, then force a smile. "Want a drink? Bourbon? Wine?"

He lets you change the subject, and you let him have a glass of whiskey.

You sit on opposite ends of your short couch, Hamhock acting as a gentlemanly barrier. The conversation rekindles itself after a few fingers of liquor, and eventually, John migrates to the floor, idly playing with the cat. You confide in him about your worries about the event and whether the funds raised will be enough, and he listens. There is no condescension, no bulldozing. Not a trace of smugness at all when he makes suggestions. You don't realize how you've slipped into an old, practically ancient formation until he peers back, eyes creasing from laughter. You're fifteen again, and it is useless to deny it – you are regrettably in love with John Price.

"Can I confess something?" He suddenly asks as your cat waddles off with a catnip toy in his mouth.

Your heart lurches. "If it's a crime, I'm a terrible conspirator." 

"No. Nothin' like that, but I lied earlier." He chuckles, craning his neck to look over his shoulder. "My mother didn't tell me about My Fair Lady."

"What do you mean?"

John turns sheepish. "I came an' saw it when I was on leave last summer. Thought I'd surprise you, but I got to the theater and lost my nerve."

Instantly, you pick through scraps of memories from the production. There is no way you would have known he was in attendance, not with how hellishly busy you are. 

"You, Captain John Price, lost your nerve?"

Color blooms high on his cheeks, and he turns on the floor, rubbing his neck. "I knew you're not acting but I didn't know how to mention it without soundin' like a prick." His eyes look soft. Different from how they looked that night in his parent's garden. Steady, unwavering, but soft. "I know I'm not good with words. I seem to have a talent for making you angry. But I really am happy to see you. Didn't think I'd get another chance after how I bungled it all those years ago at the train–"

At your grown ages, the angle of the kiss is inadvisable. The two of you fix it without parting, and his hands cup your face when you're finally standing toe-to-toe. 

He touches your foreheads together when breathing becomes necessary. "Change anything?"

You don't answer. You lead him to your bedroom and exile the cat.

~~

The fundraiser goes off with a predictable amount of hitches. The caterer is an hour late and forgets half the hors d'oeuvres. The bar runs out of red wine early. Two actors from the children's company slap-fight on stage. Nothing you, Naomi, and Teddy can't fix with elbow grease and stage magic. The caterers re-course. Naomi calls in a favor from her bartender girlfriend. And the children forget their quarrel when they're called upon to defeat Captain Hook.

What you are not prepared for is one of the actors calling out sick, leaving you one date short for the auction. You waste an hour trying to convince one of your fellow techies to step in.

Naomi corners you when you stress-eat a comically tiny piece of toast swiped from a tray. 

"You know, if one person is all we need…"

"Your girlfriend won't be mad?"

"Ha-ha, don't get cheeky. C'mon, isn't it time you got back out there?" 

You suppress a smug smile. Naomi has no idea. Nobody does. You've gotten back out there and then some. 

"Did I not tell you I was grossed out by the auction?"

She's relentless. "Are you really so proud you wouldn't debase yourself a little for the Bramble?"

"Absolutely not."

You'd said it with such conviction, so it's a puzzle when you find yourself waiting in the stage wing, makeup hurriedly refreshed. It takes all your courage and grace not to stumble to Teddy's side when he calls your name. He improvises an introduction on the fly, and you nearly laugh when you realize this is the first time you've been on the stage, under a spotlight, in years.

The bidding opens, and you hold your breath, letting it go when a few unfamiliar voices call out numbers. A humbling embarrassment clutches you by the throat. But then a paddle raises more confidently in the front row. The light is bright, but you know whose hand hoists it high.

~~

He collects you at the end of the night as you lock up.

"There's my prize."

You can't stop the grin that splits your face. "It's just a date, John."

"Yeah, doin' things a bit out of order, aren't we?" A glimmer of his younger, puffed-up self shines through, and his hand envelops yours.

As you walk, your elbow digs into his ribs, "What will our mothers say?"

"That a big deal to you?"

"To some people."

"Well, love, you're not 'some people'."

[acknowledge-reigns]

Wolf's Den | Zilla Fatu x Black Fem!Reader x Jacob Fatu SMUT (18+)

Requested by: @wrestlingbaby

Description: Jacob helps Zilla punish reader. Smut based on that one episode of Total Divas where Jim and Trin argue about her losing her ring, but with Zilla/Jacob x Reader.

Warnings: Arguing/light angst, Dom/sub dynamic, Punishment, degradation, BDSM club, Mentions of Roman + Jimmy/Naomi + Jey/Rhea + Tiffy/Nia + Drew/Punk + Zaria/Giulia/Stephanie in kink context (don't judge me!) flogger, impact play, multiple partners, double penetration, vaginal sex, oral (male receiving), swallowing, Daddy Dom and Primal Dom, Honorifics, rough sex, dirty talk, hair pulling, face fucking, Zilla cums in her, praise, petnames, general filth with a fluffy ending.

My masterlist can be found here

Again, MDNI!!! THIS IS AN 18+ FAN FICTION. As always my stories are based in kayfabe not based upon any real people.

Zilla sat in the driver's seat of the car, his jaw clenched in frustration. He couldn't believe that after all the time and effort he had put into planning their wedding, picking out the perfect ring etc, his new wife had lost her wedding ring.

"I told you to wear it all the time," he said through gritted teeth, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. "But you never listen."

"I know, I know," she said, her voice laced with guilt. "I'm sorry, okay? I just... I keep forgetting to put it on."

Zilla let out a scoff. "You keep forgetting? It's not that hard to remember to wear a damn ring, Y/N."

He glances over at her, his eyes narrowing.

"Do you even care about our marriage at all?" he asks, his voice harsh. "Because it seems like you don't care about anything I do for you."

Her eyes widened at his accusation, hurt and anger flashing across her face.

"How dare you say that," she retorted, her own anger rising to match his. "I care about our marriage more than anything. I just... I'm sorry I lost the ring, okay? But it's not like I did it on purpose."

"Only me and you know the story of that ring—that's the sentimental value it has to me." Zilla said

She felt a pang of guilt at his words, realizing the significance of the ring. She knew how much it meant to him, and she hated herself for losing it.

"I know," she said softly, her voice laced with regret. "I'm so sorry, Zilla. I should have taken better care of it."

He was silent for a moment, his grip on the steering wheel still tight. The tension in the car was palpable, the air thick with anger and frustration.

"Sorry don't fix anything," he finally said, his voice cold. "but it's okay. I got something for yo' ass."

She looked at him, a mix of curiosity and apprehension on her face. She wasn't sure what he meant by that, she shouldn't be excited but she really was.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice small and submissive.

Zilla drove in silence, the only sound being the hum of the car's engine. After a few minutes, they pulled up in front of a nondescript building.

He got out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door for her and gesturing for her to get out.

She got out of the car, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. She recognized the building as the Wolf's Den, the kink club that Zilla's cousin Jacob owned. The two of them frequent here often, the whole kinky ass bloodline does really. It's a safe space for wrestlers to get their dungeon fix without worrying about the press picking up on details of their sex lives.

Wolf's Den was known as one of the safest BDSM clubs in the country. People were heavily vetted, background checks were done, there were club rules and safe words and there was always more than one Dungeon Monitor on duty to ensure things stay safe, sane and consensual

After Zilla scanned his membership card for entry, Y/N followed him inside, her eyes darting around the dimly lit interior, taking in the various equipment and furnishings scattered throughout the room as couples spread about made use of them. In passing she saw Jimmy with Naomi on a spanking bench, Rhea with Jey on a leash, Tiffy kneeling at Nia's feet and Drew working Punk over with a flogger while he's tied to the St. Andrew's Cross in the corner of the room.

Zilla led her deeper into the familiar club, The air was thick with the scent of leather and sweat, and the sound of moans and whimpers filled the room.

They finally bumped into Jacob, who was talking to another patron. A newbie, Mistress Zaria and her pets Giulia and Stephanie.

"Aye, uce," Zilla said, nodding at his cousin. "We need a private room."

Jacob looked over at them, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Of course," he said, his eyes flicking between the two of them. "Follow me, Uce."

He turned and led them through a door at the back of the room, opening it to reveal a hallway that had the four private rooms and led them straight to the open one.

Once they were in the private room, Zilla turned to Jacob.

"Can I ask a favor?" he said, his voice low.

Jacob raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his expression.

"Sure, what is it?" he asked.

Zilla glanced at his wife, then back at Jacob.

"I need you to help me punish her," he said, nodding in her direction.

Jacob's smirk widened, his eyes roaming over her body.

"With pleasure," he said, his voice dripping with excitement.

"What's your color, babygirl?" Zilla asked y/n in regards to the traffic light safe word system. Green meaning good, Yellow meaning slow down and Red meaning stop.

"Green, Daddy!" Y/N eagerly confirmed.

Zilla stepped aside, giving Jacob full access to her.

"She lost something important," Zilla said, his eyes darkening. "And she needs to be taught a lesson."

Jacob moved closer to her, his gaze hungry as he looked her up and down.

"I can definitely help with that," he said, his voice low and seductive. "She looks like she needs a firm hand."

Jacob reached out and grabbed her chin, tilting her head up to look at him.

"You ready to be punished, sweetheart?" he asked, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip. She huffs but doesn't respond.

"Answer me," he said, his tone demanding.

She bit her lip, her eyes darting between him and Zilla.

"Y-yes," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jacob chuckled, clearly pleased with her response.

"Good girl," he purred, his grip on her chin tightening slightly. "You bout to learn your lesson tonight."

"Remember, baby, I'm your Daddy. Jacob is your Alpha. Just like before." Zilla said referring to the last time he and Jacob played with her together. Zilla was newer, less experienced at being a Dom, a brat tamer at that. And Jacob was always happy to lend a helping hand in keeping y/n in line. Roman had also done the job a time or two. The tribal chief was by far the strictest Dom of the bunch. Y/N enjoyed being shared, Zilla enjoyed sharing her but only with his cousins.

She shivered at Zilla's words, memories of their previous encounters with Jacob flooding her mind. She remembered the way he would tease and taunt her, how he would push her limits and make her submit to his every command.

Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness as she realized that tonight was going to be no different.

Zilla was a caring, yet firm Daddy Dom, always taking care of her and making sure she was comfortable and safe during their scenes and otherwise. He was the one who would comfort her after, praising her and making sure she knew how good she was.

Jacob, on the other hand, was a Primal Dom. He was rougher, more demanding, and didn't hold back when it came to pushing her limits. He liked to see her break, to make her beg and plead for his touch. Still caring and protective though.

Zilla always knew that his wife was in good hands with his cousin, and he trusted Jacob to give her the punishment she deserved.

Jacob circled her slowly, his eyes raking over her body as he took in every curve and dip. He stopped behind her, his hands coming to rest on her hips.

She felt his hands on her hips, his grip firm and possessive. He pulled her back against him, her body flush against his chest.

"Such a naughty girl.. Givin' Uce a hard time." he whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her skin.

She couldn't help but get aroused at the feeling of his body pressed against hers, his voice sending shivers down her spine. He took in the aroma of her cocoa butter lotion.

She knew that she was in for a rough night, but the thought only excited her more.

He chuckled at her reaction, his hands sliding up her sides, tracing the curve of her waist.

"You like this, don't you?" he murmured, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her neck. "You like being at my mercy."

She tried to suppress a moan, but a small, needy sound escaped her lips anyway.

"Y-yes," she managed to whisper, her body already responding to his touch.

"Aht aht! Yes what?" Zilla corrected her on Jacob's behalf

"Yes, Alpha." She responded to Jacob as Zilla began pulling her clothes off.

"Good girl," Jacob said, a satisfied smirk on his face as she corrected herself.

He watched as Zilla began to undress her, his eyes hungrily taking in every inch of her exposed skin.

Her clothes fell to the floor, leaving her standing naked before them. She couldn't help but feel vulnerable, exposed under their gazes.

Jacob's hands moved back to her hips, his fingers digging into her skin as he pulled her closer to him.

"Get on your knees," Jacob commanded, his voice low and firm. "And suck him off. You need to make it up to him, for being such a forgetful slut."

She obeyed, dropping to her knees in front of Zilla. She looked up at him with wide eyes, tugging down his pants and boxers.

Zilla's hand reached out, his fingers carefully tangling in her hair as he guided her head towards his cock.

"Go on, baby girl," he said, his voice husky with desire. "Take it like a good girl."

She wrapped her lips around him, taking him into her mouth slowly. She swirled her tongue around the head, teasing the sensitive skin.

Zilla let out a low moan, his grip on her hair tightening as he watched her take him deeper.

Jacob stood behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders as he watched the scene unfold.

As she continued to suck on Zilla's cock, Jacob reached for a flogger that was nearby. He trailed the tresses over her back, teasing her skin with the soft touch.

He waited until she was completely distracted before bringing the flogger down on her skin, the impact sending a sharp sting through her body.

She moaned around Zilla's cock, the pain from the flogger mixing with pleasure.

Zilla groaned, his eyes fluttering closed as she took his cock deeper, her tongue working over him.

Jacob continued to alternate between the flogger and his hands, spanking her and caressing her skin. He knew just how to push her limits, how to keep her on edge and wanting more.

Zilla was close to losing control, his breathing growing ragged as he fought to hold back his release.

She could feel Zilla tensing, his cock throbbing in her mouth. She knew he was close, and she redoubled her efforts, sucking and licking with renewed fervor.

Jacob watched her intently, a smirk on his face as he continued to tease her with the flogger.

Zilla couldn't hold back any longer. With a loud moan, he came, spilling himself into her mouth.

She swallowed every drop, her tongue still working over him as he rode out his orgasm.

Zilla let out a shaky breath as he came down from his high, his grip on her hair loosening.

Jacob chuckled, setting the flogger aside for the moment. He knelt down behind her, his chest pressing against her back as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

With a nod from Jacob as if the two were silently communicating, Zilla helped her up and positioned her on her hands and knees.

She was now facing Jacob, who was sitting in front of her, his cock hard and waiting for her. She had no clue at what point he'd shed his clothes.

Behind her, Zilla positioned himself at her entrance, his hands gripping her hips as he slowly pushed into her.

She moaned as Zilla filled her.

Jacob reached out, gently guiding her head down towards his cock.

"Come on, baby. Open that pretty mouth for me," he coaxed.

She parted her lips, taking Jacob's cock into her mouth.

As she started to suck on him, Zilla began to move, his thrusts slow and deep at first.

She moaned around Jacob's cock, the vibrations sending shivers down his spine.

Zilla's grip on her hips tightened as he picked up the pace, his thrusts growing faster and harder.

She struggled to keep her focus on Jacob, her mind fogging with pleasure as Zilla pounded into her from behind.

Jacob's hand tangled in her hair, guiding her movements as he started to thrust into her mouth in time with Zilla's rhythm.

The room was filled with the sounds of skin slapping against skin, moans and grunts, and the wet sounds of her mouth around Jacob's cock and Zilla in her warm wet pussy.

Jacob's head fell back, his eyes closed in pleasure as he used her mouth to chase his own release.

Zilla's thrusts became more erratic, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he neared his second orgasm.

Jacob was close as well, his grip on her hair tightening as he held her head in place, his hips bucking up to meet her mouth.

"Fuck, I'm close," Jacob groaned, his voice strained.

Zilla grunted in response, his thrusts becoming even harder as he chased his own release.

Suddenly, Zilla gave a final, deep thrust, burying himself to the hilt as he came inside her.

Jacob let out a strangled cry as he followed suit, his release spilling into her mouth.

She was a mess of moans and whimpers, her body trembling between the two of them as she felt Zilla's release fill her.

It didn't take long for her own orgasm to hit, her body tensing and clenching around Zilla as she came undone.

Zilla and Jacob both stilled, both of them panting as they came down from their highs.

Zilla gently pulled out of her, leaving her feeling empty and used in the best way possible.

She collapsed onto her elbows, her body spent and exhausted.

Jacob reached out to brush a strand of hair out of her face, his expression tender despite the roughness of their previous actions.

Zilla knelt down beside her, his hands running soothingly over her back.

"You did so well, baby. So good for us," he murmured, his voice soft and affectionate.

She leaned into his touch, her body still trembling from the aftershocks of her orgasm.

Jacob chuckled, his hand moving to caress her cheek.

"You look absolutely wrecked," he said, his tone playful.

She could only manage a weak nod in response, too spent to form coherent words.

Zilla chuckled as well, his hands moving to her hips and gently turning her over so she was lying on her back.

Jacob smiled and stood up, understanding that Zilla wanted a moment alone with her.

"I'll go clean up," he said, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead before pulling his clothes on.

"See you later, Uce." he said to Zilla who gave him a nod.

Once Jacob was gone, Zilla turned his attention back to his wife.

He laid down beside her, pulling her into his arms and holding her close.

"You're amazing, you know that?" he murmured, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her skin.

She snuggled closer to him, burying her face in his chest.

He held her tightly, his arms wrapped around her as if he never wanted to let go.

"You took us both so well," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and affection.

She let out a soft sigh, her body still sensitive and sore from their earlier activities.

Zilla's hands continued to roam over her body, his touch gentle but possessive, as if he was claiming her all over again.

His hands eventually came to rest on her thighs, his thumbs rubbing small circles on her skin.

"You're mine," he murmured, his voice low and possessive. "My beautiful wife."

"I really am sorry about the ring" Y/N reiterated.

"I'ma buy you another one, baby. And a hundred more after that if I got to, as long as you're mine." Zilla responded.

"I love you, Z." She said

He pulled back slightly to look down at her, his eyes filled with affection and adoration.

"I love you too, babygirl," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "Forever".

"Forever" Y/N confirmed with a soft content sigh.

[linagram]

[ 𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚋𝚊 𝚗𝚊𝚘𝚖𝚒'𝚜 𝚝𝟷 𝚟𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚊 ] 𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚌𝚛𝚞𝚎𝚕𝚝𝚢

naomi's vd is here! i think this one is a little shorter than the other ones? at least it definitely feels like a short one to me.

well, naomi's crime was basically solved on my other blog, so i felt like it wouldn't make sense to try and make it sound more mysterious than it actually is, haha. she's still a very interesting character to me though and i'm excited to see how her trial goes.

(divider link)

(door opens)

(sounds of footsteps)

Miki: I hope we didn't keep you waiting too long..

Naomi: No, no, everything is fine, don't worry about it.

Naomi: I understand that you two are quite busy today, haha. If I recall correctly, you have to extract everyone's songs today, right?

Miki: Y-yes..

Naomi: And I'm only the fourth prisoner. You still have a lot of people to talk to today.

Miki: *nods*

Naomi: Well, do your best then. I'm sure everything will be fine.

Miki: T-thank you so much!

Eiji: *clears his throat*

Eiji: I'm also here, just so you know.

Naomi: Of course. Hello, um..

Naomi: Is it okay if I call you both by your first names? You both are guards, so calling you both "Guard-san" is kind of..

Eiji: Hey, who do you think you are to-

Miki: Yes, that would be so much better!

Naomi: Great. Hello, Eiji-san.

Eiji: (to Miki) What are you doing? She has no right to call us by our first names like that, she's just a prisoner!

Miki: Well, I'm tired of being called "Guard 002" or "Guard-san's assistant" all the time. So yes, I prefer my name better.

Eiji: .. What happened to you?

Miki: Maybe I'm just trying to act more like a guard?

Miki: You can still say her prisoner number and name though. It's your thing, after all.

Eiji: I-I know that..

Naomi: Haha, you two get along so well.

Eiji: So, Prisoner 004, Chiba Naomi.

Eiji: Oh, you also were a teacher before arriving to Milgram.

Naomi: .. Yes, that's right. I was an elementary school teacher, to be more exact.

Miki: That's so cute! To be honest, I can definitely imagine you being a type of person who's good with children.

Naomi: !..

Naomi: Y-yes, a lot of people have told me that..

Eiji: So, an elementary school teacher..

Eiji: Even someone who spent so much time with children still ended up becoming a murderer.

Eiji: There's really no hope for all of you.

Naomi: Yes, I won't deny that I really did murder someone.

Miki: U-um, before we discuss that..

Miki: How about we talk about your life in Milgram?

Naomi: Well.. Sure, why not?

Miki: Do you get along well with other prisoners?

Naomi: Hm, let me think..

Naomi: Other prisoners are very.. interesting people.

Eiji: You mean they're all insane.

Naomi: *laughs* I don't really have a right to judge them for their behavior and for what they've done. I'm just like them, after all.

Naomi: I can't imagine some of them being criminals at all though..

Naomi: Like Yurika-san. She's so kind and gentle!

Naomi: And Aimi-chan. She's such a sweet and polite girl!

Eiji: You haven't mentioned Asahi though.

Eiji: Don't you think it's weird that he's here, since, you know, he's a child?

Naomi: ...

Naomi: Kids can be very cruel too, Eiji-san.

Naomi: Of course, a lot of prisoners here are children. Akio-kun, Aimi-chan, Riku-kun..

Naomi: But.. um.. Asahi-kun definitely seems like the type of child who is not as pure and innocent as you'd expect a child to be.

Eiji: It's like you had to deal with kids like that in the past.

Naomi: You're right.

Naomi: I love kids, I really do, but some of them..

Naomi: .. Can be more evil than any adults.

Naomi: And yes, usually people say that it's okay for children to do horrible things, because again, they're children, they don't understand what they're doing!

Naomi: But that's exactly what makes them so evil.

Naomi: We always say that adults are responsible for what they've done even if they didn't know better, but why do we go easy on children?

Miki: Um.. because they're children?

Naomi: Miki-san, were you ever hurt by a child?

Naomi: And what about you, Eiji-san?

Miki: ...

Eiji: ...

Naomi: Think about it. Refusing to play with someone just because they're "different", making fun of someone for some stupid reason they've just made up, hurting someone and then blaming that person for everything..

Naomi: Children are capable of all those things.

Naomi: I can tell that you two have met children like that before.

Miki: H-how do you know that?..

Naomi: You two are still children in my eyes. I know that a child had to go through something horrible when I look at them.

Naomi: I had to help a lot of my students. Some of them were abused by their own family, some of them were bullied by their classmates, some of them were simply ignored by everyone.

Naomi: And I can tell that you were just like them when you were younger.

Naomi: I'll tell you more, I feel like one of you is still really angry at that child who hurt them in the past, meanwhile the other one..

Naomi: Feels like they were that child who hurt someone very badly when they were younger.

Miki: ...

Eiji: .. Stop it. Let's just talk about your crime already.

Naomi: You're right. Sorry.

Naomi: But before we talk about that.. Can I ask you something?

Naomi: Eiji-san, you want to vote everyone here guilty, right?

Eiji: Haha, how did you know? Was that so obvious?

Eiji: Of course. I hate every single Milgram prisoner.

Naomi: I see. In that case..

Naomi: Can you promise to vote me guilty no matter what?

Miki: .. Huh??

Eiji: Sure, I'd love to!

Miki: No, wait, Chiba-san, what does that mean? Why do you want to be voted guilty?

Naomi: Well.. Because I want someone to tell me that they don't forgive me.

Naomi: I'm sick of it. I know that my crime is unforgivable, but..

Naomi: I've never got punished for it.

Eiji: .. What do you mean by that?

Naomi: My crime.. was seen as something good.

Naomi: Well, not exactly good, but not exactly bad either.

Naomi: Sure, I've never actually told anyone that I was the one who did it, but I just know that people wouldn't say that I'm evil for doing that.

Naomi: They would be okay with that. Even my victim's family would be okay with that.

Naomi: So, please.. Tell me I'm guilty.

Naomi: I will tell you everything you want to know about my crime. Just promise that you won't forgive me like everyone else did.

Eiji: Oh, you don't have to worry about that.

Eiji: Now, about your crime-

(bell rings, machinery sounds)

Miki: No, no, wait! We need more time! We finally can talk to a prisoner who actually wants to tell us everything about their crime, we can't lose that chance!

Eiji: It's okay, we'll learn everything we want to know very soon.

Naomi: But.. Are you sure that video will be enough to judge me properly?

Naomi: What if you decide that I'm innocent after watching it?

Eiji: Well, if that video makes you look sympathetic..

Eiji: It simply means that you actually want to be forgiven.

Naomi: I..

Naomi: I DON'T WANT TO BE FORGIVEN! I DESERVE TO BE PUNISHED! I LITERALLY KILLED A CHILD-

Eiji: Prisoner 004, Naomi, sing your sins!

═════════•°• ⚠ •°•═════════

[lavandulawrites]

Yandere Bungo Stray Dogs men on their first date with their darling: Chuuya and Tanizaki

Yandere Chuuya x reader, yandere Tanizaki x reader

Chuuya is such a gentleman and Tanizaki can be quite frightening at times

Warnings: mention of violence. Tanizaki and Naomi have a normal sibling relationship and are normal siblings.

Masterlist

Word count: 1208

Chuuya

The restaurant’s lights were dimmed creating an intimate atmosphere. Soft jazz playing from a grand piano, the pianist an older man dressed in a elegant suit. The sound of wine glasses clinking together distant. You were seated in a more scheduled spot, perfect for soft whispers and lingering touches. In front of you were a plate of a delicate decorated lasagna. It was clear that the chef had taken their time on preferring your meal.

Chuuya was sitting opposite of you with a wine glass in hand. The red liquid swishing slightly around as he gently rolled his hand taking a whiff of the sweet aroma. In front of him where a plate of pasta carbonara.

“This place is really nice and the lasagna is amazing!” you beamed. You took a bite of your lasagna and hummed in delight, the flavours were melting on your tongue.

“I am glad you like it. I am a regular here actually” Chuuya smiled. His blue eyes filled with love.

“It’s not hard to imagine why. Their food really are something else” you turned your attention back to your plate. You were quite nervous. It was your first date with the handsome man.

He chucked slightly at your nervous expression. His laugh deep and as smooth as honey, making you blush slightly. “I am glad you could make it today” he placed his glass down with a soft clink.

“Yeah me too. My boss was kind enough for letting me go early” you nodded.

“You know… Stress is really bad for you” he repositioned himself in his seat and leaned forward on his elbows. “Have you considered taking a week off? I have plenty of holiday houses” his voice soft, but his eyes poorly concealed worry and something else you couldn’t quite place.

“Thank you for your offer, but I don’t think I am able to” you sighed.

His brows furrowed and he leaned back in his seat. “And why is that?”.

You fiddled nervously with your pearl bracelet. “It’s a lot to do at work at the moment. The only reason to why I got to go early today is because I have been working every day these past two weeks”.

He looked at you with a brow raised in disappointment. “You have been overworking yourself” his voice stern and disappointed. He looked at you for a moment before he opened his mouth “You should go on vacation with me. We could perhaps go to Paris. Wouldn’t that be nice?”.

“Chuuya… I can’t just do that. Did you not listen to what I just said? I appreciate your concern, but I cannot simply drop everything and take some days off” you shook your head.

“You can” he intertwined his hands and placed his head on them, leaning forward. “You definitely can. All you need to do is resign” his expression completely serious.

You looked at him with disbelief. “I know I haven’t known you for that long, but I have known you long enough for me to say that you really do need a break. You can always live with me. That way you wouldn’t need to work so much, since you wouldn’t need to worry about your rent. I have plenty of room in my penthouse” he smiled. His canine chanting the light making it glisten. He really was charming.

“I can’t do that”

“Of course you can. I have more than enough money” he furrowed his brows in slight annoyance. He picked up his glass and took a sip, he closed his eyes and hummed at the sweet taste. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. I will let you think about it” he smiled warmly. You could see obsession and determination swirling in his blue eyes.

Tanizaki

Tanizaki nervously pulled on the red hem of his hoodie. His eyes flickering between you and the window of the cozy French styled café. You only glanced at him out of the corner of your eye finding his behaviour cute. “Do you know what to order?” you asked the ginger as you nodded at the menu in his hands. His knuckles were white from his tight grip. He shot his gaze towards you and pink blush crept over his cheeks.

He nodded. “Y-yes…” he quacked out. “I will take a Croque Madame”.

Your eyes scanned over the menu “I will take a sourdough sandwich”.

You was about to rise to your feet to order when Tanizaki put his hand on your arm. “I will order” his lips pulled back in a small smile. You nodded and watched him making his way over to the counter.

With giddy steps he walked over to your table with a tray. “I ordered us both a caramel latte” he smiled as he took a seat.

“Thank you Tanizaki” you smiled at the ginger.

“Don’t mention it. It’s my treat” his eyes were beaming. He picked up his cutlery before he put it down again, eyes looking intensely into yours. “Thank you for agreeing to go out with me. I really appreciate it” his expression genuine.

“No need to thank me. I am glad you asked me out Tanizaki. I should be the one thank you”

His lips curled into a smile “Please call me Junichiro”

You nodded. “How’s your week been? I read in the newspaper that the amount of crimes have skyrocketed, so the agency must have been quite busy I assume”.

He nodded. “Yeah it have been quite hectic, but thanks to you I have managed” he whispered the last part while he looked down on his plate.

“I am sorry? I didn’t quite catch that”

“Oh! It’s nothing!” his cheeks where as red as his hoodie. “What about you then? How has your studies been?” his head tilted slightly in interest.

You sighed. “Well my studies are going well. The other night I got almost robbed by some random guys. It turns out that one of the guys are my friend’s ex. He decided to take revenge on me to get to her, even though I hadn’t done anything. I didn’t even know him!” you rolled your eyes and huffed in frustration.

“What did you say?” his voice eerie silent. You looked back at Tanizaki and your over dramatic expression fell. His eyes were darkened and his mouth twisted into something akin to a growl.

“It happened two days ago, it’s okay. We sorted it out. He even got in trouble with the police” you raised your hands as to calm him down.

His eyes were narrowed and his brows furrowed. He lips pulled back into a snarl. He was truly terrifying. “I should rip him apart for hurting you” his voice a low growl.

“Junichiro!” you glared at him.

“I should carve out his eyes and feed it to some strays. THIS WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED!” his face was twisted in rage fitting a rabid dog.

You gently placed your hand on his. “Please calm down. Let’s just enjoy lunch together okay?” you plastered on a face smile, trying to convince him to drop it.

His hazel eyes scanned yours, before they softened. “Of course” he smiled. “I still won’t forgive him though. He will get as he deserves” his left eye twitching.

[tojikai]

Sundered 7: TIES

Pairing: Gojo x reader

• Part 1  |  Part 2   | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Alt. Ending

Genre: Angst

tags/cw: angst, babydaddy!gojo, babymomma!reader, motherhood, insecurities, arguments, mentions of sexual assault

word count: 6.0k

And he was happy. But never the happiest.

Naomi couldn’t count how many calls she had made but the wetness in her cheeks is proof of how frustrated she already is. “Please, pick up.” She bit the inner side of her cheeks, tapping her feet on the tiled floor. Naomi regrets what she did. She regretted that she still proceeded despite knowing how wrong it was.

She warned herself not to be greedy at the beginning of their relationship. She remembered telling him they’d take it step by step, not rushing anything because they were determined to make it work. Now that she’s thinking about it, maybe he’s only determined because he wanted to forget about you so badly.

“Mom, please. He threw me out.” Naomi spoke on the phone, tapping her feet as she stood in the middle of her room with her things around her. She took all the things necessary and left. Satoru would probably put everything she left in the trash but that’s the least of her concern right now. She lost everything she had with Satoru and it’s all because of her stupidity.

“What did you expect? You sexually assaulted my son and you want me to help you?” The woman hissed at her. Naomi was naive; thinking that she’ll have her back just because she wanted her for Satoru. “If anything I could even get you arrested—” She began but Naomi was quick to defend herself.

“You’re part of this. Didn’t you basically tell me to use a child to keep your son?!” Tears of anger pooled in her eyes as her hands shook in fear, fury, and heartbreak. Naomi remembered when Satoru’s mom would free her schedule so she could spend time with him and Yui. She would suggest activities and let Naomi tag along and that’s how they started to fall for each other.

Or rather, that’s how she started to fall for him while he just wanted an escape.

“But I never told you to do that to my son! Naomi, do you really think someone would side with you on this?” Every corner of Naomi’s room felt like they were closing in on her, ready to squeeze her till she was nothing but dust. Of course, no one would be with her. No matter what Satoru’s mother told her, she still chose to follow it so the blame’s on her.

“For someone who finished school with flying colors, your mind is dull.” She chuckled, letting Naomi hear all she truly is. “You got a pretty face, you know? That’s another reason why you caught Satoru’s eyes easily.” At that point, Naomi didn’t know if it was still a compliment. She’s pretty and kind, and smart and perfect for him, like she said. But why can’t she have all of him?

“But I’m afraid that pretty face would be useless now. If I were you I’d go start over alone somewhere far.” She clicked her tongue, cutting Naomi’s thoughts off every time she tried to voice them out. “Like, imagine graduating only to get jailed over some dumb, desperate shit? Naomi, you screwed up. And that’s why you lost all chances with my son.”

Naomi shook her head, the warmness of her emotions dampened the smooth skin of her face. “No, you made me…” She breathed out, covering her mouth before running her fingers through her hair. “I didn’t want to do that…No.” She bawled and bawled but the line only went more and more silent.

She fucked up and she’s right. The shame and the loss of self-respect are not something she could live through in this city. She must go, she must leave. Like how they always did when she was a kid; fleeing the scene with her embarrassment of a family who can’t live without humiliating them. They have no decent source of living so they gotta strive.

Now, she’s doing all of it again, all while losing all of it. Again.

“Save yourself. I won’t let them know of your plan. After all, you were once of help to my child. I’m truly sorry.” With that, the call ended; with Naomi sitting on the floor as she put a balled hand over her throbbing chest, and the thought of going away to start as someone new settled in the middle of her head. Naomi learned a lot from all the troubles she went through.

This time, she learned that you could have someone's body but their heart could still be somewhere else.

—-------------------------------------------------

“What is it?” Satoru heard through the phone speaker. Taking a deep breath, he shut his eyes, letting relief flood his veins and calm his shaking flesh. “When are you free?” There was a long pause before Satoru’s father replied, “You know I can make time.” Clearing his throat, Satoru massaged his temples, thanking the heavens that his nightmares weren’t real.

“Let’s meet later if that’s alright.” He whispered, scared that his voice would break. Satoru knows that he is the only link between the relationship of his parents. Just like how his older brother would’ve been the connection his father was hoping to keep his first, real love close. Until they got tired of it all; the matters brought by his mother. And him.

Just like how she drained Satoru out. And right now he just wanted to run away from her too.

“Of course, just send me the exact time.” Satoru nodded as if his father could see him, “Are you alright?” He asked after a few seconds as if sensing the trouble from his son’s voice. “Yeah, much better now, at least.” Satoru rubbed his eyes as he shook his head, eyeing the negative results of the vaginal swab test. “Dad, Mom can’t know.”

He’s almost sure that the request would prompt questions from his father, knowing that he’s aware of how close he is to his Mom. But he was surprised when he simply agreed, murmuring an “Okay.” before letting his son end the call. Satoru pictured him on his office chair as he nodded away, brows furrowed with worry like he always is when it comes to family matters.

When Satoru was a child, his nanny would tell him that his father wasn’t always so workaholic when his ex-wife was still there, co-parenting with him. After she ran away and left, his father started to immerse himself in work more. He knows that he tried with his mother since they were already there and married. But it was just never the same.

His father was happy with them. But he could never be the happiest again.

Leaning back on the chair, he put a hand over his eyes and let his frustrations stream down his cheeks. He let out a shaky sigh, grabbing the papers before looking at them in a brighter light. It’s negative. Nothing happened. You woke him up just in time. He tapped on Naomi’s contact, quickly typing his last message before attaching a photo of the results.

‘I’m mailing the rest of your things tomorrow.’ It only took a minute for her to respond with an apology but Satoru doesn’t care anymore to read it. He blocked the number as soon as he made sure that she received and read the message. He doesn’t want to be anywhere near her.

He knows he is wrong for not telling her about his feelings as soon as he can. But that doesn’t equal what she did to him and what she almost got them into. Satoru checked the clock before sending the time to his father, hoping to end all of this mess before the mess ended him.

His mother has been calling him nonstop, and he always had to pretend that he was not home during the previous days. He stayed in watching movies with his little girl, sending you videos and pictures every now and then. He slept in her room during those days, a desperate attempt to calm his brain down. His head hurts from overthinking.

Putting the papers back into the envelope, Satoru took it with him to his room. He made sure to put it in his bedside drawer, just in case some other shit comes up. If this happened before, he’d probably think that Naomi is not that kind of person. But after what she did to him, all of the trust and admiration she has for her went to waste.

Changing into something more comfortable, Satoru tried to take a quick nap. He doesn’t want to look this tired when he meets his father. He’d probably convince him to get a general checkup just to make sure that nothing was wrong. Satoru knows that if it weren’t for him, his father wouldn’t ever put up with his mom. He’d probably spend his whole life searching for his ex-wife.

A few hours of nap felt like nothing because when Satoru woke up, he still felt tired. The only difference is his heartbeat doesn’t sound like it’s trying to come out of his chest anymore unlike when he was waiting for the results. A little progress is still progress; just like how he’s trying to make it all up to you.

If Satoru’s being honest, he’d fall down to his knees and beg you to take him back if you asked him to do it. The only thing stopping him is his brain telling him how happy you are right now and how he wouldn’t want to destroy that. He can’t force himself to stop thinking about you but he can force himself to move on if it’s for you.

Satoru leaned his elbows on the kitchen counter, reading a text from his father saying that he was on his way. Another text was from you; it was a picture of Yui holding up a coloring book and a crayon. He was just with her earlier but he misses her already. He wondered if he could visit when he doesn’t have other things to do even if it’s not his schedule yet.

Sending a response with a small smile on his face, Satoru heard the doorbell ring, signaling his father’s arrival. He peeked through the spaces of his window curtains to ensure that it was him before opening the door. Satoru’s still unsure of what he’ll say but he hopes that his father can give him a better solution.

Satoru thought that if he ever cut ties with his mother, it’d be for you and Yui’s safety. He didn’t think that it’d be for him too. “Dad,” He gave his father a hug as he stepped in, following his son as they walked to his house. “What’s going on?” He asked as soon as Satoru closed the door. They walked to the kitchen, settling on one of the barstools.

“It’s because of mom…” He began, placing a glass pitcher atop the counter.

—---------------------------------------

“Smile~ We’ll send this to Dada.” You cooed, pointing at the camera as you tried to take a picture of your daughter. At first, she didn’t want to do it, wanting nothing but to play with her book and crayons but when she heard that her Dad wanted to know about it, she got real creative with the pose. “You don’t listen to Mama, anymore.” You pouted at her as you hit send.

She scrunched her nose, sticking out her tongue at you before picking on her colors. You still can’t forget how dead Satoru looked when he dropped Yui off. You wondered what he talked about with his mother that caused him to be like that. Even with the soft tone of his voice, you could hear roughness that probably came from the lack of sleep.

If it concerns you, then you definitely have to know. His mother probably said something bad about you, but you doubt that it’s affecting Satoru by how he was talking and looking at you. He just looked so done with all of it, but even so, there was still a tender look in his eyes when they met yours.

You sighed while looking at your phone as you waited for a text from Toji. He’s been so busy with work lately, you’re just glad that you already talked about your problems. You had a feeling that it wouldn’t end well had it stayed unsaid for a couple more days. It wasn’t completely back to normal, but at least, you’re both trying to make it better for each other.

“I would try,” He whispered to your ear as he hugged you from behind, “I can’t promise not to think of her–“ You turned around, looking up at him with a solemn look in your eyes, “I’m not asking you to not think of her, that’d be selfish of me.” He nodded, kissing your forehead, “Alright, what I mean is, I won’t make any comparisons.” You hummed.

“I need you to stop worrying about Satoru and I.” You put your head on his chest, “I know it’s easier said than done, but I just want you to know that I am with you.” Your fingers traced figured on his skin, “I’m keeping that in mind.” He placed his cheek on top of your head, sighing deeply as he let go of you.

“I’m taking Megumi to my Mom’s.” He pushed your hair back with his fingers, making your eyes flutter close as you felt his face get closer to yours and his breath ghosting on your lips. “I’ll see you later.” He pecked your lips, “Take care, I love you.” He murmured as he gave you a long kiss, before turning to get their stuff.

One thing that you notice about Toji is that he never waits for you to say anything back. You don’t want to take the words lightly, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t feel the same way as him. You still have a long way to go, and you don’t want to rush anything. When you mention it to him, he just says that he needs you to hear it.

“Mama, look!” Your daughter pulled you out of your head as she showed you a picture of a cat, “Dada buy Yui.” You looked closely at the picture, laughing as you realized that she was talking about the cake that they ate. “Yeah, you're right! That's what Dada bought you!.” You patted her head as she giggled.

“Yui, baby. Did meemaw come to see you?” You held her small hands, trying to keep her attention to you. “No. No meemaw.” She pulled at your hair gently, trying to color it with her crayons. “What about…what about Naomi?” You can’t help but chuckle as she pretended to think, eyes looking up as she pouted her lip.

“No Naomi!” Her answer gave you a bit of an insight. You would assume that maybe she was just busy, but hearing about how Satoru’s mother reduced her workload made you doubt it. Satoru sent you tons of pictures during his time with her but you thought that Naomi just wasn’t in the frame.

If the ‘talk’ between her and Satoru didn’t end well, you could only assume that he already told her about it. He’s probably down because he wouldn’t want to hurt her like that. With all the progress Satoru has made, you doubt that he’d be so happy to have broken a heart. She was still once a friend to him.

A heavy feeling settles in the middle of your chest, like an anchor weighing your heart down, thinking about how his mother would probably find a reason to drag you for it. But if that’s the case, you’re sure that Satoru wouldn’t let harm come to you.

With how gentle Naomi was, you couldn’t think of a worse thing to happen.

——————————————

“What did she do this time?” His father looked away, clicking his tongue. If one would ask Satoru, his parents would’ve probably divorced years ago if it weren’t for him. His father knows how he is with his mother, and the thought of giving him a hard time switching between the two of them pained him.

Satoru wished that he thought about it too before he decided to go and selfishly start over with someone else. Your words the night he confessed to you echoed in his head. He came to a realization that you probably wanted to ask him to come back but held yourself back as he let you know how happy he was with Naomi.

And he was happy. But just like his father, he was never the happiest.

“I don’t really know how to open this up to you…” He bit his lip, “…But I just want this to be over, Dad.” Satoru felt so vulnerable at that moment. The only time he had a talk this serious with his Dad was when he found out about your pregnancy. It was just more of a news, unlike right now, which is a call for help.

“Naomi…Mom and Naomi talked about…” His father’s eyes coaxed him as if sensing his distress. “Naomi tried to…” Shaking his head, Satoru breathed out. “Naomi wanted to conceive. Because our relationship was falling apart.” He can see his Dad’s brows pull together to a scowl, probably getting a hint of what happened.

“She talked to Mom about it and she…” The man sat up straight, bouncing his leg like he already knew what his wife did. “She said Mom brought up the thing about how you and him got together.”It was hard to talk about this to his father, knowing how sensitive it can be for him. “Naomi told me about it. I recorded it, just in case—”

“Satoru, what did your girlfriend do?” Satoru looked down, fingers fidgeting like he was a kid again. “And your mother’s involved? What happened?” Rubbing his face, Satoru threw away all his fears. If he’s not going to fix these problems, then who will? “She got me drunk, and then she tried to sleep with me.” He blinked fast, watching his father’s face.

“I heard her talking to Mom on the phone, and I took it from her. That’s how I found out that she played a part in all of it.” It was hard for him to accept. The person he used to protect, the one he always tried to understand was the same person who betrayed and put him in this position; the position that also made his father the person he is today.

Another long silence surrounded them. His father’s hand was balled into a fist, covering his mouth as he blankly stared at the marble surface. “Where’s Naomi?” His father pulled out his phone, and Satoru could tell just what he was about to do. “I don’t know. I’m sending her things away. I’m cutting her off. I’m filing a protective order against her and mom–“

Satoru didn’t get to finish his sentence before his father spoke again, probably finally taking in the information he just provided him. “I’m divorcing your mother.” His mouth fell half-open. His voice was low, serious, and full of all the grief that he’s been feeling for years ever since he lost his first wife and son. “And I’m sending that woman to jail.” He added, raising a finger.

“There’s…I don’t want that.” He breathed out, earning a questioning look from his dad. “You don’t have to send her to jail. I…I messed up if I just told her that I still have feelings for Y/N, then she wouldn’t have resorted to that. She wouldn’t have talked to Mom and this wouldn’t have happened.” He stood up, leaning on the counter as he squeezed his eyes shut.

Satoru thought about it too when he caught her in the act. But after some reflection, he realized his shortcomings, his mistake of not just telling her about what was really going on. Even though there was no excuse for what she did, Satoru can’t help but feel like he’s the one who caused all of this to happen. And he probably really is; a victim of his foolish choices.

“But other than that, I don’t want Y/N and Yui to be caught up in this. I don’t want to expose them to this kind of problem, they’ve been through so much because of me already. I just want to do better this time.” Thinking about dragging you into another mess made Satoru feel weak. He promised to make it up to you, and he’d do anything to prove that.

His father put his phone down on the table, taking in a deep breath just to calm himself. “But you’re not stopping me from divorcing your mother.” Satoru doesn’t know if it’s right to agree to that. It felt like he was encouraging the separation of his parents; celebrating his mother’s heartbreak.

But his father’s been suffering heartbreak for years. It’s only fair to set him free.

“It’s up to you. I…” Satoru shook his head, sure of the decision he was about to make. “...I don’t think I can just forgive and forget what she did. It’s not something small, and I’m not a kid anymore, Dad.” His eyes itched, ready to let his tears go any minute. “I don’t even know if I still want to be associated with her.” He turned away, sighing as he blinked away his pain.

When he and Naomi went for the examination, he made her spill all the details regarding the said conversation with his mother. It took everything in him not to fly into a rage while breaking down as he heard of it. All this time, his mother saw him as a pawn to keep his father, regardless of whose life she was tearing down; Satoru’s, his father's ex-wife, and his first son.

“I wanted to take you away when you were a kid.” His father admitted, looking ahead as he reminisced of the decisions he made. “I wanted to just take you and raise you with your brother. Of course, with the hopes of getting my ex-wife back.” He leaned back, tapping on the screen of his phone. The bitter tone in his voice can’t be missed.

“That was my plan when I found out about you. But when you were about a year and a half old, she disappeared. All I knew was she was…tired; drained of all the chaos that our son and her were exposed to. What with having to co-parent with me as I was with your mother.” His eyes played the emotions he chose to hide away many years ago.

“I know you know about this. She and I got divorced. I thought it was over for us, I thought I made the right decision to turn away and try another start. And I was dating your mother. Then we had you.” His arms were crossed and Satoru could almost see the similarities between his feelings to how he used to feel about yours and his relationship.

“Then, realization came running for me; haunting me in my sleep. I was ready to get her back again, but it was too late. She was already gone.” Satoru absently poured water for his Dad, listening intently to his story. “So, I felt like the only thing to do was to marry your Mom. I reminded myself that still have you, I can’t just spiral down.” He smiled at Satoru.

“I tried to convince, tried to brainwash myself that it’d be fine. That I could learn to love her and I did. Just not the kind of love that lovers have.” If his mother could hear his Dad right now, she’d get shattered. Satoru doesn’t want to see that, but she would have to. She has to understand that she’s putting this man through.

“I loved her because she loves me; because she cares for you and me.” Leaning over to pick up his glass, he looked his son in the eyes. “But true love is unconditional, Satoru. It should not have a reason.” He took a sip, pursing his lips before continuing. “Reasons might vanish, and when it does, so will the love you feel for that person.”

In the middle of it all, Satoru could only think of you. Why does he love you? When did he realize that he loves you? How did it happen? He doesn’t have an answer for it. He cannot find a reason for it. He doesn’t remember loving you just because you put up with him, he doesn’t remember falling for you just because of the life you created together.

All that he knows is that one day, he woke up and he already knew that he was in love with you. Like he’s been doing it for years; like that’s all he’s ever known.

—-------------------------------------------------

“I’ll keep in contact with you regarding the proceedings.” Satoru’s father spoke on the phone, stepping inside his mansion and smiling at his helpers. He asked Satoru if he wanted to have a word with his mother but the thought of having to look at her after what she tried to make his ex-girlfriend do makes him feel dizzy.

“Honey, you’re home.” The woman tried to welcome him with a kiss and open arms but he quickly turned his head, rejecting her. “Come up to my office, we got something to talk about.” The mask of a loving wife was quickly covered with fear and dread.

“What about in our room? So, you can rest.” She nodded her head once, trying to coax him but he was tired of closing his eyes and numbing his heart from feeling the pain and regret of having to lose the love of his life for the comfort that this woman offered him before. “In my office. It’s not a small matter that I could sleep on.”

Leaving the woman baffled, he made his way upstairs, not waiting for her to walk beside him. There was a deafening silence in the big room, save from the footsteps of her husband and the door of his office slamming with such force that it sent a crack in her heart.

She took a deep breath and ran her palm on top of her dress, thinking of all the reasons she could give him just to prove her innocence. She didn’t want any of that to happen. She didn't think that Naomi could be so dumb as to come up with such a heinous and unpleasant plan.

That wasn’t even what she did to Satoru’s father. It was just working to keep them together. And that’s why Satoru came.

With her found determination, she held her head high. Swallowing the terror rising up her throat as she let her thoughts convince her that she did nothing wrong. She never explicitly told Naomi to do that, she’s the one who schemed that. There’s nothing to be afraid of.

She walked up the stairs, caressing the smooth, cold surface of the handrail. Satoru wouldn't allow anything to happen to her. He’s her boy, her pride and joy. He’s the only ally she had when his father was openly pushing her away.

Satoru wouldn’t just ruin what she and his father had because of baseless information from his sick girlfriend. Entering the office, the man sat on his swivel chair. Forehead pressed to the heel of his hand. “What is it, dear?” She smiled sweetly at her husband, appearing unaware of what he had in mind.

Oh, how she wished she was just unaware of it all. She wished that she didn't know what the problem was. She wished it wasn’t what she thought it was and that she was just overthinking because of how– “I want a divorce.” Those four words halted the spinning of her world.

“What?” She raised her brows, checking if it was just her mind playing tricks on her and making her hallucinate. “I want a divorce. And I want it as soon as possible.” His eyes no longer held any emotions towards her; no sadness, bitterness, fading love. None. Not even pity.

“Listen, honey, I didn’t think that Naomi would do–“ She took quick steps towards him, hoping to get him to listen. “So, you knew about it?” He glared at her, “You knew about it and you didn’t tell me anything?” He shook his head, and she could only open her mouth.

“Doesn’t matter. Satoru told me everything.” He stood up from his seat, towering over her as he stared her down. “It’s nothing like that–“ She breathed out, panicking. “I’m not really interested in what you told Naomi. I’m just thankful that my son’s safe.” He stepped away from her.

“What I want to do right now, is to be free from this.” It’s over for her. All the alibis that she was composing, thinking of for this moment are useless. He doesn’t need an explanation, this was simply the final push that he needed to kick her out of his life. And probably out of Satoru’s too.

“Please, don’t do this. We’re already too old to–“ She tried to grab his hand and he only grabbed it with the other to put it away. “You’re right. We’re too old, our son’s too old for me to still pretend that we want to be in this position.” Shaking her head, she stepped in front of him, blocking his way. “Please, listen. I wouldn’t do something that could harm–“

“I know,” His voice was calm. “Of course, to harm him wasn’t your intention, right?” She nodded eagerly, thinking that he was finally listening to her. “But you wanted to decide for him. You got in between him and Y/N, then pushed this woman on him because you thought you knew best for your son.” Tears fell down her eyes, and she lost all hope.

“Now, look at what you did to him.” He gritted his teeth, stepping forward to get her out of his way. “But this is not just about our son anymore. This is also about me, finally choosing to do what I should’ve done a long time ago.” Opening the door, he spoke to her one last time. “All you have to do is sign. The actions that your son will take is all up to him.”

With that, he left her with all of the nightmares of their past coming back. How he only wanted the best for his sons, how he wanted to take full custody of Satoru, how he wanted to get back together with his ex-wife, and how he only married her because she was gone. She was never the first option. She was never the original pick.

She wasn’t chosen, she just happened to be already there.

—————————————

“Hey,” You heard Satoru speak as Toji opened the door for him, nodding. This was kind of similar to how they first saw each other but you’re just glad that this time, it’s a lot calmer. Megumi ran to his father, peeking up at Satoru as he waved at him.

“Yui, your Dada’s here.” Toji left the door open to let Satoru in. Megumi was holding onto his pants, staring back at Satoru. “Yui Dada,” He picked his toy up, staring at a distance before walking closer to him. “Blue!” You laughed from the kitchen, as you packed some snacks for the little girl.

Today, you’re going to the zoo as Yui requested. The animal drawings from her coloring book got her asking you to call her Dada late at night, just to babble about it. “He’s referring to your eyes,” Toji spoke as he went back to the living room to pick up some of the toys.

“Megumi, it’s not good to point at people, what did I tell you?” He warned the toddler as he went back to your room, eyes meeting yours as you made your way to Yui's room. “Ah, yes. Yui and I have the same eyes.” Satoru smiled at the child.

“Dada!” Yui ran towards him, stomping her shoes extra hard to show him how they light up with dancing colors. “Woah! Did Mama buy you those shoes?” He opened his arms, urging the little girl to run to him and she happily did, giggling as she nodded. “It’s awesome!” You smiled at how he tried to flatter his child, encouraging her to do a little jump.

“Where are we going today?” You asked her in a playful tone as you put the lunch bags on the coffee table in front of them. “Zoo!” You watched a Satoru give her a sincere smile, patting her hair gently while complimenting her little butterfly clips. “I’m sure Megumi’s been to the zoo before.” He poked the little boy's tummy.

“Yeah. Animals. Bears and lions.” He stood behind you, peeking at Satoru as he talked. Megumi isn’t usually shy, but he doesn’t easily warm up to people. “We went there on his second birthday.” You almost jumped at Toji’s voice behind you as he picked up his child. “He’s a smart kid.” Satoru answered with a friendly smile.

“You guys should come. If you want..” It surprised you that he was initiating something like that. Although, you know that Toji wouldn’t be so comfortable with that and would most likely reject the offer, it’s still nice to see that Satoru’s trying to make an effort to get along with him.

“That’d be nice but his grandma's waiting for him,” Toji answered, chuckling awkwardly. “Dada work,” Megumi added, earning a hum from his Dad. Making sure that the bag is packed with everything Yui needs, you zipped it up. “You ready to go now?” You tapped the toddler’s cheek, feeling Satoru’s gaze at you.

“Alright, let’s get going.” Standing up with his daughter in his arms, he took the bag from your hands. He put the toddler down to hug her friend goodbye, before walking hand in hand with her outside. You laughed at how she kept squealing with each step she took, looking up to see her Dad’s reaction.

“You guys have fun, alright? I’ll just lock the doors before we go.” Toji pulled you to him, giving you a kiss. “I’ll be back later.” You put your hand around his neck, standing on your tippy toes before pecking his neck. With that, you walked out the door to join your toddler who was patiently waving at you from her car seat.

“Okay, it’s zoo time!” You wiggled your brows at her as you slammed the door shut, making her giggle. You checked your face in the mirror, trying to ignore Satoru’s soft eyes as he watched you. “How are you?” You tried to start a conversation but it was quickly interrupted as you searched around for your daughter’s binky.

“Maybe we left it inside,” Satoru spoke, opening Yui’s bag to help you find it. “Yui, where did you put it?” Remembering how she placed it on the coffee table as she showed off her outfit to her father, you started to unbuckle your seatbelts but Satoru stopped you. “It’s alright, I’ll get it.” He was already stepping out of the car before you could stop him.

Satoru jogged up your steps, knocking a few times before proceeding to open the door. Toji was just about to open it for him when he entered, “It’s Yui’s pacifier. She left it.” He put on the most polite smile he could muster, wanting nothing but to get rid of the awkwardness between them if they were both going to be in your life.

“Oh, alright. I thought it was someone else.” Toji let out a rather awkward chuckle, not knowing how else to react or what else to say. But just as Satoru uttered ‘thanks’, Toji remembered the thing he’s been thinking of for almost a week now. “Uh, Satoru,” He called, making him pause as he held the door open.

Her brows raised, waiting for him to say something. Toji doesn’t know if you’d be happy about this but it’s better than just letting his feelings, thoughts, and opinions all pile up inside of him. This is for you and Yui. Not just for him.

“I’ve been thinking about our situation with Y/N and… I was wondering if you could set aside a bit of your time for a chat?”

PREV | NEXT

taglist: @forever-war @astral-hydromancy @witchbybirth @starshinedowo @coffee-on-a-rainyautumn @lost-lonnie @haitanifxn @dearsunaa @clairdelunaax @anxious-chick @tigerchaeee @gingerspicelattemix @tsukkisrightpinky @crowiechan @makimais @infinitemoonlight @iloveblogging2 @cloudsinthecosmos @uchiwife @bellaadonnas @lawlietily @lilxnvm @poopoobuttsy @yihona-san06 @luhvbot @sagekko @asbony @uhremmi

@kurookinnie @why-am-i-here-again-shitheads @galaxyfever @guenievresworld @y2kcy3brz @chocokaylarobin @hopeannalea @shizuuuuuuuu @tojirin @teapartyspilled @ackermendick @shadowarchon @vinkiesz @awkwardaardvarkforever @nvvacanesworld @wolffmaiden @underburningstars @rntrsuna @vampgguk @doulcha @creolequeen11210 @reosnagi

[hearts4leeknow]

memories || Bangchan X Reader

Warning(s): none(?)

Genre: FLUFFFF

idol!Bangchan X pregnant!Reader

Summary: After lunch you find your beloved husband, Bangchan and child upstairs in your shared bedroom watching videos on their ipad along side Chan. You admire them standing in the door way until you see your kid look over to Chans phone in interest, Channie seems to notice and he starts explaining what hes looking at. You look at them in awe, it was such a cute moment you had to snap a photo. And so you did!! You and him knew he would be the perfect father, what he didn’t know was he would be a father of 2 in a few months.

!!LOWERCASE INTENDED!!

a/n: got the idea from some friends while they were commenting on my baby photos iwth my dad! (guys i was gonna make this a new years post but ig nvm)

“baby” chan hums hugging your waist

“yes?” you smile while you finish up washing the dishes.

“me and naomi (ur child’s name) will go up stairs” he mumbled quietly resting his head on your shoulder.

“okay! ill come up soon” you kissed him on the cheek.

you then heard naomi run up stairs with chan giggling trying to catch her. oh how you loved them. a while later you decide to go upstairs to join them. You took your time walking up the stairs to your shared bedroom, you grabbed your phone from the counter then entering the bedroom. Suddenly you stopped in your tracks when you saw naomi smiling while your beloved husband was talking about what he was doing at on his computer. You couldn’t help but smile at the scene happening in front of you. You were quick to open your phone snapping a photo as a memory, they looked adorable and you adored both of them oh so much. naomi was your first child and you had yet to tell chan you were carrying their second child. You were surprised he hadn’t notice your stomach grow in size, you were 1 month and you had found out 2 weeks ago.

“baby!” Chan exclaimed, with a bright smile pulling you out of your thoughts.

“mama, look at what daddy’s doing!!” naomi called you over, you walked over looking at chans laptop screen. He was making a song.

“wanna listen to it?” he pinched you cheek.

“I wanna!!” she jumped on the bed.

“sure” you giggled at naomi’s behaviour. bangchan then played the song, it was beautiful, so beautiful you teared up a little. when the demo of the song ended he had then mentioned it would be releasing in an upcoming straykids album.

“waah!! dadas song is so cool!! i wanna be like dada!!” naomi exclaimed obviously showing her enthusiasm for chans song.

“thank you omi” bangchan smiled giving a kiss on the cheek to your daughter. you were in awe about the moment unfolding in front of you, you also wondered if it was a good time to chan that naomi will soon be a big sister. suddenly you were pulled out of your thoughts when chan asked; “baby, whats up? i can tell you’re spacing out there” you contemplated for a second before responding.

“naomi is going to be a big sister soon” you had a faint smile staring into bangchans now widened eyes.

“actually?” chan gasped in disbelief.

“yes” you looked at him with the most loving eyes as his eyes started forming tears.

“mama why is dada crying?” naomi had asked with concern written all over her face.

“omi, baby, your going to be a big sister” chan gave a bright smile lightly holding naomi’s shoulders.

“really? mama is this true??” she asked you jumping up and down holding your arm.

“yes omi, it is” as soon as you told her that she jumped onto to you hugging your arm. this time. it was chans turn to watch in awe, he took out his phone and took a picture of the two of you laying down as naomi was hugging your arm. this was a memory he wanted to keep forever;

“channie come join, its a group hug!” you waved your hand inviting him to join the cuddles. bangchan hugged your waist and you played with his hair, at this moment you two knew this is what you both wanted, a happy and loving family of your own.

FIN !!

a/n: FINALLY THE FIC IS OUT enjoy bbys!!

[gingerjolover]

been in my naomi vibes as of late, would luv to see a smut of naomi for v-day 🎀 possibly involving a lingerie fashion show as you’ve discussed on your page before. luv ur writing 🫶

oh haiiii

so i had this as a whole fic and it.. got deleted

so i shall summarize

RPF smut under da cut, minors gtfo<3 (im so srs)

okay so a long time ago i mentioned that (canonically) naomi calls soft!gf "babydoll" bc of their obsession with buying soft!gf lingerie

and we shall divulge in this however it should be known that naomi did not start buying you lingerie right out the gate okay?

it all started when you and naomi started dating, you didn't uhaul honestly, i feel like naomi is really into their space and environment and it takes a lot of effort for nomi to either move or allow big changes in their space

it starts because naomi bought you a bunch of pajama sets for their apartment

and this just became a thing like naomi would see a cute set online or even on the road and just get it and mail it home for you or whatever

and eventually after a little bit you find out naomi's love for you in lingerie (im thinking it was a lace top and jeans situation that naomi just could not keep it in their pants) and thats when the babydoll thing starts

not the naomi starts off conservatively, but it's really the act of taking it off of you that excites them

but eventually they realize that you find some confidence when they worship you in it so they start to put more effort into what the color is, the type of material, the fit of the set, how easy is it to put on and take off, can the top be worn with jeans in public, and so on and so forth

and this isn't a weekly or even monthly thing, it really is only for special occasions or when naomi wants to spice things up

it's pretty much expected on either of your birthdays, valentines day, and your anniversary to find a big black box with a ribbon tied around it on your bed waiting for you

and maybe because muna has been so busy, naomi hasn't bought any in a while so there's like three or four boxes the night before valentines day

and naomi has the cockiest shit-eating grin on their face, probably in a pair of loose cargos or joggers, a grey crewneck on as they lounge on the bed, hands behind their head

"go on babydoll, show me what ya got," comes out of their mouth, and if you didn't love them sm you'd roll your eyes

and naomi carefully curated the lingerie for valentines this year, like there's a style you really like, a color that compliments your skin, one that is unique and you haven't tried before, and maybe a risky one that naomi didn't know if you'd be interested in

"need help?" naomi would call, moving to sit on the edge of the bed, manspreading with their hands clasped

"no, give me a sec," you'd reply, slipping on the first one

and one by one you'd come out of the bathroom, naomi letting out a low whistle or pretending to faint or fanning themselves, trying to hype you up

they always hold a hand above you, spinning you gently before kissing your hand, rough hands running up and down your sides

naomi is rubbing your hips, groaning softly, "look at you baby doll, goddamn," before pulling you between their legs kissing you softly

naomi ushers you back to the bathroom with a sweet tap on your ass, pushing you softly

but the last one, it's probably a babydoll style but has a bunch of cut outs or is like completely see through

and it's less about the lingerie like i said before, there is something so intimate about this experience for the two of you, both getting some type of boost from it

but this one is like... intensely horny, like you gasp pulling it out of the box bc its almost unholy

and it's probably in a soft pink or dark red or white, one that would compliment your skin tone well (but there's not a ton of fabric to begin with like its mostly frills and sheer)

and you walk out of the bathroom, a tiny bit insecure because it's just SO different than the usual ones

and naomi's reaction is new, its a full jaw drop, absolute shock to the system as naomi literally stutters

there's no witty comment, no annoying whistle or anything, they just stare at you jaw slack

"oh- no, no, don't cover up, get your cute ass over here... holy shit," naomi says, still shocked but noticing your nervousness. and you walk over gently, and even for the room thats literally vibrating in sexual tension and insanely horny energy, naomi just brushes some hair out of your face and cups your cheek, "you look so pretty babydoll," and it's so tender and affectionate you could sob

and honestly, kinda a blur but it takes naomi approximately .5 seconds to rip it off of you before they are buried between your legs

like never ate a meal before/drinking from the fountain of youth shit naomi is literally devouring you

and by the second orgasm (from their tongue alone) naomi's sweating bro, ripping off their crewneck and then laying on the bed, pulling down their pants just enough bc of fucking course they were packing all day in preparation

and look if naomi is using a strap, you're bouncing okay? they call you bunny for a reason

but it's almost frenzied, like you both know what you need to do

small glances and shy smiles are exchanged, both speaking with your eyes to make sure that everything is still good between you both and everything is consensual and chill and feeling good

one of naomi's hands grips your hip as they help guide you down onto the strap, the other rubbing your ass softly

"good job bunny, that's my girl," they whisper, a proud cocky smirk on their face as yours contorts

and naomi is so calm the whole time, letting you move around how you need to so you can get off

right as your about to cum again, naomi has a hand in your hair, bringing your face to theirs

"good job bunny, what do you have to say? hm?" naomi asks, breathy and whispery as your legs shake

"thank you for- the clothes," you mumble, your nose rubbing against theirs sweetly, but your panting as their fingers tug a little harder at the root of your hair

"good job bunny, let go," naomi whispers, letting you release, your face in their neck as they rub your back gently

also naomi is the king of aftercare i said it once i'll say it again

and yes they tore that last set to pieces! what did you expect! you're hot!

[asolareclipses]

(Previous Part)

After passing through the miserable Manhattan traffic, the roads of rural New York began to calm as they began the long journey to Maine.

Beside Will, Jason was twisting a map around, the paper crinkling with each slight movement he made. “You’d think they would’ve made these easier to read.” He grumbled under his breath.

“Well they sort of did,” Will replied, “Google maps offers great convenience, unfortunately there’s no demigod Google or Apple…or any of the other companies.”

Jason blankly stared at Will for a moment, “I’m going to pretend I understood what any of that meant.”

Will held back a laugh, he had forgotten that Jason wasn’t exactly familiar with modern technology. He was like Nico in that way, maybe that’s one of the reasons they got along so well. “It’s phone stuff, i’m not really the expert on it because I was never allowed to have a phone. But my Mom had one, and the other campers keep me up to date with all that other stuff.”

Jason’s eyes widened for a split second, Will could tell it was because of the mention of his Mom. He was probably surprised because Will typically didn’t mention her. “So your Mom, she’s…” Jason’s voice died off.

“She’s alive, if that’s what you wanted to ask. Her name is Naomi Solace, though I doubt you’ve heard of her. She’s a pretty well known country singer, always busy with tours and concerts.” Will seemed to fall into the past as he spoke about his mother. “I used to go on tours with her, they were chaotic but honestly amazing. Staying up until the late hours eating fast food, traveling around the country. It was great.”

Jason seemed hesitant to speak, but he noticed Will’s smile fading. “Did something happen?”

“Well, turns out monsters aren’t great for tours.” Will sighed as he stared out across the endless roads. “As I got older, more and more attacks happened. Eventually my Mom had to send me to camp, she didn’t want to. I still think she regrets it, but there was nothing she could do. Guess that’s just how it is.”

“Do you still keep in contact?” Jason asked cautiously.

“Yeah,” Will nodded, “I send letters, and Iris messages. Sometimes I even visit, though she’s pretty busy so I never stay long. She would probably let me stay forever if she could, but I wouldn’t burden her like that.”

Jason opened his mouth to speak but he hesitated, unable to find the right thing to say. After a moment he finally spoke, “She sounds nice.”

Will smiled, “Oh yeah, she’s amazing.” He meant it completely, his Mom was truly one of the best people he’d ever known. “But enough about my Mom, what do you think this ‘dark presence’ or whatever it is we are facing?”

Jason frowned, his mind delving into thought, “I’m not sure. What dark creature or thing would be out to get Nico?”

Will paused, a revelation hitting him so hard he almost drove them off the road. “Oh my Gods…how did I not realize sooner?”

“What?” Jason said, his hand was now tightly latched onto the door from Wills lapse in good driving.

“It’s Nyx,” he said the name like it was poison in his mouth. “It has to be. She’s probably still pissed that he embarrassed her.”

“Nyx?” Jason asked, his voice almost incredulous.

“Yeah, we fought her back in tartarus. Guess she’s still holding a grudge.” Will shook his head with an unpleasant look displayed on his face.

“So Nico left to what? Go fight a goddess on his own?”

Will sighed in pure frustration, “Yep. It’s a classic Nico move, I mean he would’ve gone to tartarus alone, again, if I hadn’t forced him to take me.”

“I guess in that way he hasn’t changed, still trying to face things alone.” Jason frowned.

“Right.” Will’s face was now unreadable even to himself, “At least he’s not alone, he took your boyfriend with him remember?”

Jason almost choked, “Boyfriend?!”

Will failed to hold back his laughter, “I guess it’s not official yet?”

“We’re not-he’s not-“ Jason stumbled over his words before giving up at forming a coherent sentence.

“Okay, okay. I won’t push any further, just know, it’s pretty obvious.” Will smirked as Jason tried to regain his composure.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Jason finally spoke with a false look of confidence. “Me and Leo are just-“ He was cut off by a sudden thump against the roof of the car.

Will glanced up in shock, “What was that?”

“I don’t-“ Jason began, but before he could finish there was another thump and sharp claws pierced through the roof.

Will grit his teeth looking ahead, “Hold tight Jason, the rides about to get bumpy.”

—

Bumpy was an understatement. The second Will swerved off the main road, the normal car ride transformed into a death trip. Each turn was so sharp Jason had to cling to whatever he could just so he wouldn’t be thrown across the car. He was convinced that any second now they’d go barreling into a tree. Yet, Will somehow maintained control, his driving was insane but also impressive.

In a particularly harsh turn, whatever had latched onto the car had gone flying off and when Jason turned to see he got a clear view of their attacker—well attackers. Rapidly approaching behind them was a small group of harpies, hellbent on turning them into bird food.

“Uh Will? You might want to speed up,” Jason said as he gripped his sword. There wasn’t much use for it in the small space but it was a good plan b.

“On it.” Will said, as his knuckles latched around the wheel turned white, they began to pick up speed making any movement of the car even more jarring.

Jason kept his eyes on the harpies which were still hot on their trail, “How do we lose these guys?”

“No clue,” Will spoke through clenched teeth. “Maybe you could blow them away?”

Jason perked up, for a moment he’d forgotten about the whole wind powers thing. “Good idea.” He spoke quickly before focusing on the wind beneath the harpies wings. With a slight twist they spiraled away, losing control of the air around them.

Will seemed to relax for a moment, but that was cut short by the cars suddenly sputtering to a slow stop. The extra speed and turbulence appeared to be too much for the old camp be vehicle. “Aw hades!” The look on Will’s face was of pure and utter frustration.

As soon as the car wasn’t moving, Will slung open his door storming over to the hood of the car. With a frown he threw it open and was promptly engulfed in smoke. Jason hurriedly rushed over to him, urging the winds to dispel the clouds of smoke.

As the smoke dissipated it revealed Will who stood there coughing and muttering a range of curses—some Jason had never heard before but he was sure they weren’t positive. “Of course this happens!” Will threw his hands up in defeat.

Jason winced, not sure how to comfort him.

“The one time I go out on an important quest, everything goes wrong!” Will spoke, his anger seemed more directed at himself than the circumstances.

“Every quest has setbacks,” Jason tried his best to sound optimistic.

“Maybe, but we left camp hours ago and we’re already stranded on the side of the road. Who knows what Nico and Leo are doing, and if we’re too late.” Will rambled on as he began to pace alongside the car.

“Will, things happen, I don’t see how this could be your fault.” Jason continued with his reasoning, but it was as if Will had heard nothing.

“What a great idea to send a medic on some important quest, like I could actually be a hero.” Will spoke directly to himself almost unaware of Jason’s presence.

“Will stop.” Jason took cautious hold of Will’s shoulders, a firm look on his face.

Realization passed across Will’s expression as he now understood how he’d been acting. “Sorry..” His voice was almost too quiet to hear.

“This is only a temporary setback, we’ll find away to get to them in time.” Jason spoke with every ounce of reassurance he could gather.

Will looked away, now focused on the dirt beneath his shoes. “Right, you’re right.”

Jason watched as Will seemed to shrink in on himself, embarrassed for showing a slight piece of his troubles. He felt a sense of similarity between himself and Will, he knew all too well the pain of hiding your true feelings.

It was the first time he saw Will not as this bubbly guy who was happy to do whatever whenever, but as someone who faced the same harsh world that met every demigod. Will knew loss, he knew more than he’d ever tell. He would never show that side of himself willingly. Instead, he let himself be portrayed as a calm reliable person with no struggles despite his constant turmoil. It didn’t feel fair.

At that moment Jason knew Will was a true hero, whether he believed it or not. He just had no idea how to prove it to him. What he did know, was that they had to succeed. Not just for Leo and Nico, but for everyone else, including themselves.

Part Seven