#gone on insta since i saw that and i have not replied

[sakiye]

i need to like actually study the lesbian masterdoc bc this is crazyy

[frauhupfner]

My 19 years old daughter ran away from home 3 weeks ago. At first she said that she only would want to pick up her friends from school and I always knew that she would be home the next day. We still had contact in the first days but that stopped since that Saturday. My mother had the idea to visit her one friend to see if she is there since my daughter still wasn't home and didn't reply anymore. The mother of her friend was there and said my daughter wouldn't be there anymore- but we heard her in another room. No contact since that day- I only saw that she saw my Insta-stories and liked posts from pages we both follow, so I knew she is alive. On Friday, after nearly two weeks without any contact, my parents notified the police if they could check on that family if my daughter is still there and that she is well. Today my parents got the information that the police finally met someone there (the family didn't open the door the first few times the police was there), that my daughter is still there and they also talked to her. She told the police that she doesn't want to come home, that something had happend at home why she doesn't want to come home but she didn't wanted to tell them and she wants an own home. There wasn't anything terrible the last days before she left. When we got home from vacation she had a lot of letters from the jobcenter (they knew that we aren't home) and also from the health insurance. Since June she is unemployed and has no more school, she just didn't tried to find anything. And so she should have informed the jobcenter so she could at least get some money and help in finding a job or school or something. She also doesn't have a health insurance anymore. I always told her that I want to help her with that on the weekend or when I'm back from work- but she wasn't home on the weekends and when I got home from work she also was already gone to meet her friends. The evening before she left we got into a little fight because of all this (she has asthma so it would be better to have a health insurance) and I told her again that I want to help her with all this before she gets in real trouble. She told me that she wants to meet her friends the next day but that we could do this all when she is back. Well, she never came back home. I totally understand that she is 19 which means she is an young adult now but why is she telling the police that something bad had happend that she didn't want to tell? What does she mean? We just had a fight because of all those paperwork that I wanted to manage with her, that's all. No beating, no abuse or anything else. Just a helpless mother who wants to help her only child to get her life back on the tracks. And this is such a bad thing to run away from home? She always wanted to work at a hospital or doctors office, she wanted to work with blood and real wounds and such, she wanted to help people. And now she isn't doing anything, which means she doesn't get any money not even from the jobcenter. The only money she has is what she got from her father who passed away nearly two years ago (the last amount I know about was 20.000 Euro, but since she left with only the clothes she was wearing, her phone and such things I guess she bought some new clothes). That's never enough for rent and furniture and bills, esp. when she is not working and doesn't get any money. I feel horrible, I can't sleep or eat, I'm crying alot, none of my hobbies can let me think about something else. I miss my daughter, I love her and I really hope she is not doing anything that she will regret or get into any deeper trouble. I would be here if she needs me, no matter what. No matter if she is 9, 19 or 39- she is still my daughter and I always only wanted the best for her. It's so hard to know that I can't do anything. I miss her so much. 😔

[jerzwriter]

Mostly Pleasant Surprises 3 of 4 The Best Laid Plans

This is the final installment of "how they finally got together." I promise. 😊

Book: Open Heart (Book 2 Timeline) Pairing: Tobias Carrick & Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Rating: Teen

Series Summary: It's been months since the chemical attack, and "kind of" exes-turned-friends Tobias & Casey have been stubbornly denying their growing feelings for each other. But when a series of events threatens to come between them, will they find their way back together?

Part 3 Summary: Casey's friends are determined to get her and Tobias together at long last. When Bryce has a chance encounter with Tobias, it seems like all systems are go. Will they get the fairy tale ending they deserve?

A/N: Graduations and family events are over; I'm getting my babies together! For the 2 fans still remaining, I hope you enjoy the final two parts as much as I've enjoyed writing them!

Series Masterlist || Tobias x Casey Masterlist Full Masterlist

Casey was half asleep as she plodded through the cafeteria.  She never showed up this early for work, and it showed.

“Excuse me,” an intern apologized, even though it was Casey who had tripped into him.

But the exhausted resident was too tired to care. After muttering something nasty about interns under her breath, her eyes went wide. If she didn't watch herself, she would morph into Ethan Ramsey! In the distance, Bryce and Jackie waved her to their table. Delighted to see friendly faces, she rushed to join them.

Bryce eyed the food on his friend’s tray with disgust. “What... the hell is that?”

“Breakfast!"

“On what planet? A scoop of grey cottage cheese, artificially flavored orange Jell-O, chocolate milk, and a package of Fruit Loops.” Bryce looked up in horror. “Are you pregnant?”

A bark of laughter escaped her. “Please! There’s a better chance of Sister Agatha from St. Joseph’s being knocked up than me.”

“How can you be so sure?” Jackie teased.

“Because if God wanted a vessel for another immaculate conception, I assure you, he’d choose Sister Agatha over me.”  

“Ouch,” Bryce winced, placing one of his pancakes on Casey’s plate. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. God could do much worse than you.”

“What’s the pancake for?”

“I don’t know,” he smiled. “Do you really want to eat any of the crap on your plate?”

Casey looked down at her plate with a sigh. “No. I’m so tired, I didn’t even know what I was grabbing.”

“Why so tired?” Jackie asked. “You were already in bed when I got home last night.”

Casey went to answer but couldn’t find words. Sitting with her mouth agape, Sienna slid into the seat beside her and saved the day.  

“She wasn’t feeling well last night... she went to bed early but was up and down a lot.”

“In that case, why don’t you take a sick day?” Bryce asked. “Ethan knows you’re still easing back into work. I don’t think he’d mind.”

Casey mumbled something unintelligible as she stuffed a forkful of pancakes into her mouth.

“Uh, come again?” Bryce asked.

“I said, I doubt Ethan would be all right giving me the day off to get over Tobias.”

“Over Tobias?” Jackie asked with a raised brow. “I’ve been waiting for you to be under Tobias. When did this happen?”  

 “Casey saw something online last night,” Sienna jumped in. “But we don’t have all the facts.”

“Online?” Bryce asked protectively. “What exactly did she see... online?”

“It’s nothing,” Casey stated. “Tobias was on a date, that’s all. But it doesn’t matter... he and I are just friends. So, it doesn’t matter.”

Jackie was already scrolling through her socials to find the damning post as Bryce looked pointedly at Sienna for more details.

“We don’t know that he was on a date!” Sienna insisted. “A nurse from Kenmore posted something that alluded to that, but I have my doubts."

“Nurse’s name?” Jackie asked.

“Audrey Kenner,” Sienna replied before Casey could stop her.

“There’s nothing daming on her Insta now. Are you sure it was there?”

“It was there,” Casey spat. “Trust me.”

“Yeah, but it’s gone now,” Sienna tried to placate. “That tells me something is fishy! You can’t jump to conclusions.”

Bryce nodded in agreement. “Sienna’s right. Everyone knows he's crazy about you. Talk to him.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Casey said, dropping her fork to her plate with an exasperated sigh. “It doesn’t matter because we’ve only been friends, and that’s what we’ll stay.”

She ignored her friends eyeing each other but took the opportunity to steal a second pancake from Bryce’s plate.

“Fine,” Jacie shrugged. “Fairy tales are overrated anyway. But you should get yourself back in the game. It’s bad for your complexion to be celibate this long.”

“What?” Casey huffed, rubbing her face. “My complexion is fine!”

“For now,” Jackie said without missing a beat. “But you’re in the danger zone.”

“Then I’ll up my skincare routine. Because I’ve decided to focus on work... my career. Who needs the other shit, anyway?”

“You do,” Bryce interjected. “Come on, Case. All the work and no play make Jane a very dull girl. That’s never been my Casey.”

“Well, near-death experiences have a way of changing outlooks.”  

“What have you changed your outlook on?” Elijah asked, joining the table.

“Casey’s going to remain celibate for life,” Jackie said as Elijah erupted into laughter.

“Sure she is!”  

“You know,” Casey said, pushing away from the table. “I’ve really had enough. If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

“Casey... come back,” Sienna called, but Casey marched right out the door.

“Nice work, Greene,” Bryce groaned.

“What did I do?” his friend wailed.

“Nothing,” Sienna sighed. “Casey’s just nursing a broken heart.”

“A broken heart?” Elijah asked. “Who broke her heart?”

“The internet,” Jackie deadpanned.

“I think she has the wrong idea about Tobias,” Sienna stated.

“Are we sure it’s the wrong idea?” Elijah asked.

“No,” Sienna replied. “But I’m pretty confident. The only way to know is to ask him, but Casey refuses.”

“So,” Elijah shrugged. “Ask him yourself.”

“I’m not going to overstep like that!” Sienna insisted. “It’s up to her to ask if she wants to.”  

“You’re right,” Bryce insisted. “And if she doesn’t... maybe it means she is over him.”

Jackie let out a laugh. “You know she’s not over him! The girl was all googley eyes looking at him not two days ago.”

“Of course she’s not,” Bryce replied. “I was being facetious.”

“She’s scared,” Sienna countered. “She’s had her heart broken a lot... her college boyfriend, her med school girlfriend, by he of whom we shall not speak of at Edenbrook, and even by Tobias last year. It’s not surprising that she’s protecting herself.”

“So,” Elijah grinned. “What do you say we force her hand?”

“And how do you suggest we do that?”

“If she’s so over T, let’s hook her up with someone else!”

“Terrible idea,” Bryce grimaced.

“Yeah,” Sienna agreed. “That wouldn’t work.”

But Jackie was intrigued. “It could. What do you have in mind, Elijah?”

“That new guy that signed up for the softball team.”

“Oh! The hottie from Radiology!” Sienna enthused as a smug Elijah nodded.

“That’s him!”

“I’ve seen him,” Bryce shrugged. “I’m unimpressed. Besides, Casey doesn't even know him."

“Not yet,” Elijah grinned. “But if we talk him up... offer to set them up?”

“It’s brilliant!” Jackie jumped in. “She'll realize she has no desire to see anyone else, and it’ll force her to face the fact that she wants Tobias.”

“Since when do you care about other people’s love lives?” Bryce asked.

“I don’t. But I’m invested in this... I’ve been watching those two circle each other for months and I deserve the payoff."

“Don’t do it,” Bryce warned.

“Too late,” Elijah grinned, looking up from his phone. “I just texted nurse Sarah who confirmed radiology hottie is single, and he was asking her about Casey just the other day.”

“Great,” Bryce sighed. “So he has a thing for Casey. Let’s use him to trick her into seeing she has a thing for Tobias. Except she already knows she has a thing for Tobias; she’s just too scared to address it. What could go wrong here?  This isn’t a dumpster fire waiting to happen.”

“You are such a drama queen,” Jackie griped. “Elijah, you know him... talk to him about Casey. I’ll start to upsell radiology hottie at home tonight. By the way, does he have a name?”

“Jake,” Elijah smiled. “You know he’s a nice guy... worst case scenario, Casey falls for him instead.”

“Yeah,” Bryce shook his head. “That’s the worst-case scenario.”

“Relax, Lahela,” Elijah laughed. “When we’re heading to their wedding one day, you won’t be able to say you played a part in getting them together.”

“Whose wedding are we speaking about, exactly?”

“Casey & Tobias’s!” Jackie spat. “Duh!”

“Knock yourselves out, guys,” Bryce said, stepping away. “But count me out of this.”

~~~~~

Across town, Tobias was just beginning to wake up and eagerly reached for his phone, disappointed to see Casey had yet to respond. He instinctively shot her another text, and when he didn't hear back a few hours later, he tried once more.

Casey picked up her phone when it buzzed in her pocket... she knew Tobias was persistent. He was bound to show up if she didn’t answer, so she shot a text his way...

She felt her stomach turn, and her eyes went moist. Great, she thought. He needs to tell me... tell me he’s been dating Audrey. She was angry at herself for letting this bother her so much. All she wanted to do was cry.  But there was no avoiding this. Maybe biting the bullet and confirming her worst fears was the way to go. But not during the work week... she had just returned to work and didn't need the distraction.

~~~~~

The next few days passed in a blur; before they knew it, it was Friday night, also known as Pizza Friday, at the roomies. Jackie & Elijah’s attempt to sell Jake was now entering day three, but Casey was still not biting.

“No,” she stated firmly.

“Why not!” Jackie demanded. “Look,” she held her phone with a picture of the handsome radiologist in Casey's face. “Look at him! He’s adorable! He’s got that dopey, doe-eyed look so many of you chicks go crazy for and blue eyes. Not for nothing, I’ve noticed blue eyes are your thing.”

“So? Go out with him yourself?” Casey shrugged.

“Meh, you know guys are just a passing interest to me,” Jackie replied.

“Well, for the hundredth time, I’m not interested either.”

“You know, you snooze, you lose,” Elijah smiled. “A hottie like that won't be on the market for long.”

“Would you stop calling him a hottie!” Casey cringed. “And I’ll take my chances... the answer is still no.”  

“Guys...” Sienna attempted to intervene, but Jackie spoke over her.

“Because you’re not over Carrick.”

Elijah’s and Sienna’s heads flung toward Casey, and if looks could kill, they’d be planning Jackie’s wake.

“There’s nothing to get over,” she said through clenched teeth.

Jackie was undeterred. “Look, the Casey I know would have been all over this. It’s time to get back out there, hon. And if Carrick isn’t a thing, what’s the harm in talking to the guy? Worst case scenario, you tell him you're not interested."

“She’s not wrong,” Elijah agreed. “It doesn’t even have to be a “date date.” You can just happen to be at Donahue’s at the same time; you grab a beer together....”

“No!”

“Fine,” Jackie snapped. “But when you die alone surrounded by seventy-five cats, don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

“I happen to like cats,” Casey smirked.

“Well, Jackie may be giving up, but I’m not,” Elijah insisted. “I’m sorry, Casey, but I think this one has real potential!”

“I’m not giving up!” Jackie yelled as Sienna unsuccessfully attempted to change the subject once again.

Casey's head pounded as the three friends continued to bicker. She rubbed her temples as the noise and the monotony continued.

“Fine! Fine!” She yelled. “If I share a beer with this guy, smile, and go home... do you promise to never discuss this again?”

“Absolutely,” Jackie beamed.

“Then make it happen. But I’m just doing this to shut the two of you up. It's not a date! Is that clear?”

“Crystal!” Elijah grinned. “Just leave it to us.”

~~~~~

Casey sat hunched over the bar. Her lack of enthusiasm was impossible to miss as she downed her third beer of the night. Her dutiful sidekick, Sienna, hadn’t left her side, still trying to make her best friend smile.

“If it makes you feel better, I think Jake is working tonight. So they probably won't spring him on you today."

“It doesn’t matter,” Casey sighed. “I just wanted some time out with my friends, and their stupid quest isn’t helping at all.”

Sienna placed a comforting hand on Casey’s shoulder. “Their hearts are in the right place, but their brains... not so much.”

“Well, if they spring him on me tonight, I’m ready,” Casey grinned, gesturing toward her attire. “See this? My rattiest, oldest jeans, accompanied by my shittiest sweatshirt! The messy bun and minimalist makeup complete my look."

"And what look is that?" Sienna laughed.

"I call it... I'm not interested."

“You jerk. You’re still prettier than just about anyone in the room. So that plan is a major fail!”

“I don’t care,” Casey shrugged, her mood slipping even lower; then, she spoke in just a whisper. “I’m having lunch with Tobias tomorrow.”

“You are!” Sienna enthused. “That’s great news!”

“Don’t get hopes up,” Casey frowned. “He said he had to talk to me.... he’s going to tell me about Audrey.”

Sienna let out a long sigh. “Do you know this for a fact?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“I just do.”

“Casey,” her friend winced. “Sometimes, you’re your own worst enemy.”

Casey motioned to Reggie for another beer... and she didn’t even like beer.

“I can’t do it again, Si. I’ve had my heart broken one too many times. What kind of an idiot falls for Tobias Carrick... Boston’s biggest playboy who’s already hurt me once. Tomorrow, when he tells me about Audrey, I will smile and wish him the best, and then I’m moving on. I... I can't do this again.”

“Casey....” Sienna whimpered.

“My mind is made up.”

“All right then,” Sienna said, swirling her drink. “Then you do what you need to do.”

“Casey?”

She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to find an incredibly handsome man with the kindest eyes she’d ever seen standing behind her. Even sitting, she could tell he’d stand a good half-foot above her 5’9” frame. “A little bird told me I’d find you here,” he smiled.

“Mmm hmm," she hummed, playing it cool. "Was the little bird’s name Elijah or Jackie?”

“I won't give them away," he grinned. "But, I can already tell I’m going to be thanking them soon. What are you drinking?”

“Blue Moon,” she said, nodding toward the bottle Reggie just delivered.

“Well, this one is on me.”

She should have gone home. She knew she wasn’t interested in anyone whose name wasn’t Tobias Carrick. But that familiar ache in her chest told her another heartbreak was just hours away. With that on the horizon, would it be so bad to give this man a chance?

“Would you like to grab a booth?” Jake asked.

Casey grabbed her beer from the bar, stepped off her stool, and sauntered past him. “This isn’t a date,” she smirked.

“I never said it was. But if I play my cards right... maybe the next one will be.”

She found herself smiling despite herself. “You have one hour."

That hour went by in a flash. Even if Casey would have noticed it ended, she wouldn’t have been inclined to point it out. Jackie and Elijah were right. Jake was delightful. Smart - he graduated top in his class from Harvard Medical – followed by a residency at Hopkins. He had already published more than physicians twice his age, and Edenbrook considered snagging his a coup. Still, he couldn't have been more humble. He was easy to talk to and far more interested in talking about her than himself, though she managed to get her questions in. He was very close with his younger sister, who had turned him into a bonafide Swiftie. As he talked, Casey couldn't help but think this guy checked every single box. He was perfect for her, everything she ever thought she wanted, and she was decidedly not interested.

She might regret passing up this opportunity one day; she was sure she'd be discussing this with her shrink. But, no matter how mesmerizing his blue eyes were, they weren't the ones she wanted to be gazing at. Jake's shy, unassuming charm was the polar opposite of Tobias’s confident swagger... but how she missed it.

“What do you say,” Jake asked, pointing to her empty bottle. “I realize my hour is up, but would you care for another?”  

“Sure," she smiled. "What's the harm in one more.”  

~~~~~

Tobias looked good. Too good. In his black cashmere coat, herringbone gaberdine pants, and black turtleneck, he was well overdressed for a Saturday night at Whole Foods. He was picking up a few items and then had the night free. He considered stopping by the Puddingstone. Seeing some old friends wouldn’t be the worst idea, and maybe it would keep him from counting the hours until he’d see Casey tomorrow. He just reached the checkout area when someone called out his name.

“Lahela,” Tobias grinned, extending his hand.

“You can call me Bryce.”

“Sometimes I do,” he smiled, taking notice of the younger man’s scrubs. “Just getting off shift?”

“Yeah! It was a long day. I can’t wait to get home and get some sleep.”

“On a Saturday night?” Tobias mocked. “Come on, Lahela! You’re too young and too good-looking for that... you should absolutely have a date.”

“Is that why you're so dressed up?" Bryce asked.

“Excuse me?”

Bryce exaggeratedly sniffed the air. “Is that Tom Ford? And those clothes.... not exactly a going home after grocery shopping look.”

“Nah,” Tobias chuckled. “No dates for me. At least... not tonight.”  

“It’s Casey... isn’t it?”

Tobias looked startled as a brief silence fell between them.

“You two drive me crazy,” Bryce sighed. “Everyone can see you're crazy about each other.... and you'd be perfect together... so why don’t you tell her how you feel already?”

“Well, as fate would have it, that's exactly what I was planning to tell her tomorrow at lunch.”

“Nice!” Bryce beamed, patting Tobias on the back. “Finally! I’ve gotta give you credit, though.”

“Credit? For what?”

“Your patience! If I was about to tell the person I loved that I was crazy about them, I’d rush to do it as soon as possible. I wouldn’t be able to wait. You’re much cooler than me, Carrick.”

Tobias’s eyes went distant. “You know what... you’re right.”

“I am?”

“You’re absolutely right. I’ve been waiting long enough; why should I wait any longer?” He grabbed a bunch of loose bills from his pocket and tossed them into his basket.  “Can you take care of this?”

“Sure!” Bryce insisted. “Just...go! Go! But where should I bring your groceries?”

“I don’t care,” Tobias hollered. “I’ll call you later!”

“All right,” Bryce grinned at the cashier as he pulled out his phone. “Si? Who is the man?”

“I’m assuming you’re the man?” Sienna replied.

“Oh, I am absolutely the man!”

“Good to know,” Sienna laughed. “Now, why are you the man?”

“Jackie and Elijah had all those bullshit games, but who is the one who got Tobias to finally tell Casey the truth? ME!”

“Bryce.... what talking about”

“I ran into him at Whole Foods. A sixty-second conversation with me, and our boy is running off for a romcom-worthy ending.”

“Running off to tell Casey?” Sienna asked with concern. “Where is he running to?”

“To Donahue’s...she’s still there, right?”

“He’s heading there NOW?” Sienna yelled.

“Yes, now... why is there....”

“Oh, no! No, no, no, no, no!” Sienna was already slipping on her sneakers. “I have to get back there. I have to call Casey....”

“Wait, why? Oh, no....” Bryce gasped. “They didn’t set up that thing with the radiology stud for today, did they?”

“YES! Casey was so sure Tobias was telling her he’s with Audrey tomorrow that she agreed to have a few drinks with him.”

“Oh, shit!” Bryce cursed. “I’m heading over there now.”

“Not if I get there first!”

~~~~~~

The ride from Whole Foods to Donahue’s went by in a flash, and if fate wasn’t smiling on him enough, Tobias found a parking a few doors away. In Boston!  It was reminiscent of the day when he met Casey at the deli; a spot had been waiting for him as if it was bringing him to his future. It was all coming together.

He smiled as he took in a deep breath of the cold, New England air, making sure he memorized everything about the night. The way the streetlights sparkled on the icy patches on the sidewalk, the old Celtic tune blaring from inside the bar—he wanted - needed - to remember every moment of this night.

So, this was what it felt like? He had successfully avoided it for nearly four decades, never understanding what all the fuss was about. But here he was—Tobias Carrick was in love. He had dreamt of telling her for some time, and as he reached for the door, he couldn't believe the moment was finally here.

Sienna was in an Uber, not chancing this to public transit. She dialed Casey a dozen times on the ride there and tried Jackie and Elijah, too... but nothing. Bryce was already running to the bar, grocery bags in hand; his messages to Tobias had gone unanswered as well. Inside Donahue's, Casey and Jake’s conversation continued under the dim lights and the haze of one too many beers.  

“Are you a Disney fan?” Jake asked.

“I'm not anti-Disney, but I’m not obsessed.”

“Tsk. That’s too bad,” Jake frowned. “Maybe we'll go to Disney World together one day, and I could help change your mind.”

“That would be a hard sell,” Casey grinned. Jake was a nice guy... a really nice guy... and this wasn't right. Even if Tobias was about to break her heart, experience told her that she'd be better off taking some time before seeing anyone else, and she could tell Jake deserved better.

“I have a few friends who are Disney freaks. If you’d like, I’d be happy to introduce you.”

Jake deflated a bit but quickly picked himself up. “Hey, if Disney is hard no, I will happily give up the Mouse for you.”

“It’s not that,” Casey smiled. “You seem like a great guy, Jake, and if this was another time, I might let you attempt to make me a Disney convert. But I’m still dealing with the after-effects of the chemical attack... and I’m not quite over someone I loved... so it's not a good time for me to begin seeing anyone."

“I understand,” Jake smiled. “And I appreciate your honesty. But we can still be friends, right? Because I hardly know anyone in Boston.”

“You’ve got a deal,” Casey smiled, extending her hand over the table to shake his hand. The handshake lingered a little too long, and with their hands intertwined, Casey smiled and turned toward the door.

Timing. Life was always about timing. After months of meaningful conversations, long rides, hugs, and occasional kisses, after all the tenderness they shared, the time was finally here. He could have told her dozens of other times, or she could have told him, but this was the moment fate had brought them to; he was going to do it. His heart was so full he worried it might burst, and then...it did.

The packed room seemed to fall silent as he stared at the woman he loved, and his face turned to stone. Her smile, her laugh, that light in her eyes... but she wasn’t looking at him. Maybe it’s not what it seems, a voice inside him pleaded, but that didn't stop his heart from sinking. He was nauseous, and his legs felt like gelatin beneath him. Maybe this was the flipside. This was why he had avoided it for so long. Dating was fun. Sex was fun. But relationships? Love? They were work. Work punctuated with heartache, and he successfully avoided them until he met her. Casey... his precious Casey, sitting no more than a few yards away, her face flushed as she held the hand of another man. Had he imagined everything before today?

Casey looked around the room, and the blood drained from her face as she locked eyes with Tobias.

“Hey, are you OK?” Jake asked.

“Yes... I’ve just... give me a minute.”

She rushed toward Tobias, who wished he could have lurched for the door, but it was too late; there was no choice but to face her.

“Tobias!” she yelled. Breathless, with a genuine grin when she reached him. “What are you doing here?”

“Nothing,” he said, acting as nonchalant as he could. But as his eyes darted back to the table and Jake, realization washed over Casey.

“Oh, Tobias! Wait... let me explain...”

“There’s nothing to explain,” he replied with a level of coolness that shook Casey to her core.

“No... you don’t understand,” she insisted. “I want to explain because you should know that....”

“You’re on a date,” he shrugged. “That’s cool. Nothing wrong with that.”

“There’s.... there’s not?” She swallowed, her eyes beginning to glisten, and she suddenly felt much smaller than she was.

“Nope. It’s a good thing... it means you’re really ready to be back out in the world again.”

“Well, I am, but that's not what....”

She grasped his arm with desperation, but Tobias gently pushed it away.

“We’re friends. Right? We haven't been more than that since we broke up last year. You don’t owe me any explanation.”

“Oh,” she whispered, diverting her eyes so he wouldn't see the impact of his words. “I see...”

“Go have fun, Case. We’ll talk soon.”

“T...Tobias...” she called after him. “Are we still on for tomorrow?”

“Actually, I wanted to tell you that I got called into work. I’ll have to take a rain check.”

“Oh... but wait! You said you wanted to tell me something... tomorrow... what... what was it?”

He took a deep breath as he stepped toward her, steeling himself as he gently touched her shoulders. He never thought of himself as a skilled actor, but he had to pull out all the stops tonight. He would have made his college drama teacher proud.

“I was going to tell you that now that you’re back to work... and you’re doing well... you don’t need me as a crutch anymore.”

“Tobias!" She interrupted. "I never thought of you as a crutch! I hope that’s not the impression I gave!”

“Of course not,” he smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. “But it’s time for us to move on... that's what I wanted to tell you... but... it looks like we already have. Now, I really have to go.”

She wanted to run after him, but her feet felt like they were glued to the floor. What had he just told her? All she could do was stand in stunned silence as the man she loved bolted out the door. He had barely taken ten steps outside when Bryce ran up to him.

“Hey,” Bryce gasped, attempting to catch his breath. “Did... did you see Casey?”

“I did,” Tobias grunted. “And now, I’m heading home.”

“Wait... what happened?”

Tobias remained silent, his demeanor like steel as he opened his car door.

“Tobias!” Bryce hollered. “I don’t know what happened in there, but I know Casey, and I know she's crazy about you."

“It doesn’t matter," Tobias said with a wave of his hand. "Sometimes, the universe gives us signs and tonight, it delivered a neon sign to me.  Now, if you’ll let go of my door... I really want to go home."

~~~~

Casey grabbed her coat from the rack, then rushed to the front door in tears.

“Casey!” Sienna hollered, grabbing her by the arm. “Where are you going? What happened?”

“Si,” Casey wailed. “I just... I just want to go home.”

Noticing the commotion, Jackie raced across the room. “Hey, what happened? I saw Tobias was here... what did he say?"

“It doesn’t matter!” Casey cried. “I told you, I’m an idiot... now, please... I need to go home.”

Sienna was already buttoning up her friend's coat. “Then that’s exactly where I’m taking you, sweetie. Don’t worry, I’ll get you there.”

“I’ll come, too,” Jackie added nervously, but Sienna held up a hand to stop her.

“No.  Not now. I think you’ve done enough for tonight.”

~~~~~~~

Tobias tossed his keys on the side table as he entered his townhome. The place had never felt this cavernous, this quiet, this empty. He walked to the sideboard and poured himself a tumbler full of whisky, downing it quickly before pouring a second. He brought the decanter with him when he retreated to his couch; sitting in the darkness, he hoped the alcohol would begin to numb the thoughts in his head, and he prayed that when he woke up tomorrow, he'd revert to the man he once was... with no memory of the foolish one he had become. Minutes turned to hours, and by the time he decided to rise, he nearly had to crawl up the stairs to his room.

He collapsed into his bed, fully dressed, only taking a moment to kick off his shoes. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and scoffed when he saw a text from Casey.

"This was a horrible experiment," he groaned, deleting her message before reading a word. He pushed a button next to his bed, and a buzzing noise surrounded him as his shades came down, ensuring light couldn't peek through until he was damn well ready to let it.

He looked at his phone again, squinting to see another message that had come in. This one was from Audrey, and in this state, he considered replying; the company might do him good. But stopped himself. Audrey, like Casey, was now in the past, and that's where the past belonged. It's not like he didn't have other options. Tomorrow was a new day, and he was determined to come back to life when the sun rose. It was time to move on.

(OK we're almost there... almost. I promise :) )

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[forbebeandjam]

She’s So Cute! | Sowoen x Fem Reader | Fluff

Summary: Your secret crush has been secretly crushing on you…

Word Count: 1.1k

No warnings☺️

A/N: is anyone here Sowoen biased?? I know that’s probably not how you spell her name but that’s how she has it when I followed her on insta so it’s stuck with me🙂‍↕️ I love this little bean🥰 enjoyyyy

Your eyes followed her every move. It's been three years that you have been obsessing over cutie Sowoen.

How can you not like her? She had a cute round face and pretty doll eyes. Her lips are full and her cheeks carry a natural blush.

She is also an amazing dancer and well, your eyes just gravitated towards her.

"Oh! Look! She is dancing to my favorite song," you said as you hid behind your best friend.

She made a mistake and you giggled as she smiled sheepishly.

"She's so cute!" You shook your friend's shoulders.

"Why don't you just tell her that instead of aggressively shaking my shoulders?" She said and brushed you off.

"I can't possibly tell her that! She's too cute and I'm just her silly classmate. She probably doesn't even know I exist," you said and slouched in your desk.

"Hey, dork! I told you to go get me a snack!" You heard a voice and a hand hit your head.

"I don't have money," you replied as you rubbed your head.

"Well, borrow. I want my snack," the girl said as she grabbed your face. You winced in pain.

"Why don't you get it yourself?" You heard a deep voice and knew exactly who it came from.

"Sowoen, go back to your little dancing party and stay out of my business," she said and laughed.

"Well, seems like I'm going to have to call my sister after all. She's a senior you see. Her name is Bada and she will absolutely destroy you," she spoke as she approached the girl and pushed her shoulder.

"Sorry, Sowoen. I'll just leave," the girl said as she let go of your face.

You rubbed the spot where her fingers had been digging into your skin when you felt a hand lift your chin and there it was.

The most beautiful face looking right at you. Her eyes filled with concern and they hypnotized you as they widened making them look bigger than they already were.

"Are you okay? Did she hurt you?" She said and you melted.

"I... I'm okay now. Thanks," you said, and as you were about to walk away she held onto your hand and dragged you with her.

She took you to the cafeteria and asked for some ice. She placed the bag on your face and you were just quietly admiring her face.

"Why do you let her treat you like this?" She said and you looked up at her in confusion.

"You- you've been watching me?" You asked in disbelief.

"Yeah. Ever since I saw you at the talent show I've been wanting to talk to you but I thought you were too cool to even notice me," she said and you scoffed.

"What was that for?" She said with a small laugh.

"Well, to be honest, I'm flattered. I have been crush- observing your dance for a while and I never thought you'd want to talk to me," you said. You looked at each other and laughed.

"Well, I'll pretend I didn't hear your slip up and you tell me when you feel more comfortable. In the meantime, let's go back to class. I promise I won't let those bullies mess with you anymore," she said and held your hand.

You grabbed it and she pulled you up. Wrapping her arm around your shoulders, she guided you back to the classroom with casual chatter and laughter about random things.

-

(A few months later)

"Sowoen! It's been a week now. Please stop ignoring me!" You said as you chased her out of the school building. You held onto her arm and she turned to you.

"I've been waiting patiently and I've done everything to make you feel comfortable enough to confess and then when I take the initiative you tell me I'm your best friend?" She said and you became startled. Her cute persona was gone and she looked angry but even then she was the most beautiful person in your eyes.

(Flashback to the previous week)

Eunwoo approached your table. He had never talked to you before but you could see he would always look at you.

"Hey, I- I wanted to know i-if you wanted t-to go out with m-me," he said softly as he stuttered. He's always been shy and a lot of girls like him but never really ask him anything. Of course, you were interested in him so you didn't know what to say.

Your mind was purely on Sowoen and her only. Besides, you didn't know how to turn anyone down. You never had to do it before and you never thought you'd have to.

"Y/N, Let's go! I'll buy you lunch today," said Sowoen as she stood at the door. She saved you. You sighed in relief and gave the boy in front of you a small smile.

"Sorry Eunwoo. I have to go," you said as you tried to make your way to Sowoen.

"Did you just reject the cutest boy in the class? Something is wrong with you," said one of your classmates.

"Why does something have to be wrong with her? She just doesn't like him. Besides, she doesn't need to date anyone, right Y/N?" She said as she threw her arm over your shoulders.

"Are you two dating or something?" Said the girl. Your eyes widened at her words and Sowoen was looking at you with eagerness. You couldn't possibly say yes to that and make Sowoen uncomfortable.

"No! That's nonsense. We are just best friends. Let's go," you said and her demeanor changed but for the sake of time you just ignored it and went to lunch.

She's been ignoring you ever since and you didn't know why.

(End of flashback)

"Oh! You were confessing!? Sowoen, that's not how you confess your feelings to someone!" You said as you punched her arm. She flinched and glared at you.

"You're making fun of me? This isn't funny, Y/N. I've never asked anyone out and Bada told me that is how she gets girls to like her," she said as she pouted.

You started laughing and she was about to walk away but you grabbed her hands and tried to compose yourself.

"Do you really like me?" You asked as you smiled still holding back your laughter.

"So much," she said and you took the opportunity to peck her lips.

"I like you too. I like you so much," you said as she looked at you with her big eyes. She looked shocked.

"Oh gosh! You're so cute!" You said as you pinched her cheek and intertwined your hands.

"Let's go. I want you to meet my mom," you said as you dragged her with me.

"Wait! That means you're my girlfriend now! Stop hanging around Eunwoo," she said and you chuckled.

"Okay, baby. I've only had eyes for you for three years anyways," you said and she giggled as she wrapped her arm around your shoulders.

Thank you for reading 🩵

[simslegacy5083]

NSB (Straud Legacy) Gen 9

Today's (8/1/2024) Episode: Aging Up Is Hard To Do

After Noemi joined Luigi in adulthood, the pair struggled to settle into their new, older, stage of life.

Luigi had been busy after aging up, first grieving and then trying to make Noemi’s birthday perfect. When the vain sim finally checked his mirror, he was horrified by how OLD he looked. Wrinkles and bags under his eyes…!? The self-absorbed sim hated the marks time had left on his face.

It didn’t help his outlook that his eczema and anemia seemed to be getting worse, despite religiously sticking to his tried-and-true maintenance routines. He’d also begun to struggle with excessive thirst. None of it made it easy to meet his own high standards. Luigi was officially in a funk!

As for Noemi, she had finally set a date to start the job that Skye’s birth and her health issues had postponed, but it was messing with her head.

She worried that her social struggles would prevent her from making a good impression on her bosses and new peers. On top of that, her inability to exercise the way she wanted to since Skye’s birth due to her surgeries had left her carrying a lot more leftover baby weight than she liked.

The idea of facing her new co-workers and clients when she feeling far from her “best” kicked her anxiety into high gear.

When Luigi admitted his unhappiness with his new, older look and recent ill health it prompted his fiancée to admit to her own concerns.

Noemi suggested that, since Luigi was feeling under the weather, they start trying to tackle things with a visit to their doctors.

Hopefully, his primary care provider could help him figure out what to do to get his chronic conditions back under control and Dr. Valasquez could help her brainstorm ways to manage her anxiety.

Sadly, the outcome of Luigi’s healthcare appointment only worsened his outlook.

His symptoms and answers to questions about his general dietary habits quickly prompted the doctor to order a panel of bloodwork. This revealed that Luigi’s recent fatigue and dry skin weren’t the worsening of his long-standing medical issues, but a sign that he needed to overhaul his lifestyle once again to deal with a new chronic condition: diabetes.

To keep his blood sugar in a healthy range Luigi would now need to avoid many of his favorite breakfast foods and mixology recipes. He hung up the phone in shock, his natural cheerfulness unable to find any bright side to the grim news. Why did these things keep happening to him!?

Noemi didn’t fare much better. Her therapist wasn’t able to suggest anything she didn’t already know, leaving her no better off than before.

Grabbing a late dinner after putting Skye to bed the couple compared notes and tried to brainstorm. Luigi’s first idea came as he remembered how empowering it had felt for him and his cousins to curate their “new looks” after moving in together. Maybe, he told Noemi, they couldn’t change what was at the heart of their problems, but with a little “fashion magic” they could cover over them a bit. She agreed it was worth a try.

When he went on to bitterly joke: “At least my seldom sleepy trait keeps me mostly awake and alert. If only there was a satisfaction potion of chronic-illness-be-gone!” a lightbulb went off in Noemi’s brain. No satisfaction reward would help him, but there was definitely one for her weight concerns.

When Luigi saw the “Insta Lean” potion pop out of his fiancées inventory he placed a hand on her arm to stop her from chugging it down.

“What?” she asked him “It’s a perfectly safe one time reset. Now that I can exercise again, I’ll easily maintain a weight that makes me happy. Come to think of it, exercising more would be good for both of us. Didn’t the doctor say a regular fitness routine would help you manage your sugar levels?”

“Yes, he did” Luigi replied, “and that’s a great idea. If you’re spending points, do you have enough to pick up Seldom Sleepy too?” At her nod he smiled and continued. “Grab that, and we can burn the midnight oil together, going for late night jogs on the beach and early morning swims!”

Gesturing back at the potion his face got serious as he continued: “I just wanted you to know, before you drink that, that you are beautiful and loved just the way you are. If your new bosses or your bathroom mirror don’t appreciate you, I hope you realize how much I do.”

Noemi leaned across the table and kissed him softly. “I love you too. However much your love completes me though, I want to go into my new job feeling on top of the world. This expensive little cocktail will boost my confidence in the office Monday morning, when I’ll need all the help I can get!” With that, she tipped the glass back, letting the magical concoction slide down her throat with a cool tingle.

With their “fixer upper” plans in place the pair looked forward to a fashion makeover to highlight their new, more mature, and soon sleeker bodies!

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[desolatedpigeon]

Tomorrow will be a hard day for me. On the 2nd of July (2021 I think) I've met a guy. Not face to face, but over the internet.

He was a small musician, not even 100 followers. Shortly before I found his music on SoundCloud, I was in a hospital, had to give my puppy away and was in a really bad shape, mentally I mean. His music touched me on a personal level and I really boosted his numbers up. Like from 30 to 300. You see, if I start to like a musician I'll listen to it 24/7. And since I had nothing to do other than stay alive at the time...

Anyway. On 30.06 he followed me back on SoundCloud and on the 02.07 he followed me on Instagram and posted a picture of the view he has when he writes his songs. Then we started to write. I remember how I was drunk as fuck and talked with some random guy about "N". That random guy told me to just message N. And I did that. The result was that N and I chatted over months. He gave me insights of the process of his songs, we talked about our childhoods a little and some other personal stuff. Hell, N even was my drug-companion once when I took LSD. Because of him my kettle is named "Kenny". During my trip I always saw a bulldog in the side of my eye and it was the kettle on my ground. He said I should call it Kenny.

At one point we talked about the collective of musicians he was in and how they named it. I suggested another name that would have fitted too. Let's call my suggestion "C". He said that it would have been a great name, but they don't change it anymore. But he wrote a song about it. And, as far as my understanding of English goes, the song "C" is about how he wants to meet a girl. Like, he sings about how he has feelings, wishes she was there and how he has to find a way to meet her soon. Idk but since the song's title comes from my suggestion and I'm literally in another country than him, I thought it might be about me. He even told me, that he wishes I'd live next to his place and that he would like to meet me.

Maybe it was silly from the beginning, but he really helped me in one of my darkest times. I had feelings for him back then and I still have. I know I've never met him IRL, but that doesn't mean I can't have feelings, does it? I just wish I had told him. Or that it could have gone differently.

It all ended because of me. I missed a message from him and for about one year I thought he didn't answer. And I just left it alone. I thought about him every now and then. When I went to a "festival" near the sea and I had a similar view like he had when he wrote his songs, I cried so, so much. After a while I checked his messages and noticed my mistake. I wrote to him, and we exchanged a few messages. But then he didn't reply anymore. And I was depressed because of this. I didn't want to bother him or do something stupid when I drank alcohol. So I blocked him on Insta. I felt like I needed to protect my own heart and his. Because when I'm "drunk borderline mode" I can be really annoying.

But surprise, it didn't help at all. I still think about him. I'm not even sure if this is just still "love" in my heart or if it turned into an obsession. Maybe it was an obsession from the beginning. I have a damn "N" tattooed in my face. I remember multiple dreams, where I searched for him.

And now that the annual day of our first "meeting" is so close, I can't help but listen to his music, cry over and over again, and I really want to just get drunk. I will not, but I really want to. Why do I have to live in Germany and not over where he lives?

The last time it took me that long to forget someone was my ex fiancé, it "just" took me 5 years to get over it. But after 3 years I didn't think that much about my ex like I do right now with N.

And you know what's the saddest part of all this? For about one year, he didn't make any new music. I hope he's alright.

I fucking miss him.

[deadbydad]

Random but I need to get this off my chest

So I am a junior in high school and I will be graduating next year! My junior and sophomore year have been pretty normal for me, which I am thankful for, but freshman year was the worst year of my life so far.

I have a cousin that I care about and love deeply, I would do anything to protect her and make sure she's okay. But what she did to me changed my perspective of her completely.

Note that this was two years ago but I am still deeply affected by this to this day.

In freshman year I was dating this guy (he will be talked about later and he will be called Ken in this) but at that time we were three months into dating and my cousin had started flirting with him. I told her to stop and she got mad at me.

Two days later I get a random insta message from her friend (we'll call her Barbie) saying that she was going to beat my ass for what I had done to my cousin. I was super confused and so I asked her what she meant by that.

Apparently I had gone around school telling the kids there that my cousin had AIDs and an STD.

I want to say that I never did that and my cousin had no evidence to back this up except text messages from a fake account with my name and picture on it that my cousin made. She made false evidence.

I was friends with all of the kids at our school since there wasn't a lot because schools had just gone back into starting since the pandemic happened, so it was a small school. All of those students had no idea about the rumors when I asked them about it and they didn't even know who my fucking cousin was.

One night I woke up to a call from a random number, I thought it was a friend or something if they were calling me at three in the morning so I answered. It was her friend (or Barbie) telling me that she will kill me.

Now I had to tell the principal about this but all of the texts she sent me, she deleted them and I didn't have a recording of the call so I had nothing. No evidence.

At this time a very close friend of mine had died so I was going through something and I was grieving, so all of this was just making my depression worse than it needed to be.

This was brought to my uncle (my cousins dad)s attention and he asked my cousin who told her that I had started rumors about her, the account she made about me was deleted by her friend and so my uncle didn't see it. My cousin said the kids at our school told her and he asked for names, she walked away.

She had no evidence, but nobody believed me when I did.

I got tired of it so I just stopped trying to do anything to stop it. I had enough pain that I was going through I didn't want to deal with the fake rumors and my cousins bullshit. One day when her friend texted me again she said and I quote "the whole school wants to beat your ass on Thursday."

I replied with "Okay."

She replied with more threats and I just kept saying okay. I was too tired for all of that.

On Thursday I saw my cousins friend and heard her talking shit about me with my cousin.

I snapped.

I walked right up to them in front of the whole school and tapped my cousins friends shoulder.

"You wanna fight? Wanna hurt me? Let's do it right here right now! Where the whole school can fucking join in on the fun just like you said they wanted! Do it, hurt me! I don't care anymore!"

That's what I yelled at her. I was done with all of this and of the only way to solve this was with a fight than I was going to fucking fight. I was so pissed and had so much pent up anger and I knew that if I did get into this fight I wouldn't stop until her nose was fucking shattered and she had a black eye.

But nothing happened, she just stared at my and ran away crying. I felt powerful in that moment. My cousin glared at me and told me that I shouldn't have done that. I fucking laughed in her face.

"Or what? You're gonna hurt me?"

My cousin had started to tell me that it was all my fault and that she was the victim not me.

"Wheres the evidence that I did all of this? Where are the 'text messages' I sent to all of the kids at this school saying that awful things about you? You had no right to do this to me just because I told you to stop flirting with my boyfriend!"

I cussed her out in front of everyone and I didn't care I just wanted her to know what she did to me and the pain I had received from all of the shit she put me through.

I would never start rumors about a family member no matter what, I am not an asshole and I care about my family a lot. But with what she did to me for a whole fucking year, I haven't forgiven her for it. I yell at her every time she tries to play the victim.

I didn't deserve that, I didn't deserve any of that. I am glad I had friends who fought with me the whole time but holy fuck I hate my cousin for that.

I just had to get that off my chest

[herluminosity]

Day 12

Well. Shit happened. My bestie and I got into a major fight on Saturday. It all started because I had enough of her ghosting me. Being taken for granted by her. And the reason why I didn't write this right away, is because I needed time. I needed time to talk with my therapist and friends I trust. And a wee bit with my aunt.

It just came out as a long ass paragraph.

And im not ashamed to put it here. "If you and your mom keep on with the no replying I will not go to Arizona. Ima be straight up. I'm getting tried of being taken for granted. It's always when I have no internet access you care and wanna talk. But the second I do, it's weeks till j hear anything. And I see you online at night time. So I'm done. I'm done. I feel like I'm putting everything into this relationship. I get it. Your "busy" But I'm up late and I see you online But do you drop in and say hi? No. It's always me who has to start conversations. me So I'm putting my foot down. You either leave this friendship or put in the danm work. I talked about this to my therapist And she said I should either leave or tell you how I feel. So I chose to tell you. As I care. Also. You man either unfriended me or blocked me. And when I first contacted you about this you said sorry. Yeah sorry is okay, but it's not if you make empty promises and don't change your fuckin behavior. And you also didn't explain anything to me. Your active on Instagram on both accounts playing a stupid game. Oh and I saw something you posted for the quite thingy above texts in Instagram. "Sorry if I don't respond. I may be in a happier place" then not long after it's gone. I got a screen shot of it. It was from your alt account. So yes. I'm pissed off. I'm very upset this is how I'm being treated. Idek if I still wanna be your friend. I got rid of my other friends too as I'm standing up for myself and not letting me be treated like this.

Taken for granted. Abused. Having my liver be bullied. All the above is what's I'm going through with friends.

And idfc if this is long. I am standing up for myself for the first time."

-A week later-

I keep on delaying writing this. As it's a hard topic for me. But it's been a whole week since this happened, and more shit happened that I'll post about later. But yeah anyway.

I'm starting to forget how all this happened, but I'll try to recall some details.

It all started out by that text, one above. Yeah, I'll admit it. I was a bit harsh. I regret that. I wish I came out more calm and collected. But no. I always resort to violence. And then she got pissed off, and then boom. Fighting.

She said she still loves me. That she'll always care for me. But I denied that, saying that she doesn't. That if she did,why hasn't she been there,told me things,do her job as a bestie?

She said,she has a life. That she been goin through some shit. That she doesn't even tell her boyfriend shit.

If I would of known this was how it was gonna turn out? us falling out? I think I would of calmed down. But I ruined things. Like always.

She tried her best. And I was stubborn. I was mad,and had no control over my anger. I'm always the villain.

After I blocked her,on discord, she posted stuff on insta.

Telling her followers to attack me,how bad of a bestie I am. I cut up all of the pics of her,deleted anything that reminded me of her.

To end this,if she's reading this,

You were good to me.

[tomatitothoughts]

I didn’t go to his party because of pride that he didn’t text me back. I didn’t go because I didn’t care. I didn’t go because I care.

When he didn’t reply to me the first time it was over a weekend. I had been texting my phone constantly, looking to see if my message some how didn’t get delivered. I shut my phone off just in case it had a glitch that didn’t send me his reply. But then he texted me after 2 days, saying it was a busy weekend with school and work. I totally understood as I had been there. But I kept noticing how our constant texting was just 1 message per day and I would reply with 30 minutes or a few hours as he would reply until the next day.

The night before his last day of school I replied to him with a question about his schoolwork. I didn’t expect a quick reply, I knew he was going to be crazy busy. And since he had already gone that weekend without texting due to being super busy I was waiting patiently. But he never replied to me. Even after the Christmas chaos at stores were over. I saw he was active of insta. So he was too busy to reply back to me but had enough time to be on social media.

I had accepted it. I was always going through Holliday grief as it was my very first Christmas without either of my grandparents and I was very emotional and sad at times. I had posted a quote I saw on insta after seeing his story, he had posted a bottle of tequila. Which indicated he was drinking. He liked my story which I didn’t expect. Right around mid night he texts me happy new year. I definitely didn’t expect that!

So I simply replied back with happy new years. I didn’t really expect him to reply back to that. But he liked my reply and then sent a message saying how he was sorry he didn’t get back to me that he was just busy with his job and that hopefully we could hang out soon. I said, “no worries don’t apologize I get it. Yeah maybe we can hang out soon.” In my head I sounded a bit more sassy. He replied, “we’ll still I didn’t want you to think you did something bad or that I was ignoring you. But I hope your day was good” But that’s exactly what I was going on in my head. I kept thinking about how I could have been better or maybe I did something he didn’t like, so something to get him to stop talking to me completely. I simply replied, “no I figure you got too busy. Thank you it was okay.” I really wanted to say you were too busy for me. I was a bother to you that you didn’t need. And how can you just ask me about my day!? Well then he didn’t reply until the next day at 12:00am which technically is another day without texting me. My theory is he got a drunk and since Natalie had texted us happy new years she must have told him we replied and then he texted me. But only because he was drinking and that brought out some of his feelings. Not that he actually intended to talk to me again. Not like that at least. And then once he woke up the next day he felt bad for texting me that he just continued in with the conversation a few more days until he stopped texting again.

I don’t think he ever really meant to text me on new years. He was just drunk. And like his birthday is the 4th I texted him happy birthday and he felt bad I did. So he replied once more the following day before ghosting me again.

That’s why I didn’t go to his and his brothers party (a week later). I wanted to give him space. I didn’t want him to feel obligated in talking to me. He obviously doesn’t. If he didn’t want to text me back what makes me think he wants to see me. I didn’t want to make his night uncomfortable with my presence. I’m sure he felt relief finding out I wasn’t going.

It’s probably best like this. He should be with someone who’s worthy.

[joekeeryswife]

MORE KURT KUNKLE CONTENT WOULD BE COOL UR AMAZING

The Lesson - K.K

here you are lovely. thank you, also, who else loves feminist Kurt? absolute king honestly. also sorry but this is quite short :(

you had been living in Los Angeles for about two years. you worked as a model and the studio you modelled at was thirty minutes away from your house. you had never learned to drive for yourself, you were too scared. so your days to and from work consisted of Ubers and Spree socials. you didn’t really mind though, the drivers never really made conversation which you were grateful for, who would want to have a conversation with someone they don’t know?

it was 10 o’clock at night. you had just finished modelling for a new brand which became famous pretty fast so you jumped at the opportunity to model for them. you went onto Spree social and requested a ride to your apartment. very quickly, a boy named ‘Kurt’ accepted your request and was to you in less than five minutes. “are you Kurt?” you asked, he nodded his head and you got into the back seat of the car. it was silent for a bit before he spoke up. “i’m sorry to make this super weird but i am a huge fan of you. i was shocked to see you when i pulled up” he said, sounding anxious as he spoke. you gave him a wide smile and thanked him.

“that’s lovely of you to say. not many people who drive me around make a conversation but it was nice to hear you talk” you said, looking up from your phone. he nodded his head and carried on driving. for the majority of the ride, Kurt was talking about this thing he was planning called ‘the lesson’. to be honest you had no clue what he was saying but he said it was happening on the 12th of April. you looked at the date and saw it was the 8th of April. “only four days to go then” you said once he finally finished talking about it. “oh yeah i know. i’m so excited” he said, looking back at you in the rear view mirror. you guys were silent for a while before you spoke up. “this isn’t the way to my apartment” you said, when he turned out of the wrong exit. “oh sorry, i should have said. i got a request from someone else. i hope you don’t mind” he said, pulling up to where the new person was. the man got into the car, “hey, are you Mario?” you heard Kurt say to the man. “yes i am, drive fast please, i have a date to get to” he said, putting his seatbelt on. “wow a date at this time of night? that’s new” you said, looking at the time on your phone. “yeah well i didn’t want to meet up with her but she was begging me. i just want to have sex then leave her” Mario replied, you instantly scoffed and shook your head.

why are we, in the 21st century, and men are still talking about women like they are an object? “hey wait, i recognise you. you’re that model who’s like mega famous. can i get a photo?” Mario says, sounding excited. you looked away from him and rolled your eyes. “no thanks. i don’t take pictures with idiots” you said, looking out the window. he scoffed and ran a hand through his hair. “hey y/n, i’m going to drop you off first” you heard Kurt say, Mario opened his mouth to say something, you stopped him before he could speak up. “thank you” you said, looking at him in the rear view mirror and smiled. you and Kurt chatted for a while before Mario spoke up again. “i’m really going to need that photo. it’ll look so good on my insta feed” he said, sounding a little passive aggressive.

“and as i said, i’m really not in the mood to take a photo with an idiot who will use me for likes” you said, you heard Kurt laugh before Mario turned to him. “what are you laughing at f*ggot” you looked at him shocked, Kurt immediately quietened down. “that’s vile. why would you say something like that?” you questioned. Mario looked at you and smirked. “you have a crush on little psycho boy don’t you? he’s weird. why are you choosing him over me?” he said, reaching a hand to touch your face which you instantly slapped away. “you know, ever since you’ve gotten famous it’s gone to your head because you’re a total bitch” you heard Mario say. Kurt immediately stopped the car, you luckily knew where you were, you only had to walk for about five minutes before you were at your apartment. “out.” Kurt said sternly, turning around to Mario and pointing at the door.

“me? no way man. she’s the one being a bitch” Mario said, trying to defend himself. “you know what Kurt thank you for the ride. it was lovely meeting you. maybe we could meet up sometime?” you said, getting your bag as you opened the car door. “no wait y/n, i wasn’t stopping for you.” Kurt said, rolling down his window. “i know, it’s fine though, i live over there. how about i follow your instagram and we can chat on there?” you said, you unlocked your phone and opened instagram. “oh uhh sure, my @ is Kurtsworld96. i’ll follow you back” he said, running a hand through is hair as his face blushed a bright red colour.

“hey, could i also get a follow? my @ is mario32” you heard Mario say, you looked at him through the car window and put up your middle finger. “i’ll message you later Kurt” you said to him. “actually, could you wait some second” you carried on, looking into Kurts eyes. “uhh yeah sure.” he waited as you walked back around to Marion’s side of the car, opened the door, took out a water bottle and chucked it all over him. you slammed the door shut and walked back round to Kurt. “what the fuck man” Mario said as he wiped his face. “sorry about that.” you said to Kurt, he nodded his head and said it was fine. you kissed him on the cheek before walking away to your apartment complex.

you got into your apartment and checked you phone, you saw that Kurt had messaged you which you immediately opened. ‘hey, sorry about the guy in the car earlier. i sorted him out’ the message read. you laughed out loud before replying. ‘thank you, wanna meet up tomorrow? we could go to lunch or something?’ you said. he immediately replied with a short but sweet. ‘sure. i’ll pick you up tomorrow at around 11?’. you sent an ‘okay, see you tomorrow x’ before turning your phone off and heading to bed. there was something interesting about Kurt that intrigued you, you wanted to get to know the boy and what ‘the lesson’ actually was. least to say you were very excited for tomorrow.

[minisugakoobies]

Message Received | JHS

Pairing: Hoseok x Reader

Genre: smut, PWP, established relationship, non-Idol!AU

Rating: M (18+)

Warnings: sending sexy photos, Dom Hobi agenda, masturbation (m + f), dirty talk, mild degradation (use of the word 'slut'), orgasm denial, reader is needy and kind of a brat?, allusions to rough sex including choking, allusions to dom/sub relationship, I went into a fugue state upon seeing Hobi’s latest pics and this is the result

Word Count: 1.7k

Disclaimers: NSFW, obviously I don’t own BTS - they simply inspire me

Summary: Hoseok sent you a message. Will you listen?

A/N: Once again, Hobi's insta has me reeling. I saw those pics of him in that suit at the White House and this one-shot is the result! This was supposed to be a drabble but it just kept going. 🥴

I'd love to know what you think - my inbox is always open! 💕

Masterlist 💜 Find me on AO3 💜 

You stare at the photo on your screen. The image hasn’t changed in the last few minutes since you first opened the text. But you find yourself examining every detail as if certain you’ll find something you haven’t noticed yet. 

A sunlit hotel room. Sparse, practical furniture lining the walls - a bed on one side, tv on the other. And between them, wearing an exquisitely tailored black suit and tie, one hand in his pocket, the other tilting his phone to capture his reflection in the mirror, stands your boyfriend. He’s not smiling, long dark hair swept off his face, lips slightly parted as he concentrates on taking the perfect shot. His expression is serious, almost stern.

It’s a look you are intimately familiar with. All the sleep still lingering in your body evaporates as a shudder runs down your spine.

This isn’t what you had expected to wake up to on this quiet Tuesday morning. Hoseok has been gone for not even two full days now, off on another important business trip. Five days this time. Twisting in the satiny sheets on your bed, you roll onto your side, wincing slightly, still a little sore from his goodbye. Not minding the ache. It just reminds you of what you’re missing… as if you need another reminder. 

Hoseok knows how hard these trips are for you. The apartment feels so empty without his presence. You reread the message he sent with the photo.

Hobi (8:02): Ready to make this deal happen this afternoon. The sooner we close, the sooner I’m home. Be good for me until then, baby girl. 

He probably sent the photo hoping to lift your spirits a little. Give you something to smile about while you wait for his return. But looking at your gorgeous boyfriend in that perfectly fitted suit is having a much different effect on you now. It’s the way he gazes at the camera, with sharp intent. Total focus. 

You get an idea. 

Lying back on your bed, you arrange the sheet around you and snuggle into your pillows. After finding the perfect angle, you snap a quick pic, then send it off. 

(10:15): Woke up missing you. Thank you for the photo 🥰

A few minutes pass with no response. He must be busy. 

Huffing a sigh, you open his photo again. His hand catches your eye, so you zoom in, admiring the long fingers that curl around the phone, noting the way his veins pop slightly as he holds it. How you wish you could feel that hand on you right now. You trace your fingers down your neck, remembering the other night. The way that Hoseok gripped your throat as he fucked into you, cutting off the air from your body and making you see stars. 

Below the softness of your tank top, you firmly caress one of your breasts, mimicking the sure hand you’re missing. Your nipple wakes as you roll it between your fingers, and you snap a photo of the tiny bud protruding from beneath the silk, and send it off to Hoseok. But you don’t wait for a reply, continuing to slide down the sensitive skin of your stomach before lightly cupping the heat between your thighs. 

There’s a dampness growing there, seeping through the thin fabric. This is the effect Hoseok always has on you. Even just looking at his photo and recalling his touch is enough to have you slick and ready for him. You skim your fingers along the waistband, dipping just a fraction of an inch beneath, and quickly fire off another photo to Hoseok before plunging your hand underneath. Tracing the sodden folds, you lick your lips as you slip one finger inside yourself. 

Your phone buzzes. 

Hobi (10:23): Baby girl. What are you doing?

You grin. 

(10:24): Just wanted to say good morning 

Hobi (10:25): Good morning? It’s afternoon here. Did you forget about the time difference?

Oops. You did, in fact, forget that he was now several hours ahead of you.

(10:25): Sorry, Hobi 

Hobi (10:26): I’m in my meeting right now and these photos are very distracting. Is that what you wanted? To distract me from doing my job? 

(10:27): I just wanted your attention. I miss you

Hobi (10:27): I know. I miss you too 

Hobi (10:28): But this is an important client and if we close early, then I get to come home early. Don’t you want that? 

(10:28): Yes! 

(10:28): Need you here, Hobi 🥺

Hobi (10:29): Then be a good girl and be patient for me

(10:29): Okay. I will. Love you 😚

Hobi (10:30): Love you too, baby girl

Stretching, you close your eyes, beaming happily to yourself. Hoseok will be home soon. You just need to be patient.

…but you’re worked up now.

You slip your hand between your legs again, tugging your panties to the side. *click* Rubbing your forefinger into your clit, you arch your back, keening at the pressure. *click* The arousal flowing from your core makes it easy to insert two fingers at once. It’s not what you’re yearning for, but it’s enough to make you moan. *click*

The more you chase that fire in your gut, the more photos you send, until your phone lights up, vibrating in your hand. Bringing it to your ear, you gasp out a greeting. 

“Baby girl.” Hoseok’s voice is deep and dark. Your favorite tone. “Didn’t I tell you to be good?” 

“Yes.” Your fingers keep moving. 

“And you think touching yourself and sending me more nasty photos is behaving?” There’s a loud zipping noise on the other end of the line. 

“I just wanted - “

“Yes or no. Is continuing to distract me with dirty pictures, to the point where I have to excuse myself from this crucial meeting and hide out in a bathroom stall so I can jerk off, really considered ‘behaving’?” The sound of skin slapping against skin hits your ears.

“N-no, Hobi.” 

“What’s my name?” 

“Sir. S-sorry, sir,” you stutter again, toes starting to curl from the way you’re playing with yourself. 

“Listen to you. Already worked up, huh? I saw you had two fingers inside yourself. Such a greedy little slut, aren’t you? Wishing those fingers were my cock.” 

You groan wantonly. “Yes, sir.” 

The slapping sound is getting louder, faster. “Put me on speakerphone.” 

Stabbing the button, you drop your phone by your head. 

“Are you still fucking yourself? Still have those two fingers thrusting inside that little cunt?”

“Yes, sir,” you moan. 

“I want you to suck on your other fingers, baby girl. Get them real good and wet for me.” 

Sticking your fingers in your mouth, you swirl your tongue around, soaking your skin. “Mmmph!”

“Good girl. Now I want you to take those fingers and rub your clit,” Hoseok pants. “Pretend it’s my tongue, baby girl, let me taste you. I bet - “ he lets out a grunt and you clench around your fingers, “fuck, I bet you’d make my face so juicy right now, wouldn’t you, slut? Have you dripping down my chin, so fucking filthy.” 

Mewling helplessly, you stroke your clit as Hoseok orders you, eyes screwing shut as you picture him between your legs. You pinch the sensitive nub, pretending he’s sucking on it, and let out a squeal. 

“Please, sir!” 

“Please what, baby girl?” 

“I - I need you!”  You’re so close to your peak. 

“Well, I’m not there, so you’ll have to do this yourself. So keep touching that clit, dirty girl. Don’t stop.” His breathing is so heavy, you feel like you might climax just from listening. But that doesn’t prevent you from obeying his instructions and brushing the tiny pearl again and again. 

There’s a muffled knocking and Hoseok curses. “Fuck, baby girl, as much as I want to drag this out, I can’t be in here much longer. So I want you to start fucking yourself faster, okay? Pump those fingers for me. Pretend it’s my tongue, fuck, pretend I’m licking that delicious cunt, sliding inside. Can you feel me?” 

“Yes, sir, I feel you, Hobi, I feel you,” you babble, feeling yourself start to unravel. 

“Ah, fuck, baby girl, I wish I were there right now, I miss your taste, your smell, the way you feel - ah! Fuck!” The sound of Hoseok cumming fills the room and you clench again. “Fuck, are you close?” 

“I’m so close, sir, I’m so -” 

“Stop.” 

The word is uttered with such power that you immediately freeze. Your brain scrambles to understand. “What?”

“I said, stop. Stop touching yourself, right now.” Despite the way you know his chest must be heaving right now, Hoseok’s voice is forceful. Steady. 

You blink but keep your hands still. “Sir?” 

“Do you want to get off?” 

Your wordless whine makes him chuckle lowly. 

“Then you will do exactly what I tell you from now on. Do you understand?” 

“Y-yes, sir.” 

“Good.” There’s some commotion on the other end, the sound of water running, a door opening and closing. When he speaks again, his voice is hushed but no less assertive. “I told you to be patient. So that means no more touching yourself until I get home. Not with your fingers, not with any of the toys I bought you. Don’t even think about humping your pillow or anything else dirty little sluts like you do.” He pauses as other voices filter through the speaker. “Am I clear?”

The throbbing between your legs hasn’t ceased. “But Hobi -” 

He cuts through your pouting. “Good girls don’t argue, they listen. If they want their reward.” 

In the silence that fills the room, you envision all the ways you know he’ll reward you when he’s home. Just like all the other times. You can do this. What’s another three days?

“Yes, sir.” 

His voice softens. “That’s my baby girl. I need to get back into the meeting before they think I’ve run off. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Okay. Love you, Hobi.” 

“Love you too.” 

Snuggling back into your pillows, you smile as you think of all the ways he could punish you, too. Sure, you’ll be good for him today. But who knows what tomorrow will bring. 

© 2022-23 by sunshinerainbowsbts/minisugakoobies. Crossposted to AO3. Please do not copy or repost.

Taglist: @babycoffeefire; @parkdatjimin; @reliablemitten; @yuugehn; @ut-dixisti; @hesperantha; @seokjinger-ale; @bangtanintotheroom; ​​@taeshuworld; @nch327; @hannahbee12719ficrecs; @7minsuga96; @dvalitaes; @wonieclub; @thatlongspringnight; @miscelunaaa; @acquiescence804; @itsirisz; @velvetskize; @starbtslove; @ajw05; @bruisedscrewedandtattooed; @minesuga; @greezenini; @aznstoner; @jkkkkkay; @xuxibelle; @soeur-de-ame; @boraborabts; @signmybook; @bbl32; @codeinebelle; @here4btsfics; @itbtoblikethatsometimes; @kookprada; @addictedtohobi

Also tagging a few possums @xjoonchildx @madseok @augustbutwinter @sugalaritae @wwilloww

[golbrocklovely]

never needed // colby brock

A/N: so fun fact about this fic is that i came up with it last year back in november. it was around the time me and my ex best friend stopped being friends. i was really in such a rough headspace, and i think the concept shows it. i just finished writing it today and wow... i still feel this way to some extent, but not fully (thank god). also i literally cried while writing it today so there’s that. hope yall enjoy this one. i'm trying to post a bunch of fics since this coming week is my bday (the 14th). no guarantees, but i'm trying my best to put out at least six things. let me know what you think of this one. see yall later :)

prompt: colby has been ghosting you for a while, just when things were starting to get good between you two. after a week of ignoring you, he’s finally ready to talk. || fem!reader x colby brock

trigger warning: angst, cursing, heartache, crying, honestly this one is really sad so sorry about that, happy ending tho

word count: 2331

~~~~~~~

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I groaned to myself, staring at my phone.

Colby was still ignoring me, something I had grown accustomed to this week. He had ghosted my calls and my texts. He turned his read notifications off too, so I had no clue whether or not he had even seen my messages at all.

Everything had been going great between us. We had met a couple years back and hit it off as friends right away. I always thought he was attractive, and our friendship was always really flirty; so much so that fans thought we were together. And then finally, something clicked a couple months back. I wasn't sure if it was the accidental drunken kiss we shared, or just a built up of feelings, but we finally decided that maybe we should test out an actual relationship.

We promised each other we would take it slow, both of us still heartbroken from our previous relationships and our general trust issues. But these past two months, we went into overdrive, actually taking the time to feel each other out as boyfriend and girlfriend.

And for the first time, I felt happy. Genuinely happy.

A week ago, we had even gone on a cute little date, something we had started doing regularly. We were in the middle of our conversation; I remember I laughed hard at something he said. It was loud enough that some of the patrons in the restaurant stared at us. And when he tried to shush me jokingly, a silence had fallen over us.

His face dropped suddenly, he became super serious and quiet, and then he asked if we could go home.

He told me the next day that he thought he got food poisoning and it just hit him in the restaurant. I didn't think anything of it and was fine with going home early.

But now, I wonder if he was lying.

I looked back down at my phone, reading over my messages from the past week to him.

Was I taking this too far? He could have just been busy. I don't wanna come across as clingy.

"Ugh, fuck that." I muttered out loud to myself, rolling out of my bed to get a drink.

I didn't care if I came across as clingy. I had a right to know why he was ignoring me. If it was work related, he would have told me. He had done that in the past before.

This was different, I just knew it.

Tomorrow, I planned to go over and see him. I would have done it tonight, but I knew he wasn't home. He was out with some friends at Saddle Ranch. Like a fan, I had to watch his stories on Insta, since that was the only way I knew where he was.

"Don't expect too much from him." Sam said.

I shook my head at that memory. When we got together, everyone was happy for us. But I could feel a certain tension in the room, a certain caveat that wasn't being mentioned. Later that night, Sam and I were by ourselves, and he asked me if Colby and I had really made our relationship official. I told him we hadn't gone all the way, but that we were taking it one step at a time.

"I'm happy for you guys, really. I just wonder..." His voice trailed off.

I cocked my head. "Wonder what?"

"Look, I love you both, but I don't know if Colby is really ready for a relationship. There's a lot of things he still needs to work through." He stated.

"We're not that serious." I laughed.

"Yeah, yet. If you plan to be, I just don't want you to get your heart broken because he wasn't ready." Sam admitted.

I patted his shoulder lightly, smiling. "Relax, Samuel. Everything will be fine."

"Alright. Just... don't expect too much from him, okay?" He mentioned, his eyes narrowing on mine.

That had been two months ago and... I think I should have heeded his warning.

A loud knock at my front door brought me out of my thoughts, scaring me. I grabbed a knife from my kitchen, striding over to the door. I glance through the peephole to see who was there.

Colby's face stared back.

"Y/N, it's me. Can you open the door?" He called.

I scowled at him through the peephole. "Sorry she's not home right now. Maybe you should try responding to her texts.”

“Look I'm sorry, but that's why I came over. I wanted to talk in person.” He replied.

“Damn, that’s a shame. Too bad she’s not home!” I exclaimed angrily.

“C’mon now, don’t be childish.” He remarked.

I swung the door open, holding back from yelling into my hallway. “Childish?!”

He smirked at me. “I knew that would get you to open the door.”

“You’re not funny.” I deadpanned, glaring at him.

“Can you please let me in? I seriously want to talk.” Colby responded, his eyes landing on mine.

“No, Colby. It’s one o’clock in the morning, I don’t feel like talking, and you’re drunk.” I jeered, resting my hands on my hips.

He scrunched up his face dramatically. “No, I’m not. I only had like two drinks.”

“Oh my mistake. I figured a person that randomly comes over to talk at the ass-crack of night is usually drunk,” I quipped. “Don’t you have better things to do, like be at Saddle Ranch?”

He stepped back, raising an eyebrow. “How’d you know I was at Saddle Ranch?”

I could feel my cheeks heat up. “Because… I watched your stories.”

“Nice to know you pay attention to me,” he uttered under his breath. “Please let me in.”

“No. Fuck off, Colby.” I hissed.

He rolled his eyes at my comment. “If you don’t let me in, I’m just gonna make noise out here in the hallway until you do.”

“Bet.” I huffed.

“What was your favorite movie again… ‘10 Things I Hate About You’?” He questioned, stepping back further into the hallway.

I blinked. “Yeah, so what?”

He looked up at me, giving me a devilish smile. “…You’re just too good to be true.”

My face dropped at his voice. “Colby.”

“Can’t take my eyes off of you.” He sang, pointing at me.

“Are you really-” I started.

He cut me off, running his hands down his body. “You’d be like heaven to touch.”

I hushed. “Seriously stop-”

“I wanna hold you so much.” He closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around himself.

I grunted, smacking my hand towards him. “Colby, it’s one in the morn-”

“At long last, love has arrived.” He opened his arms wide.

“Shut the fuck up!” I whisper-shouted.

“And I thank God I'm alive.” Colby praised up towards the ceiling.

I retorted. “You’re fucking embarrass-”

He spun in a circle slowly. “You're just too good to be true.”

“I knew giving you the code to my apartment was a bad idea.” I grumbled.

“Can't take my eyes off of you.” He winked, pointing at me again.

Colby took a big inhale, ready to start singing the music, but I grabbed his arm and pulled him into my apartment.

I slammed my door shut, locking it quickly. “Next time you do something like that, I’m gonna kill you.”

“That’s not very- why do you have a knife?” He motioned toward the knife sitting on my side table.

“What-? Oh, I thought you were an intruder.” I explained.

He lightly smiled, his dimples appearing. “You think an intruder would knock?”

I snapped, annoyed. “Aren’t you here to apologize?”

“Right, right,” he cleared his throat, his demeanor changing. “Y/N, I’m deeply sorry.”

“Sure.” I narrowed my eyes, walking towards my kitchen.

He followed me. “I know what I did was fucked up. I should have responded to you.”

“You completely ignored me for over a week.” I informed him, resting my back against the counter.

He nodded. “I know. I shouldn’t have done that.”

I crossed my arms uncomfortably. “…were you busy?”

“No, not really.” He divulged, dropping his head.

“So, you purposefully ignored my calls and text…” I could feel my hands shake against my arms.

“You make it sound bad-” He mumbled.

“It is that bad.” I emphasized, stopping him. “Colby, you wanna talk about being childish? That shit was childish.”

He agreed. “I know it was.”

“Obviously not since you keep joking about it.” I argued.

“I’m not trying to joke,” he protested, running his hands through his hair. “Do you wanna know the honest to God truth?”

“Of course I do.” I answered, furrowing my eyebrows.

He exhaled, glancing at me. “When we first got together, even though we were taking it slow, I was terrified to date you.”

“Terrified?” I puzzled.

He swallowed hard. “Yes. Scared shitless.”

“Why?” I questioned.

“I thought it was because I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. But then… at dinner,” his voice lowered, his shoulders dropping. “I realized it was more than that.”

I shook my head, confused. “What are you ta-”

“I’m falling in love with you, Y/N.” He confessed.

His words made me step back, my breath hitching in my throat.

I choked. “What?”

“When you laughed really hard, and did that cute snort thing you do, I remember we looked at each other… and all I saw was you,” his eyes bore into mine, causing goosebumps to rise all over my skin. “No one else in that restaurant existed. And in that moment, I wanted to tell you I love you.”

I stammered out words, unable to think clearly. “S-so… you-”

“When I felt it, I knew I had to go home. Because I was just so shocked at the feeling. I haven’t felt that way for anyone in a long time.” He sighed exhaustingly, “and… I apologize that I ignored you. Every time I saw your messages, I knew I should have responded. But my body, my mind, wouldn’t let me.”

I frowned. “Because you love me?”

“Because… I’m scared to love you.” He admitted.

A heavy silence fell over the apartment. I shuddered out an exhale, not even noticing I had been holding my breath in for so long. Colby closed his eyes, twisting up his face, and turned his back to me.

“Why are you scared to love me?” I gulped, scared of his answer.

His shoulders tensed as he gripped the counter. “The last time you felt heartbroken… did it leave you feeling empty? Because that’s how I felt… for so long. It’s not even the empty feeling that bothered me. It was the fact that I knew something used to be there… and now it’s gone. I miss who I was before.”

I opened my mouth, but no words escaped.

“I have this deep, guttural feeling that you’re gonna realize I’m not worth loving, and that there is someone else out there that is, and you’re gonna leave me.” His voice trembled as he spoke, “everyone… always leaves me.”

I gasped quietly. “Colby-”

He turned back to me, his face becoming red. “I just feel like no one ever needs me, you know? Like some people only keep me around because they don’t have the heart to just tell me they don’t care anymore. Even Sam has someone else.

I consoled. “That’s not-”

“And I know it’s selfish to want everyone around me to only want me. I don’t really feel that way. I just… don’t feel like anyone really needs me as much as I need them,” his chest quaked as his breathing began to speed up. “And when you realize it too… I don’t think I can live through that fall out again. I don’t think I’m gonna survive it.”

“Wait, Col-” I murmured.

“At that dinner, I had this gut-wrenching anxiety come over me; a voice in my head that said ‘she’s gonna leave you too’ and… I’m just so sorry.” He panted, his eyes welling up.

I wrapped my arms around him tightly, pressing his body into mine as hard as I could. He buried his face into my neck, his body almost going limp against mine.

I couldn’t help my own tears spill as they landed on his shirt. “Baby, why didn’t you tell me you were feeling this way before?”

“I was ashamed. I should be stronger than this.” He fumed through his tears.

I rubbed his face lovingly. “Who said that? You are strong. Expressing your emotions is strong.”

He nodded, croaking. “I’m so sorry, Y/N. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course. How about tonight you stay over, and then in the morning, we’ll talk about this more? Okay?” I suggested, resting my hands on his forearms.

“Yeah.” He whimpered.

I smiled brokenly. “Come on, let’s go to bed.”

I lightly grasped Colby’s hand, pulling him slowly into my bedroom. He stumbled along, his head remaining down.

I sat him down on the bed and slid off his jacket, placing it on my dresser. I cupped his face, tracing his jaw with my fingers. His eyes finally landed on mine as I tilted his head up.

I leaned down and kissed his lips, resting my forehead against his.

“I’m not gonna leave you, Colby.” I stated, gazing into his eyes.

He begged in a hushed tone. “Please don’t.”

“I won’t. I promise.” I reassured, kissing his forehead.

I walked over to the other side of my bed and laid down. Colby kicked off his shoes, taking his belt off and pulling his jeans down. After getting undressed, he slid into bed with me, laying his head down softly on my chest. Wrapping his arms around me, he buried his head into my neck again, sighing against my skin. I ran my fingers through his hair, a light hum falling from his lips. I ran my other hand up and down his spine, feeling him shiver under my touch.

“We’ll be okay, Colby.” I whispered.

[kpopimaginings]

Insta Connections - Jinyoung

A/N: This is from a request from @crzy-devil​ I hope you don’t mind I did deviate a little bit, but its still model!reader and Jinyoung being an old man when it comes to sns.

You were currently preparing backstage for a runway show in Seoul. As occasionally happened, there were some VIP guests mingling with designers and models backstage. Once your make-up was all in place, you went to relax in the lounge and caught the eye of GOT7's Jinyoung. You saw him notice you and headed over to sit by him and introduce yourself, before starting a casual conversation.

"I don't think I've seen you at events like this before?" you pointed out, posing it more as a question about his presence.

"Not often," he agreed, "But I was invited, and thought it would make for an interesting change of scenery."

"Let's take a photo, and update our socials," you suggested. "Might be a nice surprise for your fans."

You each pulled out your phones, snapping a few selcas together before updating your Instagram. You noticed the look of sheer concentration on Jinyoung's face as he tackled the app and couldn't help but laugh.

"I know you don't post much, but are you struggling that much?"

"Hey, me and my fans are quite happy with my lives, I don't need to be posting expert," he argued.

You continued to smile at him at you went through the process with him, recommending your favourite filter that you knew complimented your look.

"Easy!" you said, once the photo was uploaded on his account.

"Sure," he replied, not sounding sure at all.

"It's been great getting to know you, Jinyoung, but I think I need to finished getting ready," you said, moving to stand up.

He stood too, offering you a polite bow as he said his goodbyes.

Once you were out on the runway, the lights on you were so bright you couldn't see anyone in the audience, which was probably a good thing. If you were able to see Jinyoung's face, it definitely would have broken your composure. His jaw dropped as he watched you saunter down the catwalk. It hadn't gone unnoticed to him how beautiful you were as you spoke earlier, but watching you in your element, hair and make-up flawlessly done and eccentric designer garments adorning you, you looked ethereal.

As soon as the show was done, Jinyoung headed back to the VIP lounge, hoping he might find you there. After asking around, he eventually discovered that you had headed straight home. He couldn't pinpoint quite why he felt as disappointed as he did at not being able to see you again.

Heading home himself, he pulled out his phone to find a lot of his fans were tagging you in their comments on his photo with you. He happily followed you and spent his evening flicking through your many pictures, before leaving a comment on the selca you had posted of the two of them.

'It was a pleasure meeting you at the show. I hope we might meet again.'

A few days later you went live on Instagram, you loved being able to talk to your followers and found it much easier to do on a live stream than trying to keep up with the many, many dm's you get.

Quite a few of the questions you were getting were about your encounter with Jinyoung, and you tried your best to answer them along with the fashion and make-up discussions that were happening. You stopped talking mid sentence when the notification appeared that jinyoung_0922jy had started watching the live.

"Ah, the man himself, Jinyoung has started watching," you announced, as you invited him to join the live. "Let's see if he'll join me and you can ask him some of your questions too."

Jinyoung accepted the invitation and his face popped up under yours.

"Hello, thank you for letting me join you."

"It's no problem at all," you smiled. "Most of the questions from my followers have been about you anyway since we shared those selcas."

Jinyoung laughed. "I just wanted to share your beauty," he complimented. "I didn't actually realise how famous you were, or how many fans you have until they all started commenting on that photo."

The two of you continued to chat, answering questions from the viewers and using their comments as talking points, and before you knew it, your live had been going for well over an hour.

"Oh wow, guys, how have we been hanging out for nearly an hour and a half?!" you exclaimed when you noticed. "I think it's time to call it a day now, but don't worry, I'm sure I'll be back live before you know it. Jinyoung, thank you so much for joining in, this has been so much fun."

"My pleasure, thank you for inviting me on," he replied.

"Anytime!" you smiled back, "And you know where my dm's are if you ever want to talk."

"Thank you, stay safe, bye," he said waving to the camera as he left the chat.

"And for the rest of you, thank you so much for joining me, if you liked seeing Jinyoung here, let me know, and maybe we can do it again. Take care everyone," you told them before ending the live.

As you closed it, you saw you already had a message from Jinyoung.

'It's not often you get an invite to slide into a models dm's. What do you say we grab a coffee together sometime?'

You smiled to yourself as you read his words. And really, who were you to deny a great idol and actor a cup of coffee?

NAVIGATION  |  GOT7 MASTERLIST

[2manyfandoms2count]

Dearest Family

So, the title of episode 21, huh? My mind went straight to angst, even if I'm doing my best to rationalise it.

Non angsty theory: It's around New Year's (because of this Insta post's caption), the family comes to visit, you've got Gina, Rolland and Wang Cheng visiting together, tensions arise, perfect fodder for Shadowmoth's akumas.

Angstier theory: mini fic under the cut

“Tom, come quickly!”

Sabine’s panicked voice had her husband run up the stairs to Marinette’s room. She turned towards him with dewy eyes as he emerged through the trap door, and simply handed him a sheet of paper.

Sabine hadn’t meant to read the letter. She obviously hadn’t been meant to, either. She’d inadvertently knocked over Marinette’s paper basket when she’d wanted to empty it, and caught sight of a little doodle of her family at the bottom of one of the paper balls: Tom, Marinette and her, all smiling, surrounded by little hearts.

She should have resisted her curiosity, but her daughter’s art had always been her weakness. She couldn’t help it: even if Marinette deemed it wasn’t good enough, Sabine's motherly instinct told her to gather all the scraps of creativity she could find. She knew her (not so) little girl would appreciate it someday. She’d been so happy when she’d found her knitting fairy sketches again.

Tom held the drafted letter low enough that she could read it again.

"Maman chérie, mon Papa adoré, Chère Famille,

If you're reading this, then it’s already too late. then I must already be gone. then I'm sorry. I'm sorry I lied to you for so long, and I'm sorry to have let you down. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you what I was preparing I had no other choice. I really wish I could’ve stayed

I love you.”

She finished taking in the contents of the crumpled, tear-stained sheet of paper just as it fell out of Tom's hands, and she felt her legs buckle under her. Tom caught her in his strong arms, but when she looked up, she saw the tears in his eyes.

She looked around her, and noticed that all of Marinette’s pictures of her friends, of Adrien, were gone. That everything was neatly tidied up, with no trace of her usual bustling activity. Sabine felt her heart tighten in her chest as she saw a single envelope stick out of one of the books on her shelf.

Her gaze lingered on it, attracting Tom’s attention to it as well. He reached over to pull it out, keeping a secure hand on her back.

♡ Maman & Papa ♡, they both read. The envelope was sealed with a heart-shaped sticker. Neither dared open it.

“Where’s Marinette?” Tom’s voice was hoarse as he voiced the question she didn’t know if she wanted the answer to.

“She said she was going to spend the afternoon at Alya’s, before dinner with the family,” she replied with a flat voice.

“I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about, then.” Tom stood straighter and wiped his eyes. “It must all be a misunderstanding.”

“Yes, there must be some kind of explanation,” she said quietly, her mind racing. Marinette often had creative writing assignments; surely this must have been one of them. “I’ll just call her to make sure she made it safely. There have been quite a few Akuma attacks lately, you never know.”

“Thank you.” Tom let out a relieved sigh as she pulled out from his embrace and dialled their daughter’s number, putting the call on speaker.

“You’ve reached Marinette! Leave a message. BEEP!”

Sabine shook her head and looked up to Tom.

“She’s probably just having fun. She doesn’t spend a lot of time on her phone.” He rubbed her back soothingly, although worry still filled his eyes.

“Should we try calling Alya?”

“Well, it can’t hurt…” He scratched the back of his head.

She scrolled through her contacts until she found the relevant number, which she'd had since Marinette's surprise birthday party. She'd been so happy, then.

“Hello?” Alya’s voice sounded after three excruciating tones.

“Hello Alya? It’s Sabine, Marinette’s mother.”

“Mrs Cheng! What a nice surprise, how are you?” The young girl’s voice was warm and joyful as always, making her friend’s parents relax a little.

“Good, thank you! I was just wondering if I could speak to Marinette, about, um, her grandparents coming over.” Sabine tried to keep her voice as level as possible.

“Oh, er, I’d love to help you with that, but she’s not with me.”

“Weren’t you two spending time together today?” Sabine insisted.

“Oh no, we’re hanging out tomorrow! She said she had a family thing today. Are you sure everything’s alright?”

Sabine’s phone slipped out of her hand and she felt a single tear roll down her cheek.

She knew Marinette had her secrets, and she respected them. She’d been a teenager before her, she could understand.

I really wish I could have stayed. The words in her letter came back in full strength, knocking the wind out of her.

She fell to her knees, bringing Tom down with her.

Then the world went dark, but for a purple butterfly.

--

Meanwhile, I imagine Marinette skipping around the Tuileries, organising a surprise picnic for her family (who is also visiting in the angstier version). That letter was a draft for the Fu-like letter she wants to leave out for her parents, but it was too painful and she abandoned her project to write it. The envelope holds a letter with a handmade voucher for, like, a game of UMS with her parents.

[detectivereyes]

Cutting It Close

Summary: Mateo and Carlos bonding over cooking together, until fate ruins it with a minor kitchen accident

Notes: inspired by Julian’s insta story last night... which then @moviegeek03​ enabled me to write this morning 🙃

(also un-beta’d bc it’s so short and i didn’t want to wait for feedback... feel free to point out any mistakes, i’d like to fix them. )

read on ao3

“Do you need any help?” Mateo asks, hovering in the doorway between the hall and the kitchen.

He had been watching Carlos prepare their dinner for a bit, and was unsure if Carlos even wanted him around. While it had been nice having TK and Carlos around while they sorted out everything after the fire that destroyed their home, his relationship to Carlos was still just through TK. He did want to get to know the other man better, but was not exactly sure how to do that.

But he saw an opening tonight while he was home with just Carlos, while Captain Strand was off dealing with something related to the reopening of the 126 and TK had gone to check in on Nancy. 

Carlos looks surprised at first, but quickly softens at the offer. “Yeah, that would be great, Mateo.”

Mateo smiles and joins him in the kitchen, washing his hands before waiting for further instructions from Carlos. 

“Do you want to finish chopping these vegetables for me?”

He nods, carefully taking the knife from Carlos and starting the process of slicing up the remaining onions and tomatoes. It had been a while since Mateo had helped out in the kitchen. He always found enjoyment in helping his mother and grandmother out growing up, but hadn’t been able to since he went off on his own. Between becoming a firefighter, and especially when living with roommates, he often found himself choosing local takeout over freshly produced meals. 

When he had first moved in with Captain Strand, it had been a little different, eating a few more home cooked meals but with both of their busy schedules, it wasn’t always. The big change however, happened when Carlos and TK moved in, with Carlos insisting he cook every night he didn’t have a shift of his own. 

He’s so lost in thought over the excitement of being involved in the cooking process that he barely notices when the knife slips from his hand and slices through the back of a few of his fingers. 

“Shit,” he curses under his breath, and moves to the sink to run the cuts under water in the hopes that it stops the bleeding that has already begun to pool. 

This grabs the attention of Carlos who is quickly appears at Mateo’s side. “What happened?”

“Knife slipped,” Mateo says, shutting off the water and inspecting the cuts.

“Those look pretty deep, Mateo,” Carlos says, wincing in sympathy.

And he’s right, the cuts are much deeper than he’s ever gotten before, revealing layers of skin as the blood continues to rush out. Logically he knows that this is not good, but he can’t help but feel the urge to downplay it. Especially with Carlos looking at him so alarmed and concerned. “It’s fine, it doesn’t hurt that bad. Just need some bandaids.”

Carlos gives him a pointed look. Of course he could see through Mateo’s three lies in a row. But Mateo has to at least try to save face in front of his friend.

Luckily Carlos doesn’t push. “I’ll get the first aid kit.”

He heads towards the hall bathroom before returning a few moments later with a small kit in hand. They rifle through the kit before pulling out a few bandaids, and with Carlos’ help, his fingers are soon wrapped tightly in bandages.

“Do you need anymore help?” Mateo asks with a sheepish grin, and the look Carlos gives him tells him he already knows the answer.

“I think you’re banned from the kitchen tonight. I can manage,” he says. “But you’re welcome to watch.”

Mateo shrugs and takes Carlos up on his offer, making himself comfortable at the breakfast bar counter. He shifts between watching Carlos move effortlessly around the kitchen, and keeping an eye on his injured fingers, which despite the bandaids, are still bleeding. He notices how the blood is already beginning to seep through. It’s a good thing they didn’t put the first aid kit away yet, he’ll have to change them soon. 

The minutes tick by until dinner is almost ready and TK walks through the door. 

“Hey, babe,” he says, crossing the room to greet Carlos with a soft kiss. “Dinner smells delicious.”

“Thanks, but I did have a little help,” Carlos replies, giving a slight head nod in Mateo’s direction. “That is until we had a small kitchen injury.”

Mateo waves a few of his fingers in the air and can see the shift in TK’s face as he goes from ‘regular TK’ to ‘paramedic Strand.’

“Can I take a look?” TK asks, rounding the corner to take a seat next to Mateo.

Mateo nods, wincing as TK carefully removes each bandaid, the other man’s eyes growing wide at the sight of the cut. “Shit, Mateo these are really deep.”

“That’s what I said!” Carlos chimes in. 

“Did you not stop to think these might need stitches?” TK continues, giving him a pointed look and turning to Carlos. “And both of you thought bandaids would be the best way to treat some serious cuts? Did you even put any antibiotic ointment on these?”

Carlos shifts uncomfortably and Mateo shakes his head.

TK sighs. “Alright, dinner can wait. We’re going to the emergency room to get these cuts treated properly.”

Mateo is handed a towel, which he uses to wrap around his still-bleeding fingers, while Carlos begins to pack up the food that shouldn’t be left out while they’re gone. 

“I guess I can’t leave either of you home without fear of serious injury,” TK mumbles as they’re walking out the door. 

“Hey, kitchen accidents happen a lot. It’s the price you pay for a good home cooked meal,” Carlos adds.

“You should know, did you tell Mateo about the time you sliced your hand open doing the same thing?”

Mateo watches as Carlos grows quiet and TK smirks. It’s not exactly how he would have planned getting to know the other men better, but it does feel nice to be included in their banter.

[mooncademia]

Boys vs. Boys — PART 1.

PAIRING ~ prohero au! friends to lovers, Bakugou x reader ( x Yo Shindo) 

GENRE ~ fluff, a little bit of angst!, jealously 

WARNINGS ~ language! a tiny ~spicy~ joke inserted 

WORD COUNT ~ 8.1k 

SUMMARY ~ After more than a month being away in the States, you have finally returned to Tokyo...with a party more than one. And when Bakugou realizes who the extra person was, tension grows between him and ‘pretty boy dunce-face’ a.k.a, the one and only: Yo Shindo. 

[Bakugou] 10:35 a.m :

Text me when you arrive at Narita Airport, okay?

[Y/N] 10:41 a.m:

Of course :)

Bakugou leaned back on his chair in his apartment and read the text that you have sent to him yesterday, over and over again. In less than 30 minutes, you will finally arrive back to Tokyo after spending a month and a half in New York and LA for pro-hero work in the States.

Bakugou was never the type to be constantly checking his social media. He doesn’t even turn on his notifications because his simple rule was: if you had something to tell him, text him through Messages. Or just straight up call him. He doesn’t want to be spending time scrolling through Instagram, liking people’s outfit or food posts, nor did he want to retweet some silly tweet that Kaminari posted, complaining about how his neighbor’s cat hated him on a personal level. Bakugou had his own pro-hero work to do.

But today was different! And he had to be honest to himself, he was a little embarrassed to admit it. But ever since you texted him yesterday, he immediately turned on all his social media apps and now, he has spent way too long scrolling through your friend’s posts--hoping to know if there were any news of your arrival.

Bakugou grunted as he ruffled his blonde hair messily, feeling impatient that he hasn’t received any news about your arrival yet. He leaned over to his desk to grab his water bottle, but right before he unscrewed the cap, his phone vibrates loudly on his desk and he immediately dropped the water bottle and unlock his phone.

Finally! After so many weeks of you being away…you were finally here.

Closer to him.

Bakugou impatiently swiped right to unlock his phone and saw your message.

[Y/N] 7:56 p.m

At Narita, finally 🥴

His lips twitched a smile when he saw the emoji. Yeah, a 14 hour flight isn’t really the most comfortable, huh? He quickly replied back with his thumbs running with speed.

[Bakugou] 7:56 p.m:

How was the flight?

A few minutes past, no response. Bakugou shrugged, a smile still on his face knowing that you were safely here at Tokyo now, and in a few hours, he will be able to see you at the welcome-home party that Yaoyoruzu is preparing at the very moment in her godly-rich mansion.

But, before he rests his phone back on his desk, hundreds of notifications blew up on his phone and he checks his insta story to see what Mina, Uraraka, and Tsuyu posted. After all, they were currently at the airport picking you up.

Bakugou clicked on Mina’s latest insta story, his heart throbbed in excitement to finally see you until—

His face fell.

“I KNEW IT! I FUCKING KNEW YOU TWO WERE DATING!,” Mina squealed in the short clip captioned: “I WAS RIGHT! @yaomomo u owe me $20 bucks 😘😘!” Her phone went flying everywhere which made the video awfully blurry. But Bakugou already caught it and oh, did he feel sour in the mouth.

You looked as beautiful as ever, with your simple yet stylish slightly cropped cream-T and gray sweatpants. Even though your eyes looked a bit dazed as if you had just woken up, you looked so cute to his eyes.

But what made Bakugou’s emotion shift so fast was not of you. Of course not!! How could he ever?!

No. 

It was who you were walking with.

He clicked next on Mina’s insta story, hoping in that split millisecond it was not who he think it is. Not the person in his mind that kept bugging him after seeing so many headlines on the news of the two of you working together in New York and LA. It can’t be him, right?

Right?!!!

But Bakugou’s guts knew way fucking better. And his eyes grew angry when he saw the pro-hero, Yo Shindo, standing next to you. Wrapping you closely in his arms with a smirk plastered on his face. And you looked just as pleased too as Mina caught you laughing with Shindo so lovingly before running towards Mina with your arms wide open.

“Wow,” Bakugou heard Tsuyu gleefully whisper next to Mina. “He’s even more hot in real life! Why the hell can’t I find men like that?!”

“It’s a rarity.” 

Bakugou heard Tsuyu scoffed playfully. “Tell me about it.” 

Mina continued to wobble the phone, which makes Bakugou want to shout at the device on his hand to stop! moving! But alas, the next clip that was just posted 16 seconds ago, he saw you with your arms wide open, giving all your girlfriends a hug.

“Aw, I miss you guys so much!!” You squealed. Bakugou could no longer see “pretty boy dunce-face ” anymore but he knew he was with you and his stomach drop.

Ah, Yo Shindo. The pro-hero who study abroad in New York after high school for an internship at a country-famous agency, second best from Captain Celebrity (who was #1 hero in the U.S!), becoming a famous pro-hero in America.

And surely enough, when you flew to NY and LA to collaborate with Yo Shindo, news broke out nation wide in America about the two of you working together that even Japan starred the news on television one day. And those past weeks while you were gone, Bakugou had to suffer from all the pictures that the paparazzi took in New York and Los Angeles. And he admits it. He spent way too many nights awake, changing his VPN to U.S.A on his computer (thank you Kaminari for the tip!) to read and watch CNN, New York Times, and any other newsline that starred or mentioned you and Yo Shindo, hoping to grasp any updates about you.

But now you were finally here in Tokyo…with a party more than one. And as Bakugou closed Instagram, he closed his eyes to calm himself down aka, reassuring yourself that you and Yo Shindo were definitely no more than just friends…

Who spent more than a month together in the States…

And flew back to Tokyo together in the same flight…

Yeah…not helping.

Bakugou lifted himself off his chair and threw a towel over his shoulder, heading towards the shower to wash up before the party at Yao-momo’s tonight. But Bakugou’s phone buzzed once more and when he leaned in to check it, his heart did a little flip when he read your text.

[Y/N] 8:14 p.m

Not the very best 😔 a flight attendant and I had this argument because there was a seating error!

Bakugou relaxed a bit. He knew it was a little self-indulgent and selfish to feel this, and maybe it was jealously that was pouring over him, but he felt his nerves relaxed a bit knowing that perhaps you didn’t at all fell for that Yo Shindo boy.

Bakugou began to type back. Not an overly-top-gushy-pick-me-up text that he know that idiot Deku would type, but a nice and cool but sweet text to cheer you up from your bad flight. But before he clicked the sent button, he received another message.

[Y/N] 8:15 p.m

Thankfully Yo Shindo was there to help me out, he’s here in Tokyo too by the way! 

Bakugou felt his stomach drop again. He backspaced his previous text and rewrote a new one.

[Bakugou] 8:16 p.m

Oh, that’s great!

He knew it was far from the truth as jealously crept up behind his back again, but he had to play it cool. He can’t be jumping into conclusions before he knows anything about the two of you!

[Y/N] 8:16 p.m

I’ll see you at Momo’s, right?

Bakugou smiled at the screen. Despite the news of pretty-boy dunce face in town, he still can’t wait to finally see you after so many weeks. Of course you have been keeping him updated through your texts every week, but to see you actually in person after so long…his heart couldn’t stop beating when he typed back.

[Bakugou] 8:17 p.m

Yeah, I’ll be there.

And with that, Bakugou finally rested his phone back on his desk and headed towards the shower, hoping to wash away all silly thoughts flowing in his mind.  Hoping that…when he sees you tonight, he is able to have an opportunity in the near future to tell you about the emotions he has been feeling ever since you left Tokyo last month. 

With no distractions in the way—especially not that  pretty boy idiot!

—————

Okay so his previous plan came to a halt.

“Yo, Yao-Momo!!” Kaminari shouted as he hopped back onto the couch. He pointed behind him excitingly. “I didn’t know you had black custom-made toilets!!”

“Black toilets?” Kirishima asked, setting up the living room table with cups and beverages.

“Yeah! And there’s even a TV mounted on the wall above the bath tub. And OH! There’s “jacuzzi” mode in the tub! And there are speakers so you can listen to music and the mirror above the sink opens up to a—“

“So did you go pee, or did you just take a full-ass bath in my bathroom?” Yaoyorozu asked with her hands on her hips and sneered eyes.

Kaminari widened his eyes like a puppy. “I CAN TAKE A BATH IN YOUR COOL BATHROOM?!”

Yaoyorozu sighed as she placed two finger on her nose bridge, but Kaminari could tell that she was trying not to laugh.

“Food’s here!!” Yaoyorozu’s boyfriend, Yosetsu Awase, announced as he plopped down six pizza boxes on the table.

“Thanks babe for picking it up,” Yaoyorozu said before giving Awase a kiss on the cheek. She smiled happily at her boyfriend and when Bakugou glanced up, the two of them looked so good together that he couldn’t help but feel a sour in his stomach as he reflected back at the news he saw on Mina’s Instagram story.

Bakugou cleared his throat as he helped Kirishima set up all the props. “So…when’s Y/N getting here?”

Kirishima looked at him and when he saw his best friend look so curious and innocent, Kirishima’s eyes immediately lit up and he nudged Bakugou on the ribs even though he knew he may be dead meat from teasing him.

“You still like her, huh!” Kirishima said in a low whisper with a smirk, which almost caused Bakugou to light up his hands and slam Kirishima face down on Momo’s fancy wooden floors. But before he could even act, he heard the entrance door whoosh open with Mina’s voice echoing from the door to the main room.

“YOU OWE ME $20 BUCKS MOMOOOOOOOO!!!!” Mina shouted as she dragged you to the living room. When Bakugou saw you standing a couple feet away from him, he sucked in a breath.

You were still wearing your airport outfit that he saw you last on Mina’s post. But when he thought that you couldn’t look any more beautiful from the small screen on his phone, he was so wrong. As you stood there with a sheepish grin on your face—to Bakugou’s eyes— you were 10 times more prettier in real life. Hell, make that a hundred.

When you locked eyes with Bakugou after giving Kirishima a hug, you blushed before stepping towards him, about to do the same, until—

“Y/N!! YOU’RE FINALLY FUCKING HERE!!! I MISS YOU SO GODDAMN MUCH!!!” Yaoyorozu squealed as she ran over, cutting Bakugou from his hug. Bakugou had to back up before Yaoyorozu jumped over him and he was not happy about that. But when you let out an “oof!” and rested your shoulder on Momo’s shoulder, your eyes were still on Bakugou’s and you gave him a weary smile that said: “sorry!”

Bakugou couldn’t stay furious too long when he saw your apologetic smile as you hugged Momo back. He gave an appreciative nod at you that made you know that he was glad to finally see you back.

When Momo parted away, she blinked her eyes at Mina, who was standing right next to you with her arms crossed and a sly smirk plastered on her face.

Momo perked up. “Wait, I owe you $20 bucks?”

Mina widened her eyes and grabbed your arm, shaking it so excitingly that Bakugou swore she probably loosened all your bones now. “Bitch! You owe me $20 bucks when we bet on Y/N and Yo Shindo being together!”

You shot your head at Mina with eyes widened. “You guys bet WHAT?!” You asked so sternly that it made Mina and Momo tuck their hands sheepishly behind their backs.

“Well…” Mina teased, eyes staring at the ground as she drew circles on the floor with her shoe. “We kinda bet on whether you will get together with Yo Shindo when you were away…”

“We? As in just the two of you, right?”

Momo clamped the back of her neck embarrassingly. “Uh…plus Asui and Ochaco..?”

You gasped, shaking your head in disbelief. “You guys! I cannot believe—“

“That you love us too much for you to get mad at us?” Mina interrupted with such a cute smile that you parted your mouth for a few seconds and darted your eyes from Mina to Momo before dropping your hands and releasing a sigh.

“Fine…” you said, rolling your eyes but your lips lifted up to a smile. You extended your arms to your friends. “Come here you guys…Ya’ll are so lucky I haven’t seen you two for more than a month. Or else you’ll be dead meat!”

Your girlfriends ran in to hug you one more time, continuing their warm comments on how much they have missed you.

Yaoyorozu parted away when a thought came across her mind. “WAIT, Y/N, FOR REAL THO. Are you guys dating? .… Oh my god,” Yaoyorozu cupped her cheeks with her hands and blushed warmly. “Don’t tell me he’s actually here, is he?!”

Bakugou silently pleaded to himself that pretty boy dunce face is not here. Oh god, please let him have mercy!

“He’s here!” Mina squealed turning her head back to Yaoyorozu. “And he’s so cute in real life!”

Yaoyorozu clamped her hand over her mouth. “Oh my god. Yo Shindo. In my house.” She scanned the whole living room, making sure that everything looked fine.

“Uh. Your boyfriend. Also. In your house.”  Awase cleared his throat as he and Kaminari came back with paper plates.

Yaoyorozu walked towards her boyfriend and planted a sweet kiss on his cheek. “Of course you know I love you, babe. But Yo Shindo is here. That’s like…that's like having Brian the Sun come over to perform a song, y’know. We are all just fangirling!”

“We?” Bakugou sputtered out. Kirishima flashed him a smirk which made him roll his eyes and mutter out a “whatever”.

But no one heard him, because right after Bakugou’s comment, Tsuyu and Uraraka entered in with the man that Bakugou never thought he’d ever have to see since his pre-license exam during his first year in U.A.

Yo Shindo came in holding two pack of beers and bowed slightly with a celebrity-level smile that would have all girls swooning after him. He was wearing a Gucci shirt under a blue flannel, paired with ripped vintage denim jeans and a black beanie that made the bangs on his head scoot down just a tiny bit. His face mask was resting right below his lips and his whole aura screamed: “FASHION” in all the right places. But it wasn’t just his looks that demanded attention, it was also his aura of easy confidence that he held. And if he wasn’t a pro-hero, he’s the type of guy that would be easily mistaken as a supermodel.

His yellow Gentle Monster sunglasses were tucked in his shirt and Tsuyu and Uraraka giggled as they sat down the rest of the beers on the table and directed Shindo to do the same.

“Hey,” Shindo greeted everyone as he moved next to where you were standing which made Bakugou’s eyes squint just a bit. You nodded at him with a smile that made Bakugou want to twist his guts. “It’s so nice to meet everyone! Y/N talks a lot about you guys.”

“SO YOU REMEMBER US FROM THE LICENSE EXAM?!” Kaminari asked excitingly, almost jumping out of his seat.

Yo Shindo chuckled as he wrapped his arms around your waist, making you widen your eyes just a bit from his touch, but the look on your face didn’t really show any uncomfortableness—as if you were already used to it.

But oh, if only Bakugou shot lasers out of his eyes!! He would zap away his hand from your waist in a blink of an eye.

“Yeah,” Shindo nodded his head cooly. “You, Kirishima, and Bakugou are awesome!” He said looking at the each of them. Kaminari and Kirishima grinned appreciatively back. But weirdly, when Shindo’s eyes landed on Bakugou his gaze stayed a tiny bit longer than usual.

What? Bakugou mentally questioned to himself when he saw the way Shindo stared at him seriously. It was like he was challenging him, and there was a string of tension that only the two boys could feel and Bakugou already knew from the start that he and him were not going to get along.

Shindo blinked his eyes back to reality and flashed a friendly smile to you—a complete change of face for what he was expressing to Bakugou, but no one else seemed to notice. Shindo pulled you closer. “Well, let’s get this party started shall we?”

You nodded happily back and everyone began handing out plates and popping bottles of beer. Bakugou joined in too, with a grin on his face.

But although he smiled as he listened to you talk about your crazy adventures of that one creepy stalker you encountered in LA or how everyone must order the pastrami egg n’ cheese bagel at Frankel’s Deli in Brooklyn, Bakugou couldn’t help but feel a discomfort itch in the back of his mind as he saw you sitting on the couch with Shindo so closely next to you.

And whenever Shindo glanced at Bakugou, there was always this silent edge that he could feel from the look of his eyes. Unfortunately, in such a social environment, he couldn’t excuse himself with his best friend Kirishima to talk about this. Bakugou knew that people will question him. What’s there to be uncomfortable about in Y/N’s Welcome Home party?

So as Bakugou took another sip of his beer while you talked about your crazy adventures, he mentally crossed his fingers that you and Yo Shindo are merely just friends.

Even if a part of him told him otherwise.

————

“Wait, you two went on a date?!” Momo asked looking at Shindo as her back sat comfortably on the sofa with her boyfriend’s arm around her. “In New York?!”

Shindo smiled at you and laughed. You mirrored his expression and shook your head at Momo. “Well, it wasn’t really a date actually, it was just a tour around New York.” You said.

“Oh, please tell us!!” Uraraka said to Shindo with excited eyes. Shindo laughed and nodded happily, making all the girls put their full attention on what he had to say.

“Well, I first met Y/N in New York City. And after seeing her and her awesome abilities—“

“Oh please,” you said, waving your hand dismissively from that with an embarrassing smile.

Yo Shindo pouted adorably at you. “It’s true!”

Bakugou saw Uraraka and Tsuyu quietly exchanging each other glances that didn’t need much for him to know what they were thinking. And as much as it hurts his guts and heart to think about this, he couldn’t help it.

You and Shindo looked so good together. It was like those couples on k-drama or whatever the hell people were watching, where the audience knows that they are perfect for each other. And even though you hadn’t mentioned anything about him being your boyfriend and all…well, it was just obvious. Even your girlfriends could see it. And from the look of Kirishima giving him a lopsided smile as if saying “Ouch. Sorry bro.”  Bakugou could basically confirm his hypothesis correct.

But instead of wanting to just punch pretty boy in the face to release his anger (which, he wanted to do so bad) he kept his cool and restrained his emotions as he listened to Shindo explain this “date” that the two of you went on.

“Well, I offered to take Y/N around New York City, since she was new to the place on my motorbike and—“

“ON YOUR MOTORBIKE?!” All the girls (plus Kaminari) squealed. Awase tilted his head back to laugh at everyone’s reaction and Kirishima muttered a phrase that included: “dude, that’s so manly!” causing Bakugou to turn his head at him and shoot him a death dagger.

Kaminari—who by the way— is obsessed with motorcycles and dreams to own a Harley Davidson one so he could be as cool as Keanu Reeves, pumped his hand in the air and excitingly asked, “Yo, Shindo, what type of motorbike do you have?”

“The one I took with Y/N?” Shindo said, which meant that he had more than one. But the way Shindo said it wasn’t in an egotistic kind of way, nor was it annoying (which bugged Bakugou) but rather, he said it in a humble and polite tone.

Shindo glanced at you with a charming smirk on his face, as if remembering that precious time with you in New York. “It was a Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883! In black.”

“WHAT!” Kaminari slammed his beer down on the table. “C-can I have a ride?”

Ugh, an idiot I swear! Bakugou said to himself as jealously crept up to him once again as he saw everyone—even Kirishima—so engaged on Yo Shindo.

Shindo laughed again and nodded. “Sure! I actually shipped that one to Tokyo since I’ll be staying here for a while.”

Mina lifted her eyebrows at Shindo. “You’re staying in Tokyo?”

Shindo shook his head. “I’m just staying here for a couple of weeks for some pro-hero work. I’ve been away so long and I wanted to come back since I realized I missed Japan so much. And a friend of mine offered me to collab with his agency for now!”

Bakugou let out a puff of air as Uraraka gleefully smiled and said, “Wow, that’s so great to hear!”

And so the conversation continued. After Shindo took you around on his motorbike, he took you to this fancy, romantic restaurant down in Manhattan, and then took you around Central Park when evening came. And during this whole conversation, everyone pitched in their squeals and glees here and there, but Bakugou remained silent the whole time. You laughed at Shindo’s jokes and descriptions and added a story on how clumsy he actually is, despite his cool exterior.  And Bakugou grew slightly more furious—but it wasn’t a challenging kind of anger. It was just that it frustrated him that he couldn’t point out, or find, any particular ”flawed” that Yo Shindo had.

As the conversation moved along from one to the other, Yo Shindo offered to help Awase and Kaminari to clean up the empty pizza boxes. Kirishima and Bakugou offered to help as well, recycling empty bottles away and folding paper plates to the waste bin.

And as Bakugou walked across the living room, picking up the last few empty bottles of beer on the side table of the couch, he heard you and your girlfriends lowly whispering.

“Well?! “ Yaoyorozu questioned curiously, patting your knee. “Did you…you know!?”

“What?” You asked curiously.

“You know…Yo Shindo…vibration quirkkkkk,” Tsuyu moaned as Uraraka and Mina nodded in agreement, eyes clearly swooned away by Shindo.

Tsuyu grabbed your arm and stared at you dead deep into your eyes before glancing to where Shindo and the other boys were at in the kitchen. “Please tell me what happened! You two obviously hit it up, right?!”

Bakugou wanted to throw up right then and there. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear what you were about to say next. And as much as his conscious tells him to “WALK AWAY KATSUKI”!!! Curiosity killed the cat as he watched you in the corner of his eyes while he cleaned up the table slowly to the side.

You covered your face with your hands as embarrassment crept up on you and squeezed your eyes shut.

“I KNEW IT!” Uraraka said in a low whispered as she snapped her fingers.

Bakugou’s stomach dropped and his jaw tightened in grit.

“Guys, no,” You whispered sternly back, but your cheeks still glowed with heat. “Nothing happened between me and Shindo.”

Bakugou eyes widened as he darted his attention back on the table. Wait a minute… there is hope! A wash of relief swept through him when he heard your reply, but his happy thoughts immediately crumpled when he heard Mina’s suspicious tone.

“Sureeeeeeeee,” Mina exhaled a puff of air sharply—not convinced that you were telling the truth. “I can see it in your face that that’s a LIE!”

Bakugou knew it would be wrong for him to continue hearing this (wrong in a sense that if you were just hiding the true secret, he may blow the roof off of Momo’s house, and that wouldn’t be appropriate). Plus, who the hell takes 5 goddamn minutes to clear up some trash?!

So, with all his might, Bakugou bravely walked around the couch, passing you and the girls as he headed towards the kitchen. And when you saw Bakugou walk pass in front of you, you silently let out a gasp with a parted mouth shaped as an ‘o’ on your face.

————

After the party was over and it was getting pretty late, all the girls decided to finally head home. They offered you to join them but you passed appreciatively by saying how you had to thank and Awase and Momo for everything and Awase was still in the back, cleaning a few things up, while Momo had some errands to run.

“How do you not drink Momo-Yaoo!!” Mina said as she threw one arm around Momo’s shoulder.  

Momo sighed but a smile graced her lips. “Cuz I know I’ll have to take you guys home!” She said sternly but sarcastically.

Mina gave Momo a “thank you” hug and you and the girls laughed

“Since you’re finally here, we all have to go to that tendon place in Shinjuku!” Tsuyu announced happily, giving you one last hug before heading out.

“Tendon Tuesdays are definitely back ya’ll!” You laughed happily and all the girls hovered above the two of you, joining in for one last group hug as they shared “I love yous” and goodbyes.

“You guys are acting like I will be leaving again,” you laughed when you all pulled away and saw your friends getting teary.

Mina smiled softly. “We’re just happy you’re finally back.”

And after Mina said her sweet comment, Uraraka wailed a “You GUYSssssssss!” in a sarcastic tone and everyone bunched up together again for another group hug as they wailed their hearts out.

Bakugou walked in and saw all the girls form into one ball and he couldn’t help but grin at the sight. Yeah, he was so happy that you are actually in Tokyo.

After more “text me!” and goodbyes, the four girls exited out the door and you stood in the living room by yourself, cleaning up the last few trash on the table for Momo.

This is the time. Bakugou said to himself as he began to walk towards you. Nervousness crept on his neck which was unusual for him since you were one of his closest friends. Kirishima and Kaminari headed back to their places and before Kirishima exited, he gave one last talk to Bakugou.

“Dude, you don’t even know if she’s with him yet,” Kirishima said outside the front gate. “Maybe they’re just friends!”

“Just friends?” Bakugou repeated slightly icily—almost like a scoff. He tucked his hands in his pockets and shook his head. “I don’t know, man. You see it too though.”

Kirishima stares at his friend and bit his lip, knowing that from the way Shindo has been treating you and all the stories you two of shared together, it looked like you two were together. Sure! Maybe you two were just friends, but Bakugou felt like it was highly unlikely. Plus, you were exchanging whispers with your friends and from the look on their faces, it was like something exciting was stirring up.

“Yeah,” Kirishima finally said. “But still…we don’t really know. And now that everyone is almost gone, now’s your chance to finally talk to her in peace!”

And with that in mind, Bakugou walked towards you in the main room.

“Hey.”

You looked up from the table and widened your eyes. “Bakugou! I thought you already left with the other boys. You’re still here?” You asked. But you immediately blushed and waved your hands quickly when you realized how wrong that sounded out your mouth. “Not that it’s bad that you’re here! I didn’t mean that. I’m happy you’re still here!”

Bakugou laughed, his shoulders relaxing as he looked at you with a smile. You laughed too at your own dumb act and the awkward tension was slowly replaced with a comforting one.

“You really don’t wanna see me, huh?” Bakugou teased with a smirk.  

You rolled your eyes. “You know it’s not like that.”

Bakugou grabbed the back of his neck and locked his eyes with you. You hummed curiously, knowing that he wanted to say something.

“Y/N, I just wanted to say that I’m really glad that—“

“Y/N!!” Shindo’s voice echoed from the back kitchen. He waved his arm excitingly with a bright smile but then paused when he saw you and Bakugou standing in front of each other, alone.

Ugh! Bakugou thought to himself as he saw Shindo’s face grow slightly tensed when he looked at him.

Shindo walked towards you respectfully with a smile. “Hey, I know it’s pretty late. Do you want me to take you home?”

Bakugou parted his mouth opened for just a bit. His anger and jealously was rising high now and he wasn’t sure why.

“Oh!” You said, turning your head to Shindo. “No, it’s fine, really!”

“You sure?”

You smiled at him. “Yeah, thank you though.”

“Well then,” Shindo turned to Bakugou and then back to you. His gaze turned serious. “Can- Can I talk to you in private for a moment?”

You opened your mouth and directed your hand towards Bakugou. “Oh! Bakugou was actually talking—“

“It’s fine, Y/N” Bakugou said in almost a strict tone that your face fell a bit. He nodded his head at Shindo and then smiled at you, telling you that it really was okay. “It’s not important, really. Actually…I think I’m going to head out.”

“Bakugou, wait—“ you said, your eyes staring directly at his.

“Y/N,” Bakugou tried to laugh. But you knew him too well that the laugh was forced. “Seriously, we can chat again later some time. Plus, since you’re back, we can finally hang out like we used too.”

Shindo glared at Bakugou sternly after he said that, but at this point Bakugou couldn’t care anymore.

You paused and stared at him before mumbling out an “okay” as Shindo turned and pulled you away from him.

And after letting Awase know that he was finally heading home, Bakugou exited the door and walked towards the front gate. He tucked his hands in his pockets and felt his heart grow heavier and heavier until—

“Katsuki! Wait!”

Bakugou twirled around to see you extend your arm up high out the front door. You ran towards him and put your hands on your knees to gasp for air.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to call you so directly.” You said apologetically.

Bakugou shook his head, but his heart skipped a few beats when he heard you call his first name. “It’s fine. You can call me that.”

You widened your eyes and hugged yourself closely. “Oh?” You smiled. “Okay then.”

“Uhm…did you need to tell me something…or..?” Bakugou asked curiously, internally wondering why you suddenly exited out of the house.

“Oh! Right!” You tapped your head dumbly. “Right….I- I actually wanted to say goodbye to you and-”

“Weren’t you just talking to Shindo?” Bakugou pointed out so cold that your face immediately fell when you heard his sudden shift of tone.  

“Um-”

“Sorry.”

“No! I- I actually need to apologize for that. I should have spoken up more. We haven’t…really chatted during the party.”

Bakugou scoffed and smiled as he tilted his head up towards the night sky in silence. He was so furious just a few seconds ago that any one who dared stopped him will be blasted off to space. But when he heard you call his actual name, he felt more at peace. But sadness lingered in his heart as he darted his gaze behind you at the door, knowing that Shindo was in there. 

From the door entrance to the front gate was a large garden in between, and when you realized how quiet it was, you cleared your throat and looked up at him.

“We’re not together,” you finally said.  “I mean, Shindo and I.”

Bakugou’s eyebrows shot up immediately but quickly replaced his shock look with a calm one.

Wait…what?

“Oh…?”

He blinked his eyes and parted his mouth slowly, carefully thinking about the words before saying them out loud. “But Mina and them—“

“Kept teasing about the two of us being together? Momo kept throwing us questions about our quests? All the girls teasing and the “date”?” You said in air quotes with a smirk. “Shindo is really nice and he’s like that to almost everyone, really. Plus…”

You stopped, glancing up at Bakugo and then turning your head away. Heat crept up to the apples of your cheeks as you continued. “Plus, there’s someone else…”

Bakugou’s mind buzzed with clouds as he felt like a a horde of demons was ready to swallow him up.

There’s someone else.

It can’t be him, right? Bakugou’s shoulders fell and frowned a bit. How could he be so stupid thinking that you actually liked him in the first place? Could it be…Kirishima? Kaminari? Oh fuck, maybe it’s Deku. His mind continued to swarm with possibilities of the “someone else,” casting more and more doubt onto himself until he heard your laughter.

You clenched your arms around your stomach and laughed. A beautiful melody that never ceases to amaze Bakugou. It was like a warm breeze in the summer swooping him away. But Bakugou lowered his gaze with confusion as he stared at you. “What’s so funny?”

You looked up, wiping a small tear on the corner of your eye with a bright but soft smile on your face.

“It’s you, dumbass.”

Under normal circumstances, anyone who called him that will immediately turn into dust, but with you… He couldn’t even get riled up an inch. Because when he heard those words left your mouth, it was like fog clearing up on a raining day, a heavy weight now off his shoulders.

Wait…is this really happening?

A cunning smirk graced his lips as he stepped closer to you.

The cool evening air no longer felt cold and you grabbed his hand pulling him closer. It was dark but he could still see the perfect outlines of your face.

“Really?” Bakugou whispered huskily above you, not sure if he was dreaming or not. Excitement buzzed throughout his body, his focus entirely on you.

You laughed with a happy smile on your face. “Really.”

Bakugou smirked cockily. “Well, then dumbass…I’m glad… because I like you too.” He said slowly in such a cute way that it made you giggled.

“I’m glad then.” You said quietly.

“Do you… want to go grab lunch someday…?” Bakugou asked, the words rolling off his tongue seemed so foreign to him. Everything happened so fast but it felt so nice at the same time.

You nodded your head still smiling. “Yeah…that sounds nice. Though I want your homemade curry, I’ve been craving Japanese food for so long and New York and LA doesn’t even beat the meals that you make!”

Bakugou laughed, his heart feeling so overwhelmingly content. “Well then, I’ll bring you some food tomorrow. You’ll be jet lag and all.”

You groaned cutely. “Oh god, yeah. I’ll probably be sleeping all morning tomorrow. But at least I’ll have something to look forward to when I wake up.” You smiled.

Bakugou nodded, and you pulled him into a hug that surprised him at first but he wrapped his arms around you ever so gently and warmly. The two of you just wrapped in each other’s arms for a few seconds, enjoying the quiet night that Bakugou wished could last forever.

“I’m glad you’re back, Y/N.” He whispered softly in your ear that made you shivered with happiness. “I…I’ve missed you.” He added ever so quietly in a way that it sounded like he was talking to himself. But you still heard those words and it made you hug him a bit tighter.

You tucked your head into his shoulder and whispered out a soft “me too.”  

When the two of you parted away, you both exchanged goodbyes once more, but this time, there was a layer of love and excitement in the air. Bakugou glanced at the door behind you, and the sudden reminder of Shindo who was still in there came to mind. Bakugou has never felt so happy in his whole entire life, knowing that you had the same feelings he had for you. But seeing the shadows on the windows, the sudden flash of Shindo’s disapproving face re-resurfaced. He had a feeling that you didn’t know that Shindo actually liked you. And sure! He only met the guy today but his gut instincts knew better that the faces he gave to Bakugou plus his expression whenever he looked at you, it was something more than just a friendship. But before Bakugou could even dive deeper into this thought as he turned towards the gate, you stopped him.

“Katsuki—! Wait.” You called, causing him to turn his head once more at you. But before he could even ask what’s wrong, you slipped a hand through his and stepped on your tippy toes as you planted a warm kiss on his cheek, holding it there for a few seconds. Bakugou widened his eyes for a quick second, and just like magic, that kiss washed his doubts about you and Shindo down the drain. It was like a message that you were his—as dominating as that sound. But it nevertheless made him less tensed. 

You swallowed a lump on your throat as you parted away. A little embarrassed at your sudden move but when you saw Bakugou’s face glowed, you smiled and nodded. Words didn’t need to be said for the two of you to understand each other.

“Have a goodnight, okay? Drive safe.” You waved before turning your back to return to the house.

“Yeah,” Bakugou smiled as he tucked his hands into his pocket, turning to the front gate once more. “I will.”

And with that, the two of you parted your ways, with bright smiles and warm hearts that continued to simultaneously flow in the air.

—————

“Cuz I know I’ll have to take you guys home!” Shindo heard Momo from the living room said as he carried the trash bags into the kitchen.

“Uhm.., where should I place these?” Shindo asked Awase who was washing a few cups in the sink.

Awase pointed at the corner besides him where all the other bags were laid. “You can leave them here Thanks, man.”

Before Shindo nodded respectfully at him, he heard you and the girls burst out into a loud laughter, making him turn to the direction of the sound coming from the main room. His eyes softened, as if reminiscing precious memories from a time. And in all honestly, his attention was just focused on your laughter. The melody that he can always listen to and never get tired of.

Shindo had never believed “love at first sight.” But when he first saw you in New York, his heart bloomed in a way that he has never felt before and he was so interested in you ever since. Of course, he kept cool about it, but since he was such an open and honest guy, he always slipped in a move here and there, hoping to grab your attention or sneak in hints, to show that what you meant to him was in a way that was more than a friend.

After cleaning up, Awase takes a sip of his beer, glancing at Shindo’s still turned-head for a moment before saying, “You like her, don’t you?”

Shindo looked stunned as he immediately shot his head back at Awase. His heart pounded in his chest when he heard the question. “H-how did you know?”

Awase smirked. “I know that feeling, dude. That’s how I felt when I met Momo,” He said, tilting his head towards the living room where his girlfriend was.

“I don’t want anyone to find out,” Shindo said quietly as he rested his elbows on the kitchen island across Awase.

“Of course. This is just between me and you.” Awase replied respectfully, knowing what Shindo is going thorough, having a similar experience himself.

Shindo smiled at him appreciatively. He cleared his throat. “And uhm, I know that we just met and all…but do…do you you know if Y/N is involved with anyone—like, romantically?”

Awase pondered on that comment seriously for a moment. “I don’t really know, man. I think Kirishima and the others will know since they were all in the same class as her since U.A. But…from what I’ve heard from my girlfriend, I don’t think so.”

“Not even, uhm, Bakugou?” Shindo slid in the question curiously.  

“Y/N and Bakugou!?” Awase laughed. “I’ve never heard of that before! Who gave you the idea?”

Shindo just shrugged, not wanting to say why he asked. Ever since the day he accidentally saw your phone lock screen of you and Bakugou in your days in U.A when your phone dinged on his table, his suspicion arose. Of course it wasn’t much, but the way you talked about him was different compared to the others…

“Hey,” Awase said, interrupting his thoughts. “From what I’ve learned… you can wait to get the answers, or just be honest with her.”

“Be honest with her?”

Awase shrugged. “Yeah. In fact you can even tell her how you feel now, most of her friends are returning home now.”

Shindo nodded appreciatively at him and smiled. “Thanks man, really.”

“You got it, and don’t worry,” Awase reassured when he saw Shindo’s mouth open again. “I’ll keep things low-key.”

Shindo smiled again and walked back towards the main room to find you. Awase was right. After all that you two of been through for the past couple weeks there was a new foundation built upon your friendship—trust. And he trusted you that you can at least understand his feelings. Shindo knew he told everyone that he came back to Tokyo for a change of environment and for hero work…but that wasn’t necessarily the entire truth. Because in all transparency, he came back for you too…and maybe its because he has loved working with you, or maybe it was the way you described Tokyo to him in New York made him really miss home…

Or maybe it’s because he was falling in love with you.

Shindo made his way to the living room and called out your name, but his high emotions toppled over when he saw you standing with Bakugou in the now empty living room, alone.

He doesn’t really hate Bakugou, but ever since he had his suspicion, he couldn’t look at him the same way. And sure, it may be unfair of him to act like that but when he saw the way Bakugou locked eyes with him, he knew something was up that confirmed his suscpisoun. He could feel this unprecedented tension in the air between him and Bakugou—almost like an undeclared challenge.

Shindo mustered up the courage as he walked towards you with a smile. “Hey, I know it’s pretty late. Do you want me to take you home?”

“Oh!” You replied when you noticed Shindo. “No, it’s fine, really!”

“You sure?”

You smiled at him which made Shindo’s stomach flutter with butterflies. “Yeah, thank you though.”

“Well then,” Shindo turned to Bakugou and then back to you, hesitating just a bit about his next act act. His gaze turned serious and he lowered his voice so almost only you could hear him.  “Can… Can I talk to you in private for a moment?”

Shindo saw you opened your mouth slowly. “Oh! Bakugou was actually talking—“

“It’s fine, Y/N” Bakugou cut in, looking at Shindo and then back to you. “It’s not important, really. Actually…I think I’m going to head out.”

“Bakugou, wait—“

“Y/N,” Bakugou continued. “Seriously, we can chat again later some time. Plus, since you’re back, we can finally hang out like we used too.”

Shindo glared at Bakugou. He felt his heart ache when he heard that, knowing that the two of you are pretty close. But finally when you agreed, you and Shindo stepped aside for more space.

You turned your head at Shindo and noticed his serious expression. “Is there something wrong?”

Shindo blinked his eyes and cleared his throat. “N-no! I mean, not anything super important. Actually, Y/N… I just wanted to—“

Click!

Before Shindo could continue, your head shot to where the door was just closed and you saw Bakugou’s shadow exit out of the house. Shindo saw you turned your head back towards him as you bit your lip.

“Shindo, I’m so sorry. Can you give me a few minutes really quick?” You said with the kindest smile you had.

Shindo looked at you with a tinge of solemn in his eyes as he smiled. His gut feeling knew what you were about to do, but he didn’t want to force you to listen to him and so he smiled and nodded, earning you a brighter smile on your face that Shindo loved.

“Thank you.” You said as you grabbed his hand and giving it a squeeze.

Shindo saw you run towards the door, not hesitating a bit to open it immediately.

And when you exited, Shindo gave out a sigh. This was a lot harder than he expected. He headed towards the table near the door to pack up some of his things that he laid near, but his mistake was when he glanced up at the window.  His eyes widened and sucked in a breath when he saw you standing near the front gate with Bakugou.

It looked like it was all happening in slow motion.

The way you slipped your hand through his. The cute way you leaned in closer a few inches with the tip of your toes and kissed him on the cheek.

It wasn’t an actual real kiss, but still...Shindo felt a surge of jealously come crashing down on him. He swallowed a lump in his throat as a mixture of anger and sadness stirred in him. And as he saw you wave goodbye to Bakugou, Shindou looked away in sadness as his stomach dropped and his once cool smile now turned into a deep frown.

He felt like he lost you — even though he never really had you in the beginning.

But maybe there’s still a chance for him to confess how he feels.

Because even if you don’t share the same feelings as him...he’ll still find release… that at least the person he loves …. knows.  

Yeah… Shindo thought to himself quietly as he pulled out his sunglasses, getting ready to leave. He knew he couldn’t say it now…not after what he just witnessed. So with a sharp glide of his hand like a professional, he slipped on his sunglasses and beanie ever so smoothly and picked up his bags.

I’ll come back to you Y/N…you’ll see.

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A/N ~ oh gosh, yo shindo vs. bakugou. this love triangle just suddenly appeared and i’ll need to figure out how to unravel this mess. But thank you to everyone who read this fic! I know it is longer than my usual works so words cannot express how much it means to me. Thank you 💗 Please do not hesitate to send me a message through my inbox on about this fic (WHOSE TEAM R U ON?!) or about anything! Let’s just say...next chapter will def. be more about the charming Yo Shindo ;)