#gosh i have gone back and forth and back and forth on how to write this for so long

[i-like-writing-stuff]

never changing [ five hargreeves x reader ]

a/n: hi y’all! it’s been a hot minute since i’ve been on here, but after the absolute shit show that season 4 was, some sparks ignited in me to write up anything to take my mind off it 🙌

its not anything crazy, just fluff and banter since i haven’t written anything in years so it may be as poorly redacted as this season lmao

summary: five and y/n attend their niece birthday party together, yet separate

“Happy birthday, little Gracie!” You smiled widely, trying not to drop the wrapped present box as the six year old girl jumped into your arms, “Oh my gosh, look at you! You’re just getting prettier by day, aren’t you?”

You had just got off work in a hurry to make your appearance at the little girl’s birthday party at a decent time, in spite of the amount of paperwork you managed to bury yourself in lately. You knew how much it would have meant for the celebrated one to show up and you couldn’t bear to let her down, especially on her birthday.

After spending most of your life working for the Commission, and then a decent amount of time exhausting yourself in trying to stop multiple Apocalypses, your last six years have been pretty quiet as a lawyer. You really wanted to get out of the whole assassin thing, but at the same time couldn’t exactly move on from the thrill of the work field. Your career as a lawyer took off really well these past years, but inevitably it came along with the cost of always being stuck at work, so whenever your niece got the chance to see you, she was truly enthusiastic.

“Auntie Y/N!” She wrapped her tiny arms around your neck, engulfing you into a tight hug, “You are here!”

Nonetheless, these six years have been truly and undeniably the most peaceful time of your life for as long as you could remember.

“You literally saw each other the other day,” Five raised a brow, watching you and the celebrated one act as if you hadn’t seen each other in years.

You and the little girl shared a look, before rolling your eyes and turning to glare at the man next to you. Ever since Grace learned how to talk, you and her would gang up on her uncle for your amusement, especially since he was so keen on entertaining the banter.

These past six year have gone by in the blink of an eye, yet at the same time at a slow and steady pace. You spent most of your time working anyway, but still kept in touch with the seven siblings you’d grown to love.

Some in different ways than others.

“Uncle Five, you’re always more excited than me to see Aunt Y/N,” Gracie waved him off, making you burst out laughing, “Jealousy isn’t a good look on you anyway.”

“What is a good look on him anyway?” You smirked, making the little girl laugh, as Five swept her into his arms;

“Okay, munchkin, it’s your birthday today, but tomorrow I’m going back to bullying you,” He joked, causing you both to laugh, before the two shared a hug before you, “You’re lucky your gift has no return policy.”

The party had already started by the time you made it there. The playground was huddled by other kids around Grace’s age, along with their parents. The music was playing loudly over the laughter of children and you were pretty sure that most of the family had already arrived. It was not the most ideal gathering, but you tried your best to keep in touch with most of the family to your best capabilities.

“Y/N, I’m so glad you could make it!” Luther smiled, appearing from the crowd of guests, immediately giving you a big hug as his niece was still wrapped around Five, “Haven’t seen you since Thanksgiving!”

“Big shot lawyer doesn’t always have the time to stay in touch with family, huh?” Diego teased you, following suit, as you rolled your eyes, dropping off his daughter’s gift in his hands.

“Big shot delivery driver doesn’t know the phone works both ways, huh?” You smirked, putting your hands on your hips.

Diego laughed out loud as he gave you a hug, always in the mood for a back and forth short banter with you. After all, you truly were family, even if you didn’t always have the time to be present in the Hargreeves’ day to day lives. You may have met them in the original timeline in 2019, when you accidentally time traveled with your former partner at the Commission, Five, but after all you’ve been through, you didn’t need to have grown up together or be blood related to be considered that. And you truly were grateful for each and every single one of them, in spite of the many differences over the years.

After everything that’s happened six years ago at Hotel Oblivion, everyone went their separate ways. Allison was back with her daughter while trying to further her acting career and also help Klaus stay on the sober line, Viktor had moved to Canada where he opened a bar, Diego and Lila had three kids, Luther was “professionally dancing”, Ben had some run-ins with the law and Five, ironically enough, was working for the CIA.

“Well, you two are as annoying as always,” Ben told you and his brother, making Diego roll his eyes as he walked towards the gift table to set down your present.

“Please try to stay out of prison at least for the remainder of the year,” You joked with the man, making him roll his eyes as he hugged you loosely, “There’s only so much favors I could owe the DA.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Ben groaned, “I don’t even know why they let you work at the law firm since you still look like a prepubescent with no boobs. Even Five got a growth spurt.”

“I sized up to B recently, thank you very much,” You nudged his shoulder, before placing your hands on your chest in an offended manner.

“Okay, Gracie, not a conversation you’d wanna hear,” Five spoke up, putting his niece down, “Your aunt needs to learn some etiquette on how to act around children.”

“Funny coming from you,” You couldn’t help but wave him off.

You didn’t come in with Five at the party, but as fate had it, you did run into him as you were parking your car. He had just gone out to his brother’s dusty van to bring inside some more cookies for the guests. You kept in touch with him as well, but not as often as you would have liked. It’s not all that serious, but given the fact that you were a lawyer still climbing your way to the top and him being a top notch CIA agent, you didn’t exactly have the time to hang out.

At least, not as much as you’d have liked.

Five was watching you with a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, and his hands in his pockets. He had the same look on his face as always when watching you. He had the same smile when he saw you in combat for the first time during your first mission for the Commission together, the same look in his eyes when you appeared for the first time in 2019 alongside him in your teen bodies. The same posture he had when he met you again in 1963 after months of not seeing each other.

He wore the same love on his face while looking at you when you and the siblings split up after the events at Oblivion.

And never once did you notice that.

Not once in these past six years you let your feelings surface.

“You know Grace is my niece too, right?” He couldn’t drop the small smile even if he wanted to.

“Since when are you such a family man?” You raised a brow, trying to keep a confident composure.

“Oh, something changed in me between the first and third time I traded the world for my siblings,” He lightly shrugged his shoulders, making you roll your eyes at the sarcastic remark.

You two never changed.

“Please, I was there for the twins birth,” You waved him off.

You rarely see Five, and even when you do you always try to act normal, as you do around the rest of the Hargreeves. Everyone tried to get you two together at first, since the apocalypse was over and there was no reason for you to not get together, right?

You really wished it was that easy. In hindsight, maybe it was. But you couldn’t take any chances in losing Five forever if something were to go wrong. Maybe some would see it as something stupid, or as if you wasted so many years, but to you- mentally, you were almost seventy, while physically nineteen. You had so much time ahead of you now, all that mattered was to get a stable career first.

Five let a chuckle escape, shaking his head in disbelief, as he looked at the floor for a couple of seconds. When he looked back at you, you tried to keep your composure. You couldn’t help but feel pathetic that after all these years, your heart still skipped a beat whenever he’d look at you.

“You’re doing that thing again where you forget that some other people are still around, guys,” Luther raised his hand, grabbing your attention once again.

“I got bored of watching seventy year old virgins,” Ben shrugged his shoulders, “I’m gonna go get shitfaced.”

“Always a delight seeing you, Benjamin,” Five said, as Luther followed the ex-tentacle boy suit to make re he was not about to actually get drunk;

“This is a six year old’s birthday party!”

You giggled, watching the two brothers speed away while arguing amongst the kids in the crowd. When your eyes laid back on Five, who was intently watching you, you couldn’t help but feel a small blush creep its way in your cheeks.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Spit it out, Hargreeves.”

“I said it’s nothing!”

“Fuck you.”

“Why?”

You watched him dumbfounded for a couple of seconds because of the only answer he could come up with, before walking away, hoping he would follow you.

When he did try to keep up with you, you looked away to hide the proud smile. Even after all these years, things were still the same with him. He was still so eager to spend time with you, he was still smiling at you and entertaining your conversation.

“Aunt Y/N, Uncle Five, come play in the ball pit!” Gracie ushered you from afar, already tucked in the plastic colorful balls.

“You heard the birthday girl!” You smiled, grabbing his hand to drag Five after you.

Even after all these years he would instantly lock his fingers with yours.

[bedoballoons]

hi! i saw requests were open, may i requests albedo, itto and tighnari's significant other coming home after a long time away? maybe some angst to fluff? thank you!

Ive actually wanted to write something like this for so long!! I hope you like it <3 Also so sorry if it's been a long time since you've requested this!!

─⊰⁠⊹ฺ✿𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕟𝕤⊰⁠⊹ฺ✿─

{༻~Coming home after awhile~༺}

CW: Slight angst because of missing the reader but fluffy in the end!!

(Includes: Albedo, Itto, and Tighnari!)

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

𑁍༄Albedo:

Albedo stared aimlessly at the wall, a habit he had picked up after you'd left and it wasn't because he was bored or didn't have anything to do, on the contrary, he could busy himself with experiments and alchemy very easily, but without you around...life just seemed dull at certain moments...just like this one. He missed you terribly and you being gone longer than usual was really messing with him, to the point he was starting to worry you might never come back...

"Albeeedooo...immm baaack"

His eyes widened at the sound of your voice, his heart skipping a beat as he turned around, how you'd managed to get through the door without him knowing a mystery that he currently didn't care about, because seeing you after so long filled him with the warmth he'd been missing. "I'm so happy you're back...I missed you so much my love." He grasped your hand gently, lifting it slightly to place a kiss on top, his bright blue eyes looking up at you with pure joy. "I missed you too..." You smiled sweetly at him, his fingers holding you chin as he placed his next kiss on your soft lips...a feeling he simply couldn't live without.

𑁍༄Itto:

Itto crossed his arms, sighing dramatically as his onikabuto lost yet another battle, their normal strength seemingly weak compared to all recent opponents...or perhaps it was him who was off, after all, he didn't have you by his side. Yes he had told you to follow your heart and travel as much as you could and he really did want that for you..., but you were his cheerleader, the love of his life...being without you for so long...he just wasn't the same.

"Ahh come on how about 2 outta 3?" He attempted, doing his best to regain his happy go lucky demeanor as he spoke to the little boy in front of him...who was holding his candy he'd just won for dear life. Just the sight was enough to make you feel right at home...gosh you'd missed him, "Itto...I think he won fair and square. How about you let him take the prize and I'll give you a kiss for participation."

The Oni instantly perked up, his eyes sparkling as soon as they caught sight of you, "I don't know what a participation is but I'll definitely take that kiss over some candy!" He wrapped his big arms around you, lifting you up as he hugged you and making you laugh happily, nothing could put a smile on your face as fast as he could. You connected your lips to his in a loving kiss, pulling away just long enough to kiss his cheek.

𑁍༄Tighnari:

Tighnari bit his lip, trying his best to focus on his papers even though his tail was swaying furiously back and forth, the though of you returning any second after being gone so long, pestering him to the point he couldn't think of anything else but that beautiful smile he wanted to see so badly...or your perfect voice that his ears kept twitching in attempt to hear. He truthfully didn't think he'd be able to handle even one more day without you with him...

He stood up, leaving his desk behind so he could pace the room for a few moments...then make his way to the front door, his large ears pressed up against it...listening for your footsteps. Just as he was about to give up hope he heard the tip tap of your shoes against the ground, the sound enough to make him throw open the door. His body moving without thinking as he pulled you into him, capturing you in a tight hug before you could even walk into the house.

"Tighnari you're crushing mee" You joked hugging him back as a light blush coated your cheeks, you couldn't believe how quickly he had made your day better, any sad feeling expelled as soon as you saw him. "Sorry but the crushing hug is non-negotiable, after being gone so long this is your punishment." He chuckled, placing soft little kisses all over your face, his last one being a loving kiss on the lips that neither of you could get enough of...

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡‧₊˚Enjoy*⁠.⁠✧

[hufflepuffwritingstuff2]

Can you please write something where the whumpee had to take some medicine which made them pass out/fall asleep for many hours and when they wake up all dazed and confused on the verge of tears hyperventilating because they don't remember anything , caretaker arrives and soothes them and just fluff

I really really love your writing too!! Thanks

Hi Anon! Sure! Thank you for the kind words, and for requesting this! Sorry it took so long, but here you go!

Whumpee was floating. They felt like they were drifting in a black ocean, the waves rocking them back and forth. Whenever Whumpee would try to think of anything, the waves would gently pull them under until their mind became blank again. Whumpee was just returning to the surface of the water when their eyes fluttered open.

They looked around the room- their room, they were pretty sure. But they weren’t sure of anything else, like how they ended up in their room or why they weren’t in the ocean anymore. The uncertainty scared them, so much so that their breathing quickened, and tears formed in their eyes. Why were they here? What was going on?

The door to their room- again, only partially sure that the room was theirs- opened, revealing a familiar face.

“Hey,” Caretaker greeted, “finally awake? Oh, oh my gosh, sweetheart-”

Caretaker quickly made their way to Whumpee’s bedside.

“What’s wrong?” Caretaker asked softly.

“Where’s the ocean?” Whumpee asked tearfully, “why am I in my room? This is my room, right?”

“Yes it’s your room, of course it’s your room,” Caretaker said, running a hand up and down Whumpee’s back.

“But how did I get here!? Why is the ocean gone!?”

Whumpee was fully sobbing now, and their breathing was so quick they were hyperventilating.

“Shh, shh,” Caretaker soothed, “Whumpee, honey, it’s okay. The ocean, er… the ocean just had to leave, okay? You were in an accident, you went to the hospital, they treated you, and then they sent you home on bed rest. I’m taking care of you, but you’re on some weird meds that might make you feel funny. Please calm down, Whumpee, take a deep breath. Come on, like this-”

Caretaker took a deep breath in and waited for Whumpee to do the same. Whumpee took a deep, shaky breath. Caretaker exhaled, and Whumpee followed suit.

“Good job, a few more times, alright?”

Caretaker walked Whumpee through the breathing exercise, at which point Whumpee had calmed down a little. They weren’t hyperventilating anymore, and their sobs had reduced to the occasional hiccup.

“Good, very good,” Caretaker praised softly, “I knew you could do it. Can I sit with you?”

Whumpee nodded, sniffling. Caretaker smiled and climbed in bed with them. They held Whumpee close, careful to not jostle their still-healing injuries.

“There now,” they said, “let’s just sit a minute. I’m making lunch you know. Wanna guess what it is?”

Whumpee shrugged.

“It’s bacon sandwiches,” Caretaker said with a smile, “you love those.”

“F-for me?” Whumpee asked, eyes wide.

“Mhm,” Caretaker said, “just for you.”

Whumpee still felt disoriented, but the promise of lunch had taken their mind off of the black ocean. They snuggled into Caretaker’s chest, their worries melting away.

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[mais-nerdy-corner]

𝕬 𝕸𝖆𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖔𝖋 𝕿𝖎𝖒𝖊: 𝕲𝖚𝖎𝖑𝖙 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕽𝖊𝖌𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖘 | 𝕬𝖑𝖍𝖆𝖎𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖒 𝖝 𝕽𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖗

Synopsis: Being the Scribe's wife wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. His complex nature and his absence due to work, caused you to go through with your pregnancy alone. But when you slipped away from his grasp, Alhaitham was left alone expressing guilt and regrets.

Pairing: Alhaitham x Female! Reader

Genre: Mostly angst, with some fluff (?)

Note: After completing the 3.2 Archon Quest, I can finally start writing this series. Many spoiler up ahead to those who haven't finished it!

"I will be gone for a while, I have some... 'important business' that I need to take care of. I will be back soon."

'Will be back soon,' he said. Hah, how laughable. You scoffed at your husband's words as you recalled it in your head.

You sometimes questioned your marriage to the Akademiya's Scribe. What did he see in you? What was the reason that made you accept his proposal? Why do you feel clueless about everything? As you recall, you happened to be in the same Haravatat class with him, you started to get close and... all of a sudden, you were married to him. It feels like you have forgotten something, but you couldn't seem to remember.

You yelped when you suddenly felt a strong kick from the baby. "Ow! H-hey little one... You don't like it when mommy's upset, do you? I'm sorry, sweetie. Would walking around help with that?"

When you got up from the couch, you're slowly regretting your decision. Gosh, your back ached and your belly felt so heavy. Nonetheless, you walked around the house for a while, stopping at your front porch.

"Okay, that's enough walking for today. My feet are hurting..." You said to yourself as you sat on one of the outdoor chairs.

The cool breeze lightly grazed your skin, its gentle touch slowly lulling you to sleep.

(Flashback)

Entering the House of Daena, Alhaitham was greeted with a wall of books on his right and left. Walking across the bridge to the main room, he saw how crowded the place was. Alhaitham was slowly regretting his decision, but he desperately needs additional materials for his research. Setting his personal preferences aside, he scoured through bookshelf after bookshelf for materials.

After finding books that might help him in his research, he looked around for a place to sit. As he had seen before, the library was quite crowded, so finding a place to sit wasn't easy. Until he spotted a fellow student from his Darshan sitting by herself.

"Mind if I sit here so that I can finish my research?" he asked the lone student.

"No, not at all. I understand how difficult it is to find a place at a time when the library is busy like this, so I don't mind. As long as you don't bother me."

Alhaitham sat down and was about to start reading his books when he was suddenly intrigued by your work. Several ancient scrolls was laid in front of you written in an unfamiliar script, you looked back and forth at the scroll, to a book, then writing something down on another book.

"I know you said to not bother you, but can I ask you about your work? I've never seen such a script like this before," Alhaitham spoke up.

You looked up, slightly taken aback by his words. "Hm? Oh, sure. I actually haven't seen them before either."

"Oh? Is that so? Then how were you able to acquire such ancient documents? I don't see you ever getting a permit to leave the Akademiya for you to get these scrolls. I see that you also have the appropriate dictionary for it as well."

"Are you suspecting that I've done something illegal in order to get these? Well I'm sorry for bursting your bubble, but these are gifts from my father. He said it's time for me to learn this."

Alhaitham didn't expect that. "Was your father a scholar of the Akademiya?" he asked.

"No, I didn't think so. Or at least, not that I know of."

There was a really awkward silence after you stated your answer. Alhaitham thought of more ways to get more information on you. He was already interested in you.

"Where are you from?"

"I'm from Liyue. Why asking? Does it matter to you to know where I'm from?"

"Yes, it does. These scripts are nowhere near similar to the writing system used in Liyue. And your name is Y/n, right?"

"...Correct."

"That doesn't sound like a Liyuean name either..." he murmured.

"Actually, I didn't expect that an apathetic person like you would know the names of the people around him. You're something else, Alhaitham."

"...The feeling is mutual."

❝Zaleos, the God of Peace ruled over a chain of floating island northwest of Inazuma's Jinren Island called Isles of Etsumi. Once an acquaintance to the Guili Assembly, she fought alongside them during the Archon War despite her pacifist nature. Towards the end of the war, a new threat emerged near the Isles of Etsumi causing Zaleos to return to her homeland. And that was the last thing they heard from her. Zaleos had lost her power after the Archon War. She continued her life as an ordinary human, fell in love with one of her subjects, and hope that her powers will return to her descendants.❞

After finishing with their respective missions, the Traveler, Paimon and Dehya agreed to meet up with the group at the Grand Bazaar. Alhaitham and Cyno were already there.

They discussed the smooth running of their respective missions and had a bit of a fight, dragging Nilou into their plans in the process.

"I... I can't believe my ears! You are truly the bravest and most passionate people of Sumeru, well, that... I've ever met!" she beamed.

"Ahem!" Paimon cleared her throat.

"Oh right, the Traveler and Paimon are not from Sumeru, but you are awesome as well!" Nilou corrected herself.

"Hehe, that's right!"

"I... I must admit that I'm a little scared. But I'll try my best for Lesser Lord Kusanali. If I can somehow use my abilities to help you, then count me in."

"Remember, believe in yourself," Cyno said.

"...Okay! I'll get my friends at the Grand Bazaar to help us tomorrow!"

"Just remember not to say too much. Be discreet," Dehya advised.

"Yep, you got it!"

"All the preparations are done. Now, can we finally conclude this meeting?" Alhaitham spoke up.

"Yeah. Tomorrow, we are going to save a god," said the Traveler.

"So, have you thought up what you'd like to say, boss?" Dehya asked.

"It's hard to believe everything that has happened till now... And our actions will bring change to many things tomorrow."

"Yep yep! It's a grand plan, and we're all super awesome!" Paimon said excitedly.

"That's right, so... Just get a good night's sleep, everyone!"

"Hahaha!" Dehya laughed.

"Well said. A good night's rest before an operation can be the difference between success and failure," Cyno commented.

"...Thankfully, I've had my place to myself recently. It's been nice and quiet."

"Huh?"

"Oh, huh, nothing."

"Alright, let's all go home and get a good night's sleep, so we can be up early tomorrow!" Paimon said.

"Okay, so I guess that means it's time to say goodnight now."

"Yep! Goodnight, everyone."

The group went their separate ways, and Alhaitham walked back to his residence. Strolling around Sumeru City at night is indeed the best. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, accompanied by sounds of nature. Shops and stalls have closed, their owners and merchants have gone home to rest. The children of Sumeru are no longer running around playing with their friends, they are safe in their respective homes drifting off to dreamland. Only members of the Corps of Thirty patrolled around the city.

Arriving in front of the house, Alhaitham saw that the light was still on from the inside. Are you still awake waiting for his return? He took out the house keys and unlocked the front door, locking it back when he entered. You didn't fall asleep in the living room, so he went to look for you in the kitchen.

You weren't there either, there was just some food you left for him when he came home. Alhaitham appreciate the thought, but he didn't want you overworking yourself. So he went to the last place you might be in, which is your shared bedroom.

"Just as I expected, you've fallen asleep," Alhaitham whispered to himself.

He then noticed a pile of folded clothes in the corner of the room. Alhaitham sighed before approaching the bed to pull your blanket over your shoulders.

"Didn't I tell you not to overwork yourself? Stubborn..."

He suddenly became alert when you stirred in your sleep, hugging the pillow you used for support closer to you. Alhaitham was holding his breath, trying so hard not to wake you up. When he was away from the bed, Alhaitham sighed as he stuffed the folded clothes into the closet.

Taking some clothes of his own, Alhaitham took them to the bathroom to freshen up.

(time skip brought to you by le author :P)

Exiting the bathroom feeling clean and refreshed, Alhaitham had changed into a dark green silk robe. He saw that you were sleeping on the right side of the bed but you were sleeping on your left side. So he occupied the left side of the bed.

He watched as your shoulder rise and fall as a manifestation of the air you inhaled and exhaled. For some reason, Alhaitham couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't stop thinking about the big day tomorrow, even though he was already confident that his plan would work. Was he just... nervous?

Without him knowing, Alhaitham's hand mindlessly snaked towards your pregnant belly, hugging you from behind. You stirred in your sleep feeling the lingering touch on your stomach, causing Alhaitham to froze on the spot. After a while, you started to feel comfortable in his arms.

"Huh, you rascal. Quit scaring your husband like that..." he whispered.

Alhaitham playfully kissed the crown of your head and dozed off to sleep.

The next morning, you woke up as usual. It's just, you wondered about something. Did Alhaitham come home last night? But why is there no sign of his return? You swear you felt someone hug you from behind while you were sleeping, you even felt a kiss placed on the crown of your head.

As you continued to scratch the top of your head, you felt the sudden urge to go to the bathroom.

"P-patient, little one... Please give time for mommy to get to the bathroom first... Ugh..."

After somehow managing to avoid a disaster, you headed to the kitchen to look for signs of his return. Just now when you came out of the bathroom, you realized that the pile of clothes you folded the night before had been put in the closet. Did Alhaitham seriously put them away for you? Or did you put them away last night? But you remembered that you will do it in the morning. Hmm...

When you arrived in the kitchen, you immediately found the evidence you needed. The food you left for him is gone.

"So, you really do care about me. Heh, so much for trying to be sneaky..."

(That afternoon)

"What...?! Alhaitham... is exiled to Aaru Village?"

The General Mahamatra went to visit you that afternoon, telling you what they had done on Jnagarbha Day. You immediately stood up reflexively from shock but regretted it soon after.

"Ah, careful...! We don't want you hurting yourself now..." Cyno said as he sat you back down.

"Thanks, Cyno... But still, he willingly used the Divine Knowledge Capsule during his confrontation with Azar, and got himself exiled... I'm relieved that his radical plan worked but, I don't know how I should feel about this..."

"That's understandable. But knowing Alhaitham, he won't let them arrest him so easily. He probably fought them off and escaped."

"Right..."

You went silent, thinking deeply about your husband's plan. Even after marrying him for so many years, you couldn't understand how his brain works.

You were lost in your thoughts until Cyno said his farewells to you. "I have to go now, Y/n. There's still some things that I need to take care of."

"O-oh, I understand. Thanks for dropping by, Cyno."

The General Mahamatra simply nodded and took his leave. You watched him leave until he's out of your sight, letting out a deep sigh and closed your eyes.

A few days have passed since the rescue of Lesser Lord Kusanali and your husband Alhaitham was still nowhere to be seen. You didn't even know whether he's home or not, even if he was, he'll get up early to go take care of something at the Akademiya.

After Azar and his accomplices were overthrown, the Akademiya scrambled to nominate and select new sages. Since the sages from Vahumana and Amurta were the only ones remaining, they need to select new sages for the Rtawahist Darshan, Spantamad Darshan, Haravatat Darshan, and the Kshahrewar Darshan.

While you were cooking breakfast in the kitchen, a knock was heard on the front door.

"My dear Y/n! Oh, you have no idea how much I miss you."

"Kaveh, you're back."

The Palace of Alcazarzaray's architect pulled you into a hug, minding your stomach. He then pulled out a bouquet of Sumeru Roses that he was hiding behind his back.

"You know me, as someone who values ​​aesthetics in everything, unlike that husband of yours... I bought you these flowers because they remind me of you. I know they don't match your level of beauty my dear, but I still hope you like them."

"Oh, Kaveh... You shouldn't have... Thank you. But please, think about your own finances."

"No no, I don't mind if they're spent on a beautiful woman like you," Kaveh said as he winked at you.

You sighed in contentment as you brushed Kaveh off, letting him into the house. He took off his cape and sets it down.

"Have you had breakfast? I just made some," you said as you put the Sumeru Roses in a glass vase.

"That sounds lovely, my dear. But I'm afraid I can't have some right now because... working on a project in the middle of the desert has made me feel disgusted. I'm in desperate need of a bath! You go on ahead darling, I'll soon be joining you."

Kaveh went to use the guest bathroom, leaving you alone in the kitchen. You grabbed two plates, one for yourself and one for him.

As you were just about to scoop up some Aaru Mixed Rice that you cooked earlier, you felt something trickling down your legs.

"Hm? What was tha... Oh no... No, no no no no no. Not at a time like this."

You kept denying the fact that you have gone into labor. But soon, you have to accept the reality as you felt a strong contraction hit you.

"Argh! Oh, this is bad... Kaveh?!" You called out to Kaveh in a panic but considering that he was in the bathroom, he wouldn't hear you. So you were forced to suffer alone until Kaveh came to save you.

After the Traveler and Paimon talked to Nilou at the Grand Bazaar, they headed to the Akademiya to confirm Alhaitham has received Nilou's invitation. By asking an Amurta student by the name of Geoff, they found out that he was in the House of Daena.

Entering the colossal library that stands at the center of the Sumeru Akademiya, the Traveler and Paimon approached the Scribe but stopped when they saw him talking to another person.

"Oh, he's over there! But it looks like he might not have time for us..." Paimon said.

"He's already talking with someone else."

They watched him bicker with a blond man who now they know as Kaveh.

"Forget what's going on with the Akademiya, haven't you been busy with your construction project? Tell me, when are you going to build yourself a mansion?" Alhaitham asked.

"Don't get me started... I get angry just thinking about it," Kaveh grumbled.

"So, what great building did our master architect work on this time?" Alhaitham said sarcastically.

"Like I need to tell you! Keep your nose out of my business," Kaveh retorted.

"No, I think we deserve to know. Where were you when Sumeru needed you most?"

"I was in the desert for a large project, but considering Haravatat's utter ignorance of architectural and aesthetic matters, you probably wouldn't understand. Which is truly unfortunate! I can only pity the man who doesn't understand the first thing about beauty and romance. Unlike a true..."

Kaveh was just about to continue talking when suddenly he had fully processed Alhaitham's words. "Hold on, wait a second, what do you mean by 'when Sumeru needed me most'?" he asked.

"Well, while you were out fiddling around in the desert, many people came together to save Sumeru from a crisis. All you really need to know is that Azar and all his accomplices have all been overthrown."

"Hah, and you think I'd believe that? What nonsense are you talking about?"

"It's no skin off my nose if you don't believe me. It's not like my Darshan was the one trying to apply for funding from the Grand Sage. Yours, though, on the other hand..."

Kaveh seems to be fed up with his underclassman's hypocrisy. To the extent that he said, "You know what? Then I shall ask you this. Where were you when your wife needed you the most?"

"What are you on about, Kaveh?" Alhaitham asked, slightly taken aback.

"Just this morning, I carried your wife to the Bimarstan because she has gone into labor. I thought you as her husband would be there right beside her, supporting her every step of the way. But no, you're here reading that stupid book of yours in the House of Daena! Good Celestia, I don't even know what she saw in you to the point of agreeing to marry you!"

Although his face doesn't show much, Alhaitham was surprised to see the way Kaveh lashed out at him. Yes, he often bickered with his senior, but not to this extent. It has to do with the person he married, the person he loves. But if he treated you like what Kaveh said, does he really love you?

"I'll ask around! I'm sure someone knows what's going on here. You're dead if I find out you're lying to me."

Kaveh stormed off, leaving Alhaitham alone with his thoughts. The Traveler and Paimon are confused about how to respond to Alhaitham's fight with Kaveh earlier. They decided to approach him anyway.

"Hey, Alhaitham!" Paimon greeted.

"Oh, it's you two. What's the matter?"

The expression on the Traveler's and Paimon's faces were both pitiful, the way Alhaitham quickly put up his emotional walls the moment he talked to them. They talked about many things, from their purpose of coming here in the first place to the appointment of Alhaitham as the Grand Sage. The Traveler and Paimon were curious about the person Kaveh had called his 'wife', but they were reluctant to ask about her.

"By the way, who was that other person just now? Is he your friend?" Paimon asked.

"Do we look like friends?"

"Paimon doesn't know! That's why Paimon's asking!"

"His name is Kaveh, my roommate. You could say he's the representative for Kshahrewar scholars," Alhaitham explained.

"He didn't seem to believe a word you told him," the Traveler commented.

"Which is exactly why he always has so many problems."

"Also Alhaitham, Paimon remembers that Kaveh said something about your wife. Paimon didn't know that an annoying person like you has a wife. Why you never mentioned anything about her? Where is she, and why have we never met her?"

Paimon really went for it, she really asked him about you. Even so, Alhaitham remained silent. Uh-oh, has Paimon offended him?

"..."

"...I never talk about my wife because I don't want her to get involved in my work. You yourself already know how dangerous the things we deal with, so I'm also thinking about her safety," Alhaitham spoke up.

"Wow, Paimon also didn't know that someone like you can be so considerate..." Paimon commented.

"Thanks for your hard work these days," the Traveler expressed their gratitude.

"Such is the work of the Akademiya Scribe."

"Well anyway, no matter how busy you are, since you were our planner, remember to attend the celebration feast in two days!" Paimon reminded.

"All right, I'll see you there."

As the Traveler and Paimon leaves the Akademiya, they saw Kaveh frantically rushing into the building. They didn't think much about it and continued their journey to Port Ormos.

(Back inside the House of Daena)

"Al—Alhaitham!"

Alhaitham was now by the one of the bookshelves, he turned around the moment his senior called his name.

"How can I help you, senior Kaveh?" Alhaitham asked.

"Look, this is no time for your jokes and sarcasm. This is very serious!"

"Oh? And what serious thing do you mean by that?"

"Y/n is missing."

"What do you mean “yOu DoN't KnOw”? You were clearly here when you registered her and after."

Alhaitham and Kaveh were at the Bimarstan talking to the only intern there, Tamara. Despite multiple attempts to ask her, Tamara still claimed to "not know" about your whereabouts.

"As I said before, Mr. Kaveh, my job is only to record patients' medical records. Since Doctor Zakariya isn't here, I couldn't do much other than following my senior's orders," she proclaimed.

"Ugh, you...! F–Fine, then enlighten me. Who's this senior of yours who ordered you to do such a thing?" Kaveh asked.

"I believe her name is Najwa."

"Najwa?"

They turned around at the sound of another voice. It turned out that another intern doctor named Golshan had just returned from whatever she was doing.

"Didn't she leave Sumeru a long time ago? I heard that she disappeared for a while. What is she doing back in Sumeru?"

"Who exactly is this Najwa?" Alhaitham asked.

"Ms. Najwa was our senior in the Amurta Darshan, she was also a doctor here in Bimarstan. But all of a sudden, she decided to leave Sumeru and we haven't heard from her since then," Golshan explained.

"And what were her orders?" Kaveh took turns asking.

"She ordered me to give medicine to the patient to reduce the pain because the patient was about to be transferred. Doctor Zakariya is out and she said it would be easier if the patient was brought there," Tamara explained.

"That doesn't make any sense at all! Transferring a patient who is in labor is a very big risk! Don't you understand?"

Kaveh went into a fit of rage, he tried to reason with the irresponsible intern doctor. Alhaitham on the other hand, had already planned his next move.

"Nidal!" he called.

A Corps of Thirty mercenary by the name of Nidal was coincidentally walking around the area when he heard the Scribe's call. He quickly rushed towards where Alhaitham was.

"Yes, Scribe Alhaitham? What are your orders?" Nidal asked.

"Gather some of your men, we're possibly looking for a kidnapped person."

(Meanwhile)

"What is the meaning of this? Let go of me!"

You just woke up and found yourself in an unfamiliar place. Your wrists and legs are strapped to the examination table in the middle of the dark, dingy room.

A voice of a man suddenly echoed in the room, sending shivers down your spine

"Quit struggling, darling. Otherwise you might not make it out of here alive."

"Dottore... You still dare to show your face in the land of the God of Wisdom. You better let me go and get out of here!"

"Ooh, feisty... Still, that's not going to help you out of here."

Your body tensed the moment he walked towards you. You glared at him as you watched him circle you with a smile on his face.

"Do you know why you were brought here? Can you guess it?" Dottore asked. "Even if you knew, you wouldn't tell me. Let me do the honor to tell you. It all has to do with your origins, were you the one who inherited Zaleos' powers?"

"I won't hesitate to use that power on you..." you threatened him.

"Hah, even in this condition? Have you forgotten who you're dealing with? There's a reason why I'm second of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers. Do you want me to prove tha--"

"Dottore, sir. I advise you not to put her under more stress, it's bad for the child in her w--"

"Yes yes, I understand, Najwa. Keep an eye on her and let me know when she's progressing."

(Later that evening)

"Ugh, we can finally rest! Seriously, I haven't even had a chance to eat breakfast yet. I'm already starving, luckily Miss Golshan came along and cooked us dinner."

After hours of trying to find you, the group decided to take a break as it was getting dark. They stopped at a campground that happens to have a pot over a campfire, which they used to cook dinner.

"It's nothing, Mr. Kaveh. I can't let you continue on this mission on an empty stomach, you will get sick and become a patient in the Bimarstan then," Golshan said.

"Aww, you're so considerate Miss Golshan. Unlike my anathema of a underclassmen, Alhaitham over here," Kaveh sneered.

"I already planned our mission even when you're panicking back at the Bimarstan earlier. How much more ungrateful can you be?" Alhaitham replied back.

"You didn't even bother to ask your senior whether he had breakfast or not!"

"It's because you didn't tell me."

Golshan sweatdropped at the sight of Alhaitham and Kaveh's bickering. She stopped them by ladling out the Minty Bean Soup into wooden bowls.

"Here you go, Mr. Kaveh. Your Minty Bean Soup," Golshan said as she handed a bowl of soup to him.

"Why thank you, Miss Golshan! You're my savior."

"Here's one for you too, Scribe Alhaitham."

"T-thank you, Miss Golshan..."

They enjoyed a warm and hearty dinner under the starry night sky. Alhaitham hasn't touched his soup, he instead observed the atmosphere around him. He saw members of his group talking, laughing, and joking with each other as they're having seconds of the Minty Bean Soup. Come to think of it, Alhaitham quite liked this kind of atmosphere. He really should have dinner with you more often...

Nidal and a few other Corps of Thirty members have returned with news.

"Scribe, we've found the place."

It's the night of the celebration feast held to celebrate Cyno's reinstatement as the General Mahamatra. Alhaitham went to attend the event.

Two days have passed since the day of your kidnapping, and now you're safe in the hands of the Bimarstan. When they ventured into the place where you might be being held, you were found in a very concerning condition.

(Flashback)

The group burst into a dark, dingy room with a examination table in the middle. There, they found you lying on top of it. Alhaitham, Kaveh and Golshan were quick to approach you.

"Y/n...! Oh my Archon..." Kaveh gasped.

Alhaitham was quick to take you into his arms, thinking you would react to his touch. But, you laid completely still in his arms. He tried to shake your body and call your name hoping you would wake up, but his efforts were in vain.

"Goodness, she's cold to the touch... and her skin is abnormally pale... We have to run her to the Bimarstan as soon as possib--"

"But what about my niece/nephew? Where are they?!"

Kaveh's shouting triggered the sound of crying which can be heard from the next room. Nidal and his friends slowly approached the door to the room, followed by Golshan and Kaveh. After making sure that the room was safe from the outside, Nidal let them both in. And there, they found something surprising.

Golshan was too stunned to even speak properly, on the other Kaveh hand...

"Guess what Alhaitham said about me being clueless was right after all... I didn't expect them to be twins..."

(Flashback ends)

Yes, you heard it. You and Alhaitham had twin girls. Yay, congratulation! Shouldn't he be happy? Unfortunately, no, he wasn't.

While the others were eating and having fun, Alhaitham barely touched his food. Even though his face doesn't show much emotion, his feelings are mixed inside. Especially after remembering what Golshan said to him when they arrived at the Bimarstan.

"Twins usually take a long time to come out, but your daughters seemed to come out pretty fast. There are ways to speed up labor, but unfortunately your wife's delivery is forced to speed up. This caused her body to be heavily strained. And... I'm afraid she can't recover from this..."

Alhaitham gritted his teeth as he replayed Golshan's words over and over in his head. He didn't even notice the tight grip on the gold rimmed wine glass he was holding.

"Uhh, Alhaitham...? Are you okay? Paimon noticed you were gritting your teeth earlier, are the effects from the Divine Knowledge Capsule still there?" Paimon asked.

Alhaitham looked up from his reverie and saw his friends all looking at him with concern in their eyes. But he brushed it off as if it was nothing.

"The effects from the Divine Knowledge Capsule only lasted for a few minutes. It shouldn't give any side effect to this day. So yes, I'm completely fine. Don't mind me," Alhaitham said before taking a sip of his wine.

His friends are still worried about him, except for one. Cyno, he clearly knew why Alhaitham was behaving that way. Even though he is busy dealing with educational issues in Aaru Village, he knows the guilt that is in the Scribe's self.

"Just let him be," Cyno said curtly.

Although still feeling reluctant to leave Alhaitham alone, they tried to enjoy the feast 'till the moment it ended.

(After the celebration feast)

Cyno headed to the Bimarstan as he exited the door to the left from the Zubayr Theater stage. He immediately spotted Doctor Zakariya talking to Golshan.

"Oh, the General Mahamatra...! What brings you here to our fine establishment?" Doctor Zakariya greeted.

"Is the patient by the name of Y/n here?" he asked.

"She is resting inside. Mr. Kaveh has been staying here since two days ago, seems like he fell asleep too," Golshan informed.

"Alright, thank you."

The door to your room was slightly agape, Cyno peeked inside and saw Kaveh resting his head on the edge of the bed by your leg. He must have fallen asleep. Cyno tiptoed into the room, hoping that he won't wake any of you. But his efforts were in vain, as Kaveh woke up because he somehow felt another presence in the room.

"Oh, Cyno... Hello...! How's the celebration feast?" Kaveh greeted.

"It went just as you expected it would be."

Cyno looked at you then looked at the little bundles of joy sleeping in their crib. He couldn't help but smiled at the way they slept so soundly.

"Has Y/n woken up earlier?"

"She has... Miss Golshan gave us some food considering Y/n also didn't have breakfast the day she was kidnapped. I didn't mean to become such a nuisance to Miss Golshan and the Bimarstan, but there's no point for me to return to Alhaitham's residence. I mean, how could I?"

Cyno listened to Kaveh's pitiful rambling, as if he was drunk. Well he wasn't exactly drunk on alcohol, he was drunk on sadness.

"...Y/n hardly touched her food, I only managed to feed her a few spoonfuls of soup. Where even is Alhaitham? Was he enjoying the celebration feast?"

"He tried, but I saw through the facade he's trying to put up. I saw the guilt and regrets in his eyes, I know he feels bad about what he did," Cyno said.

"Huh, he better be..."

The two men in the room suddenly became alert when you stirred in your sleep. Kaveh moved his chair closer to you while Cyno stood by the end of the bed. Your eyes slowly fluttered open revealing those beautiful (eye color) eyes he adored.

"Y/n... hi...! You still have a lot of soup left. Do you want to continue eating it? I can feed you like before," Kaveh offered.

"Thanks Kaveh, but I'm not that hungry... How's the celebration feast, Cyno? Did you enjoy it?"

"It was good. I quite liked it," Cyno said.

"That's good to hear..."

The room fell silent and the only thing that could be heard was your labored breathing. You really were on your last leg. They couldn't do anything to help you other than keeping you company. They resented their uselessness, and it shows from their wistful expressions.

"Cyno... Could I... ask you of a favor?"

"...What is it?" he asked.

"Would you do the honors of reciting the prayer in the baby's ears?"

"Agh... Are you sure...?" Cyno flusteredly asked.

You nodded as Kaveh had already picked up your older daughter and handed her to the General Mahamatra. The architect even had time to correct the way he held the little one.

"Have you given her a name?"

"No, I... haven't even thought of a name yet..."

The General Mahamatra hummed before bringing your older daughter closer to his lips. "May the God watch over you and protect you."

And it was at that moment Alhaitham came into the room. His arrival was unexpected, but they knew he'll eventually come around. Kaveh scorned at Alhaitham's presence, while you and Cyno were relieved to see him. You could see the way his eyes soften at you waking up and at the twins.

"Alhaitham..."

"Look who finally decided to show up! Don't you understand how frustrating it is for you to just come and go as you please to do?" Kaveh confronted.

"Senior Kaveh, I understand this is upsetting but I beg you to calm do--"

"Oh, so now you're acting respectful to me!? I see you Alhaitham, I see you! I don't know what kind of game you're playing with me, but I advise you to stop it right now! I am getting sick of it!"

Kaveh's outburst was understandable but Cyno cared about your welfare. After returning your older daughter to you, he dragged Kaveh out of the room.

"That's enough, Kaveh. Let's go," Cyno said.

"Whaa-- Ugh, Cyno...! Don't you understand what I'm trying to do?" Kaveh protested.

"It's better we leave them alone so they can talk things over."

For a moment you two were alone, Alhaitham let his emotional wall down as he suddenly pulled you into a hug and pressed his forehead against yours.

"...Don't scare me like that. I thought you would never wake up."

"Not as scared as I was when I heard you were exiled to Aaru Village. I won't forgive you for nearly giving me a heart attack..."

He chuckled at your words before planting a kiss on your forehead. Since you were already holding your older daughter, Alhaitham picked up her younger sister who was still fast asleep in her crib. She was cranky for a moment but quickly calmed down and warmed up to her father's touches.

"...Look at them. Aren't they just the most adorable and precious things you've seen on Teyvat?"

Alhaitham had to agree. It really was the most precious thing he had ever seen. His genuine smile as he looked at his two daughters with such affection warms your heart.

"Have you given them names?" he asked.

"No, I haven't... Actually I was waiting to discuss it with you..."

This caused Alhaitham to feel even worse. How long have you been waiting for him? Why are you so patient with him? He felt he was not worthy of you.

"Hey...! No, don't go to sleep yet... We haven't even started the discussion..."

Alhaitham's desperate calls was heard by the two men who were outside the room, causing Kaveh and Cyno to come back inside. They could see you were struggling to breathe and they couldn't deny the fact that you were dying.

"Alhaitham, please... listen to me. Can you... recite the prayer in our younger daughter's ear?"

He simply nodded as he stood up to recite the prayer. Kaveh has gotten close to you to take turns holding your older daughter in one arm and holding your hand. You watched as Alhaitham does his job like a father, and it made your heart flutter. You couldn't be more proud of him.

'Forgive me Alhaitham, but I can't continue on this journey. My time has come, and my life will come to an end. Don't worry, you have many friends who will accompany you on this journey. Even if you feel lost, they are the ones who will help you and guide you to the right path. I entrust our two daughters in your hands. I love you... goodbye.'

Alhaitham seemed to be in a world of his own, and it was only when he finished reciting the prayer that he realized what had happened. Kaveh sobbed as he begged you to come back signified you have passed.

"No... no...! You can't possibly leave me alone! Please Y/n, I beg of you...! Come back...!"

Cyno tugged at his headpiece to hide the fact his lips were quivering. Alhaitham didn't even realize the expression he has on his face right now. How his eyes widened as tears flowed down his face.

The men in the room were caught off guard as the little ones began to feel the loss of their mother. Alhaitham who was holding his crying younger daughter didn't know how to handle her, when suddenly he saw the way Kaveh handled his older daughter.

"Oh no, no no no... It's okay, my dear... Shhhh... Don't cry, Uncle Kaveh's here... We're in this together, okay? I want you to be strong..."

Kaveh was right. What did you even see in him? Alhaitham began to question everything he thought he knew. Just like you at the beginning of this story.

Alhaitham thinks he doesn't deserve to have received your love and affection.

[Author's Note]: Whew! I finally finished writing the prologue of this series! *cue the author's celebration dance*

I know I stated in my rules that I won't be writing for Alhaitham, but I just couldn't help it. For me, this series is just my way to explore his character :)

Publication date: November 23rd 2022

[certifieddilfenjoyer]

A Statement of a Soul - sneak peak to the new chapter

Gosh, I really liked writing this. TAGS: Dance, banter, It's just xReader so can work as !Male or GN! Tav, but the hand placement is the usual for a female dance partner.

'May I have this dance?' He asks, extending his right arm towards you.

You take a step forward, but don't accept his hand. 'Raphael, I don't think it's very proper,' you remind gently. 'It feels very wrong considering what happened between us,' you add in a quiet tone.

Raphael takes another slice of the space separating the two of you and lowers his voice sweetly.

'My dear,' he looks at you with half-lidded eyes and you can feel your heart skip a beat or two. 'Whatever's wrong is right with me. Come and indulge me.'

You gently place your left hand on his right arm, making him smirk. He leads you closer to the source of the music, but outside of the hearing range of your allies. You look down at his feet, trying to find your own, comfortable place on the improvised dancefloor. Your right hand settles on his broad shoulder and his ventures down to your waist. The fabric of your shirt – a borrowed shirt from his House of Hope, to be more precise – is thin enough to let his searing palm lick at your skin. You gasp, feeling the difference between his body heat and the cool, but pleasant air of the spring night.

He waits a few moments, no doubt measuring the rhythm of the song and leads you perfectly, making the two of you join the melody with the dance. His eyes are intense, never really leaving yours and you find yourself looking back at your feet again.

'Oh, come now,' he says with a note of condescending. 'Have you got no manners?'

You meet his gaze. 'Didn't you say a moment ago that what's wrong is right with you?'

He chuckles at your little jab and spins you once, pulling your arm behind his back to decrease the distance between the two of you. You involuntarily place a hand on his chest and look away, intoxicated by his proximity. Suddenly, you become aware of the pleasant texture of his palm, holding your hand in his. It's so big, he could wrap your whole fist, you realize, as he returns his palm back to your waist. The notes take a more intense turn and in a surprising wave of courage, you push him on the chest, sending him back a few steps. He makes you follow.

'Getting too comfortable, it seems,' he warns, but his eyes are melting a hole right through you.

As the string bass plays its last sharp note, he slides his leg, knocking you down from the ground. Your eyes widen in a mixture of shock and fear, but his hold on you is firm, allowing him to tilt your body towards the grass. The music pauses.

'Asshole,' you remark, filling the silence. The instruments resume, so he pulls you up and leads you again. If the two of you were dueling, you would be currently on the defense.

The flame from the torches sways in his eyes, igniting the amber irises, bringing forth the dangerously captivating red hue. Your gaze slides across his sun-kissed cheek darkened with the facial hair lurking just beneath the surface. He's beautiful, you have always known that, but rarely you have a chance to admire him from up close.

He spins you one more time but you slide away from his grasp and circle around him, tracing your fingertips across his muscular arm and across his broad shoulders. You stare at his neat, wavy tips of dark hair and as your hand quickly glides across the back of his neck, you extend your thumb hoping to brush his strands. He turns his head away from your hand, as if sensing your intention and shortens the distance between the two of you. His hands land on your waist and he half-turns your body, positioning you against him. You are surprised at how intense, yet respectful the dance is. Neither of you cross each other's boundaries, because neither of you want to admit that they are gone. Your bodies are in sync, pushing and pulling like two magnets changing their poles.

[suddencolds]

3, 12, 13!! for asks

Thank you for the ask!!!! ❤️ These are really good questions, I'm excited 🥹

going to answer #3 last and under the cut because... my answer to it is 📜📜📜📜📜

12. a trope you’re really into right now

from a recent wip: a sick character feeling self conscious about their illness + wanting to hug the other character for comfort, but feeling a little too embarrassed to get too close... their love interest figuring this out and offering up that physical affection with utterly no reservation or hesitance :) ❤️

13. a fandom you’re thinking about writing for

I've enjoyed a lot of media as of late, but nothing has really caught my eye recently in the snz sense. I think it's been awhile since I've been properly into fandom? T.T that said, if anyone writes for Fr//ier//en or Om//nisci//ent Read//er's V//iewpo//int, I'll definitely read it🧎‍♀️

also! There's a book I'm reading currently where one of the characters is... 😵‍💫😵‍💫 (I need him to catch a cold expeditiously). But I'm only like 90 pages in... 360 left to see if he does something irredeemable that turns me off from him 🫡

3. how you feel about your current WIP

ohh my gosh... I'm going to talk about yvverse bc that's perhaps the most on topic for this blog 😭 (I am putting all of this under the cut; please do not feel pressured to read it)

to be honest, I've strongly considered never posting another installment for the series (even though I know—and have known for awhile now—how I want it to end). it's not out of any dislike for the series... actually, I feel like I've gotten (almost) everything I've wanted out of it? the last installment (AO pt2) is something that took a lot out of me... I can say now that writing it felt uniquely like I was putting my heart on the line. in short: 1) I am content with what I have; 2) I'm maybe disproportionately scared of ruining something I'm proud of; 3) writing this series has become quite lonely.

ultimately, I've asked myself many times: in choosing to end the series here, would I be claiming a personal victory, or would I just be prematurely giving up on something I still care deeply about? it's something I've gone back and forth on, that I feel uncertain about still.

when I posted FMT pt1 way back in January 2023, I didn't have any expectations for the series at all. but I think for a year and a half it became the thing I cared about most—it was my first proper attempt at a novel. it was also one of the first times I felt like other people cared about something that felt so deeply personal to me. I think when other people told me they liked it I felt like, I don't know. I felt really really happy, in a way I don't even know if I can properly articulate, and in a way that felt so wholly irreplaceable. I don't think I've felt like that since.

WIP-wise: I have written quite a lot that I don't know if I'll ever post: some of it directly after AO chronologically, some of it much later on. there's a small scene that I wrote that I might post on its own at some point, as a somewhat-detached mini-oneshot? I don't think I will ever post the series ending, but who knows? maybe something down the road will make me change my mind. :') (I am so sorry for using your ask as a jumping off point to unload these thoughts omg... I was thinking of never saying anything, of just silently letting the series sit unfinished. though, I'm not sure if this information is interesting to anyone 😭)

[ Fic Writer Asks ]

[finniestoncrane]

Your One True Nemesis

Chapter 26: also on AO3 Masterlist Here Arkham!Riddler x Female!Reader, word count: 1.3k oh gosh is it possible that an idiot genius can... change? even ever so slightly? and be... not nice... but... human? :o 💚 request info • prompt list • send me a request • kofi • masterlist minors DNI!! 🔞 cw: don't get too excited he's still a walking disaster, pining sort of, lil bit of tension

“Taking a break?”

The sudden sound of Edward’s voice, intrusive in the moment of peace you were experiencing in the work room, made you jump slightly. Looking up from what you were working on, you offered him a smile.

“I was just thinking… it’s nice to see that not much has changed down here.”

“Of course not. The goal is still the same.”

“To beat the bat.”

“Exactly, it’s only natural. Creatures known to prey on bats include hawks, owls, some spiders, falcons and, of course, me.”

Smiling at his ridiculous statement, you ran your fingers along the work bench, scattered with what you were sure were the same scraps of metal and wires as has been there when you left.

“You act as though you’ve been gone for years.”

“It kind of feels like it. Time flows differently when you can see the sun rise and set. Down here it’s all sort of… continuous.”

Turning, you found Eddie standing close to you, staring intently as you spoke.

“Well, that’s how I like it. Don’t be tempted to make any grand changes.”

Eddie made his way over to the workstation he had graciously, but not without constant complaining, set up for you the day after you had returned to the sewers. He’d been insistent that you start working right away to earn your keep, or he’d turf you out again, and this time he wouldn’t be there to save you like the heroic and generous overseer that he was.

“How much have you managed to…”

His eyes fell to the table where you had pieced together several of the small remotes he had instructed you to complete. You smiled, feeling smug at the genuine surprise on his face.

“Well… don’t get too proud of yourself. You’ve barely even begun to complete this work. If I’m to keep that idiotic detective occupied long enough, Gotham needs to be riddled with my puzzles.”

Giggling at the pun, you realised quickly it was unintentional when a small smile crept up at the corners of Eddie’s mouth. He clearly didn’t want to admit that he was pleased with himself, but you could tell he was noting it down mentally to use at another point, with an audience he deemed more deserving that you were. As he took stock of the work you’d done, he noticed his notebook, left open at a page where he had been scribbling riddles. Beside it, a sheet of scrap paper where you had been writing the answers. He placed his fingers on it, shifting it to the side and tilting his head to read the words you had scrawled on the page, trying to stifle a smile that was still very obvious. It made your heartbeat irregular, seeing him respond positively to something you had done.

“I was… I was just trying them out… to see if I could get any of them right. They were a nice break from the work.”

Maintaining his expression, but letting the smile come out slightly, Eddie lifted the sheet from the table and looked back and forth from it and his notebook.

“I suppose a ‘well done’ is in order. When I tested that riddle on one of my childhood bullies, he simply could not solve it.”

Your smile beamed out, a tingling sensation passing over your body as he locked his eyes onto yours.

“Not even on pain of death could he grasp the answer. But you’ve managed it on a break. I suppose you’re perhaps ever so slightly smarter than I gave you credit for. But you’re still just as bad at your job as you used to be.”

Picking up one of the remotes you had made, he inspected it closely, prying the back off and tugging at the wires which came loose immediately.

“I mean… it would have been ok if you hadn’t yanked them out.”

“Nonsense. Shoddy workmanship. You need to be more careful, you need to be better.”

“Well, you need to be kinder.”

With a grimace, Eddie closed his eyes, mentally counting to three before opening them again.

“I refuse. You came back knowing what it was like down here.”

“That doesn’t mean it can’t be better though?”

With an exasperated but soft sigh, Eddie turned from you, still speaking as he fiddled with the tools that lay scattered on the wall shelves.

“I don’t see how it could be better. It was fine the way it was. Perfect, even.”

“Oh yeah? The back and forth bickering and unresolved sexual tension made this the perfect living arrangement.”

The words had come out of your mouth before you could stop them. But it was the truth. And you were glad to finally mention it.

“There was no… there is no unresolved anything. We are colleagues. Nothing more, nothing less. Surely, that is the best way to go forward.”

You hated to admit it, but it probably was. He really was right about everything. And even though he wasn’t willing to admit to the slightly deeper meanings, or hidden feelings, behind everything that had happened between you before, at least he was willing to try and move past them. Not the result you wanted, but anything to make things more tolerable. It was better than nothing. It might even be positive. A new positive start.

You were so hopeful things could be different that you were willing to forego what you really wanted. To be with Eddie in a pleasant capacity, even if it meant there were no sexual elements, was good enough for you. It had shocked you how much you had missed him while you were working for Oswald. You didn’t want to run the risk of losing it again. So you nodded, agreeing with him.

“Good. Now. You solved those ones, but those were easy. Those were the preliminaries, I hope you understand that. Had I known you were going to attempt to solve those, had I so wished to force you into mental exhaustion, you would have failed before you had even begun to comprehend the first riddle on that page. If you’re keen to expand your mind, I can show you the full extent of my brilliance. I can write some more puzzles for you, to keep you entertained while you work on the menial, yet seemingly challenging, tasks I have laid out for you. Does that sound… appealing?”

With a soft smile, you nodded. Grateful that he was trying to extend something to you, even if you weren’t sure what it was. A gift? A challenge? To express that he cared or to show you he believed in you?

“Wonderful. By the end of the week you’ll be in awe at my superiority. I won’t be going easy on you, not now that I know you are…”

He hesitated, unsure if he wanted to continue, but he knew he had to.

“… capable.”

It wasn’t the greatest compliment in the world. But you would take it.

Eddie shifted awkwardly as you smiled warmly at him, made uncomfortable by even that small display of kindness. He turned on his heel and left the room. You were colleagues. Colleagues. He couldn’t let himself fall back into old habits. This was as far as it would go. He could challenge you mentally, offer you a pat on the back. But he couldn’t find himself falling into the trap of caring.

It was too late though. He was already considering what level of subliminal messaging he could incorporate into the riddles. Something that hinted towards a suggestion of intimacy, or to his agreement to a physical relationship, but that could be denied if it backfired or he came to his senses.

If he left it wide open, he could deny everything. To you and to himself.

[ayyy-pee]

hi lexi may i request an angsty onesided/unrequited love reader w nanami pls? like nanami makes it known he doesnt do commitment due to the work field hes in but reader still cant help but fall for his personality & accepts theyll never be together but still struggles to move on? can be wtvr length i just want pain pls😭

oh gosh i cannot imagine a world where nanami isn't actually OBSESSED with me but for you? i can TRY *SOBBING ON THE FLOOR, SHAKING MY FISTS IN THE AIR, SNOT RUNNING DOWN MY FACE, GAGGING AND CURSING THE GODS*

word count: 2.1k

description: you've loved nanami kento for as long as you can remember. and as much as it pains you, you have to try and accept that he'll never love you back.

It’s so hard working with the one you love and them not loving you back. You’re forced to see them daily, smile to their face, spend so much time with them it hurts until it’s time to go home. There, you’ll lie in bed and think about them, wish things were different, sleep, wake up and repeat. That’s how it is for you when it comes to Nanami Kento.

“You’re staring.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry,” you mutter, resuming scribbling in your notepad. “I’m just…I keep zoning out.”

“Are you okay?” He asks as he goes back to his task.

“I’m fine. Paperwork just isn’t fun.”

He hums in acknowledgment, but says nothing else. And you ignore the burning of your cheeks at the fact you’ve been caught red handed, blatantly staring. Nanami has caught you watching him, drinking in the way his jaw ticks when he makes an error writing and has to reach for his white-out in his desk to correct it. The way his long, thick fingers wrap around his pen as he pokes his tongue out to dab the tip of it on before he resumes writing.

You really can’t help but stare. Nanami is probably the most beautiful person you’ve ever known.

The blonde man sitting across from you sighs. “Gojo’s paperwork skills are such shit. I have to clean up after him every time he submits his mission summaries.”

“You know you don’t have to, Nanami.”

Tired and beautiful brown eyes glance up at you from the work piled on the desk and your heart leaps into your throat.

“It’s an even trade off. I do his paperwork, and in exchange he buys me an expensive steak dinner with an even more expensive bottle of wine every Friday.”

You snort. “You do love your wine, don’t you?”

“I do,” he says, giving you one of his rare grins before it’s gone as quickly as it came.

He resumes his work, and you admire him again. His usually clean pressed blue shirt now crinkled with the end of the workday, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His tie and suit jacket are draped over the back of his chair, discarded along with his signature glasses. You can’t help the way your mouth waters as you observe how his muscles flex in his forearms as he writes.

Nanami is so smart, considerate and kind, so amazing. You wonder if he knows how much of a catch he is. That he’s so easy to fall in love with. He has to. You’ve accidentally told him as much. 

..........

You were out at the bar with Shoko, Gojo and Nanami discussing dating one night after work. All of you are open to the idea of dating given your lifestyles, except Nanami. Nanami vehemently refused to entertain the topic, stating that much like relationships, it was a waste of time.

“What’s wrong with being in a relationship?” You ask, stirring your drink.

“What isn’t wrong with it? Let’s start there.”

“You could always just do friends with benefits?” You drunkenly suggest next to him, hopeful.

“Sounds like blurred lines. Too messy,” he dismisses you easily.

You pinch your lips together stubbornly. You’d been going back and forth on dating. The subject came up when Gojo inserted himself, bringing the topic up over drinks. After which he very not subtly winked across the table at you, your body stiffening next to Nanami who didn’t seem to notice. If he did, he didn’t make it known.

“Okay, you could just try dating someone. You never know what’ll happen,” You nudge him with your shoulder gently. “You’re a catch, Nanami. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”

The table is silent for a moment, Gojo watching you with raised brows and Shoko hiding her smirk as she brings her cigarette up to her lips.

Mentally you’re kicking the shit out of yourself for speaking so candidly all of a sudden. 

Drunk words, sober thoughts and all that.

“I appreciate it,” Nanami says, not noticing the awkward stares. “But I don't date. I’m not interested.”

“Why not?” Shoko asks, taking a drag of her cigarette.

“Look at the work we do everyday. It’s shit. I’d feel like an ass dragging someone into this life.” Nanami downs the rest of his drink, pushes his hair back so it’s neatly in place. You usually wouldn’t be able to pull this information from Nanami, but he’s loosened up quite a bit after several drinks.

Shoko hums. “Easy solution. Date a sorcerer.”

Nanami shakes his head. “Even worse. I could die. They could die.”

“We’ll all eventually die, Kento,” Shoko points out. 

She does have a point.

“Yes, but why would I want to be emotionally attached to someone who lives this same life?” He waves the waiter over politely to order another drink. “It’s a waste of time and an unnecessary headache. Like I said, I don’t date. I refuse to commit to someone when it’s pointless. Really, I’m doing everyone else a favor.”

You sit quietly next to him, trying to ignore the sting you feel in your chest as you stare down into your drink. Your food sits in front of you, getting colder by the second.

“So you’re set in your ways about it then?” Gojo asks with a frown, gaze locked on you.

“There’s absolutely no one I’d break that rule for,” Nanami sips his drink again. “It’s better that way.”

You’ve lost your appetite.

..........

That day you’d decided to give up on Nanami Kento. He was a man who didn’t budge when he made up his mind about something. You’ve known him (and loved him) long enough to know that. Even though you want more, you crave more, you say nothing about how you feel. You accept that you will never have Nanami the way you’d love to. So instead, no matter how bad it hurts, you try your damndest to be just his friend.

And you cherish your friendship.

Truly. You cherish the end of day hours where you complain about what the students put you through or talk about what you’ll be having for dinner. You cherish the nights where you go out to have drinks and talk about life. It’s fun, entertaining. Spending time with Nanami in any capacity helps to alleviate just the tiniest bit of pain caused by the knowledge that he will never love you.

You like when Nanami shares the intimate details of what’s going on with him outside of work. At the school Nanami is so stoic, by the book, so serious. For good reason. Not taking this particular job seriously can quickly result in your untimely demise – unless you’re Gojo Satoru. 

Outside of work, you’re not sure anyone knows how much of a sweetheart Nanami truly is. And he’s funny. He’s funny in the way that he doesn’t even realize he’s being funny. He just says whatever is on his mind and his honesty is hilarious and refreshing. You like to think you’re the only one who knows this side of him, delusional as it may be.

You learn that Nanami loves to cook, loves to bake, loves to read (he’s very into reading period pieces, you’ve recently learned). Nanami enjoys exquisite things from time to time as well. A good, expensive wine paired with seafood? He could go on and on about how a good white does wonders for a lobster dinner. And you’d listen intently to anything he talked about because again, you cherish your friendship.

You have to cherish your friendship…

…Because that’s all it will ever be.

And it kills you.

..........

You do try to move on, try to see what else is out there for you. And you fail miserably every time. On dates with other men, you find there’s always something missing, always something that makes them undesirable to you.

Their hair is too dark.

You prefer blonde.

Their eyes are green.

Or their eyes are blue.

You prefer brown.

They’re way too outgoing.

You prefer quiet and reserved.

Not at all red flags, but deal breakers all the same for you.

Although you try to move on by dating, you’re embarrassed to admit you’ve let your imagination get the better of you on your dates. You often find yourself daydreaming you’re on a date with Nanami instead while your real date drones on about their lives. 

You think about Nanami reaching over the restaurant table, careful to avoid the candlelit centerpiece as he takes your hand gently in his.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day,” he’ll tell you quietly, a small smile gracing his features. And you’ll return that smile because even though he’s your boyfriend and you both love each other very much, you still get bashful around him.

“Will you come back home with me tonight?” He’ll ask.

And you’ll nod enthusiastically as your mind runs away with the thought of Nanami wrapping his strong arms around you as he presses sweet kisses to your face, to your lips, to every part of your body. You’ll run your fingers through his soft, blonde tresses. You’ll imagine him laying you down gently on his plush bed as he climbs over you, his hard body pressing into yours while his hands caress your skin.

“I want you so bad, my love. I always do,” he’ll groan into the crook of your neck. And your eyes will flutter closed when he kisses that tender spot right below your jaw. He’ll moan your name when you roll your hips up against his and then–

“You ready to order?” Your date asks you, effectively pulling the plug on your fantasy.

“Yep!” You answer, and under the table you cross your legs when you feel the wetness begin to pool at your core. You rub your thighs together to find any kind of friction to stave off the desire you have for a man who has never so much as hugged you.

It’s frustrating. You know it will go nowhere with Nanami, ever. Nanami has never given you an inkling of hope for anything more. He doesn’t feel for you what you feel for him. He’s made it clear that there is no one he would break his commitment rule for. 

And yet, you still want Nanami. But Nanami?

Well, he doesn’t want anyone. He doesn’t want you.

..........

In the dim light of Nanami’s office, you find you can’t pull your gaze away from him again. You wish you could reach across his desk and run your fingers over his smooth skin, over those incredible cheekbones of his. Tell him how you want to be with him, how you love him, how you wish he loved you too.

You want to tell him all the many ways you could make him happy, make him see that it’s worth it to break his stupid little rule and give you a chance to truly show him what love feels like. You could make him so happy. If only you could just be honest and tell him how you feel, maybe he’d let you…You don’t, though. And you likely won’t ever tell him.

Instead, you watch as Nanami pushes his stack of papers together with a sigh of finality. He’s finished with his work. He slips the papers into a manila folder that he then places in the drawer of his desk. He stands and grabs his suit jacket before he comes around his desk and says, “It’s been a long day. Do you want to get a drink before going home?”

You agree.

Of course you do. You’re so pathetically in love with this man knowing full well he will never return your feelings. He will never look at you the way you look at him. He will never yearn for you the way you do for him. He will never love you the way you love him. And it hurts so fucking bad. 

It hurts so bad, there are nights you can’t sleep, your mind fixating on the pain of knowing you’ll never be able to let go of the hope he didn’t give you in the first place.

You should say no to going out for drinks. Just cut your losses and go home. Finally start the process of truly moving on from Nanami Kento.

But you don’t.

You pack up your belongings and head out to the bar with Nanami, a safe friendly width between you as you walk together. You cherish your friendship with Nanami above all else. You’re greedy. You’ll take anything he’s willing to give you. And if that’s friendship only, you’ll gladly accept it. You’ll tuck away this deep, persistent love you have for him. You’ll never let him be the wiser. Because a life without Nanami is not one you ever want to know.

[tmntxthings]

The Villainess, AKA: Cherrypie

author’s note: this wonderful fic idea was a collaboration effort including myself and @marwhoa (go check them out, lovely page even lovelier person) 20 min rounds of writing back and forth and boom!! I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and I hope you guys enjoy~~

warnings: rise!raph x villain!reader , established relationship , fluff , angst , cliffhanger

prequel one → 〔 you’re here 〕

There was a friendly hum in the air as Raph stood in the mirror and tried on outfits for his special day! Upon his suit’s collar was a chained pin. A ruby gem shimmered on the left side, twinkling with a mystic charm. Emerald green hues gazed back at Raph, soaking up the humanoid figure he had once more with a nervous—but excited!— exhale. Today would be one more of the many dates he went on with a special girl he met topside, and hopefully he could make it the most memorable date yet! After all, this gentleman might have had a nice little itinerary tucked away in his suit’s pocket.

Today’s plan was to meet up right outside of a ball that his dearest friend, April’s college was hosting! April and Y/n would be there, and Raph was Y/n’s choice as her plus-one. Thoughts of dancing across the floor with Y/n’s smaller hand in his, her dazzling smile flashing brightly as he whirled them to and fro! Gosh, just imagining it now had his feet thumping rhythmically upon the floor. Alright, one last tug of your cute tie and you’re ready to go out! His back turned to the mirror, eyes fixating on the doorway. Don’t worry, big dog, you’ve got this.

。・゜・( pov change: y/n )・゜・。

Elsewhere, a dolled-up Y/n paced across the linoleum with her heels clicking intimidatingly.

“They really think I was joking? Do they? Am I a joke to them?” Some particular floor plans and interventions had not gone too well—it was as if nobody truly wanted to escape the Hidden City and go topside! Had so much time passed that everyone was complacent with being moles, deep under ground, without a single sight of the moon big in the sky at night? Had they all become completely okay with never seeing the sun again? Y/n took—no, snatched!— a towel from its position on the wall and grit her teeth while trying to rub clean the irritation vivid upon her features. Her eyes glared at the reflection in the mirror, but just for a second as they then trailed down to the form-fitting ruby dress that draped her body. It was much too flattering, causing a blush to dust Y/n’s features and her nervous habit of spinning the wooden ring upon her ring finger—the signature ring banded with an arcanic red crystal that was poured into it.—to kick in. There was a heavy inhale as the thought of today's date resurfaced. She was going to be seeing him again today, her dearest Raph.

“Oh, please like my dress…” Y/n whispered, turning and posing to check all the angles. It was deserving of a gentle silence, the dress. As you soaked in the you in the mirror, so many thoughts whisked past. That’s me? I’m so beautiful. Will he be just as impressed? I could stare at myself forever.

There was a shy warmth whirling in your chest, so much so that the previous thoughts in your mind had been subsided. The operation had been all but forgotten from your mind, cleared by the thoughts of how tonight would go. You were in love with how you looked right now. Not a doubt in your mind, you were truly gorgeous for tonight’s date to the ball. Had your past self said, “Hey, you’ll be attending the ball with the kindest man ever,“ then surely you would have called her a liar, but here you were.

Y/n, otherwise infamously known as Cherrypie to both witches and humans alike for her fiery villainous deeds, dressed in a shimmery red dress with a split up the thighs, accentuating all the best parts. For a second, you felt less like a villain in disguise and more like a regular girl ready for her date. But…

Would anyone blame you if that’s what you truly wanted? Y/n bit her lip, trying to imagine for a second that she was exactly that—just a regular girl getting ready for her regular date. There was a bittersweet smile that subsided just as a ding came from her phone—Raphael!

。・゜・( pov change: raph )・゜・。

Raph had entered the building, slipping his phone back into his pants pocket. He was taking in the crowd that was before him as he took tentative steps forward. He blew out a breath, eyes scanning for the most beautiful girl in the world. He had messaged you to let you know he arrived, but sadly his searching was to no avail. He did spot April though!

He made a beeline for the only other person he knew there. Raph couldn’t lie, he was definitely nervous. He’d never been to a fancy ball before, the only other time he had dressed up in black tie attire was for the magic show that Leo had begged them all to attend. His brothers weren’t here this time, but his nerves subsided as April turned recognizing Raph’s green eyes.

“Look at you!! I’m so happy you could make it!” April was all smiles, giving Raph a crushing hug. “You haven’t seen Y/n yet have you?” Her eyebrows waggled with a promising look and Raph shook his head, looking around as if you would suddenly appear since your name had been said. No luck! “Do you know where she is?” Raph asked, a small smile forming on his face as he looked back down to April. “I don’t but you’re in for a treat, she’s wearing your favorite color,” April winked and Raph’s imagination went wild.

You were wearing red? He felt his cheeks flush, head whipping back and forth now honing in on all the different dresses that showcased hues of his favorite color. He was disappointed, huffing slightly at the fact that he still hadn’t spotted you. April couldn’t help but laugh at him. April loved how smitten Raph was, and April knew you felt the same way. She was so happy for the two of you. It warmed her heart to see Raph so happy, he deserved it. So she decided to help out, looking around the crowd wondering where you had wandered off to.

Maybe it was just pure luck, but it only took a few seconds, and April tapped on Raph’s arm. He immediately looked down to see April pointing to her left. His eyes followed, and he sucked in his breath. It was as if the crowd parted and he could see you, walking towards him. Stealing his breath away. You were drop dead gorgeous. Hair swishing back and forth in slow motion as if the world revolved around you. “Breathe Raph,” April teased, elbowing him in the side. His cheeks burned as he took in deep breaths.

。・゜・( pov change: both )・゜・。

Y/n held her phone in her hand, checking it over and over again while waiting for Raph to arrive. She had seen April already and received the most dramatic positive response for her attire EVER. All the whistles and shouts as her friend took photos from every angle had left you fidgeting embarrassedly. She hadn’t seen Raph yet either, so you settled for roaming the floor in hopes that fate would bring you both together!

And, as luck would have it, you both did encounter each other after only a few minutes of search. The sensation of a burning gaze on you had your attention. Turning on your heel quickly, your eyes locked with the warmest emerald pools ever, of which were currently taking in your silhouette in its entirety. In your chest, your heart was performing somersaults and leaving you out of breath. Why, he did dress up nicely. The suit just seemed so right on him!

From your pocket (after all, what witch-villain wears a pocketless dress?), you pull a small square matching your dress and tick-tack-tick’d on up to your love. “Raphie, you made it—eek!”Once Y/n was close enough, Raph wasted no time in scooping her up and giving an affectionate twirl.

“I gotta be dreaming, there’s no way the world’s prettiest Angel is smiling at me right now.” He gave a toothy grin, his signature snaggletooth pressing upon his bottom lip in that captivating way it always did. You melted as his hand brushed strands of hair from your face carefully. He leaned in, planting a satisfying kiss upon your forehead before pulling back to see what the handkerchief you held was for.

“This, this is to show we’re a pair!” Y/n cooed as her hands pushed it into his suit’s chest-pocket, smoothing it out neatly. Her hand patted it, lingering on his broad chest for some seconds until his bashful throat-clearing had stirred her out of the trance.

“Um, right, I hope you don’t mind that I planned out the night for us. Af-After being together so long , I was… I…” His train of thought seemed to leave without him as his gaze fixated on your dress. You could’ve sworn tears welled up in his eyes as his hands reached to rest on your hips, rubbing slow circles against the fabric. One of his hands lifted to take your hand, lacing together your fingers. He had noticed that even dressed as you were—fancy for a ball—there was still that special wooden ring sitting snug upon your dominant hand’s ring finger. It’s red band glimmered in the light just as your dress did, causing his gaze to just soften with all the love in the world. “Sorry, red just looks… breathtaking on you, Y/n.”

As the lights were dimming and music was beginning to play, Raph’s attention was brought to the couples forming on the floor’s center. His hold on your hips tightened snuggly as his eyes returned to yours.

“Raph…?” You breathed out, captivated in his burning gaze.

“Can I have this dance?” His hand rose, its open palm extended as a comfortable place for your smaller hand. Not wanting to miss a single second with him, you were eager to oblige. Your hand slid into his as you both joined the floor with almost literal hearts bobbing within your irises, pure love as the two of you swam through the sea of dancers, rocking with the flow almost as if it were second nature.

Y/n wasn’t some villain from the Hidden City and Raph wasn’t some mutant ninja from the sewers. For now, the two of you were the most ordinary couple swaying across the ballroom door with sweeping steps that almost traced hearts with each pat of a toe-tip. A shared welling-up in each other's chests, identical breath-holding, and just the same amount of tears glowing your eyes. Raph and Y/n were in perfect harmony, almost the stars of the dance so far as others would catch sight of your mesmerizing dance.

It would have continued being the most romantic song ever played by two bodies, had the record not been scratched by a distant explosion. Easily overlooked, if not for the second that followed. Then a third, fourth—hell, even a fifth. All inching closer and closer. In that moment, both your hearts plummeted in your chests, but for different reasons. Raph, fearing what those sounds meant for your safety, and you, fearing for having even dared try to pretend you were anyone other than Cherrypie, the villain to bring this city to its knees. Tonight’s attack had completely slipped your mind.

The last explosion rumbled the entire building and Raph’s hold on your hips moved to encase your whole body. Pulling you right to his chest, ready for if the entire room collapsed, he’d protect you. This was bad, Raph thought, he didn’t know what the hell was going on, but he needed to get you to safety and then he could figure out the rest. He was a hero after all.

“Y/n” the reverie of the dance and music was broken. Screaming started to sound around them as bodies were rushing this way and that, to get out of the building. Running towards the various exit signs in the room. “I need you to run and get to safety, find April and stick together.” His tone was serious and authoritative, his arms holding you at arms length to look into your eyes before squeezing your arms and letting go.

“Raphael! Where do you think you're going?!” Your hand shot out as soon as he turned to leave. In your mind, he was just a human. The safest place for him would be at your side, even if you were the villain of this story. Even though the surrounding explosions were your doing, you didn’t want Raph to get hurt.

“I’ve gotta go help baby! What if someone was caught in those explosions? I’m sure they are scared, no need to worry about me,” He gave you a rugged smile, sounding confident. So when your hand slipped away from his arm, watching as he ran to the front doors, leaving the ballroom, heading for the chaos that was ensuing outside, you knew you had to get back to business. After a few moments of cornering your resolve you booked it to the back doors. Pushing them open and immediately found yourself swarmed by the scent of smoke.

“Ready or not New York, here comes Cherrypie.” You mumbled a spell under your breath, your dazzling dress disappearing. As your dress vanished, it was replaced with a maroon wide brim hat, polished off with a green ribbon with long tails that would whisk through the hair behind you. Your clothes became green bell-bottom pants, flaring out to frame smooth red Mary Jane’s that made a familiarly intimidating click-clack with each step. Red magic crackled at your eyes as they embraced a deeper green hue. A sinister smirk found its rightful place upon your lips as the magic placed a finishing touch of a red blouse with a deep v-neck and flounce sleeves.

The wind danced through you, Cherrypie, swaying your clothes in an all-too perfect way. The crackling red magic enveloped your body, snapping to make your stature disappear and reappear at the scene of the explosion, right upon an elevated surface—just for that extra bit of power imbalanced in your favor. “Now, now, people of New York!” Your voice boomed, amplified by magic as your hat’s brim hid your eyes and only revealed the villainous smile you held.

“You couldn’t have possibly expected I was gone, could you? No, no, never would I have gone without such a flamboyant exit. And say, what would be the best of exits than a series of explosions to leave you all trembling at my feet?”With their spiel, Y/n found themselves working far too hard to feel the strength, the power—the fear-striking twinge. It had been a thought on the back of their head, especially since meeting Raph. A thought of, “ hey, what if we /were/ a normal resident? someone better, not villainous? “

Their smirk faltered at a passing memory, one of their younger self. See, you hadn’t always wanted to be a villain. Once upon a time you dreamt of being the hero of the topside. You dreamt of being someone that the people were so happy to see, someone they cheered for. You dreamt of being the person that struck hope in everyone, not fear.

But, you know what they say about villains. A villain is simply a hero that everyone failed. And the first to fail you was your own mother, ingraining her hatred for the humans and their having sent everyone underground, all into you. You became her conduit for revenge, and had long since accepted that as your fate. You just weren’t meant to be a hero, right? Especially not with the magic you had. You were just a tragic villain, simple as that.

But when you met Raph? Why, he awoke something within. He had made you remember what it felt like to be the reason for someone’s smile, for their happiness. He reminded you how much you longed to be good. For a second, you almost thought… maybe… Could you—

“Swooping in LIKE A BOSS!”

Y/n lifted her head to see a surge of red magic crackling towards them, forming a humanoid—no, turtle-like?— figure. Their fist was focused right towards them. Bracing themselves for the sudden impact, Cherrypie tried to hold her ground against the force but found themselves toppling over, plunging downwards. Thankfully, she was rescued by her magic softening the fall, but still she rolled across the ground.

“What the—?”

You looked up from where you had fallen, dazed and confused by just what hit you—or, WHO, dared to hit you. Standing on thé edge above you was the large frame of what seemed to be a … turtle? Is that a turtle yokai? No, you didn’t recognize their magic signature, it seemed something more… mutated?

“A mutant? But you seem different from the others…” Muttered Y/n under her breath before reflexively rolling out of the way of the second punch coming straight down as the red-banded mutant pursued her once again. It was almost as if this one hadn’t been a human originally—or even mutated recently. Almost like he was… born from it? Born as a mutant?

“Whoa! What’s with you?! We’re on the same team—against the humans!” There was a pang in your chest as that last part slipped your lips, just as a thought crossed your mind, “ but raphael's a human, too. “ For a second, you found your balance to be put off a bit as you narrowly dodged the tonfas lunging towards you.

“Against humans? No, I PROTECT the humans, against villains like you.” Raph jabbed a single tonfa in your direction, pointing accusingly with black eyes glaring daggers at you.

You almost felt like those eyes were familiar, but just on the tip of your tongue. Shaking that away, Y/n flicked her fingers to envelope them in her signature magic. Eating away at her was a quiet little voice in the back of her head, going, “ hey, his magic is kind of like ours. red, fiery—looks and feels destructive.. but, he’s a hero! `` Your eyes looked at your magic simmering, just a second’s look. “ maybe we can still be a hero, don’t you think? “

That voice… Y/n shook their head and let out a frustrated yell before lunging towards the mutant.

For a big fellow he sure was fast. With each swipe you made striking out violently, your magic resembled streaks of red lightning as they crackled around you both. But the mutant dodged each, and thus a dance began. While you tried to maintain the offensive, the turtle would gain enough momentum with each of your misses and parry back with his own weapons.

The fight was destructive too, each missed strike would ricochet off into a nearby building or car—resonating a loud crack of lightning around the two of you. Y/N gritted her teeth, growing tired of the endless dodging,

“You’re good, I’ll give you that, turtle, but you are no match for me.” Your eyes shone brighter as you called forth a powerful surge of your magic. It would take a lot out of you, but you needed to end this fight quickly. The longer it went on, the more favor swept to his side.

“I am sorry it has to end this way,” your tone teasing and condescending. As if your victory was all but assured now. The mutant watched as you powered up, his own stance becoming one of defense, his body turning into red and the red version of himself growing in size. But just at the last second, as if he had suddenly changed his mind, he lunged forward attacking you.

Your eyes widened as his massive figure barreled towards you at a speed that shouldn’t be possible. You yelled, throwing all the power that you had accumulated, though premature. Your magic burst from your hands—sparks, lightning, and flames alike shooting out in madness. You had your target locked in and just as the first met the mutant's skin, he apparated.

“NO!” Y/n screamed as the mutant disappeared from her line of fire. Most of the magic colliding into a university building, demolishing it entirely. You were seething, breathing heavily as the power drain hit you like a truck. It would take time for your magic to recuperate. You had to get out of there, not wanting to retreat but not wanting to get caught in such circumstances!

“You’re not so bad yourself,” A deep voice rumbled from behind you. And you cursed under your breath. Already feeling one of his weapons graze the back of your neck. “Don’t you even think about movin'.” He warned and you rolled your eyes, it would be so easy to get away, if only you had enough magic to do so. Why had you used so much?! Was it the anger? Was it because of your past? Because your head wasn’t in the game?

With your magic starting to dwindle and cave in on itself, your disguise was starting to fall with it. Raph had swept your feet during this, watching you fall and moving to press his leg just enough against you that you were unable to escape. There was a fear bubbling under the surface as you watched your clothes slowly fizzle and fade, gradually revealing the human “you” underneath it.

Raph’s expression contorted into one of an emotion you couldn’t recognize, though a nagging voice clawed its way through your mind, saying it was pity. You had lost, and he must have been all too aware of that! He would finish you off—or worse, throw you to the humans to determine your fate. Here would be where Cherrypie ended, right at the peak of her villainy. It would be here that your mother’s disappointment would fester. Would she even retrieve you or leave you behind, turning to someone else to train into her vessel of revenge?

Those thoughts never met their end, instead vanishing as his leg loosened on you. “Wha-?”

Y/n breathed out in confusion, barely able to raise her voice as Raph’s lips tugged downwards in what might have been a pained frown. He swiped his arm, pointing away. “Get out of here.”

“What?”

“GO!” He roared, enough that it shook you to your core. Away you went, not wasting a chance to return to the Hidden City. Your heels clicked on the ground as tears welled up in your eyes. Were you afraid? Sad? Relieved? Whatever it was, no matter how badly your legs wished you would stop running, no matter how your throat stung, you never stopped running until you got back.

As Y/N ran, her ruby-red dress flowing in the wind, glimmering as the moon’s light illuminated its glittery fabric, Raph watched with heartbroken disbelief. Upon the hand that shakily held out as if to be a puny boundary, protecting the villain from the hero, shaky black eyes rested upon a painstakingly familiar wooden ring around their hand. A suspicion rose in his head, and before it could ever be denied, the villain’s disguise dropped and revealed the worst plot-twist of this hero’s life.

The twisting in his chest, the clawing in his throat, and the stinging in his eyes as tears welled up. He didn’t know how to feel. For the first time in a long time, since Shredder, the Kraang, or Big Mama, Raphael Hamato was left out of breath and without a plan.

An unknown amount of time passed as he stood there, Y/n long since vanishing in the distance. All that was left in the air now was distant cries, shouts, and alarms from cars and buildings alike. That, and a sheet of paper that was stuck under a rock, fluttering violently in the wind. Raph stared at it for a few seconds before wiping his tears and reaching down to pick it up.

Raph & Y/N’s Date!

* Ballroom dancing! (make sure to practice your moves once more. It has to knock her socks off!)

* Walk to Star’s Pointe at the park (there are shooting stars tonight, and we know Y/N would love them.)

* Listen to the Bellman Fairy’s performance (they’re doing an impromptu concert at the same park at midnight! It’s Y/N’s favorite band, I don’t think even she knows it’s happening!)

* Finish the night off with Lou, Mike Tony, Tony's Pizzeria (We always told her we��d take her to my new favorite pizza place. Hopefully she doesn’t question DIGG.)

* Optional: Maybe walk her home and give her a kiss..

The paper ended up crumpled in the red-banded turtle’s hands as he turned on his heel and slid into the shadows, heading home after such a night. Later, he would receive a message from Y/n

NOTIFICATION

You have seven new messages!

♡︎ Y/N L/N 11m ago

Raphie! Are you okay? Did you get home okay? I was so worried about you the entire time.

♡︎ Y/N L/N 10m ago

Raph?

♡︎ Y/N L/N 10m ago

Please tell me you’re okay…

♡︎ Y/N L/N 5m ago

I…

♡︎ Y/N L/N 5m ago

Can I tell you something?

♡︎ Y/N L/N sent now

Never mind that last message.

♡︎ Y/N L/N sent now

Please be safe..

[roberrtphilip]

hey giselle’s ears are pierced!!!!!!!!!! when and how do you think that happened. ALSO. morgan? i am going to make the assumption that they’re not pierced when she’s 6 and pierced when she’s 16. but obviously correct me if canon says otherwise. but when do you think THAT occurred !!! and what were her and giselle and (especially) robert’s thoughts. also what about baby sofia?? people be piercing their babies’ ears!!! anyway this is the earring post. go buck wild

ohhhhhh my gosh okay so this question actually motivated me to write a lil something with Robert, Morgan, and Giselle, so thank you !!!! I will do that soon, but for nooooow

Giselle definitely pierced her own ears with a sewing needle when she was, like, ten. She saw a few women in the village one of the times she snuck over, and noticed they all had fancy earrings, and it piqued her curiosity. She decided to return home, and make her own earrings, as well as make the hole in her ears. Pip was against it, saying it would hurt, but Giselle shrugged him off. It did, in fact, hurt (Pip kept shouting "told ya so!!") but she survived, and did not deal with any infections ! She gets into the habit of making earrings on a regular basis, and has a lot of fun with it.

For Morgan, she has one piercing on one ear, and three on the other! Gonna just. post a pic cause it'll be easier than me trying to explain it 🙈

I think she got her first piercing when she was eleven, and I don't think Robert hated the idea. the only issue he had was when Giselle said she'd pierce them herself. He was definitely against that (which is what my lil fic will be about 🤭)

Her second, and third, piercings happened when she was around fourteen. Her best friend had gone to get more piercings, so Morgan wanted to get more too, and Giselle was happy to take her.

Now, for my other headcanon, I could've swore this actress had an industrial piercing, but when I was looking just now... there is no bar in sight. I feel a bit insane because I really thought she had one, and I typed up a whole little fic in my head... tragic. Anyway, Morgan is getting one now !! I'm making it canon.

I think her and her friend (her name is Anna btw, forgot to mention that above) wanted to get matching bars, so Morgan asked Giselle, and she was, of course, more than happy, and booked an appointment ahead of time. Later, Robert saw it marked on the calendar and was like "..? she already has, like, four piercings, how much room could she possibly have left on her ear??" and then Giselle showed him what she wanted, he wasn't. Super thrilled about it. She was too young in his opinion (16) and that's a pretty Big piercing. There was a little back and forth between them, and Morgan, who heard the arguing, but eventually, Robert gave in. But he did say no more until she's 18, which was fine with Morgan bc she didn't want anything else (yet 😏)

As for Sofia, I don't think they pierced her ears. I think the idea would probably give Robert a heart attack (even though he knows other people do it), and I don't think Giselle would have even considered it a possibility. They just let her decide when she's older.

[honeyhotteoks]

Hi...I've not sent any asks before, so excuse me if I'm not quite sure how these things usually go.

You're honestly my fav fic writer and TNT is *chef's kiss* DELICIOUS. ~Also loved ITA and The Husbands series and….. really all of them lol~ I have gone back to re-read pretty much all of your stories *cough* The Husbands and TNT *cough* …wait do I just have a thing for getting tag teamed???? 👀 oop…learn something new every day I guess, damn😅

Anyways, thank you for taking your time to write these when you do. You're very talented, and writing something this long, with actual plot, side plots, world building, and character development takes time and energy(and planning). I think most of us are on the same page of not pressuring someone who is, in fact, providing us quality entertainment for free(or tip) and that you are doing this in your free time because you enjoy it, and not be it's a job or responsibility of yours. I totally get your decision to not tie money to updates or additional content. I hope no one is pushing you on it, it’s your life 🙄

~So say thank you to Chai for feeding us y'all~

Just felt like I needed to get that out.

Anyways....pls stop teasing us with *potentially* jealous/possessive yungi! (but pls don't stop l'm so fucking excited for this...do we all have a little jealous/possessive kink or is that just me??....is that toxic of me? 🤷🏻‍♀️ probably lol) I am waiting with bated breath for this next update 😭 ah this ask is so long now. Anyyywhooo, you’re amazing, so talented, and wonderful! okayloveyoubyee

~🖤🖤🖤(Does anyone have this Anon emoji??)

oh my gosh????? thank you so much for this message, also i don't have a 🖤 anon, so you got it!!

i really appreciate this though, it's really thoughtful of you to say and honestly i really do enjoy writing these fics and talking with everyone, but it is a lot of work. thankfully almost everyone i've talked to in this space has been so kind about it taking time sometimes to write, and everyone's really sweet when i do post, so there's not too much pressure. thank you though, i was really going back and forth on things with the server, but this feels like the best thing for now.

also as far as jealous/possessive yungi like...... it's coming. it's inevitable. it's just too fun to not write tbh.

click under the cut for a lil spoiler from a future chapter................. but like pretty sizeable spoiler here so be careful.

[eupheme]

god I have been so looking foward to reading this series, I am already so enamored by the inspo and asks you share for this - and just how much I love your writing already, I know I am going to love prof!joel and ALP! 💖

You can feel the weight of the conversation from the beginning with her roommates, that sort of polite back-and-forth when you're first getting to know someone. And omg the questions from cousins and family that's like - such a loose attempt at understanding, too relatable.

Your writing is so atmospheric, you really draw us into the Maine summer weather and the bar, and oh my god how you describe Joel 😵‍💫💖 the streaks of grey! and how big he is on the stool, I am melting.

And their humor and the flirting! Is so sweet and omg the bit of edge in this:

“Watch it,” he says. There’s a playful note in his voice, but it rings deeper somehow—a hint of a warning.

I am !!! so in love with prof!Joel already.

You take another sip, holding strong in your efforts to show him that you can handle it. Whatever he wants to give to you, you can handle.

Gosh, I love this. And then saying she wants to kiss him after, my heart was racing! The tension between them is so palpable, almost inevitable.

“I want to kiss you,” you murmur. “So I’m going to. And then I want you to fuck me, just like I know you want to.” Your teeth graze his lobe, and you bite it once, gently, before rearing your face back to peer at him. “Hmm?”

SCREAMING! And how Joel responds, how they don't even make it out of the bar, I am 😳💖 the way you write their desperation is amazing, just how instabiable they both are. And just the visual of them together, having her face the mirror and how she can see him - and just how hot this is, with the way his mouth runs, I don't have words but just know I was hanging onto every one of yours.

I love how he crumbles when their eyes meet, he is so gone for her! And how he's gentle with putting her back together instead of leaving like she thinks he will - there's just that connection already that you can so feel!

and omg so grinning at the end!!!! This was so perfectly and so wonderfully written. Cannot wait to read the rest!!

a lover's pinch | one

joel miller x f!reader

pairing: professor!joel miller x f!reader rating: explicit, 18+ minors dni summary: a one-night stand with a charming texan turns into something much more thrilling when you discover he is your new college professor. warnings/tags: au, age gap [20 something years diff], alcohol consumption, irrational sexual tension, smut, sex in a public place w/ a stranger [and i'm talking depraved/zero time wasted/known you for thirty minutes type strangers], oral [f receiving], protected piv, rough sex, dirty talk, a spot of degradation + misogynistic language, a split second of soft!joel, you get the picture word count: 5.9k series masterlist | main masterlist a/n: my friends.... oh boy, oh boy. this series is a complete au, self-indulgent, fantasy land idea that has plagued me for weeks. horny academic brain rot to the highest degree. hope some of you enjoy it with me x

Friday.

You sit with three almost strangers.

Listen to them talk about their summers and their families and their degrees as you twirl a straw around your half-empty glass, disrupting the melting ice as you try to wrap your head around what a master’s in environmental engineering might entail. One of them, the only man at the table, takes great pleasure in explaining it to you all for the second time. You take mental notes and hope he’s not expecting you to remember words like sparging and leachate.

They do ask you about your undergrad, and your internship, nodding and smiling curiously. They don’t ask what type of job you plan on getting after your postgrad, which is a welcome relief. The bombardment of questions from immediate and extended family is enough.

Cousins wondering aloud, saying you study Greek mythology, right?

Or your grandfather, before he died, berating you ad nauseam at family events about what’re you gonna do, kid? Be a historian? There’s no money in being a historian. Now, being a lawyer, that’s where the money is.

And you’d respond no, not quite Greek mythology, and no, I don’t plan on being a historian, as you gorge yourself on red wine and triscuits and wait for Christmas to end.

Thankfully you aren’t expected to rehash these scenarios with your almost strangers, who routinely ask a few well-mannered questions and then go back to talking about themselves.

After a week of living with them, in a new house, and a new city, you’re becoming used to their company. The way the four of you commune lazily in the kitchen most mornings, swathed in the light streaming through a window above the sink, making idle small talk as you wait for coffee to brew. How Pete and Trin study opposite each other at the dining table, while Nora prefers to spread her limbs across the couch, laptop balanced precariously on her stomach. She’s doing her master’s in education, which she describes as an expensive way to get a pay rise. She’s kind, with wild curly hair and dark humour, and is easily your favourite of your new roommates.

It was her idea to go out that night. One last hurrah, she’d called it. Before we enter the final circle of academic hell next week. And between four overworked, already burnt-out, twenty-something students, it hadn’t taken much convincing before you were sharing three bottles of wine and hightailing it to the bar with the highest Yelp rating.

The late August air is dry; a faint warmth that follows you into a quaint bar in downtown Biddeford. The space is small and crowded with patrons, with dim overhead lighting that casts a soft glow across the booth you’re crammed into. A thin sheen of sweat coats your skin, and your shirt sticks to your back uncomfortably. The others seem unbothered by the heat, nursing sweaty glasses and discussing how different Maine is from where they all grew up. You involve yourself here and there, offering up stories about your family and friends from back home, and suddenly an hour has passed, and then another, and you’re pleasantly tipsy, body humming as alcohol spreads its way through your veins, and your latest drink is practically empty, spare a few melting ice cubes.

“I need another drink,” you tell Nora, who nods absently before turning her attention back to the others.

You wander toward the bar, fumbling for your phone as you go. Fall in between two leather cushioned stools and rest your elbows atop the sleek wooden counter. Check your bank account and mentally traverse the list of reasons for returning to student-life when you see the number staring back at you. I don’t want to be a lawyer, I don’t want to be a lawyer, I don’t want to be a lawyer, your internal monologue runs, although you could admit how sweet a solicitor’s pay check would feel right now.

It’s a low, Southern drawl that pulls you from your reverie.

“Mind if I sit here?”

Deep. With a rough, lilting quality that piques your interest and has your eyes drifting upward from your phone screen.

You notice his body first; a tall frame with thick arms, thick shoulders, thick neck. A navy-blue t-shirt that stretches thin around his biceps, hugging the tan skin there. And then you look higher, and—oh.

Your heart stutters a beat out of time as you take in his face. Loose brown curls that are just long enough to hang across his forehead. Dark, almond-shaped brown eyes. So dark they almost appear black on the first glance. The strong nose and dark hair across his jaw, dappled with streaks of grey. A moustache resting atop a set of dark pink lips. Gone are thoughts of academia, of bank accounts, of your almost strangers. All replaced in an instant by wanton, pulsating desire.

Something like surprise cuts across his face, but it disappears just as quickly. In a far recess of your brain, you register that he must be at least twenty years older than you. You wilfully ignore the thought, perfectly content to continue admiring him.

A dark eyebrow ticks upward then, and you realise you haven’t responded.

“No,” you rush, flashing him a quick smile. “All yours.”

He gives you a pleased nod, a hint of a smirk passing over his lips as he sits down. He looks vaguely uncomfortable perched on the tall chair, all six-foot-something of him cramped onto such a small cushion. You cast a single glance back towards the booth, and then slip onto the stool beside him.

Silence descends between you for a moment. A song by The Eagles plays faintly, but you can’t figure which one - too distracted to make out the lyrics. You take a careful sip of the melted ice at the bottom of your glass, taste the last remnants of tequila in it, and watch him out of the corner of your eye.

“’m Joel,” that accent rings again, sending a volt of warmth through your chest.

You tell him your name, fingers fiddling with the hem of your skirt. If he notices the tension in your posture, he doesn’t let on. “You a Southern man, Joel?” The name feels warm on your tongue. Soft and silken like honey.

“S’it that obvious?” he grins crookedly, pink lips tearing back to reveal a straight white smile.

“An accent like that is hard to ignore,” you smirk. “It’s not a bad thing.”

‘Thought it would fade a little since I moved here,” he explains. “Y'can take the man outta Texas, but… you know.”

You hum, eyes alight as you watch him speak. His mouth is beautiful, lips parting around prolonged vowels.

“You here alone?” he asks.

“No,” you say. “With friends.”

“Let me guess,” Joel tilts his body, glancing around the bar. His shirt shifts with the movement, hem raising to reveal the slightest hint of a soft, tanned stomach. He points somewhere over your shoulder. You shut your mouth, careful not to gawp. “Them.”

You turn, a soft laugh of surprise bubbling up through your chest when you spy the bachelorette party set up across the bar. Women dressed in gaudy shades of pink. One of them with a sash—reading Jenny’s Big Day—across her chest, a short veil pinned to her head, and an empty champagne glass clutched in her fist. One of them teary-eyed, gripping the bride’s arm and yelling something in her ear, sloshing champagne onto herself all the while.

“You got me,” you turn back to him with a grin. Hold your hands up in mock surrender. “I wouldn’t be caught dead missing Jennifer’s last night as a free woman.”

The corners of his eyes crease, entire face blossoming into a smile now. He has a dimple on his right cheek.

“Knew you were a good girl,” he nods. Says the words in a matter-of-fact tone. Something twists in your stomach, and your palms dampen. You wet your lips quickly and don’t back down from his gaze, allowing the corner of your mouth to kick up a little.

“And you?”

His eyebrows raise in a silent question.

“Who’re you here with?” you clarify.

“Just you, darlin’,” he says, left eye dropping in a quick wink.

It's easy with him, you find, and the two of you sit there for a while; exchanging small talk about Maine, the hot weather, the music at the bar, slipping in flirtatious comments that are about as subtle as a neon sign, until he finally spies the empty glass in your hand.

“What are you drinkin’?” he asks.  

“I’ll have whatever you’re having,” you say, hoping it doesn’t come across too eager. He seems pleased though. There’s something provocative to his gaze, a teasing warmth that raises the temperature of your skin wherever he looks. But whatever it is, it’s gone by the time he reaches across the bar for the bound beverage list.

He peers at the menu, squinting ever-so-slightly to see through the dim lighting of the bar. The skin beside his eyes is soft and creased with age, crow’s feet that hint at years of laughter and smiles. You wonder again how old he is. How much older than you.

“Forget your glasses?” you tease, testing the waters.

Joel’s eyes flash up to yours. The muscle in his jaw ticks.

“Watch it,” he says. There’s a playful note in his voice, but it rings deeper somehow—a hint of a warning.   

Your thighs squeeze together on the stool, warm sweaty skin peeling off the tacky leather as you move. His eyes dart to the bare skin of your legs, and then back to the menu.

He orders you both a whiskey, and a moment later the bartender is sliding a crystal tumbler in front of you. A finger of amber liquid with a single grandiose sphere of ice resting in it. Fancy.

“Cheers,” he holds his glass out. You knock yours against it gently before taking a short sip, fighting a grimace as it burns down your throat.

He watches your face closely, tries to gage your reaction. You take another sip, holding strong in your efforts to show him that you can handle it. Whatever he wants to give to you, you can handle.

“So what brings you here?” he asks. You notice how large the glass feels in your palm, and how small it appears in his. Long, thick fingers wrap around the object, dwarfing it. He takes a sip, and you watch him swallow. His Adam’s apple bobs, and you want to graze your teeth across it.

“To the bar or to Maine?”

“Either.”

“Well, I just moved into town last week, from the West Coast. It’s actually my first week back in the US; I was travelling before the big move.”

“Busy girl,” his tongue clicks against the roof of his mouth. You blink. “Travellin’?”

“I was in Greece,” you explain, sip your whiskey and definitely don’t grimace at the harsh taste. “For a month or so.”

“A month in Greece?” His eyebrows raise and he does a low, impressed whistle that has your stare zeroing in on his mouth.

“Ever been?” you ask faintly.

“No,” his reply is swift. “Never had much interest.”

And you’re nodding absentmindedly, but you can’t seem to drag your stare away from his mouth as he speaks. The trance is only broken when he raises his glass for another sip, and you shake yourself out of it, eyes shifting to stare into his brown orbs once more. They’re darker than you remembered, gaze loaded as he looks back at you. The tension was palpable when you first sat together, but now it feels impossible to ignore; an electric tangle of wire between the two of you that just keeps getting shorter and shorter. And you think, fuck it, if you’re about to descend into the final circle of academic hell, why not have a little fun?

“Can I tell you something, Joel?”

You say it softly, make your voice as sultry as possible. He watches you over the rim of his glass, eyes sparkling with intrigue. And then his mouth tilts into a sort of knowing smirk, and he’s nodding.

“I’d really like to kiss you,” you confess.

He hums, smirk broadening.

Sets his glass down on the bar top with a soft clink, and then lowers his hand to the bare skin of your knee. You gasp at the contact, nerves fraught. The callouses on his fingers scrape against your skin in slow, rhythmic circles, goosebumps raising in their wake. His fingers are long, and as he tenses them over you, squeezing your knee once, you see the way deep blue veins flex beneath the skin, hot blood pumping through him. Your stomach turns molten.

“Is that all?” he asks, a taunting lilt to his voice.

Your mouth is dry, eyes wide as you sense the proposition in his words. The hint of something darker—something greedy—in his gaze.

“No,” you say definitively. “That’s not all.”

A sharp tut escapes his mouth, fingertips dragging higher on your leg as he shakes his head. “Do you have any idea how old I am?”

“Don’t look a day over forty,” you hazard a guess, resting your shoe onto the rung of his stool, using the leverage to drag yours closer. Both your legs are between his now, thighs bracketing thighs. The denim of his jeans scrapes against your outer thighs, and you shiver. His hand pauses, fingertips just shy of the hem of your skirt.

Joel wets his lips. “Guess again, sweetheart.”

A low heat licks at the base of your spine, spreading its way through your veins until you feel like you could combust at any given moment. Fuck it.

“Don’t care,” you mutter, and drape your hand over his. You trace your nails over his skin, feel how the bones shift underneath it, how warm he is. He still doesn’t move, face pensive as he regards you. You arch an eyebrow. “You approached me, you know.”

His lips purse tightly. Another squeeze to your thigh, fingers moving again. “I know.”

Driven by boldness, by arcane desire, by animalistic instinct, you lean forward on your barstool and rest your hands atop the thick expanse of his thighs. Hear his breath kick as your nose traces the side of his square jaw, lips settling at the shell of his ear. Right at the soft, sloping crest of his neck. And you whisper those same words again, quiet enough that no one in the world can hear it but him, can I tell you something? 

Your movement drove his hand higher on your thigh, the heavy weight of it now settled beneath your skirt, fingertips skimming the indent where your leg meets your hip, toying at the soft fabric of your underwear there. Painfully close to where you want him.

“Yes,” his deep voice rumbles.

Ever so slowly, your tongue slides out of your mouth to trail against his earlobe. Joel’s thighs tense beneath your palms, and you roll the balls of your thumbs against the muscles there.

“I want to kiss you,” you murmur. “So I’m going to. And then I want you to fuck me, just like I know you want to.” Your teeth graze his lobe, and you bite it once, gently, before rearing your face back to peer at him. “Hmm?”

The muscle in his jaw jumps, shifting beneath the skin, and instead of responding verbally he cups your face with a rough hand. Cool drops of condensation from the glass have stuck to his fingers, and the liquid smears across your skin as he cradles your jaw and draws your mouth to his.

Soft lips envelop yours, the coarse hairs of his moustache tickling your face as he steals the breath from your lungs. And when you lick into his mouth you can taste peppermint on his teeth, and then that oh so familiar whiskey tang across his tongue. You don’t mind the taste so much when it’s on his lips.

You nuzzle closer, dig your fingertips firmer into his thighs and grin when a deep groan falls from his mouth into yours. Wet heat pools between your thighs, liquid fire that stokes at your insides, begging for more more more of him. And, as if he can read your mind, Joel is dragging his mouth away, teeth grazing against your swollen bottom lip as he departs.

“Bathroom,” he says, voice low and commanding. “Now.”

Shock and excitement lace your blood, the proposition of something so dirty, so lewd, making your heart race. With your pulse a dull, thrashing roar in your ears, you allow Joel to help you down from your stool. Your legs feel unsteady now that you’re back on solid ground. Gripping your hand, dwarfing it in his, Joel tugs you away from the bar top and towards an obscured hallway. You amble past the bachelorette party, down the dark hall and then he’s pressing a dark hand against the ambulant bathroom door and dragging you inside, sliding the lock shut behind you.

Joel’s on you in a second, arms bracketing you against the door as his wet mouth slips over yours. His hands are so big, all wide palms and long fingers splaying across the entirety of your back, tucking you against his solid chest. He bunches your shirt in his hand, twisting the material between his fingers as he pushes into your mouth. Tongue hot and wet, gliding against your teeth, your tongue, tasting you, devouring you. there’s nothing polite about it. No more wariness, no more hesitation, no more eyes that could see the two of you at the bar. He’s insatiable, touching you everywhere he possibly can, and even then it doesn’t seem like enough for him.

“Fuck, I want you,” you say against his mouth. He makes a low sound in response, and one of his palms lower to grab a handful of your ass, dragging your hips against his. You can feel him, hot and hard, straining in the confines of his jeans. Your hand presses into the crevice between your bodies to palm him through the material, grinning into the kiss when he groans. His lips trail a slick path across your cheek, past your jaw.

“Gonna let me fuck you here?” his hot breath fans across your neck, tongue darting out to taste the salty sweat there.

“Yeah,” you say. “Fuck—yes.”

He steps back, dragging you with him, and then he’s turning you around so that you’re facing the mirror. Your hips dig into the sink, and he’s holding you there, forcing you to stare at your reflection as he bites and licks and sucks down your neck with reckless abandon, leaving marks in his wake. There’s a low, steady throbbing at the apex of your thighs, and you can feel how your underwear clings to your skin, damp and ruined. You whimper, tilt your chin up to give him access to more skin. He grinds against your ass in response, and then he’s crouching down on the ground behind you.

Fast hands push your skirt up over your hips and then flare across your ass, massaging the flesh there. You feel a nip of teeth against the sensitive skin there and flinch into the porcelain. He makes quick work of dragging your underwear down to dangle precariously at your knees. And then long fingers are spreading you apart, revealing you to him. You tilt your hips back so he can see more. Moan at the sensation of cool air rushing to meet your dripping core.

You think you can hear him speaking, but can’t be sure over the sound of your heartbeat in your ears and the low music playing in the bar. And then it doesn’t matter anymore, because you can feel his hot tongue glide through your folds, parting you like the sea. He buries his face in you, nose nudging against your asshole as his tongue swipes at your clit, moaning roughly as he absorbs the taste of you. You’re gasping, hooded eyes staring back at you in the mirror, and this time you can definitely hear him saying you’re so fuckin’ wet. The flat of his tongue smears from your clit to your entrance, and then he’s sinking it inside you. You reach behind your back and card your fingers through his hair, gripping the salt and pepper curls between your fingers and holding him against you. Joel doesn’t complain, groaning as you tug on his locks in encouragement, in fucking desperation.

Your thighs tremble where they bracket his head, threatening to squeeze around him at any moment if it weren’t for his vice grip keeping your spread apart. A choked sob of a moan claws its way out of your throat and then he’s standing again, chest against your back as you hear the clink of his belt coming undone, and he’s saying, I know, I know, you need it so bad, don’t you?

Your hand skirts around the firm sink and slips between your thighs, fingertips ghosting over your throbbing clit. The sound of foil crinkling echoes around the room, and you hear him exhale a ragged sigh as he rolls the condom down his length. You peek over your shoulder to catch a glimpse of him, eyes widening as you take in the sheer size of his length. It’s long, with a prominent vein running from base to tip. It pulses, raging beneath the skin, practically daring you to drop down and run your tongue along the length of it. And you would if you thought he’d let you.

“Shit,” you breathe, skin tingling with a fresh wave of nerves and anticipation.

“It’s alright,” his voice is a low rasp, filling your ears like molasses, and his hand is rising to push stray hairs out of your face. “So fuckin’ wet f’me, I know you can take it, honey. You gonna show me how good you take co—”

He cuts himself off, eyes narrowing as he spots your fingers shifting between your thighs.

“So impatient,” he smacks your hand away with a grunt. “Silly little slut, can’t wait just a minute for me?”

A broken moan falls from your lips, shameful heat soaring through your chest. You shouldn’t love the way that word sounds falling from his lips, shouldn’t be so turned on by it, but you can feel how the ache in your core intensifies, and so you push your hips back against him.

“’m sorry,” you whine pitifully.

“You want it that bad?” Joel asks. His lips brush your earlobe as he nudges the thick head of his cock between your folds, gliding it through your slick once, twice, before notching himself at your entrance.

“I want it,” you gasp. “Wanted it from the second I saw you, Joel, please, pleas—”

Joel curses under his breath and loops a hand around your front, pushing the neckline of your shirt down to reveal your left breast. He slips his palm underneath the cup of your bra, long fingers pinching at the peaked bud of your nipple. Your skin burns under the attention, and you push your chest further into his hold.

“Shit,” he grunts, beginning to press himself inside. “I wanna fuckin’—wreck you, sweetheart.” 

“Whatever you want,” you’re pleading, arching your back for him. Your fingers tighten around porcelain, bracing yourself. “Give it to me.”

You hear a muted, dark chuckle before Joel says, “Whatever I want, huh?”

And then he’s pressing inside you with a single, harsh thrust. His thighs come flush with yours and you gasp, face twisting at the sharp sting. The weight of him inside you is heavy, and you squirm at the intrusion, shifting on your feet. He allows you a moment—just a moment—to adjust to him, before he’s moving.

Joel finds a pace he likes and sets it. Heavy, unrelenting, expert rolls of his hips that have his tip brushing against the opening of your cervix with every shift forward. The air fills with harsh sounds of skin smacking against skin, and stilted moans and spilling from your lips as your hipbones collide rhythmically with the sink.

“Christ,” he spits, hand leaving your breast to grip your jaw. He forces your face forward, pace never slowing. “Fuckin’ look at you.”

You do as your told, gazing at yourself in the mirror. And you look wrecked. Hair a wild halo around your head, makeup smudged around your eyes and mouth, lips swollen and shiny with spit.

“Bein’ so—fuckin’—good,” he punctuates the words with his thrusts. His thumb digs into your cheek, and you can see him grinning in the mirror, lips peeled back to reveal that fucking perfect smile. “Dirty little thing, lettin’ a stranger fuck you like this.”

You mewl in response, stomach tensing as his cock grazes a particularly sensitive spot within you. Joel notices and seizes your waist, one hand holding you in place and the other falling to rub your clit while he pistons into you from behind.

“Shit,” you cry, eyes pinching shut as the intense medley of pleasure and pain begins to overwhelm you. Your orgasm claws its way up your chest.

“Yeah, you like that, huh?” he’s panting. “Can you feel you squeezin’ me, sweetheart. Go on, give it t’me, show me how wet that pretty pussy gets when you come.”

“Oh, fuck, oh—oh god, Joel.”

Your lungs feel empty, chest on fire as you rake in rapid breaths. Your entire body is constricting, muscles in your stomach drawn tight as you press firmer against the sink, thighs shaking with every impact of his hips against the plush of your ass. The pressure makes your head spin. And then something in the base of your spine snaps, and you’re falling apart in his grasp. Joel curses behind you, but the sound is faint, almost inaudible over the ringing in your ears. Your vision goes white, body shifting forward as he fucks you through the high.

And even as you begin to come down, muscles going lax and body slumping against the sink, Joel is relentless. He uses you; gripping your hips to keep them tilted at the perfect angle, and just fucking wrecks you, exactly like he said he wanted to. A stream of profanities fill the air as his movements become disjointed, and you know he’s close. Can feel the way his cock twitches inside you, desperate for release. You tilt your face to the side and stare at him over your shoulder. Those dark eyes meet yours and his face crumbles, hand reaching to grip your shoulder and hold you down as he nears the precipice. You rut your ass back against him and he almost shouts.

“Fuck,” he growls. “That’s it, that’s it..”

And then he’s coming, cock jerking inside you in sporadic movements, and you’re wishing he hadn’t worn a condom so you could feel the heat of him spread inside your cunt. It’s intense, the yearning you feel to have him dripping out of you once he’s gone. But you settle for watching his face through bleary eyes, admiring the way his lips part and chin tilts towards the ceiling, eyes pinching closed as his body convulses against you. 

For an all too brief moment, Joel doesn’t move. He slumps against your back, forehead resting in the gap between your shoulder blades, and just breathes. Haggard, drawn out exhales that send whisps of your hair flying forward into your face but you don’t care, too blissed out and relaxed underneath his weight to say anything. And then he’s straightening, and you gasp in unison as he grips your waist and slips out of you. There’s a determined ache between your thighs, pussy clenching around his absence, missing the weight of him already.

You sag onto the cold surface. Your mind is a blur, senses dulled from the intensity of your orgasm. The music in the bar has increased, and you imagine that your roommates must be wondering where you are, but can’t bring yourself to care all that much. You can hear him throw the condom into the trash, then there’s a low rustling as he drags his boxers and jeans back up his legs. Body trembling, you close your eyes and wait. Wait to hear the door open and close as he steps out, and leaves you in the bathroom alone, as you know he inevitably will.

But instead, you feel those hands, almost familiar now, grazing your back. They drag your panties back up and smooth your rumpled skirt down over your ass.

“Hey,” a soothing voice murmurs. “You good?”

You peer at him over your shoulder, uncontained surprise no doubt evident in your face. Joel’s expression is soft; cautious. He grips your shoulder and pulls you up, straightening your body. Drags a thumb over the corner of your mouth, wiping away the lipstick smudged there. His touches are so gentle, so tender, in comparison to a few moments ago. It almost gives you whiplash, and yet you find yourself melting under his gaze, because fuck, he’s handsome. 

“I’m good,” you breathe, and he bares his teeth in a smile, cupping your jaw.

“Sweet girl,” Joel says. His head shakes once, slowly, eyes darting across your features, as if trying to memorise them. “I’m gonna remember this.”

You heart is in your throat all over again.

Your fingers fumble to adjust your top, smoothing it out as you smile, humming, “Yeah… yeah, I think I will too.”

A heady silence swells between you. His thumb brushes along your lower lip again, eyes watching the way your swollen mouth yields to his touch. The tip of your tongue slides out and glides over the tip of his digit, just for a second.

“Probably got your friends all worried,” Joel says then, hand dropping to his side. “Must be wonderin’ where you got to.”

You swallow down the disappointment you feel. It burns its way down your throat and into your stomach, not unlike the whiskey had. I don’t care, you want to say. Take me home with you. But you nod and agree. Glance in the mirror and rake numb fingers through bird’s nest hair, trying to tame your wild appearance. You swear you feel his hand graze the hem of your skirt one last time, playing with the soft material while he stares at you in the mirror.

The bubble pops as he unlocks the door, outside sounds rushing in through the gap, infiltrating the space that once smelt like sex and lust and now just feels like any other room. Joel doesn’t kiss you again. Doesn’t touch you. He steps into the hall, and you follow him out. And when he trails toward one side of the bar, with a final lingering glance at you over his shoulder, you begrudgingly head in the opposite direction to the booth, where your almost strangers await you with curious eyes and pinched brows.

Tuesday.

You feel hungover on the day of your first lecture.

A dull ache blossoms behind your left eye, a persistent reminder of how little sleep you had the night before. Your fingers wrap tightly around a tall styrofoam cup, and you take slow mouthfuls of the black coffee inside, attempting to savour the liquid gold, and letting the caffeine act as a saving grace for as long as possible.

You were normally so much better than this, too. Years had passed since your undergrad, and in the past you’d prided yourself on being punctual and prepared. But apparently one of the professors for this semester had it out for you, because when the required weekly prep work for your 9 o’clock Tuesday morning lecture was released the day prior, you were stunned to find that it included an entire fucking book.

After spending a dutiful two hours going over the weekly notes and required journal articles, you’d found yourself glaring at three sentences, written casually at the bottom of the professor’s notes.

Also, read Hesiod’s ‘Theogony’. It will do you well to have these ideas and themes fresh as you undertake the first weeks of this class. See you tomorrow.

Cue you staying up until two am reading fucking Theogony, and walking to your first lecture with a near-permanent yawn sprawled across your face.  

As you approach history commons, a guy wearing a bottle green shirt that reads UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND in garish gold lettering shakes a pamphlet in your direction. It has a picture of a girl in a tiny athletic uniform on the front, preparing to spike a volleyball. You avoid eye contact and sidestep him quickly, continuing into the building.

The theatre room is easy enough to find.

Thirty odd chairs line the space on an incline, all facing toward a desk at the front of the room. A projector hangs from the ceiling, displaying the beginning of a slide show on a white wall. The slide is a muted beige colour, with stark black lettering that spells out: The Language and Literature of the Odyssey and the Aeneid.

Your professor stands with his back to the room, shuffling through a myriad of notebooks and loose-leaf pages splayed across the desk. Standard.

You traipse your way up the stairs, buoyed along by the steady stream of other students shuffling into the room, and take a seat a few rows from the front. Not too far back that you seem disinterested, and not so close that your professor will notice you falling asleep on the first day.

You open your notes on your laptop and then slump back into your chair, slurping down the final morsels of coffee in your cup before discarding it to the floor by your feet. And then the room quietens as a final group of students file in, heavy door swinging closed behind them, and you allow your eyes to rest upon the man at the foot of the space.

He’s tall. It’s impossible not to notice that first. Tall and broad. A thin white dress shirt stretches across the arch of his back, fighting to pull free from where it’s tucked neatly into the waist of his brown pants. From where you’re seated, you can see a dark head of hair shaking side to side every few moments, the man muttering inaudibly as he peers down at his notes.

You glance down at your laptop again. Watch your cursor blink against the white screen. And then you hear it.

“Alright folks,” an all too familiar voice drawls. “Let’s get down to it.”

You stiffen in your chair. The hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, palms going damp as a memory flits through your brain. One of your own voice.

An accent like that is hard to ignore.

You can’t make out what he’s saying anymore, every word overpowered by the sudden roar of your own heartbeat in your ears.

Slowly—so fucking slowly—you peel your eyes away from your laptop and glance upward.

And there he is, in all his glory. Pearly white smile. Strong jaw. Dark eyes.

Joel… your professor.

Fuck.  

thank you for reading!! x

[renticat]

WIPED OUT!

I am back and forth I think I am going crazy...

I don't wanna let you down, so promise you won't let me drown.

I don't wanna be alone

I don't wanna be in love, no I want to but it seems that people just have many interpretations of love anyway and mine is not considered as I am an ace. Okay another topic for another day.

This blog is so old. Trust me but I wiped out if for several times, and I almost did it again because I feel I change now and I should just erase all my history and start a new.

But I feel little sad as I don't know, there is some people reading it, even maybe they're just couldn't find me back then. Ugh, is so slow typing on this phone, not to mention the risk of losing it all, I mean sometimes my google just crash and then gone all my writing. Yeah I should just write it on note then copy paste it but back then tumblr is never neat either unless you're doing the writing on the website or app, but the app is huge for my old small phone. 😭

See, I try to make paragraph but the gap is like twice big like the gap of me and him now 😔. Fuck what am I talking about? It's my own fault and yeah I need to take shower instead of rambling about this craziness again.

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙?

Yeah, you can't but I keep trying to make you understand and somehow it only made you feel sick about me and now I am sad.

Because I am afraid to lose you, while losing itself sometimes is inevitable. Oh yeah English is not my mother tongue so if this notes sounds stupid to you it probably is. I wish my English writing skill is improving so I can just rant as good as my Indonesian (even though in my Indonesian, I tend to jump from ideas to ideas because there's just too much on my mind; feels like I am exploding and yeah I need to chill) . Fuck I can't chill.—please babe take me away from here, yeah but I am stuck and brokie huhu.

As someone said one or two times talking bout your problem is okay but if you keep ruminating it without looking for the real solution, it'll only makes you go crazy. IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT? IS THIS WHO YOU ARE?

Nope, i don't even know who am I, but I know what I want. Yeah and the upper capital it's something new here because back then I have to type manually big letter for each sentence after period. Gosh, and yeah I sometimes not using commas properly because in Indonesian, if there's conjunction that comes after main clause it's actually not needed; well I tend to write in long manners also like I sm someone who born at 60s. Yeah I wish it will be much easier as text is killing me and I am bad texter.

Cause I know you wanna reach me, but I am a bad texter. No kidding this is the lyrics Bad Texter by Ryan Woods and I kinda dig in to this song too much back then in 2021 as I miss someone who doesn't even miss me back. Isn't that always the case of you Ren? yeah yeah. Like right now I am dying.

Dying for love, but knowing new person is another problem and again I feel bad for lying, saying that everything is OK, when I am NOT OK. I should've done that from the beginning. Fuck. Fuck me. Oh yeah is not that I am vulgar, is just is not my language, so I feel less bad. It's alien to me but not in my Javanese, i don't do that often so I AM SO SORRY. I need to tone down on swearing. LOVE. LOVE ME. HAHAJAA

Writing is fun, is like I can think of what I want to say not like speaking. Yeah I am shy at first but when you already know me, you'll gonna be the one who will embarrassed like how the hell I know this person? I don't know it's full of surprises, congratulations it means i trust you. If I don't speak that much to you, we're not that close (we are though in this blog of mine as I said sooo many freaking things).

Maybe it's because I am hiding for too long now I am going crazy. Well I can't also safely publicly stated my situation right now, right here but goddammit I am too naive and honest that I can't lie for goodness sake. I wish I learnt many things from people whom I talked in the internet, how they're so cunning and crafty with their words even though they never meant it. It's amazing, astonishing and breaking my heart at the same time.

Oh, I don't know I tried to make this blog neat but instead the archive page is fading in one words? The color? Yeah it's strange because I have another tumblr (which I don't open it anymore) but it looks okay. Yeah this one is my favorite because it's the first and back then this theme is available now I can't download it anymore— even though I am planning to just make a new one and save myself time to edit all my past nonsense but I am too old for this. Not tech savvy. 70 years old what do you expect? Hahaha

Old as hell. In this crazy world full of Instagram. I have it back then but then I am bored because I can't afford new outfit or going to cool places. Like people only post their highlight of life and not misery unless it's in form of art that I wish I could draw it out.

Sometimes is like what I am trying to say with all of this things but because in reality I have no spot to be heard as I am already wrong by default it hurts. And I know I don't own explanation to anyone but then I thought love is sharing about everything but then maybe i am mistaken their lust for love.

[inkyvendingmachine]

I’m sorry but I can’t stop ruminating on the overwhelming angst that is the Worst Ending. Would Joey just dump Sammy back on the front doorstep? Can Joey even leave the shed?? Would he have to wait for Henry to go out looking for Sammy and specifically look there?? And omg the thought of Sammy having run off from this big fight (that he totally started) and then getting brought back as this quiet, complacent shell of himself and no one else knowing what the hell is going on. And poor Jack...

Answers this 100000 years later cause I had to take that long to think about it, SO THERE’S A  FEW LAYERS TO THIS. The initial drawing I did just because I was trying to think another version of the scene to draw + add smooch cause I had to wait a WHOLE NOTHER DAY TO POST MY OTHER SMOOCH ART, but here’s the thing; If Sammy stopped pushing back against Joey, Joey would probably get bored with him. While Henry and Sammy push back in very different ways, I think part of what interests Joey to them is included in his need to have that contention? He’d just wander off and get distracted with something more interesting if Sammy just followed him soulessly, that’s not the Sammy he fell in love with. But like you brought up, here’s the other point: Whether or not Joey can physically leave the shed, getting anywhere near the Escape House proper is a bad idea. And he doesn’t have anything to his name except for what Henry left him with in the shed, a forged death certificate probably, and a world of hurt if he becomes publicly known again. So he’s essentially stuck in the shed, which means he can’t wander off and find something more interesting: A broken Sammy is still the most interesting thing in his life right now. I don’t think he’d hide it from Henry either, and he does have some remorse to what he’s done, but he’d be more focused on trying to fix Sammy instead of recognize that he might have had a hand in breaking him, I feel like? 

and then probably just plays out the same as it would from the comic, except Sammy is way more fucked up now. IDK IF THIS IS ANY BETTER BUT AT LEAST JOEY WANTED TO HELP??? AHAHAHA, poor Jack...,,,

[marwhoa]

request: none!

🝮 “ cherrypie ”

rise!raph x villain!female!reader

author’s note: hello, hello! this fic is a special one that i actually co-wrote with my beloved, @tmntxthings !! We were both tasked with writing as much of a scene for 20 minutes and going back and forth until the fic felt finished 😎 they will be posting this to their account in the following days, so keep a look out to give them lovin’!!

word count: 4.2k

There was a friendly hum in the air as Raph stood in the mirror and tried on outfits for his special day! Upon his suit’s collar was a chained pin. A ruby gem shimmered on the left side, twinkling with a mystic charm.

Emerald green hues gazed back at Raph, soaking up the humanoid figure he had once more with a nervous—but excited!— exhale. Today would be one more of the many dates he went on with a special girl he met topside, and hopefully he could make it the most memorable date yet! After all, this gentleman might have had a nice little itinerary tucked away in his suit’s pocket.

Today’s plan was to meet up right outside of a ball that his dearest friend, April’s college was hosting! April and Y/N would be there, and Raph was Y/N’s choice as her plus-one. Thoughts of dancing across the floor with Y/N’s smaller hand in his, her dazzling smile flashing brightly as he whirled them to and fro! Gosh, just imagining it now had his feet thumping rhythmically upon the floor.

Alright, one last tug of your cute tie and you’re ready to go out! His back turned to the mirror, eyes fixating on the doorway. Don’t worry, big dog, you’ve got this.

———

Elsewhere, a dolled-up Y/N paced across the linoleum with her heels clicking intimidatingly.

“ They really think I was joking? Do they? Am I a joke to them? “

Some particular floor plans and interventions had not gone too well—it was as if nobody truly wanted to escape the Hidden City and go topside! Had so much time passed that everyone was complacent with being moles, deep under ground, without a single sight of the moon big in the sky at night? Had they all become completely okay with never seeing the sun again? Y/N took—no, snatched!— a towel from its position on the wall and grit her teeth while trying to rub clean the irritation vivid upon her features. Her eyes glared at the reflection in the mirror, but just for a second as they then trailed down to the form-fitting Ruby dress that draped her body. It was much too flattering, causing a blush to dust Y/N’s features and her nervous habit of spinning the wooden ring upon her ring finger—the signature ring banded with an arcanic red crystal that was poured into it.—had kicked in. There was a heavy inhale as the thought of today's date resurfaced. She was going to be seeing him again today, her dearest Raph.

“ Oh, please like my dress… “

Y/N whispered, turning and posing to check all the angles. It was deserving of a gentle silence, the dress. As you soaked in the you in the mirror, so many thoughts whisked past.

That’s me?

I’m so beautiful.

Will he be just as impressed?

I could stare at myself forever.

There was a shy warmth whirling in your chest, so much so that the previous thoughts in your mind had been subsided. The operation had been all but forgotten from your mind, cleared by the thoughts of how tonight would go. You were in love with how you looked right now. Not a doubt in your mind, you were truly gorgeous for tonight’s date to the ball. Had your past self said, “ hey, you’ll be attending the hall with the kindest man ever ” then surely you would have called her a liar, but here you were.

Y/N L/N, otherwise infamously known as Cherrypie to both witches and humans alike for her fiery villainous deeds, dressed in a shimmery red dress with a split up the thighs, accentuating all the best parts. For a second, you felt less like a villain in disguise and more like a regular girl ready for her date.

But…

Would anyone blame you if that’s what you truly wanted? Y/N bit her lip, trying to imagine for a second that she was exactly that—just a regular girl getting ready for her regular date. There was a bittersweet smile that subsided just as a ding came from her phone—Raphael!

———

Raph had entered the building, slipping his phone back into his pants pocket. He was taking in the crowd that was before him as he took tentative steps forward. He blew out a breath, eyes scanning for the most beautiful girl in the world. He had messaged you to let you know he arrived, but sadly his searching was to no avail. He did spot April though!

He made a beeline for the only other person he knew there. Raph couldn’t lie, he was definitely nervous. He’d never been to a fancy ball before, the only other time he had dressed up in black tie attire was for the magic show that Leo had begged them all to attend. His brothers weren’t here this time, but his nerves subsided as April turned recognizing Raph’s green eyes.

“ Look at you!! I’m so happy you could make it! ”

April was all smiles, giving Raph a crushing hug.

“You haven’t seen Y/n yet have you?”

Her eyebrows waggled with a promising look and Raph shook his head, looking around as if you would suddenly appear since your name had been said. No luck!

“ Do you know where she is? ”

Raph asked, a small smile forming on his face as he looked back down to April.

“ I don’t but you’re in for a treat, she’s wearing your favorite color. ”

April winked and Raph’s imagination went wild. You were wearing red? He felt his cheeks flush, head whipping back and forth now honing in on all the different dresses that showcased hues of his favorite color. He was disappointed, huffing slightly at the fact that he still hadn’t spotted you. April couldn’t help but laugh at him. April loved how smitten Raph was, and April knew you felt the same way. She was so happy for the two of you. It warmed her heart to see Raph so happy, he deserved it. So she decided to help out, looking around the crowd wondering where you had wandered off to.

Maybe it was just pure luck, but it only took a few seconds, and April tapped on Raph’s arm. He immediately looked down to see April pointing to her left. His eyes followed, and he sucked in his breath. It was as if the crowd parted and he could see you, walking towards him. Stealing his breath away. You were drop dead gorgeous. Hair swishing back and forth in slow motion as if the world revolved around you.

“ Breathe Raph. ”

April teased, elbowing him in the side. His cheeks burned as he took in deep breaths.

Y/N held her phone in her hand, checking it over and over again while waiting for Raph to arrive. She had seen April already and received the most dramatic positive response for her attire EVER. All the whistles and shouts as her friend took photos from every angle had left you fidgeting embarrassedly.

She hadn’t seen Raph yet either, so you settled for roaming the floor in hopes that fate would bring you both together!

And, as luck would have it, you both did encounter each other after only a few minutes of search. The sensation of a burning gaze on you had your attention. Turning on your heel quickly, your eyes locked with the warmest emerald pools ever, of which were currently taking in your silhouette in its entirety. In your chest, your heart was performing somersaults and leaving you out of breath. Why, he did dress up nicely. The suit just seemed so right on him!

From your pocket ( after all, what witch-villain wears a pocketless dress? ), you pull a small square matching your dress and tick-tack-tick’d on up to your love.

“ Raphie, you made it—eek! “

Once Y/N was close enough, Raph wasted no time in scooping her up and giving an affectionate twirl.

“ I gotta be dreaming, there’s no way the world’s prettiest Angel is smiling at me right now. “

He gave a toothy grin, his signature snaggletooth pressing upon his bottom lip in that captivating way it always did. You melted as his hand brushed strands of hair from your face carefully. He leaned in, planting a satisfying kiss upon your forehead before pulling back to see what the handkerchief you held was for.

“ This, this is to show we’re a pair! “

Y/N cooed as her hands pushed it into his suit’s chest-pocket, smoothing it out neatly. Her hand patted it, lingering on his broad chest for some seconds until his bashful throat-clearing had stirred her out of the trance.

“ Um, right, I hope you don’t mind that I planned out the night for us. Af-After being together so long , I was… I… “

His train of thought seemed to leave without him as his gaze fixated on your dress. You could’ve sworn tears welled up in his eyes as his hands reached to rest on your hips, rubbing slow circles against the fabric. One of his hands lifted to take your hand, lacing together your fingers. He had noticed that even dressed as you were—fancy for a ball—there was still that special wooden ring sitting snug upon your dominant hand’s ring finger. It’s red band glimmered in the light just as your dress did, causing his gaze to just soften with all the love in the world.

“ Sorry, red just looks …. Breathtaking on you, Y/N. “

As the lights were dimming and music was beginning to play, Raph’s attention was brought to the couples forming on the floor’s center. His hold on your hips tightened snuggly as his eyes returned to yours.

“ Raph…? “

You breathed out, captivated in his burning gaze.

“ Can I have this dance? “

His hand rose, its open palm extended as a comfortable place for your smaller hand. Not wanting to miss a single second with him, you were eager to oblige. Your hand slid into his as you both joined the floor with almost literal hearts bobbing within your irises, pure love as the two of you swam through the sea of dancers, rocking with the flow almost as if it were second nature.

Y/N wasn’t some villain from the Hidden City and Raph wasn’t some mutant ninja from the sewers. For now, the two of you were the most ordinary couple swaying across the ballroom door with sweeping steps that almost traced hearts with each pat of a toe-tip. A shared welling-up in each other's chests, identical breath-holding, and just the same amount of tears glowing your eyes. Raph and Y/N were in perfect harmony, almost the stars of the dance so far as others would catch sight of your mesmerizing dance.

It would have continued being the most romantic song ever played by two bodies, had the record not been scratched by a distant explosion. Easily overlooked, if not for the second that followed.

Then a third, fourth—hell, even a fifth. All inching closer and closer.

In that moment, both your hearts plummeted in your chests, but for different reasons. Raph, fearing what those sounds meant for your safety, and you, fearing for having even dared try to pretend you were anyone other than Cherrypie, the villain to bring this city to its knees. Tonight’s attack has completely slipped your mind.

The last explosion rumbled the entire building and Raph’s hold on your hips moved to encase your whole body. Pulling you right to his chest, ready for if the entire room collapsed, he’d protect. This was bad, Raph thought, he didn’t know what the hell was going on, but he needed to get you to safety and then he could figure out the rest. He was a hero after all.

“ Y/N. “

The reverie of the dance and music was broken. Screaming started to sound around them as bodies were rushing this way and that, to get out of the building. Running towards the various exit signs in the room.

“ I need you to run and get to safety, find April and stick together. “

His tone was serious and authoritative, his arms holding you put to look into your eyes before squeezing your arms and letting go.

“ Raphael! Where do you think you're going?! “

Your hand shot out as soon as he turned to leave. In your mind, he was just a human. The safest place for him would be at your side, even if you were the villain of this story. Even though the surrounding explosions were your doing, you didn’t want Raph to get hurt.

“ I’ve gotta go help, baby! What if someone was caught in those explosions? I’m sure they are scared, no need to worry about me. ”

He gave you a rugged smile, sounding confident. So when your hand slipped away from his arm, watching as he ran to the front doors, leaving the ballroom, heading for the chaos that was ensuing outside, you knew you had to get back to business. After a few moments of cornering your resolve you booked it to the back doors. Pushing them open and immediately found yourself swarmed by the scent of smoke.

“ Ready or not New York, here comes Cherrypie. “

You mumbled a spell under your breath, your dazzling dress disappearing.

As it vanished, the dress was replaced with a maroon wide brim hat, polished off with a green ribbon with long tails that would whisk through the hair behind you. Your clothes became green bell-bottom pants, flaring out to frame smooth red Mary Jane’s that made a familiarly intimidating click-clack with each step. Red magic crackled at your eyes as they embraced a deeper green hue. A sinister smirk found its rightful place upon your lips as the magic placed a finishing touch of a red blouse with a deep v-neck and flounce sleeves.

The wind danced through you, Cherrypie, swaying your clothes in an all-too perfect way. The crackling red magic enveloped your body, snapping to make your stature disappear and reappear at the scene of the explosion, right upon an elevated surface—just for that extra bit of power imbalanced in your favor.

“ Now, now, people of New York! “

Your voice boomed, amplified by magic as your hat’s brim hid your eyes and only revealed the villainous smile you held.

“ You couldn’t have possibly expected I was gone, could you? No, no, never would I have gone without such a flamboyant exit. And say, what would be the best of exits than a series of explosions to leave you all trembling at my feet? ”

With their spiel, Y/N found themselves working far too hard to feel the strength, the power—the fear-striking twinge. It had been a thought on the back of their head, especially since meeting Raph. A thought of, “ hey, what if we were a normal resident? someone better, not villainous? ”

Their smirk faltered at a passing memory, one of their younger self. See, you hadn’t always wanted to be a villain. Once upon a time you dreamt of being the hero of the topside. You dreamt of being someone that the people were so happy to see, someone they cheered for.

You dreamt of being the person that struck hope in everyone, not fear.

But, you know what they say about villains.

A villain is simply a hero that everyone failed. And the first to fail you was your own mother, ingraining her hatred for the humans and their having sent everyone underground, all into you. You became her conduit for revenge, and had long since accepted that as your fate. You just weren’t meant to be a hero, right? Especially not with the magic you had. You were just a tragic villain, simple as that.

But when you met Raph? Why, he awoke something within. He had made you remember what it felt like to be the reason for someone’s smile, for their happiness. He reminded you how much you longed to be good. For a second, you almost thought… maybe… Could you—

“ Swooping in LIKE A BOSS! “

Y/N lifted her head to see a surge of red magic crackling towards them, forming a humanoid—no, turtle-like?— figure. Their fist was focused right towards them. Bracing themselves for the sudden impact, Cherrypie tried to hold her ground against the force but found themselves toppling over, plunging downwards.

Thankfully, she was rescued by her magic softening the fall, but still she rolled across the ground.

“ What the—? “

You looked up from where you had fallen, dazed and confused by just what hit you—or, WHO, dared to hit you. Standing on the edge above you was the large frame of what seemed to be a … turtle? Is that a turtle yokai? No, you didn’t recognize their magic signature, it seemed something more… mutated?

“ A mutant? But you seem different from the others… “

Muttered Y/N under her breath before reflexively rolling out of the way of the second punch coming straight down as the red-banded mutant pursued her once again. It was almost as if this one hadn’t been a human originally—or even mutated recently. Almost like he was… born from it? Born as a mutant?

“ Whoa! What’s with you?! We’re on the same team—against the humans! “

There was a pang in your chest as that last part slipped your lips, just as a thought crossed your mind, “ but raphael's a human, too. “ For a second, you found your balance to be put off a bit as you narrowly dodged the tonfas lunging towards you.

“ Against humans? No, I PROTECT the humans, against villains like you. “

Raph jabbed a single tonfa in your direction, pointing accusingly with black eyes glaring daggers at you.

You almost felt like those eyes were familiar, but just on the tip of your tongue. Shaking that away, Y/N flicked her fingers to envelope them in her signature magic. Eating away at her was a quiet little voice in the back of her head, going, “ hey, his magic is kind of like ours. red, fiery—looks and feels destructive.. but, he’s a hero! `` Your eyes looked at your magic simmering, just a second’s look. “ maybe we can still be a hero, don’t you think? “

His voice… Y/N shook their head and let out a frustrated yell before lunging towards the mutant.

For a big fellow he sure was fast. With each swipe you made striking out violently, your magic resembled streaks of red lightning as they crackled around you both. But the mutant dodged each, and thus a dance began. While you tried to maintain the offensive, the turtle would gain enough momentum with each of your misses and parry back with his own weapons.

The fight was destructive too, each missed strike would ricochet off into a nearby building or car—resonating a loud crack of lightning around the two of you. Y/N gritted her teeth, growing tired of the endless dodging,

“ You’re good, I’ll give you that, turtle, but you are no match for me. “

Your eyes shone brighter as you called forth a powerful surge of your magic. It would take a lot out of you, but you needed to end this fight quickly. The longer it went on, the more favor swept to his side.

“ I am sorry it has to end this way, “

Your tone was teasing and condescending. As if your victory was all but assured now. The mutant watched as you powered up, his own stance becoming one of defense, his body turning into red and the red version of himself growing in size. But just at the last second, as if he had suddenly changed his mind, he lunged forward attacking you.

Your eyes widened as his massive figure barreled towards you at a speed that shouldn’t be possible. You yelled, throwing all the power that you had accumulated, though premature. Your magic burst from your hands—sparks, lightning, and flames alike shooting out in madness. You had your target locked in and just as the first met the mutant's skin, he apparated.

“ NO! “

Y/N screamed as the mutant disappeared from her line of fire. Most of the magic colliding into a university building, demolishing it entirely. You were seething, breathing heavily as the power drain hit you like a truck. It would take time for your magic to recuperate. You had to get out of there, not wanting to retreat but not wanting to get caught in such circumstances!

“ You’re not so bad yourself. ”

A deep voice rumbled from behind you. And you cursed under your breath. Already feeling one of his weapons graze the back of your neck.

“ Don’t you even think about movin'. “

He warned, and you rolled your eyes. It would be so easy to get away, if only you had enough magic to do so. Why had you used so much?! Was it the anger? Was it because of your past? Because your head wasn’t in the game?

With your magic starting to dwindle and cave in on itself, your disguise was starting to fall with it. Raph had swept your feet during this, watching you fall and moving to press his leg just enough against you that you were unable to escape. Your hand reached out, as if it could put a distance between you and your enemy. There was a fear bubbling under the surface as you watched your clothes slowly fizzle and fade, gradually revealing the human “ you ” underneath it.

Raph’s expression contorted into one of an emotion you couldn’t recognize, though a nagging voice clawed its way through your mind, saying it was pity. You had lost, and he must have been all too aware of that! He would finish you off—or worse, throw you to the humans to determine your fate. Here would be where Cherrypie ended, right at the peak of her villainy. It would be here that your mother’s disappointment would fester. Would she even retrieve you or leave you behind, turning to someone else to train into her vessel of revenge?

Those thoughts never met their end, instead vanishing at his leg loosened on you.

“ Wha—? “

Y/N breathed out in confusion, barely able to raise her voice as Raph’s lips tugged downwards in what might have been a pained frown. He swiped his arm, pointing away.

“ Get out of here. “

“ What? “

“ GO! “

He roared, enough that it shook you to your core. Away you went, not wasting a chance to return to the Hidden City. Your heels clicked on the ground as tears welled up in your eyes. Were you afraid? Sad? Relieved? Whatever it was, no matter how badly your legs wished you would stop running, no matter how your throat stung, you never stopped running until you got back.

———

As Y/N ran, her ruby-red dress flowing in the wind, glimmering as the moon’s light illuminated its glittery fabric, Raph watched with a heartbroken disbelief. Upon the hand that shakily held out as if to be a puny boundary, protecting the villain from the hero, shaky black eyes rested upon a painstakingly familiar wooden ring around their hand. A suspicion rose in his head, and before it could ever be denied, the villain’s disguise dropped and revealed the worst plot-twist of this hero’s life.

Cherrypie was none other than the girl he had fallen head over heels for. The girl who filled him with so many amazing emotions and feelings was the very same villain who had done almost irreversible damage to the city.

The twisting in his chest, the clawing in his throat, and the stinging in his eyes as tears welled up.

He didn’t know how to feel. For the first time in a long time, since Shredder, the Kraang, or Big Mama, Raphael Hamato was left out of breath and without a plan.

An unknown amount of time passed as he stood there, Y/N long since vanishing in the distance. All that was left in the air now was distant cries, shouts, and alarms from cars and buildings alike. That, and a sheet of paper that was stuck under a rock, fluttering violently in the wind. Raph stared at it for a few seconds before wiping his tears and reaching down to pick it up.

Raph & Y/N’s Date!

Ballroom dancing! (make sure to practice your moves once more. It has to knock her socks off!)

Walk to Star’s Pointe at the park (there are shooting stars tonight, and we know Y/N would love them.)

Listen to the Bellman Fairy’s performance (they’re doing an impromptu concert at the same park at midnight! It’s Y/N’s favorite band, I don’t think even she knows it’s happening!)

Finish the night off with Lou, Mike Tony, Tony's Pizzeria (We always told her we’d take her to my new favorite pizza place. Hopefully she doesn’t question DIGG.)

Optional: Maybe walk her home and give her a kiss..

The paper ended up crumpled in the red-banded turtle’s hands as he turned on his heel and slid into the shadows, heading home after such a night.

Later, he would receive a message from Y/N.

NOTIFICATION

You have seven new messages!

———————————————————

♡︎ Y/N L/N 11m ago

Raphie! Are you okay? Did you get home okay? I was so worried about you the entire time.

♡︎ Y/N L/N 10m ago

Raph?

♡︎ Y/N L/N 10m ago

Please tell me you’re okay…

♡︎ Y/N L/N 5m ago

I…

♡︎ Y/N L/N 5m ago

Can I tell you something?

♡︎ Y/N L/N sent now

Never mind that last message.

♡︎ Y/N L/N sent now

Please be safe..

[eskumii]

soft yandere!older brother!eren yeager hcs + how he reacts to you joining the corps [platonic]

TITLE: " I'LL PROTECT YOU " — navi. part two.

A/N: my first post. :) going thru extreme eren brainrot rn, this was such an impulsive write. love me some tatakae. these hcs are quite long, i've actually never written any before lol! i've also never written for eren so my interpretation of him may or may not be accurate. this is just how i see him.

PAIRING: soft yandere!older brother!eren yeager x little sister!reader (platonic)

CHARACTERS: eren yeager (19), reader (15)

☆ you're eren's younger sister by four years.

☆ it's no secret that eren's been hardened through a traumatic past and was forced to learn what it means to grow up in even more compromising circumstances. with you as his younger sister, there was little he could do to shield you from the horrors of reality as a kid himself, but he always made sure you were happy, safe, and fed.

☆ however, it's not like that anymore. eren is older. he's stronger. he knows how to protect you now, and he makes it a priority to be the big brother he knows you need. you have no one else, after all.

☆ you, on the other hand, are rather less inclined to his overprotectiveness. he's a brooding man who stands six feet tall and can easily squash anyone, but he's soft like putty when it comes to you. he's always doting on you, it seems: "quit running down the stairs, you'll hurt yourself." "it's cold outside, put a jacket on. *wraps a scarf around you*" "hold onto me, it'd be annoying if you got lost."

☆ whenever you tell him to stop babying you, that you're grown now, he just pats your head and gives you a shadow of a smile that somehow seems threatening. you huff and smack his hand away, leaving him to fondly watch as you stomp away like a spoiled brat. you'll always be his innocent little sister.

☆ as your older brother and last true kin, eren feels obligated to be strict with you. no boys, no staying out past curfew, no friends he hasn't approved of, and certainly no going outside the walls. did i mention no boys? it's all for your safety; he constantly keeps a watchful eye on you.

☆ the day you decide to pursue the idea of joining the corps is the day that stoic eren loses his cool. you argue, going back and forth about how it's your decision or how only he knows what's best for you. he can't protect you out there and there's no way he could live anymore if you ever got killed by a titan. you're being so selfish!

☆ it seems that eren can't accept that you're growing up. in fact, you're now the same age he was when he became apart of the survey corps. in his eyes, you're still the little girl whom he held in his arms as you sobbed after mother died, bandaged the scrapes you got from playing in the rocks by the river (even though he told you not to), and pretty much raised you all this time. you should listen to him—no, you're going to listen to him and he'll make sure of that.

☆ after days of arguing and trying to persuade you to not join the corps, eren suddenly gives in. you find that utterly suspicious but you decide not to try your luck any further. giddy with excitement, your enlistment into training commences immediately and you're sent away to boot camp within the next couple of days. eren waves you off a little too happily.

☆ needless to say, it could not have gone more terribly. your first day there is spent alone—no one dares speak a word to you, even when you approach them with your sweetest smile and the intent to befriend them. it's not that big of a deal, it's only the first day, everyone's nervous, right? maybe you should give it some time. at least, that's what you told yourself.

☆ and you were so completely wrong. it doesn't get better. at all. no one sits with you during any meal. no one chooses you as their training partner. gosh, no one even claims the bunk bed that's above you. you're avoided like the plague and honestly, it kind of hurts your feelings. you didn't do anything to deserve this.

☆ but if you thought that was bad, it gets worse. about two weeks in, the other trainees suddenly begin to bully you. they take your clothes while you're in the shower, they strip your sheets and throw them into the nearby river, and some have even begun to physically push you around.

☆ everyday is another day that you miss eren. with tears in your eyes as a kid harshly shoves you to the ground during a training session, you begin to wish that you listened to him. and as he begins to kick you in the stomach, you don't think you can handle it anymore.

☆ so imagine the glee on your face when you're told that you are not at all adequate enough in skill nor combat ability to become a soldier and receive orders that you'll be sent home soon. you're a little bit disappointed deep down, but you're starting to think you were never cut out for this in the first place. your big brother was right all along.

☆ eren is a conniving fiend. he's got connections all over the island and, if he wanted to, he could destroy the whole thing if he so well pleased. pulling a few strings to make sure you never pursue a career in the corps was nothing. you had to learn the hard way, unfortunately. he doesn't blame you; he thinks it's adorable how much you resemble him when he was your age.

☆ the day you come home, eren is standing in the threshold of front door looking a little bit smug. he opens up his arms for you and you abandon your belongings to run into the safety of his embrace.

☆ you cry and sob into his chest about all the horrible things you had to endure at boot camp. eren cooes soothing words into your ear as he crouches down to gently wipe your tears and stroke your head. it reminds him so much of when mother died, how you depended on him completely. he hugs you tighter.

☆ "shhh, it's okay [y/n], don't cry." he rubs your back as you hiccup through your recounting of boot camp, "i'm here, you're safe now."

☆ you pull back a little to look him in the eyes, face damp with tears and snot. "i'm sorry, i should have listened to you..." and you squeeze him tighter, shoulders shaking as you struggle to pull yourself together.

☆ eren can't hold back the small, twisted smile that tugs at his lips. "didn't i tell you i know what's best for you? you should never have to fight—i'll protect you," he wipes away the rest of your tears and leads you inside, where he had already prepared your favorite comfort food. ruffling your hair, you smile tearfully at him and he smiles back.

☆ "i'll take care of you, alright?" eren certainly has become the big brother you need.