#hah took an off day yesterday from the game

[violetsareblue-selfships]

good morning!! <3

[stellar-collective]

Not Worried

a quick IEYTD Ollix fic

the fic behind this drawing i made :P my first time sharing my writing, hope you guys like it!

when Reginald shows up to work sick, Ollie volunteers to cover Agent Phoenix’s next mission. Ollie knows it’ll be dangerous, but he’s not worried. 

  Content Warnings: canon-typical violence, blood, knives, needles, stitches

  “Morning, Mr. Crane!” Ollie opened the door to the office, carefully balancing two mugs brimming with coffee. “I brought your—“ he cut himself off as he saw Mr. Crane. “Wow, you look awful!”

  Reginald Crane, the lead support agent and his superior at the Agency, was normally bright-eyed and ready for action, but today he looked exhausted. His eyes were puffy and his face was unusually pale. 

  “Thank you for noticing, Ollie.” Mr. Crane said wryly. His voice was thick and scratchy. 

  “You sound awful, too!” Ollie set both mugs on the desk, concerned. “Are you sick?”

  “That’s one way to put it. I’m afraid that I have too much to do today to call out, though.”

  “Nonsense; you’re no help to anyone like this. What’ve you got? I can fill in for you!”

  “Ah, well—“ Mr. Crane rubbed the back of his neck. “We have a mission for Agent Phoenix scheduled today. We located a large Zoraxis facility that we believe has some valuable equipment inside. They were supposed to go in, steal what they could, and burn what they couldn’t. I was going to run point for them.”

  “A mission with Phoenix?” Ollie’s eyes lit up. “I’d be happy to take that off your hands for ya!”

  “Really?” Mr. Crane’s eyebrows raised. “Are you sure? It’s going to be dangerous. Running point for Agent Phoenix is no game. They may need direct back-up. Are you… certain you could handle that?”

  “I managed to survive Zoraxis onboarding; a mission with Phoenix will be a snap! I’m not worried. Plus, we get on pretty well, if you’re concerned about that. Go home and sleep. I’ll take care of it!”

  With an obvious effort, Mr. Crane stood up and pulled open one of his drawers. He withdrew a manila envelope and handed it to Ollie. “Here’s the briefing, then. I sent the blueprints to Agent Phoenix yesterday morning, so they should have the place memorized by now. You’ve worked with them before, so I don’t need to give you the rundown. Just remember that they don’t talk on missions, and you’ll be fine.”

  “You’ve got it, sir!” Ollie gave him a casual salute and tucked the envelope under his arm. 

  “Thank you, Ollie. I’ll owe you one.” Mr. Crane patted him on the shoulder and shuffled out, coughing. 

  Ollie picked up both mugs of still-hot coffee and headed down the stairs to Phoenix’s office. If they had a mission tonight, they should be there. 

  He awkwardly knocked on the door, trying not to drop anything. With a hum, the doorknob turned and opened for him. 

  Phoenix had their feet kicked up on their cluttered desk and a cigar between their teeth, their hand still raised from using their TK to open the door. When their eyes landed on him, they sat up and grinned. 

  “If it isn’t my favorite support agent!” they greeted, tossing their cigar into the ashtray on their desk. “I was expecting my favorite lead support agent, but this is just as good! Is one of those for me?”

  Ollie held out one of the mugs, and Phoenix TK’d it across the room and took a sip. Their brow furrowed. 

  “This is how Reginald takes his coffee. Was this his? Oh no, is he actually sick? Aw, by the time we can get tonight’s mission back on track, Zor will probably have cleared out the whole operation.” They blew out a sad sigh, ruffling their bangs. “Shame. I was really looking forward to trashing some Zoraxis junk.”

  “Don’t you worry about that, Phoenix!” Ollie opened the envelope and pulled out the roll of film inside. “I’ll be taking over for Mr. Crane, so the mission is still a go!”

  “Hah! Ollie saves the day again!” Phoenix put their feet back on the floor and scooted over so Ollie could slot the disc into the projector on their desk.

  It wasn’t complicated; just a get-in, get-out sort of mission. If all went according to plan, Zoraxis wouldn’t even know that they’d been there until after the fact. ‘Course, things rarely went according to plan, but both he and Phoenix were pretty good at thinking on their feet. He wasn’t worried. 

***

  “There it is.” Ollie said, putting the van into park and pointing through the windshield at the seemingly abandoned warehouse before them. “You ready?”

  “Always!” Phoenix jumped out of the door and landed soundlessly on the grass. 

  Ollie scooped up the small bag of break-in supplies he had been given and hopped out too.  He tapped his earpiece. “Test, test? This is Ollie, can you hear me?”

  “Loud and clear,” Phoenix said, rounding the front of the van. 

  “Loud and clear.” One of the guys back at headquarters was also on the line, just in case additional back-up or an evac team was necessary. They would stay quiet unless things went very wrong. 

  “After you!” Ollie said, sweeping a hand towards the factory. 

  “How kind!”

  Phoenix led the way through the long grass. There shouldn’t be any cameras or guards this side of the building, but Phoenix stayed alert as a rabbit, swiveling their head back and forth and flexing their fingers in case their TK was needed. 

  They reached the planned entrance, a window, without incident. There was a padlock on it, but Ollie pulled a boltcutter from his bag and with one heavy snip, Phoenix was able to slide it open and slip through. 

  “Should I come in or stay out here?” Ollie asked, putting his hands on the windowsill. “I can give you the bag.”

  “I don’t think you’ll be much help out there. You’d better come with me. Just follow my lead, and we’ll be okay.”

  Phoenix helped Ollie through the window and slid it back closed, then tapped their earpiece. “We’re inside. Going quiet.”

  They wouldn’t talk again until the mission was over. 

  Phoenix stole over to the door of the small, empty room and listened intently for a moment before opening it a crack, then fully, motioning Ollie to follow. 

  The warehouse certainly felt abandoned. It was dark and quiet in there, the only light coming in through the intermittent windows and the occasional flickering, half-powered fluorescent light. 

  It was a labyrinth, but Phoenix’s steps were sure as they went deeper and deeper in. 

  Phoenix suddenly froze, Ollie nearly bumping into them. A moment later, he heard distant talking and footsteps.

  The two of them waited, silent, until it was certain that the noise wasn’t headed their direction and Phoenix continued forward. 

  They heard a couple more vague voices and indications of life, but Phoenix was careful to give them ample distance. 

  At length, the door that they were looking for came into view. It looked like every other door, except it had the Zoraxis logo spray painted in red on the front. 

  “Not very subtle, are they?” Ollie commented. 

  Phoenix shook their head with a smile. They pointed at him, then at the ground. 

  “Good idea. You go in, I’ll stay out here and keep watch. I’ll knock if I hear anything!”

  Phoenix tugged at the door, but it was locked. They stooped, looking at it closely, then beckoned Ollie closer. 

  “What do you need?” He said, reaching for the bag, but they just grabbed his hand and slapped it on the doorknob. He felt his thumb slide into a groove, and a nearly invisible light lit up green. 

  Phoenix nodded a thanks and opened the door. 

  “Fingerprint recognition? I can’t believe I’m still in their system as an employee!” Ollie said. “I would’ve figured I got taken off when they tried to kill me! Lucky they didn’t, eh? You would’ve found a way in regardless, I know. Wait, I have something for you.”

  He rummaged around in the bag, and then pulled out an Agency lighter and tossed it to Phoenix. They grinned and disappeared into the room, closing the door behind them. 

  Ollie waited patiently, keeping one ear on the warehouse and one on the room behind him. The halls outside remained as dark and silent as ever, but he could hear activity within, muffled by the thick walls. 

  In rapid succession, he heard clanking, thumping, an automated voice complaining, and what sounded like metal crashing against metal. 

  The door opened a crack and a single screw came floating through. Ollie almost laughed as he pulled a screwdriver out of his bag and tossed it through before shutting the door again. 

  More clanking, then the distinct sound of roaring flames. 

  A moment later, Phoenix emerged, smelling like smoke and looking smug. They held up several trinkets; a data disc, something techy and vaguely cylindrical, and something small and mechanical inside of a glass tube. 

  “Whoa, nice work! Want me to take them?”

  Phoenix held them out, and he tucked them into his pockets, not trusting the bag with them. 

  “Alright, you know the way out, then?”

  Phoenix gave him a decisive nod and began strolling down the hallway, Ollie easily keeping up. 

  Before they got too far, though, alarms abruptly started blaring. All the lights turned on full blast, flooding the corridor with red light. Ollie took a breath, noting the distinct taste at the back of his throat and the more high-pitched, whining lilt to the noise. Oh, good. They hadn’t tripped anything. 

  They were just smoke alarms. 

Still alarms, though!

  “Well, ah, that’s not what I’d call ideal.” Ollie muttered. 

  Phoenix bolted down the hallway, tugging off their gloves and shoving them into their back pocket. They slowed while Ollie caught up, holding out their hand expectantly. 

  “What? Ah, right.” Trying to look in the bag and not trip at the same time, Ollie snatched out a roll of fabric and pressed it into Phoenix’s palm. “You think we’re going to have to fight our way out?”

  Phoenix shrugged, rapidly wrapping their left hand, weaving the strip of fabric in between each of their fingers with astonishing speed, binding up their knuckles in preparation for a fight. Better to be ready. 

  “Well, at least it sounded like you had a fun time!” Ollie said, trying to find the second roll amongst the other objects in the bag. “It must be satisfying, dismantling Zor tech like… that…”

  Ollie trailed off as they rounded the corner and made direct eye contact with two Zoraxis operatives who were casually walking down the hall towards the source of the noise. One was thin and had long eyelashes, and the other was short, stocky, and had spiky hair. Both of them stared at Ollie and Phoenix blankly, clearly not registering who they were. 

  The four of them stood there in silence for a long, deeply uncomfortable moment. 

  One of the operatives, the one with spiky hair, narrowed their eyes at Phoenix. 

  “Hang on. You look familiar. I’m guessing you ain’t here to turn off the alarms?”

  “Evac and medical are both on the way.” The support agent back in headquarters impassively informed Ollie through his earpiece. “But you’re going to have to get out of the building for them to reach you. Good luck.”

  A third operative rounded the corner, looking sleepy and rubbing their eyes. 

  “Will you two hurry up? Those blasted smoke alarms are giving me a headache.” They stopped, their eyes sweeping across the scene, then they shrieked. “HOLY— It’s the Phoenix! Don’t just stand there, get ‘em!”

  Phoenix sighed and dropped the end of the wrap, shifting into a fighting stance as the three operatives sprang into action. Phoenix leapt in front of Ollie, fists up, blocking Spiky Hair’s first attack and returning one of their own. 

  Ollie had never been much of a fighter, but he was fast on his feet. He nimbly dodged as Sleepy Eyes charged in, tripping them on their way past.

  There was a sharp crack! and Phoenix went stumbling back into him, their nose bleeding. Recovering themselves with a shake of their head, they dove back into the fray, shoving Eyelashes against the wall and bringing their knee into their stomach, sending them crumpling to the ground. 

  Sleepy Eyes was back on their feet, but Spiky Hair tackled Ollie before he could do anything about it. 

  He fell to the floor with a painful thud, Spiky Hair on top of him. They yanked at his bag, and, knowing there was nothing valuable in it, he let them take it and toss it away. 

  They wound up for a punch, and Ollie twisted out of the way just enough that it only grazed his cheek. Phoenix ran over and pulled Spiky Hair off him, spinning them around for a hammer blow to the jaw that dropped them to the floor alongside Eyelashes and Sleepy Eyes. 

  Phoenix cracked their bloody knuckles and helped Ollie to their feet. The wrap around their hand was half unraveled, but it had gotten the job done. 

  “Thanks. You took care of those guys, huh?” Ollie walked over and picked his bag back up. Might as well not waste the equipment. He turned back around just in time to see movement and a glimpse of steel. 

  “Phoenix, behind you!”

  Eyelashes had gotten to their hands and knees and had procured a knife from inside their suit jacket. Phoenix turned around just in time to see the operative lunge towards them, blade flashing. 

  With a gasp, Phoenix crashed to the floor. A moment later, Ollie was there, aiming a kick at the operative’s nose. His shoe connected with a lovely crack! and the operative crumpled, out cold. 

  “Let me see, let me see,” Ollie said, stooping over Phoenix. Their pant leg was torn and positively soaked with blood. So much, in fact, it was hard to tell exactly what the situation was. 

  “Not good! I’m going to need to patch you up.” He could already hear more operatives on the way, drawn to the commotion. “Come on, up you get.”

  He crouched down on Phoenix’s injured side, slinging their arm over his shoulders and lifting them up. They pointed down the hallway, and he half dragged, half carried them as fast as he could. 

  They then pointed towards a nondescript side door, opening it for them with a flex of their fingers, and Ollie pulled them through, instantly noticing the medical kit hanging on the wall. They must’ve known this was here. 

  The room was a very small L shape, with a rusty bed frame pressed against the wall and a small window with tinted glass. 

  He kicked the door closed and carried Phoenix around the L bend, just barely out of sight of the door. 

  “Alright, Phoenix, let’s getcha fixed up,” he whispered, gently lowering them to the floor. Even in the dim, warped light from the window, he could see how horribly pale their face was.

  Before he could turn around to grab the med kit, Phoenix had lifted an arm and pulled it to their hand, holding it out for him. He took it and dropped to his knees, cracking it open as quietly as he could. He couldn’t hear any operatives yet, only the smoke alarms, so they were safe for now. Hopefully long enough that he could prevent Phoenix from bleeding out. 

  First things first. He untied their bowtie so they could get some air, then he pulled a pair of scissors out of the kit and cut away the sticky fabric from around the injury. Close up, it was easier to see through all of the blood, but he still didn’t like what he was looking at. 

  It was real wide and frighteningly deep. He wouldn’t be surprised to hear that it scraped bone. How Phoenix had stopped themselves from screaming when that operative had sliced them open he couldn’t understand. 

  There was so much blood, sticky and red, gushing from the cut that it was dripping off the bottom of their pant leg and onto their shoe, where in ran in rivulets to pool on the dirty tile flooring. 

  Ollie moved fast, yanking a needle and thread out of the med kit. He was glad that both Zoraxis and the Agency required extensive medical training as part of their onboarding process. He threaded the needle, his hands steady and certain even as his heart was racing. The job didn’t need to be perfect, just good enough to get them to the evac team.

  Phoenix was sluggishly pulling the loose wrappings off of their hand. Their nose had stopped actively bleeding, the red line tracing down to their chin drying fast, but their eyes looked worryingly unfocused.

  “I’m going to clean it first,” Ollie whispered, setting down the needle so he could pull out a cotton wipe. “I need you to do something to make sure you stay lucid. Can’t talk… um, how about you do morse code on my shoulder?”

  Phoenix’s hand was uncharacteristically cold even through the fabric of his shirt, but their morse code was still in good shape, drumming out letters as he tried to clean up the injury. 

  Tap tap tap. Tip tap tip tip. Tip tap tip tip. Tip tip. Tip. Pause. Tip tap tip. Tip. Tap tap tip. Tip tip. Tap tip. Tip Tap. Tip tap tip tip. Tap tip tip. 

  “That’s as good as it’s gonna get.” Ollie wiped his fingertips on the now red cloth and reached for the needle. “I know this’ll hurt, but don’t bite your tongue or anything to stop from screaming, okay? Squeeze my arm instead if you need it. Ready?”

  Phoenix nodded, and Ollie began stitching. 

  Their hand instantly leapt to his arm as they inhaled sharply. They didn’t make a sound, but their fingers unwillingly tightening around his bicep told him that it definitely wasn’t painless.

  Wincing in sympathy, Ollie finished as quick as he could and snipped off the excess thread with the scissors. He dipped his hand back into the med kit for bandages and wrapped the wound up tight. It was messy, but it was good enough. 

  He tied off the bandages. Color was already starting to come back into Phoenix’s face; just the slightest bit, but it was an improvement. They started wrapping their hand again, the motion practiced and sure. 

  Ollie released the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and sat back. He wiped his bloody hands on his pants, his eyes sliding towards the door, just out of sight.  

  Phoenix pulled the wrap tight with their teeth, their free hand stealing into his to give it a reassuring squeeze before they used it to finish off the wrap. 

  As long as Phoenix was still alive and moving, Ollie wasn’t worried. 

He wasn’t. He wasn’t.

  There was a shout and a thud down the hall, then a sound like doors being violently flung open. 

  Ollie shut the medical kit and pulled it into his lap, pressing close to Phoenix. It would be better if they weren’t caught, if possible. 

  Phoenix grabbed his hand, lacing their fingers together. Without saying a word, he heard their silent,

  We’ll be okay. 

  He held their hand tight, a reply. 

  I know. 

  Ollie held his breath as the shouting and thudding steadily grew closer and closer. Phoenix was gripping his hand so hard that his fingers were starting to go numb, their brow set and their body tensed. 

  The door slammed open. 

  “I see more blood, but there’s no one in here!” Someone shouted, slamming the door back closed. 

  Shouts of “where are they?!” and “keep looking!” faded down the hallway. 

  Ollie leaned over, pressing his lips to Phoenix’s ear and whispering, “We would’ve been okay either way. Do you need a moment?”

  They shook their head and tried to force themselves to their feet, only to fall back down with a pained hiss. 

  “Easy, easy!” Ollie pulled their arm over his shoulders and braced himself against the wall, easing them to their feet. 

  They tested putting some weight on their injured leg and nearly crumpled, Ollie only barely catching them. 

  “That’s alright, just lean on me. Are we close to our way out? Evac is outside if we can get there.”

  Phoenix closed their eyes, brows furrowed in thought. Then, they nodded, opening their eyes and pointing to the door. They hooked a thumb towards the right, then held up three fingers. 

  “Down the hallway, hang a right, third door down?”

  They nodded again. 

  “Aw, that’s not too hard! We can make that, easy peesy! Let’s go before those operatives come back.”

  With Phoenix’s fingernails digging into his shoulder and his hand around their waist, he helped them limp carefully out the door and down the hall, just how they told him. They were still leaving behind traces of blood, which was not good, but hopefully they’d be gone before the trail could be discovered. 

  A right turn, three doors down. Phoenix used their TK to open it. 

  Sure enough, they were back in the room that they’d started in. Phoenix must have some incredible sense of direction to be able to get back here after getting stabbed. 

  Ollie adjusted his grip on them so he could slide open the window, pushing it up as far as it would go. 

  Now was the problem of getting them through it. 

  They weren’t looking so good. Their gaze was vacant, and their head was swaying like they really wanted to pass out. Ollie didn’t blame them. 

  “Alrighty, looks like I’m picking you up, then.”

  Phoenix was lighter than he’d expected. He wasn’t particularly strong, but he scooped them up with relative ease, then swung his legs out the window and carefully landed in the grass outside. 

  “Dust-off in twenty seconds at the tree-line.” The support agent helpfully informed him. “We’ve already got someone driving back your van.”

  “That’s great! Thank you!” Ollie set Phoenix back on the ground and walked them towards the tree-line. They were really struggling to stay upright now, leaning on him so heavily that he might as well still be carrying them. 

  The helicopter arrived, just as promised, and medical took Phoenix off of Ollie’s hands. Within minutes, they were in the air and headed back to headquarters. 

  “You did a good job,” one of the nurses said, examining Ollie’s handiwork from the stretcher they’d laid Phoenix on. “We’ll be able to stabilize the agent easily enough. They’ll be just fine.”

  “Well, that’s good to hear!” Ollie laughed. He gently patted Phoenix’s shoulder. “Wonder if you wish Mr. Crane hadn’t called in sick?”

  Lightning fast, Phoenix seized his wrist, making him jump in surprise. 

  “No.” They muttered, peering at him through half-lidded eyes. “You did good.” They swallowed. “Thanks, Ollie.”

  “Ah, well, it’s no problem. Don’t want my favorite agent bleeding out on my watch!”

  Phoenix smiled. “…I’m your favorite agent?”

  “D’you want to know something bad?” Ollie looked back and forth furtively, then leaned in close. “Number two isn’t even close.”

  Phoenix laughed at that. Actually laughed out loud, noisy and alive. 

  They shifted their grip on his wrist, sliding it up until they were holding his hand.

  “Wow. Favorite agent of not one, but two handlers. You don’t think Reginald is going to be jealous, do you?”

  Ollie laughed. “I’m not worried.”

~~~

tag list: @wyvchard (you can still write something for this if you’d like!) @brain-is-a-toaster

[yourimagines]

Teenage Sean x reader

Video games

* English is not my first language I apologise

* Triggers: Swearing, abusing, angst and fluff

Y/N POV

I was at Sean’s place, playing some video games in his room. “Hah, I’ve got you with that banana peel.” Sean groans. “Come on darling don’t be that mean, I’m already in sixth place.” I laughed and concentrate on my character Toad. “I’m going to win this one.” He just laughs and I celebrated my victory. “Finally.” I threw my head back and laughed, Sean just chuckles, shaking his head. “ okay you won this time but I won the other rounds.” I playfully pushed his arm. “Come on I never win from you… you never let me win Sean.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Because I’m the best, sorry you’re just trash in the game.” I scoffed at him. “Sean, I’m your girlfriend it’s part of your job to let me win once in a while, it calls love.” I placed the controller down on his bed. “It’s already late tho, I think I should go home, my mom is probably wondering if I eat dinner at home or not.” Sean nodded and helped to get my shoes. “Yeah, my dad will be home any minute now.” I nodded and grabbed my jacket. “Do I see you tomorrow at school?” I asked as we both walked downstairs. “Yeah, Of course.” I smiled and kissed his cheek. “Good, then I see you tomorrow.” I walked outside and grabbed my bike. “Yes I see you tomorrow, drive safe tho.” I smiled at him. “I will, I love you.” He shyly smiles. “I love you.” He shyly says back. I got on my bike and started to bike my way home. I ride down his street and saw Sean father car pass me by. I waved and he nods at me. ‘Something is off with that guy.’

—— the next day——

Sean wasn’t at school, our mentor said he’s sick. ‘That’s bull crap, he wasn’t sick yesterday when I spend the whole day with him.’ I walked up to my bike after school and went to his place. His father was not home as the drive way was empty. I parked my bike and knocked on the front door. I heard some noises behind that door. ‘At least he’s home.’ The door opened and I was in shock. Sean had a busted eye and he looked like he’s been crying. “Sean.” I gasped as reached over to his face. “What happened?” He flinched away. “Nothing, why are you here?!” He said harshly. “I-I.. you weren’t at school so I wanted to check on you.” He shook his head. “Just leave me alone, I don’t want you to be here.” He closed the door right into my face, leaving me standing there alone. My lips trembled as I tried not to cry. ‘He’s never been like this to me.’ I turned around and grabbed my bike and quickly left the place.

Sean POV

I stood there behind that door as I heard her walking away. ‘You fucked it up now with her.’ I went back to my bedroom and locked my door and trashed my room in anger, screaming and hitting myself. “Fuck!” I sat down on the ground and started to cry. I hide my face in my hands and cried like a little bitch. ‘I lost her, she’s probably crying, I fucking hurt her feelings!’ I stomped my foot against my bed frame. A loud bang was heard from downstairs. I stopped and stood up, looking outside and saw my fathers car parked in the driveway. ‘Shit.’ I silently cleaned up my room and wiped away my tears. “Sean? Boy are you here?” I took a deep breath. “Yes I’m here.” “What a shame…when are you going to do something useful in your life son!” I flinched as he punched my door. “Open the door son, I need to teach you some life lessons.” I walked over and slowly unlocked the door, knowing what he was going to do….

Y/N POV

I was laying on my bed, reading a book when I heard a bang outside. I stood up and walked over to my window. I saw someone laying on the ground by the trash bins. ‘Sean?’ I opened my window and popped my head out. “Sean? It’s that you?” The person looked up and I meet Sean’s eyes. He looked even more worse than I saw him after school. “Yeah its me..” I closed my window and went downstairs and opened the door for him. “Oh my god Sean. What happened to you?” I carefully placed my hand of his cheek, looking at his beaten up face. “It’s nothing, I’m okay…I’m here to apologise to you, I was a real dick to you.” I shook my head. “Sean you’re not okay, look at you.” I carefully traced my fingers over his busted lips. “Who did this to you?” He shook his head. “It’s not important for now, you’re way more important” I immediately hugged him. “I love you Sean, never forget that.” He hugged me back. “I love you darling, I would never hurt you I hope you know that.” I nodded and held him close. “Let’s get you inside so we can clean you up before you get a infection.” He smiles and follows me inside. “Just go to my room, I’ll be right back.” I kissed his cheek and he went to my room. I stopped by my parents bedroom and carefully knocked. “Mom? Dad?” I whispered afraid to wake them up. “Yes honey?” I opened the door and my mom was looking at me. “Sean is here, I don’t know what happened but his whole face is beaten up. Can he stay for the night?” My mom nodded, looking a bit concerned. “Sure honey, make sure his injuries are treated.” I nodded. “Thank you.” I closed the door but before it was fully closed my dad called me. “Honey? Can I ask you something.” I nodded and my mom looked at my dad. “He doesn’t abuse you or something, he treats you good, right?” I nodded. “Of course he treats me good dad.” He slowly nods and waved me away. “Okay, now leave so we can sleep, don’t make to many noise tho I have to work tomorrow.” I giggled and closed the door. “And don’t stay up to late young lady you have school tomorrow!” I heard him yell. “We will, good night dad!” I yelled back and grabbed the first aid and went to my room. Sean was sitting on the edge of my bed, looking at the book I was reading. “Sorry, my parents are dorks.” I said with a giggle.

Sean and I woke up in each other’s arms as the morning sun shined through the curtains. “Wake up beautiful.” Sean said in his raspy morning voice. I looked up at him and smiled. “Hello beautiful.” He says and kissed my forehead, I giggled and hide my face in his neck. He chuckles and combed with his fingers through my hair. “Did you sleep well darling?” I nodded and looked up at him. “Yes, did you?” He nods and caressed my cheek. “I slept okay.” I leaned over and kissed him. “I’m happy you’re here with me Sean.” He smiles and kisses me back. A knock was heard and we both moved away. “Y/N, Sean. Breakfast is ready.” My mom said. “Okay, we’re coming.” I said back and looked at Sean. “We better move our asses before she comes back.” I said with a giggle. “I don’t want any trouble with mrs Y/L/N.” I giggled again and jumped out of my bed. “Let’s move then before we are in trouble.” We both laughed and got ready for school. “I freaking love you Sean.” I said as we walked downstairs. “I love you too darling.”

[awfulronpa]

𝔸𝕨𝕗𝕦𝕝𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕡𝕒

Ch. 2, part 1

It was a rough night after the view of two deaths yesterday. No one could sleep properly, from what I’ve seen. Looking at everyone in the cafeteria, they looked exhausted.

I noticed Ebony being more agressive towards everyone. Snapping and growling at them if they breathed too loud next to her. I cant entirely blame her, though.

I sat next to Dorky, who was dressed differently? "Whats with the new look?"

"Oh, apparently i was given the wrong Ultimate things." She sighed as she sipped on coffee. "Im actually the Ultimate Graphic Designer."

I let out a soft ‘oh’ after she explained.

We found out soon that Ouroboros’s was wrong as well. He’s apparently the Ultimate Serpent Whisperer.

We learned later, that there was another student. They were..sleeping.

“..Eeeegh..” She murmured. Cringing a little.

Evelyn/Alec. Ultimate Fashion Designer

Swap was gawking at her. Immediately clinging onto her.

Ebony sneered at them. “The fuck’s in your hand.” She growled, pointing to the book in her hand.

“I dont..fuckin’ know.” He showed us a small book. I gently took it from him and read it.

Entry number 6. The |+€{+~ killing game. Not all students are here yet.

It seems like some diary from someone behind this. I closed it and put it in a satchel.

“Hear me out..” Ryuji said, i jumped a little. I didn’t know he was just behind me. “This could belong to some kind of..mastermind?”

That…that makes sense…

“And maybe-“ he continued, “they’re still hiding here!”

He looked so happy. Yet the rest of us darted our eyes around the room. Nervous.

One of us could be the mastermind.

“..im going to my room.” Swap muttered as she skittered away, food in hand.

Ebony scoffed and flicked her hair. “Well she’s fuckin’ suspicious.”

“Leave her alone, she’s just nervous.” Dorky said, reprimanding her. A few murmured in agreement.

The day went on as normal. And we all went to bed.

The day after, we weirdly found Bobby of all people making food. It was basic grits. Basic but good.

We chatted normally. Suddenly i saw moony beckoning me to a hallway after we finished food.

I followed them, very curious. “What’s up? Everything alright?”

They looked around, making sure no one was there. “I think the new one is the most suspicious.”

“Alec?”

“Yes! They just came in with a diary from the mastermind?! Is that not suspicious.” They continued.

I nodded, understanding their points. But im doubtful of this. They look young. Way too young to pull something like this all together.

We bid our farewells and went off.

I noticed Ouroboros fidgeting with this key thing. “Ouroboros? What is that?”

He turned around. “Oh hey. Yeah, i just found this key and im just trying to find where it might work.”

“..uh huh.” He’s strange.

I felt sleepier than normal. So i just decided to go sleep earlier..

.

.

.

I cant sleep.

Im coughing like crazy. My chest hurts a lot. I pressed my hand on my forehead and stumbled my way out. It’s dark, jesus, how long have i been sleeping?

I wobbled to the cafeteria, sitting down and putting my head down on the table. Coughing still hurts.

The morning should be coming soon. I can see some light. Hah. My sleep schedule kinda sucked right now.

I coughed some more, and finally closed my eyes. Falling asleep.

.

.

.

.

….

“Enigma’s dead.” I said.

[denim-lich]

Okay, my brain did cooperate yesterday and I added the kiss prompts onto the end of a little story idea I had recently and I think that worked out well ('cause I was not sure where to start with the kiss prompts otherwise.) Putting the whole thing under a read more so it doesn't take up a whole bunch of space!

This is post-game and post-Barry casting Wish on Astarion so he's no longer a vampire so he can live freely and be in the sun again. The two of them have a home in Baldur's Gate and it's some years after the end of the game (just to give some context but really this is just a light fluffy thing I wanted to write for fun.) May edit it some before I put it up on Barry's TH 'cause this is literally the first writing piece I've actually finished.

Caught in the Rain

Thunder rumbled nearby, far too near for Barry’s liking.

“I don’t think we’re gonna make it home before the rain starts, hon,” they said to Astarion, gently tugging his hand as they tried to walk a bit faster.

"Ugh, maybe if we just don't acknowledge the weather, it will wait until we're inside," Astarion whined, glancing at Barry and picking up speed to match their pace.

Barry chuckled, squeezing his hand gently in theirs and replied, "I really don't think that's how that works."

"It was a perfectly nice day when we left the house, I don't know why the rain had to rush in out of nowhere," Astarion was pouting now and Barry shook its head fondly at him.

"I thought we weren't supposed to acknowledge the weather?" It asked teasingly.

"Well I thought you said it wouldn't-ack!" Astarion started speaking but at the same moment, as if to spite the elf, it began to rain, with a drop hitting him directly on the head. He glared up at the sky as Barry giggled.

"C'mon, let's focus on trying to get home before we and all the stuff we bought gets soaked." Barry tugged Astarion along at a faster pace but even with their quicker pace, they still had a ways to go to make it back to their house and the rain steadily grew heavier.

An idea popped into Barry's head, to have some fun even if the two of them were getting a bit of an impromptu shower. They looked over at Astarion, grinning, and said, "Race ya!" They let go of his hand and took off.

"Hey! You brat!" Astarion yelled after them, little actual annoyance apparent in his voice, before he started running after them.

The two ran for their house, laughing and yelling at each other along the way. They made it back finally, Astarion reaching the house first after overtaking Barry. He quickly unlocked the door and ran in, though he waited and held the door open from the inside for Barry to run in as well.

"Hah! I win!" Astarion exclaimed, grinning and a little out of breath from the running.

Barry nodded, giving him a small smile and trying to catch its breath, setting the basket of food from the market that it had been carrying down on the kitchen table.

"Are you alright dear?" Astarion asked, setting his basket down as well as Barry leaned against the counter breathing hard.

"Yeah I'm okay babe, things just take a lot more out of me now than they used to, y'know? But that was pretty fun right?" it smiled wider at him as it spoke between breaths, its body slowly calming down from the exertion.

Astarion smiled and hummed before replying, "Everything today except the getting soaked was quite nice."

"Yeah, you do look like a sad wet cat now," Barry smirked, nodding at Astarion's hair dripping water.

The elf stuck his tongue out at Barry, then reached his hand up to see how bad it was, grimacing. "Ugh, it's completely ruined," he whined melodramatically

Barry grabbed a towel from a drawer next to it and motioned for him to come closer. "Here, I can dry you off a bit if you'd like, you big baby."

Astarion moved to stand in front of them, bending down a bit. Barry reached up and gently dried off his hair, wiping at his face and neck as well. Astarion closed his eyes and hummed, letting himself enjoy the feel of Barry's hands and the warmth of being close to them, putting his hands on their waist and squeezing gently.

"There you go, kitty cat," Barry said as they pulled their hands and the towel away from Astarion's hair, "it's at least start to getting you dried off."

The elf opened his eyes, smiling fondly at his love and wrapping his arms fully around them, pulling them close. They leaned into him, letting the towel drop to the floor as they put their hands on his shoulders. Astarion pressed a soft kiss to Barry's cheek and then leaned his forehead against theirs, murmuring, "I think that we should get these wet clothes off, go take a nice warm bath, and then we can make dinner, hmm?"

Barry hummed contentedly and replied, "I think that's an excellent idea, hon."

~

The two of them sat leaning against each other on Barry's bed, legs underneath the blanket and hands clasped together between them as they each read from their separate books and listened to the rain still coming down, though now they were safe and warm inside. The bath had been very relaxing and dinner had turned out delicious, they'd tried a new recipe (though most food things were still "new" to Astarion, having only been able to eat food again recently after the many decades of being a vampire.)

Barry sat its book down next to it, folding a corner down to mark where it left off. It turned toward Astarion, just taking a moment to gaze at its love, grateful that the two of them could have these happy, quiet moments after everything they'd been through. It smiled as Astarion turned his face towards it, quirking an eyebrow up in question.

"Like what you see, love?" he teased, a smirk growing on his face.

Barry laughed, squeezing his hand tight and receiving a squeeze back. "Yes, obviously I do." They brought their clasped hands up towards their face and pressed a soft kiss to the back of Astarion's hand. Astarion hummed as they pressed a couple more kisses across his knuckles. "I love you Astarion."

Astarion smiled softly at them, putting his book face down and reaching over with his now unoccupied hand, cupping Barry's face and leaning towards them. He pressed a sweet kiss against their lips and they leaned into it, reaching their hand up to cover his on their cheek. He pulled away after only a brief moment, but kept his face close to theirs, looking into their eyes and murmuring, "I love you too Barry."

Barry grinned, untangled their hand from his, and wrapped both arms around his neck, kissing him deeply. Astarion hummed happily against their lips, causing them to pull away slightly giggling, and then he wrapped his arms around them, pulling them back in. They played with the hair at the nape of his neck while his hands ran up and down their back. The two stayed wound around each other for a few moments before Barry pulled away again, leaning their forehead against Astarion's. They blinked sleepily and contentedly at him before murmuring, "We should probably get some sleep."

Astarion sighed and nodded, grabbing his book and Barry's and setting them down on the nightstand next to the bed. He turned the lamp on the nightstand off and the two of them got fully settled under the blanket, Barry on their back and Astarion laying his head on their chest. Barry wrapped an arm around Astarion's back, kissing the top of his head before saying, "good night Star."

"Good night my love."

Which one of those kisses from the Kiss Prompt List do you think best fits the essence of your Astarion ship? :)

Oh gods, I didn't actually expect anyone to send any asks in about those prompts, I reblogged so many of them just so I could go back to them later asdflkh but thank you for the ask!

I went through all of the kiss prompt posts (since there were 4 of them, wasn't sure if there was a specific post you meant) and I think these two are definitely the essence of their relationship (and a third one would be possessive kisses asdflh)

15. a gentle “i love you” whispered after a soft kiss, followed immediately by a stronger kiss

6. Randomly while holding hands bringing joined hands together to kiss the back of the hand

[ibasae]

Sprout*Waning Hermitage - Thursday 2

Shu: Huu... So you are saying Kagehira has been behaving strangely. To be honest, I've felt a vague uneasiness around him these days as well.

Izumi: Hah? If you already noticed, why didn't you do something sooner? Why would you allow him to disintegrate into this state?

Shu: Don't get ahead of yourself and start spewing nonsense.

I wasn't allowing his condition to worsen at all. After I've noticed that uneasiness yesterday I've been meaning to check on him as soon as I finish work.

But it took way too long, and it was already midnight when I finished. That's the only reason I didn't visit him right away.

I was on going to be on my way over before I bumped into you.

Izumi: You say that, but---

Hajime: Enough of that. Compared to that, we should be focused on finding the reason Kagehira-senpai is like this and make sure he doesn't get any worse...!

He changed so much... What even happened...?

He was cheerfully practicing a new song a few days ago, and he was normal then~ But...

Shu: Ah, speaking of the new song. He's been consistently showing me his enthusiasm.

yet, despite not getting the gist at all in the beginning, he's been showing drastic improvements these days.

Hajime: Ah, Kagehira-senpai has been practicing independently at night!

He was talking about how hard it was to be in character and was fustrated over "how to become a marionette!" This time, your song is based off past Valkyrie, right?

Shu: Correct. Kagehira's heart has grew since then, and he has almost forgotten how to be a marionette. We've been worried about that these past few days.

Izumi: ...

Hey, this kinda situation... Is it perhaps hypnosis?

Hajime: ...Hypnosis?

Izumi: I've heard it about it from Leo---Something like this happened in the dorm in January.

This situation, could he have placed a hypnosis on himself?

Shu: Huu, self-hypnosis...?

It's no use. We won't figure it out just standing around, let's go ask someone that actually knows hypnosis

Natsume: oho, I sEE. I understand why you and Shu-niisan came to find me nOW.

Shu: To be honest, I'm only half convinced. However, we are also out of options.

Boy, could it be what we are suspecting? Can one even hypnotize themseves?

Natsume: aH, if I were to give a strict yes or nO, Yes.

Hajime: Is it that easy perform hypnosis ?!

Izumi: Even though I was the one that suggested hypnosis, now that it's confirmed, I don't quite believe it...

Natsume: Did you think hypnosis is maGIC? Some may call it "mental suggesTIONS," it's present in our every day liFE.

In appliCATION, sports players "getting in the mOOD" before a big game is hypNOSIS.

At this pOINT, anyone can perform hypnosis to an exTENT.

Hajime: Eh, does that mean I can do it too?

Natsume: yeS, but the difficulty depends on who it is being performed oN.

Izumi: Who it's performed on? What do you mean?

Natsume: Of course tactics and technique are impORTANT. Yet, the narrative that one has to practice thousands of times to get the gist of hypnosis is faLSE.

It's not so much "hypnotizing" but being "hypnotized" that matteRS. Which means the effects of hypnosis will differ greatly based on the perSON.

A kind, empathetic person that's particularly trusting gets hypnotized the eASIEST. The personality of the person being hypnotized is more important the skill of the person doing the hypnotizING.

In sumMARY, as long as you have the correct stEPS, a keyWORD, and a person that's easy to hypnoTIZE, anyone can perform basic hypNOSIS.

Izumi: In other words, Kagehira is so simple-minded, that he thought too much and accidentally hypnotized himself?

Natsume: hM, it's not impOSSIBLE.

Shu: Alright, so much for Hypnosis 101. It doesn't matter who performed the hypnosis.

What then, boy? Can you undo Kagehira's hypnosis or not?

Natsume: hUU~... I'll certainly tRY... But don't get your hopes uP.

Like I said, I don't know the keYWORD, so I don't know what I need to say to undo iT, the process will prove to be very diFFICULT.

Mika: ...

Hajime: Hm~ It doesn't seem to work... Kagehira-senpai is not back to his usual state.

Izumi: Maybe we took the wrong approach? We've spent so much time trying different things.

Natsume: I told yOU, it's better for the doer to undo what he has doNE.

Hajime: Ah... It's already twilight already. We tried so many things already, let's call it a day...

Shu: Hm... there's no other way, we'll just have to try again later.

Natsume: Sorry I can't be of more hELP, Shu-niisAN.

But, hypnosis doesn't have a long-lasting efFECT, maybe it'll automatically undo itself tomORROW.

Izumi: Let's just call it a day.

Either way, we can't leave Kagehira alone like this. Although it's difficult, we'd have to get him back to the dorm. Geez, he'd have to properly thank us after this.

Hajime: Hah... This is way bigger of a deal than we thought it would be...

Izumi: Uwah! Hey, Kagehira, walk properly! If we keep having to support you like this we'd all fall~

Mika: ...

Hajime: Unsurprisingly, senpai had no reaction...

Now senpai is like a real marionette. Even if senpai wanted to be one, he definitely didn't mean this kind of marionette...

Shu: Becoming a marionette---

Shu: (Speaking of which, when I bought that doll at the antiques shop in Paris, didn't the shopkeep say something strange...? I remember he said---)

(You'd get captured if you are too nice to the doll or... something like that.)

[ice-dancers-and-chill]

Consolation Prize

Summary: Jacques' super great plan to cheer up Josée after their TDRR loss.

Rating: K+

Warning: Mild cursing

AN: I've been meaning to write this for YEARS, but alas… a funny, evil hah-hah drabble. Wrote on Docs on mobile 😵‍💫

—

Everyone cheered with congratulations as confetti and sparkles rained down onto the stage—everyone, except for the Ice Dancers. Jacques and Josée both sneered at the Cadets, who were living it up by throwing their newly acquired million dollars into the air to mix in with the confetti. 

Jacques hated them. He hated the Surfers. He hated Don. He hated all of the stupide, ugly people here. The only person here that he didn't hate, was Josée. His eyes drifted to the side to check on his partner again, but she was too busy glowering at the back of MacArthur's head to notice.

Stupide MacArthur who saved her life not even a day earlier. 

What did she want for it, a medal? It didn't matter that they would have been guaranteed fourth place without her help, it didn't matter that Josée could have… died, without her help. It was still a competition, and she didn't have any right to be all mad at Josée for playing the game as soon as the moment was over. 

Jacques huffed. Maybe he was just bitter. This whole damn race was a huge waste of time and a fantastic pain in the butt. He and Josee were so close to total reconciliation back in Montreal, and then they participated in this dumb race. They'd been pushed to their limits, had their absolute worst brought out, and fought with each other so much. And then that fiasco in the Bahamas… Ugh…

"Yes, throw all your money on the ground, very smart." Don chided the Cadets with a host-appropriately peppy side-comment. 

Jacques looked to Don, then back to the Cadets two rows ahead of them. Stupide pompous pigs, stupide…

His eyes settled lower, specifically onto the ground between the vegan Mile's sandal-clad feet in front of him. Along with the colorful confetti and some loose bills, a fairly thick clip of hundreds laid there innocently on the floor. Jacques eyebrows raised, mouth dipped low. 

Don just finished giving the season outro, and everyone yelled again, save for himself and Josée. No one was looking at him. No one was looking at anything besides the camera at the end of the stage.

Jacques did his best to not smile as he stepped his sneaker on top of the bills, a plan already forming in his bitter, handsome head.

—

"Jacques, hurry up." Josée called back to him, but her voice had lost all of its bite. 

Jacques lugged their matching pink duffle bags, one on each arm, as he walked to keep up with her. They didn't have to wear their uniforms anymore, and the straps from their bags kept pulling at his undone jacket every few steps. He stopped at the end of the line beside Josée, and stuck his lip out in thought while he looked over her tired face. Even after a night to sleep off their loss in one of the JFK Memorial Airport's hotels, Josée still looked worn out. His poor Josée, he was sure she must have a lot on her mind.

"Mon chou, why don't you go and sit by the TSA booth? I'll get our tickets and luggage taken care of." Jacques offered sweetly.

Josée looked up at him questioningly, a little miffed by his relaxed attitude after such a horrible finish yesterday. But she turned her head to the very, very long line ahead of them, and figured there was no reason that both of them needed to suffer through it.

"Fine, sure." Josée answered, still annoyed sounding. 

Jacques watched her go with a sneaky smile. He felt a little bad for not letting her in on his plan—seeing as she was so put out—but the surprise would be worth it. He felt like he needed something big to boost her spirits, and a surprise like this was a great way to do it.

—

"A'kay! All ready to go." Jacques smiled and offered her ticket to her. 

Josée took it from him and got up from her seat, trailing behind him as he walked them to TSA. As they waited in line, Josée looked over her ticket absent-mindedly, only to lose her bored expression to shock. Jacques did his best to look off, as though he hadn't been waiting for her to notice. 

"Jacques!" Josée yelled up at him, and he turned nonchalantly to her.

"What is the mat—"

"—You got us the wrong tickets!" Josée berated him, smacking the little paper against his arm. Honestly, was this so hard? Did she need to hover over him for even the simplest things? He knew she was in no mood for little screw-ups like this!

"I diiid?" Jacques asked, feigning ignorance. He took a look at his own ticket. "Ah! Sill-y me, I accidentally booked two first-class tickets for Honolulu!" 

Josée's mouth slumped to the side at his moronic grin.

"How do you even mess that up!" She steamed. "Go back over there and fix it, and make sure you get a refund! Do you know how much first-class tickets to Hawaii cost?"

"Ah, oui, I do." Jacques smiled at her smugly.

"...So go!!" Josée threw her arms to the side, in the direction of the ticket counter, but Jacques didn't make any movement to do as he was told. Josée felt like she was going to burst a blood vessel—was she going insane? He looked so damn smug, despite sounding dumber than a bag of bronze right now. 

Just when he was sure Josée might actually pop if he pushed her buttons any longer, Jacques raised his hands and patted Josée's shoulders, smoothing out her anger along with the fabric of her blouse.

"Ah ah, Josée! Not to worry, we are not paying for it." Jacques assured her. His smile morphed into something more mischievous when she shot him a confused squint.

"Those pigs are picking up the tab." He smirked, and pulled his jacket to the side just enough to reveal a neat clip of hundred dollar bills tucked into the inside pocket. 

Josée stared at the money in surprise, then back up to Jacques as he closed his jacket again. It took her a moment to realize what he was getting at, and she smiled apprehensively.

"Jacques…" Her smile grew a bit. "...where did you get that?"

"Ahh, I cannot remember!" Jacques replied, hand laid against his temple. "It was so confusing yesterday, you know, with everyone yelling, and them throwing their money all around…"

He winked at her and Josée squealed quietly. She threw her arms around his neck in a hug, and Jacques wrapped his arms across her back, his eyebrows bowed up contently. He hadn't heard her laugh at all since yesterday.

"Jacques, that is so underhanded!" Josée pulled back, smiling wide.

"Psh! They don't need it. They probably won't even notice." He rolled his eyes and set a hand onto her back as they walked to move with the line. "But we need a vacation, non?"

Josée looked up at him giddily, just like she had in Argentina. It felt like forever ago, for both of them.

"Oui, I think we do." Josée affirmed, and hugged onto his arm as… professionally as possible. 

Jacques beamed with pride.

They hadn't suffered so many losses so close together in years, and then placing third in the finale stung like bullet ant bites. But this was not ice dancing, and this was not for any medal or trophy, so he could convince himself (and then maybe Josée later) that these losses didn't matter. What mattered was that after all the losses and fighting and threats, that they were still together, side by side, arm-in-arm, and always would be. If Vancouver couldn't break them, nothing could.

He snuck a peak at Josée, who was still smiling brightly at nothing in particular. Jacques' lips curved up in admiration. Returning that smile to her face was worth more than the million ever would be.

(But a free trip to Honolulu wasn't bad, either.)

—

AN: Hawaii was special to them, and now it's tainted by cursed lava rock memories. They need some new ones! ;)

[daitsuu]

Nijimura Audio Drama Translation

Nijimura: Oi! If you have nothing to do, then go make rounds outside!

Members: Understood!

Akashi: Nijimura-san, about the groupings of the next game–

Nijimura: Oi Akashi.

Akashi: Yes?

Nijimura: What’s up with Haizaki?

Akashi: Oh, I didn’t see him since the morning today.

Nijimura: Oh yeah? I haven’t seen him since yesterday.

Akashi: Oh.

Nijimura: That’s weird. I didn’t see him the day before yesterday either. Can you please remind me what club he was a member of?

…..THAT BASTARD!! WHAT DOES HE THINKS HE’S DOING NOT SHOWING FOR CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR THREE DAYS!? HUUHH???

Hey! Has anyone seen Haizaki in school grounds today?

Kuroko: Um, we’ve passed each other in the corridors during lunch break.

Nijimura: I see, so he came to school huh? But he’s just slacking off of club activities. Haizaki….. Today, I’m definitely NOT going to show you mercy!

Kuroko: Haizaki kun. I wonder why he won’t come to club activities.

Akashi: Who knows. But even still, he’s a member of the first string. If his unauthorized absence continues, it’s going to leave an effect on the whole team’s morale. I think it’s about time for me to warn him directly about this.

Nijimura: Oi Akashi! Kuroko! Do you guys have any idea about places Haizaki is likely to go to?

Akashi: Kuroko, can you think of something?

Kuroko: Oh yeah, I think I’ve seen him one time at a game center after practice before. I don’t know if he’s there today too though.

Nijimura: Ho, a game center huh.

[At the Game Center]

Haizaki: Right… Right… Right… Yes!!  And just a little bit farther… Oh, it’s looking good! OH YES I CAUGHT IT!! COME TO ME, COME TO ME!

…Huh? Why the hell did you fall off at that place, I had you grabbed so good! What the fuck! They’re definitely making it loose on purpose!!

*starts to kick the crane machine*

Nijimura: Oi, oi. Don’t put the blame on the machine just because you suck, shithead.

Haizaki: Ha? Don’t you talk down on me. Come here and say that to my face!!

Nijimura: “Come here?” Since I’m in this place because I have some business with you, it’s actually a perfect opportunity.

Haizaki: !!!!! ….Nijimura….san

Nijimura: It’s good to know you haven’t forgotten my face and my name. So is it alright to assume you already know what I came here to tell you?

Haizaki: W-who knows?

*starts walking away*

Nijimura: I took the trouble to come all the way here to see you and you’re already leaving? That makes me sad.

Haizaki: Ha? To see me?

Nijimura: Yeah! Even if I look like this, I’m the captain of the Teikou Basketball team after all.

Haizaki: Hah. Did you come here to sermon me or something. You guys can still do club activities without me there right? Just leave me alone.

Nijimura: Pfft… Hahaha! That line of yours is too transparent.

Haizaki: What?

Nijimura: You slack off non-stop from club activities to get attention to yourself right? Aw, it’s alright, I won’t leave you alone. You sure are a “kamatte-chan”.

Haizaki: Don’t fuck with me!!

*attempts to punch Nijimura*

Nijimura: Oh? That was a better punch than I expected.

…..However, that won’t work on me.

[Probably in the Lunch Hall]

Haizaki: Ugh.. Ouch…

Akashi: This seat.. Isn’t taken, correct?

Haizaki: Ha? ……Akashi. It IS taken.

Akashi: I see.

*sits down*

Haizaki: I said the seat is taken! ……Damn it

Akashi: What happened with those injuries on your face?

Haizaki: So noisy, it has got nothing to do with you.

Akashi: Were you at the game center yesterday?

Haizaki: Tsk.

Akashi: I see. Then this will make things faster. Club activities for today will involve a practice match of first years vs second years. Please make sure to attend.

Haizaki: Ha? Don’t order me around. Who the hell do you think you are?

Akashi: I am simply fulfilling my duties as the vice captain.

Haizaki: Aaaaahhhh yes sir, is that so Mr. Vice Captain sir, thank you very much for taking the trouble!

Akashi: …….. Haizaki. What is the reason behind you not attending practices?

Haizaki: Reason…? I don’t have one. I just felt like it.

Akashi: If you have no plans on even attending the club, then you could always just quit, couldn’t you? Your slacking off has come to a point that it leaves a bad influence on the team.

Haizaki: Stop putting the blame on me.

Akashi: I heard that you started a quarrel with people from a different school the other day as well when you were wandering about. Learn to be more prudent before the problem gets out of hand.

Haizaki: I SAID. STOP ORDERING ME AROUND!!

Akashi: Haizaki! What will you do about club today?

Haizaki: Heh. I was actually thinking about showing my face a little bit but I changed my mind. All thanks to you.

Akashi: …………..

[After club activities]

Nijimura: Hai…za…ki!

Akashi: The cleaning and locking of the gymnasium is finished.

Nijimura: Ou. Thanks for your hardwork.

Akashi: Nijimura san, if it’s paperwork, please let me do it.

Nijimura: Huh? Oh, okay. Then, I’ll leave the continuation to you.

Akashi: …..So in the end, he didn’t show up did he? Haizaki, I mean.

Nijimura: Breaking his promise with me, that bastard. I should’ve punched him two or three more times!!

*Akashi laughs*

Nijimura: Well, that only means we have to do something about him again but anyway, how was the first year vs. second year match today?

Akashi: Yes… For the team with only the firs years, I think that the balance of fighting power among the members is close to being at the tipping point/danger zone. Moreover, with Kuroko’s participation, we are now able to create a change in the flow of the game. However at this point in time, we are not able to take full advantage of this change.

Nijimura: Yeah, since there are no players with a style like Kuroko’s… So it means that the ones playing with him must develop a technique themselves to go along with it.

Akashi: While we’re at this point, Aomine on the other hand, is able to go all out with his own playing style thanks to Kuroko’s invisible passes. In today’s match, his speed greatly improved.

Nijimura: He always practiced with Kuroko even before he came to the first string right? Either they’re in tune with one another or he’s just excited. It’s just like the straightforward idiot he is, isn’t it?

Akashi: On the other hand, Murasakibara is harboring annoyance.

Nijimura: Huh?

Akashi: Endurance, experience… It seems he feels a lack in Kuroko who is yet to catch up with the first strings regarding those matters.

Nijimura: Hm.

Akashi: Because of this, the snacks are disappearing at a rate that is 1.5x faster than before.

Nijimura: Stress-eating!? Really… His body is so huge but he’s really just a brat. He should be a little bit more stoic like Midorima– well, that’s not gonna happen.

Akashi: Since Midorima and Murasakibara’s personalities are quite polar opposites aren’t they?

Nijimura: Well, Midorima being Midorima is too absorbed in his own thing that he lacks awareness of his surroundings too.

….and he seems to be always holding weird things???

Akashi: They’re Oha Asa lucky items.

Nijimura: *Sighs* Really…. you guys are all so troublesome.

[Kuroko texting]

Kuroko: Hmm I wonder if this is too long for a message… Alright, this is about it. Pressing send…

*phone rings*

Kuroko: This is a ringtone right? Hello?

[ Ogiwara: Kuroko! ]

Kuroko: Ogiwara kun! Hajimemashite!

[ Ogiwara: What??? ]

Kuroko: Ahh, sorry. I mean, in a talking-on-the-phone kind of way.

[ Ogiwara: Oh I see. If you say it that way, it gets kind of embarrassing. ]  

Kuroko: The call came all of a sudden so I kind of panicked.  ]

[ Ogiwara: Haha, sorry. It’s because just when I was trying to send an e-mail, your message to me arrived so… I got so happy I called you without thinking. ]  

Kuroko: Did you receive my message?

[ Ogiwara: Yup! I received it. ]

Kuroko: That’s great to hear. Since we used written letters until now, I’m still not used to this.

[ Ogiwara: I’ll be your practice buddy so keep on sending me messages and calls, alright? ]

Kuroko: Okay!

[ Ogiwara: So, how have you been recently? Since going up the Teikou’s first string! ]

Kuroko: I feel like I’ll vomit. Actually, I do vomit.

[ Ogiwara: EH!? ]

Kuroko: The practices are so many times harder than the third string’s and it takes all of my ability just to finish them. Just remembering makes me go…. ugh—

[ Ogiwara: Oi oi oi are you alright? ]

Kuroko: Yes

[ Ogiwara: You get a feeling like… “that’s Teikou Middle School for you” right? No wonder they’re so strong. ]

Kuroko: Everyone accomplishes those kinds of practices as if it’s just everyday routine and it’s really amazing.

[ Ogiwara: But Kuroko, even before you were still in the third string, you did your best more than anyone to the point of doing independent practices, right? So you’ll definitely catch up to them one day! ]

Kuroko: Aomine kun told me the same thing before. You two definitely are similar in some ways.

[ Ogiwara: Aomine? Oooohh that friend you told me about before who’s really awesome at basketball? ]

Kuroko: Yes! Even in among the first string, his abilities are far superior. But during times I’m feeling down, he’s someone who will casually just keep his pace to match mine.

[ Ogiwara: I see. It’s nice to hear you have a friend who you can count on. ]  

Kuroko: Oh yeah, he bought me ice cream on the way home from practice before.

[ Ogiwara: Ice cream???? Even though it’s this cold?? ]

Kuroko: That day, I was so exhausted and down because I really couldn’t keep up with the day’s practice so he went “well, just eat it out”

[ Ogiwara: Oh, I see! ]

Kuroko: I thought that it was to resupply sugar into my system and to cool me down…

[ Ogiwara: Hmmmmm, somehow, I feel like he didn’t really think about stuff like that? ]

Kuroko: When you put it that way… I really did start to think it may be the case.

[ Ogiwara: Hahaha! But he really is a good guy isn’t he, that Aomine. Well that means at least, that you are able to be a first string member without being brought down no matter how hard the practices are. ]

Kuroko: Yes! How is going on your end, Ogiwara kun?

[ Ogiwara: Oh! Well for me, even if it’s just little by little, they’re starting to include me in the starters. ]

Kuroko: Starters? That’s amazing!

[ Ogiwara: Even so, it’s because there are a lot of practice matches where the opponent also uses first years. ]  

Kuroko: Even still, I think it’s amazing that you’re selected among the many first year members.

[ Ogiwara: I’m happy just being able to go out and play in the match but when the cooperative moves we’ve experimented on during practices actually work in the match itself, it really is the best feeling. It’s as if you were able to prove the greatness of teamwork. ]

Kuroko: Teamwork…

[ Ogiwara: Hmm? Is there something wrong? ]

Kuroko: Actually, there’s someone in the first string who doesn’t really come to practice often. He’s also a first year, you see.

[ Ogiwara: Ahh, so there really are people who find the practices too hard and back out of frustration? ]

Kuroko: Oh no, actually he’s a player that’s good enough to be chosen as a regular. But then for some reason, he just keeps slacking off of club activities.

[ Ogiwara: What’s up with that? Did he have a fight with a teammate or something? Or like his parents got mad at him because his grades went down because of too much balling? Did you try to hear his reasoning? ]

Kuroko: Well, I’ve never asked him directly myself but it seems that all he does is play around after school when he slacks off of practice so I really don’t think that’s it.

[ Ogiwara: Then… It really is just purely slacking off? Hmmm… No matter how good he was that he was able to be a freshman first string member in Teikou, if he keeps slacking off, won’t he be left behind by others? Does it mean he doesn’t care about that? ]

Kuroko: I think it isn’t like that but…

[ Ogiwara: Hmm but even while slacking off, he doesn’t quit the club. So that doesn’t mean that he has come to hate basketball either, right? Hmmmm… I don’t really know but if he likes basketball, he’ll probably come back. ]

Kuroko: If he likes baskeball….. I guess you’re right.

[Haizaki in stealth mode after school]

Haizaki: *Sigh* it seems I was able to go undetected but if someone from the basketball club sees me, I’ll be 100% scolded. I’m having none of that today!

Voice: Heeeeh. Who’s going to scold you, you said?

Haizaki: That hot-headed captain.

Voice: What are you having none of, you said?

Haizaki: Getting beat up, of cours— ahhh!!

Nijimura: You never learn do you?

Haizaki: Ni, Niji—

Nijimura: Oh hey there, I’m Nijimura san, that hot-headed captain! I was contemplating on how you didn’t keep our promise yesterday so I went out of my way to wait for you right here! If I remember correctly, we were supposed to have already met at the gymnasium yesterday, right? HAIZAKI? *cracks knuckles*

Haizaki: You bastard…

Nijimura: Who did you call a bastard?

Haizaki: Eh!?

Nijimura: Thanks for making a fool out of me. Come to the practice this instant!

Haizaki: Shut up! Always picking on me like a target!! Let me say this to you today as well!!

Nijimura: Oh, do tell!!

Haizaki: THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARDWORK CAPTAIN NIJIMURA, PLEASE DO YOUR BEST ON THE PRACTICE OKAAAAYY!?!?!?!?!?!

*bolts*

Nijimura: You— don’t screw around with me!!!!!!!

*chases*

Nijimura: Don’t you run away from me Haizaki!!!!!

Haizaki: You’re so persistent!!! It’s because you keep chasing me!!!!!

Nijimura: Don’t try to reason out with me!!!!

Haizaki: UOOOHHHHHHHHH

*Haizaki trips and falls*

Nijimura: Haizaki!!! Oi, are you alright? You didn’t sprain your arm or your leg?

Haizaki: You… Just the day before yesterday you beat me up and now you say these things!?

Nijimura: Isn’t it obvious I didn’t go all out on you at that time? Don’t put it on the same thing as you just simply tripping and falling.

Haizaki: You held back on me?!

Nijimura: Oh? Those are nice eyes.

Haizaki: Just as you said, don’t make a fool out of people! I’m gonna beat you up!!

Nijimura: Well isn’t that perfect, come at me!!

*Haizaki and Nijimura go at each other and Haizaki is beat up*

Nijimura: Well, you fight good but you’re still a hundred years too early to be my serious opponent.

Haizaki: Damn it…

Nijimura: Haizaki, don’t run away anymore.

Haizaki: I’m not running from anything—

Nijimura: Not about fighting you idiot. Hey, Haizaki. Why don’t you try to face basketball honestly for once?

Haizaki:

Nijimura: ………….Ah? He passed out. *Sigh* so troublesome, geez!!

[Teikou gymnasium]

Nijimura: Ossu!!

Akashi: Nijimura san?

*Haizaki groaning in the background*

Akashi: ……? Nijimura san, could that be….

Nijimura: Yup! Hey, where are your greetings?

Haizaki: ‘Sup…..

Kuroko: (His face…. is nothing like how it originally looked like)

Nijimura: You know this guy gets really energetic and runs around all excited when he sees my face so I also did my best to bring him here!

Akashi: But….. In his state now….

Nijimura: Oh pish posh, right Haizaki? You’re super excited to be able to join practice after all this time right?

Haizaki: Yeeess……

Nijimura: Yup, that’s a nice response! Well anyway, why don’t you go join that mini game over there! Off you go!

Haizaki: OWW!!

Nijimura: Haizaki!! That was your return wasn’t it!

Haizaki: Ahh damn! Give it to me!!

*shoots ball*

Haizaki: Yeah that’s how it goes!

Nijimura: Don’t go putting on a smug face just because you made one shot! If you have time for that then get back as soon as you can!!

Haizaki: Yes, sir!!

Kuroko: Haizaki kun….. He really is good.

Akashi: That’s what you think?

Kuroko: Eh?

Akashi: He indeed has abilities that is superior than the norm, however, the ball is not going to him in a way it can be most put into effect. It’s undeniable that there’s a lack of cooperation.

Kuroko: That means that indeed, there’s a fundamental lack of practice, right? However rather than Haizaki kun, it looks like it’s the other players who are feeling uncertain about Haizaki kun’s play style.

Akashi: So you did see through it, Kuroko. It means that Haizaki slacking’s off has begun to show its effects.

Kuroko: So it’s good that the captain was able to drag him here even while he used excessive measures, isn’t it?

……Akashi kun?

Akashi: Don’t you think…. Nijimura san is a little too hung-up on Haizaki?

Kuroko: Hung-up?

Akashi: Nijimura san has an eye for people. He has from the beginning a rather correct evaluation about me, and he knew about how you worked harder than anyone else in secret. But… He’s different towards Haizaki. Even while knowing that there’s a high probability of him leaving negative effects on the team, he’s made it so that cutting him loose won’t be an option from the very beginning.

Is there any good in letting the Haizaki the way he is now, stay on the team even to the point of resorting to violence?

Kuroko: Akashi kun…

*Nijimura humming*

Akashi: I’ve locked the doors to the gymnasium. I’ve gone and returned the keys to the faculty room.

Nijimura: Oh! Thanks!

Akashi: Nijimura san…. I told you, I’ll do the paperworks.

Nijimura: Oh? Well, I’m feeling rather good today because we were able to practice with the complete set of first string members after a long time so…. since I’m almost done, you can go ahead of me if you want.

Akashi: ….

Nijimura: What’s wrong? You’re not going home?

Akashi: I have something I wanted to ask Nijimura san. Is it alright?

Nijimura: I don’t mind.

Akashi: It’s about Haizaki.

[ Ogiwara: Oh yeah, about that guy you said who always slacked off of practice… ]

Kuroko: You mean Haizaki kun?

[ Ogiwara: Did he come to club today? ]

Kuroko: Well, yes, in a way.

[ Ogiwara: “In a way”? What’s that supposed to mean. ]

Kuroko: Captain went and beat Haizaki kun up and dragged him back when he was about to go home and slack off again.

[ Ogiwara: “Beat up”!? You mean with fists? ]

Kuroko: His face looked so horrible. To think Nijimura san was that strong…

[Ogiwara: Nijimura? Eh, Nijimura…. You mean that blond haired Nijimura san? ]

Kuroko: Eh? Captain isn’t blond.

[ Ogiwara: Hmm could it be a different person? But then the last name “Nijimura” is rather rare… So that just means it just isn’t at the present? ]  

Kuroko: Ogiwara kun… You know our captain?

[ Ogiwara: Well, during elementary school, I actually watched a Teikou match once. When I did, there was this person who was a starter while being a freshman and he was so incredibly strong. That person was called “Nijimura”. ]  

Kuroko: He was blond that time?  

[ Ogiwara: Yeah yeah. Honestly though, his attitude during the matches weren’t really the best… Like he’s arrogant just because he’s good? He lashed out even when the people he’s talking to are his seniors…  ]

Kuroko: Nijimura san… Arrogant?

[ Ogiwara: So he’s the captain huh. It’s rather unexpected! ]  

Kuroko: Well for me though, the story you told me now is the one that’s unexpected.

[ Ogiwara: Really? ]

Kuroko: Yes. Nijimura san is someone who can boast great faith from the coach and he listens to our opinions even if we are his juniors. Even to Haizaki kun.. Well, the means are quite, you know… But he tries his best to bring him to practice… It’s a very different image than what Ogiwara kun knows. Besides, he has black hair now.

[ Ogiwara: Hooooh. Then maybe… Some things might have also happened with Nijimura san since that time. ]

Akashi: What did Nijimura san think about Haizaki in the practice today?

Nijimura: Well, for someone who doesn’t go to practice, his movements weren’t dull. He isn’t on Aomine’s level, but his instinct and skills to bring the ball to the goal without any qualms haven’t changed.

Akashi: Hm

Nijimura: But that’s in the end, his individual ability. He missed numerous easier and more ideal chances to get the ball into the goal. There’s also that angle where you know the others hesitated to pass the ball to Haizaki but that guy doesn’t look at his surroundings to begin with. I guess his egocentricity did him a little good here.

Akashi: So you did notice.

Nijimura: It seems you are wanting to say something. Tell me. You don’t have to hold back.

Akashi: Haizaki’s bad conduct, isn’t just his own personal problem– it is beginning to leave quite a tangible effect on the team as a whole. Even if you tell them not to mind, distrust is something that grows stronger. After all, isn’t Haizaki’s reason for slacking off in the end just pure laziness? If he doesn’t respond to repeated warnings, then I think that the effort Nijimura san goes out of his way to put on him is just a waste.

Nijimura: Heh, you didn’t really hold back at all.

Akashi: In my opinion, I think that the faster we cut Haizaki off, the better it will be for the team.

Nijimura: Well, for the team, that may be the correct decision. But hey, can you give it a little more time?

Akashi: ….

Nijimura: To you who is capable and is able to walk in a straight line in life, someone who is aimless and who always postpones the answers might just seem “lazy”. But for me, his slacking off seems like an escape.

Akashi: Escape?

Nijimura: To never be ordered around, he’s walking around living selfishly but he’s probably just frightened to be bound to one place.

Akashi: I somehow sense some first-hand experience/feeling into what you said.

Nijimura: Hahaha, seriously you’re too sharp! Well, you can say that when I was in first year, I was also a bit sharp around some edges. When I look at Haizaki roaming aimlessly, I kind of remember myself and get embarrassed.

Akashi: So in other words, Nijimura san is projecting himself onto Haizaki? Therefore you think he’s going to change like you one day?

Nijimura: You really say it so bluntly. Well yeah, that’s probably it. Haizaki’s reason for joining the basketball team could probably just be because he’s just better at it than others. But then, why do you think he doesn’t quit if he just keeps slacking off?

Akashi: ….

Nijimura: Well, let’s go home. But you know I’m kind of hungry so maybe I’ll buy some meat bun from the convenience store? Do you want to come along, Akashi?

Akashi: Isn’t it already time for dinner by the time we arrive home?

Nijimura: Oi oi Obocchan. Don’t tell me you’ve never just went out and bought food to eat? There is a different room for these foods in the stomach apart from the one for dinner! It’s delicious because you eat it while going home.

Alright! I’m going to initiate you into the art of buying these foods so let’s get going!

Akashi: Nijimura san! I’m not exactly hungry…

Nijimura: This is my treat, don’t be shy!

Nijimura: Kuroko! Your right leg wasn’t raised enough in your take-off!

Kuroko: I apologize!

Haizaki: Hey, lameass.

Kuroko: Haizaki ku–

Haizaki: Give it to me.

Akashi: !? Haizaki

Nijimura: You’re late, Haizaki! Hurry up and go get changed!

Haizaki: *Sigh*

Nijimura: Answer!

Haizaki: Yes sir!

Akashi: Did you do something, Nijimura san? To think Haizaki will come to practice on his own…

Nijimura: Who knows? Maybe he’s learned his lesson after being beaten up too many times?

Akashi: I don’t see the merit on both sides in using force on Haizaki to practice –

Nijimura: I will force him, Akashi. As long as he’s in the basketball club.

Akashi: ….Why?

Nijimura: Because… I’m the Captain of Teikou. However, it’s up to him from now on if he will change or not.

Akashi: Is that Nijimura san’s way…?

Nijimura: Yes it is. But don’t worry. I won’t tell you to do the same thing as me.

Akashi: ….

Nijimura: Well, I’m not gonna tell you to copy this *cracks fist*

Today, I’m gonna have you pay the debt for all the times you’ve slacked off until now!! Prepare yourself, Haizaki!!!!!

[gojology]

Fireworks.

the request :

pairing : not technically a pairing.. but lets just say gojo x female reader warnings : angst and cursing, no editing. wordcount : 2561 a/n : this physically hurt me to write thanks anon. aha all jokes aside i’m so sorry for not making this quick enough, i finally got enough time to finish it and it’s not even that good :( thank u SO much for ur kind words omg u got me feelin like <333333333

       You stare at him, and he stares back, you’re sure he’s unblinking behind those shades of his.         You knew what would happen after this confrontation, after all, you were the one who had asked him to meet you here. It’s a small, calm park. The atmosphere is still, and the shrill sounds of cicadas are the only thing penetrating the deafening silence between the two of you.          “Hey.” he finally speaks up, sounding a bit too impatient for your liking. You flinch a little, and your fist tightens. It was like he never learned how to introduce himself politely.         You take a deep breath in and exhale, your breath comes out in clouds of smoke. You remember when Shoko had given you those cigarettes one day and Gojo slapped it out of your slack hands, Geto and Gojo laughing at your flushed face, your heart twists.          Truth be told, you didn’t even know why you were thinking the world was ending- it wasn’t. Breaking up with your fellow peer was awkward to say the least, but there were only 4 of you in the jujutsu class, yourself included. It would be undeniably dreadful to see his lanky figure dotting around the back of the class with Geto, and to have to work with him for everything else.          “Hey.” you reply, your words dripping with venom.         “C’mon, cut to the chase.” he waved his hand a few times in the air as a dismissal of the conversation, a half eaten lollipop dangling dangerously from those limp long fingers. It makes you hate him even harder. Couldn’t he read the room?     “I don’t have time for chit-chat, you know?! The strongest needs some rest. I’m human like the rest of us! Sheesh, Jujutsu is so demanding....”      “We need to break up.” is all that slips from your lips, and even you’re shocked it came out that carelessly. You wanted to stop resisting, to stop holding back and let loose the long river of hatred and misery you had for this man- no, a boy, he was a boy.      A strong wind blows against your warm face, and the lollipop drops onto the grass without another word.        Gojo gapes at you dumbly, and in return you look down to study that glistening in the moonlight lollipop, it’s pink and ants are already crawling on their new found prey. Your shoes are slightly dirty, and you could see-        “Are you serious?” he scoffed as if it was a joke. It’s not, and you hate being taken like a joke. You weren’t, and that’s all Gojo Satoru did- take everything as a joke, everything was childs play to him. You were looking for a serious relationship, and him? He was looking for sex and quick make out sessions.        “Wait- you’re not joking?” he laughs again, but it trails off, you doubt it actually affected him.        “Of course I’m not joking. Why would I joke about shit like this?” you spat back.        You didn’t care about his feelings right now. You deserved some sort of medal for dealing with him, any sort of compensation really. it seemed to you like the relationship didn’t quite matter for whatever reason. If he wanted to be fuckbuddies he could’ve just said so-       But you still can’t wrap your head around why he kept you, he didn’t throw you away, and you falter. You wanted to be his girlfriend in some ways, in others you wanted to punch him in the face with as much cursed energy as possible.        Gojo takes his glasses off, slipping them into his jacket’s pocket. It seems like he doesn’t want to talk, but you press on.        “I’m fucking tired, Satoru. You treat me like bullshit. I’m not your-” you take a short breather, tears beginning to dawn at the corner of your eyes. “I’m not your fucking doll. And I never, ever WILL BE. I’ve hung onto this stupid fucking relationship long enough and the amount of dedication you poured into this isn’t enough. I deserve better.”        Shit. You hated rambling like that. Scratch that, you hated confrontations as a whole, this would be sure to take a toll on you later.       Turning your back on him, you allow those tears to finally fall. Tears that had been shut in long enough had finally seen the light of day. You wipe the trails away with the already wet sleeve of your hoodie, a large trembling frown adorned your features.        You can’t hide your sniffling even if you tried, and before you know it you can’t even prevent the floodgates from bursting. The tears seeped into the dirt, creating some sort of rhythm as they fell from your cheeks.       “Hey-” he places those hands on your shoulder that made your knees go weak, it’s gentle, and he slightly caresses you. It’s strangely intimate for the situation you found yourself in, but you’re still mortified. Why did you enjoy his touch?        It feels like you’re in this position for ages, his hands on your shoulder, your back facing him. Somehow, someway, you can taste salty tears and you didn’t remember drinking any, for a split second you feel disgusted, at you, at him, at the world.      A small noise leaves your throat.      “It’s okay.” he finally spoke, was that a hint of sorrow? Never mind that, he was actually taking this seriously. What a turn of events.      He took it better then you certainly thought, especially since this would be a definite blow to his big ego. You turn to face him, maybe as an act of superiority, hell like you knew.       Peculiarly, there are tears in his eyes as well. Crocodile tears, probably. He’s most likely trying to guilt trip you- hah, like you’d fall for that. You knew better.      “It’s okay.” he repeated again, brushing those tears away with his roughed up thumb, you’re mortified. Why were you allowing him to touch you?      A calm silence settles between the two of you, but shortly after you hear the rustling of cloth.       Gojo’s taking his jacket off?       About to speak, your mouth snaps shut as he placed the impossibly large jacket around your body, small compared to his. Instinctively, you allow it, but your mind is cursing you for not lashing out on him- why did he still care about you, anyways?     Gojo takes a step back, and you realize you’re now wearing his jacket. His gaze directed at yours, eyelashes fluttering. Your lips are tingling, and for some unbeknownst reason you wonder how a kiss would feel right now.      A part of you still wanted the relationship.      “Take care.”      And with that, he twirled around with a hint of flair, hands shoved deep into his jeans pockets; wind howling against your ears as he did so. He was finally leaving you, but that wasn’t what you envisioned, you wanted to leave him- not him leave you.      You watched him stroll off, heading to where ever he came from.     That was how your first, and last relationship ended.  ‧₊˚✩彡.     The thought of this abandoned relationship nestled at the back of your head, and it had been for several years. It was like it happened yesterday.      His glasses still resided on your nightstand, sitting on the same spot that you had hastily dropped it on all those years ago, gathering dust quickly as you couldn’t quite look at it.       Gojo’s jacket was at the very back of your closet, and you’d advert your gaze to somewhere else- anywhere else, whenever you saw the wretched pitch-black sleeves that were twice the size of your arms.       You had taken a rather looked down upon jujutsu path, one that you knew only one other person had done before you. Nanami Kento was his name, from what you remembered. Sure, you still kept in touch with Shoko, but that was about it.       Today was one of those days, Shoko would invite you to some sort of establishment to eat, perhaps make small talk about what had been happening in your life, and that was that. Admittedly, you missed that childish relationship with her so badly- but you could never tell her about that.       Japan at night was always a treat though, that was certainly a fact.      Perhaps Shoko was thinking about other things when she took you to the Japanese night market, though you didn’t blame her- after all the fireworks festival was today, if you remembered correctly. Stalls filled with games and cheap street-snacks wafted about in the air, sweet tangy sauce, noodles, your stomach grumbled as you thought about taking a bite on the horribly unhealthy junk food.       “Here, Y/N. I’ve heard this takoyaki is really good.” You and Shoko had finally found an empty bench to sit at, and for some reason the muddy green color painted onto the wooden bench made your stomach lurch- it was the same shade that you saw nearby when breaking up with Gojo.     Shoko gives you this lukewarm yet kind smile, enough for you to give her a small grin to her in return, and you take the still hot container out of her gentle hands.       You plop the doughy deliciousness into your salivating mouth, and immediately you’re giddy. Savoring the taste of the thick brown sauce coating your pallet. You had to admit, Shoko, Geto, and... Gojo had amazing taste in food. Your tastebuds had instantaneously dulled as soon as you parted ways with the trio.      “Shoko-” you mumble, your mouth still stuffed, you cover your mouth and try to lower the sound of your chewing. “This is really good! How much was it?”        Shoko’s eyebrow quirks, and she leans in closer to you, “What was that?”        About to repeat yourself, you drink in the scene around you first. Cheerful children roaming the streets; too past their bedtime. Angsty teenagers and the many lanterns strung highly above everyone’s heads, how bright everything was.       Then you see it.       Someone large, atleast, significantly larger as opposed to the general crowd bustling in the streets. You couldn’t be mistaken, he had the same wild white hair- except it’s gelled up into spikes. He’s wearing a mauve darkish-purple uniform, it seems, a cute shopping bag swinging side by side as he took long strides. One thing you had to note was a blindfold, though.       Gojo’s not wearing those classic shades that was practically his signature.       You peer over at Shoko, who’s now frantically waving at Gojo, humming, his chin tipped towards the clear canvas of a sky, dotted with many white stars. He seems livelier somehow, an aura of friendliness radiating instead of arrogance, and you drop your takoyaki in suit.       He notices you.      And then he notices Shoko.       “...’Scuse me. Comin through.” he maneuvered himself through the already annoyed crowd, muttering quick polite apologies before finally freeing himself from the tight bundle of people. A large toothy grin is displayed for the world to see on his face, you feel like you’re about to vomit everything you had eaten today.       Your eyes scan the bag he’s holding, it contrasted heavily from the dark color scheme of whatever he was clad in; pastel yellow with a cute light green mascot chewing happily on mochi. In bubble letters above it were the words, “It’s a good day for yummy food.”      “Shoko!” he exclaims joyously, giving her a quick hug. “Hey, haven’t seen you in a while outside of work.”       Then, Gojo glances at you, atleast that’s what you assume he’s doing, the blindfold was really confusing you. He politely smiled, not as big as the one that he gave Shoko, though.        “Long time no see, Y/N.”        You clear your throat and nod in agreement. “You too.”        Polite chatter between the two of them ensued, and you steadily got more bored as the time went on, checking your phone and stealing quick stares at the two of them. You want to comment, to be included, but you doubt anyone really cared for you right now.        “...How are you?” you say bluntly, blinded by boredom, and immediately you regret it.       Shoko chuckles awkwardly, looking at you with those tired eyes of hers. “Was that for me or Gojo?”        Fuck it, if you were gonna go out, you might as well do it now.        “Gojo.”        “Shit. Putting me in the spotlight like this?” he stands back up from leaning down to talk to Shoko eye-to-eye, now turning to look at you, pausing.       “You’re even more straightforward then I remember, and I thought that was impossible.”        “Yeah.” you finally say after too many seconds of silence. It seemed like he was hinting at something. “I guess we just grow as people, even though I thought that was basically impossible for you.” you cheekily retort back, crossing your arms over your chest with a smug smirk now proudly playing at your lips.        “AND you got sassier? Never quite grew outta the brat phase.” taking a seat between the empty space between the two of you with a huff, his right leg placed above the knee of his left, his thumb plays with the hem of his blindfold, pulling it just a bit so that you could see his snow white eyelashes, alongside with a singular eye.     It’s like time stops as soon as you see them, and it’s like Shoko isn’t closely surveying the two of you, obviously perplexed with this sudden increase of the intensity of conversation.        You see a split second of something flickering in those eyes of his, you’re not quite sure what it could quite be.. Vulnerability?         “Can’t believe my eyes.” pulling his blindfold back down. They’re still as breathtaking as you had imagined them to be. He shrugged, leaning back into the bench casually.      For a while, the three of you just watch the stall directly in front of you- it’s a goldfish stall. Gojo had gotten you one when the two of you were still dating.         Shit. Why weren’t you over such a silly relationship? It wasn’t like you still had feelings for him, but there was still this emotion you couldn’t shake off. It clung onto you like a leech.         “It’s been so long since we’ve relaxed with each other like this.” Shoko mused aloud, turning to look at the two of you. The words are so faint, you’re barely able to hear her subtle voice.        At this point, colorful fireworks started bursting into the air- every shade of color could be seen. Vibrant greens, blues, reds, a loud crackling is all the ear can hear, aside from the loud cheering of over joyous children. Both of you are unanswering.       Vaguely, you remember the first time you saw the fireworks. Lo and behold, you remember wisps of Gojo’s white hair that you twisted and played with, your legs wrapped around his head. You felt on top of the world. Now, you found yourself at the bottom of it.         There’s a grateful, albeit, sad smile on your face. It wasn’t like it was all sunshine and rainbows for you, no. You felt bitter. Hatred, even, that Gojo matured without you.        “Yeah. I miss this.” you say through gritted teeth.         If you were to be honest, you did miss them. Geto, Shoko, Gojo, running around pelting each other with scrunched up paper.       Not just Gojo.        But you guess he’s a big factor as well.       

[elareine]

Prompt idea if you'd like - Tim becomes an accidental vampire but hides it really well. However, one of their brothers (Damian or Jason) gets suspicious by seeing subtle signs (i.e. missing reflection in a passing mirror, occasional missing pouches in the Cave's blood bank, extreme aversion to daylight, are some of his teeth a little longer than they should be?). Thing is, they can't seem to get any concrete proof about the vampire in their midst. Wait... Is this becoming a game to Tim?

Hi, thank you for this hilarious idea! Took me a while to get to, sorry, but I guess it’s appropriate for Halloween? 

Tim had been a vampire for two years now. It was… fine. Honestly, quitting his day job had been more of a relief than a burden. The added strength was nice, too. He’d figured out pretty quickly how not to bite humans and survive anyway (thank fuck for blood banks), so there was no guilt or worry about eternal damnation or anything.

Keeping it a secret was a bit tricky, though. Tim’s fangs kept extending at rather inopportune moments, and the mirror thing… At least no-one had seemed to notice that he hadn’t aged beyond seventeen yet. He tried to cheer himself up with that thought, as well as the fact that hey, at least he and Kon would always be the same age now. That was something. For now, Tim was free to live his not-life as he pleased, and he did please.

Until fucking Damian walked in on him.

Tim retracted his teeth as quickly as he could, but Damian was already on him, trying to force his jaw open, trying to feel his canines—

Tim relaxed and let him.

Damian swore when he felt the perfectly human teeth under his fingers. “What did you do, Drake.”

“What did I do?” Tim tried to speak around the thumb still poking at his molars. “You’re the one who—“

“Do not act stupid. I saw—“

The door opened. “What the fuck?” Duke asked.

“It’s nothing.” Tim threw a look at Damian—a challenge, and a warning. “He was just… checking for injuries.”

“…sure.”

—

Dick and Damian were playing video games in the living room again. Tim wasn’t sure if he really wanted to join, but… Dick would like it, right?

When he moved to do so, though, Damian looked up. “You,” he said, taking care to enunciate every syllable, “are not invited into this room.”

Tim stopped in the doorway. Dammit.

“Okay,” he said, making sure to keep his tone very even, the way it was when he was upset and trying to hide it. “Have fun.”

As Tim walked away, he heard Dick say: “Damian… that was really mean.” The answer was incoherent sputter at best. Dick must’ve broken out the Blue Eyes of Guilt.

Hah. Served the brat right.

—

“Your tie looks atrocious,” Damian pointed out. “One would think you hadn’t seen yourself while tying it.”

“Thanks, brat, you look terrible, too.”

“I could’ve sworn you knew how to do this,” Bruce frowned, stepping up.

Tim did, okay? It was just hard without a mirror. With his hair and stuff, he could use his phone’s camera (apparently didn’t count as a mirror, thank fuck, or the press would’ve found out a long time ago), but it was hard to tie a tie one-handed.

“Yeah, I must’ve lost my touch. Might be the fear gas from yesterday; my hands are still a bit shaky.” He shrugged. “Mind helping me out?”

Damian was fuming.

—

“I know about your secret fridge.”

Tim sighed. “What are you talking about?”

“The one where you stash your… drinks.” Damian smiled, visibly smug and way too sure of himself.

Tim raised an eyebrow and stepped aside. “You mean this one?” he points to the fridge in the corner of his room. “If you wanted something to drink, you could’ve just said so.”

Damian snorted and marched toward the container, opening it with a flourish to reveal the vacuum-sealed packages inside. He made sure not to grab the top one, but one from further down. Still smiling, Damian tore open the plastic, lifting it to his nose… and stilled.

“What.”

Tim grinned. Filling the three top layers with tomato juice had been an inspired idea.

—

“Yeah, we’re all good,” Dick reported. “Everyone’s vitals are in the normal range.”

“Except Drake’s,” Damian sneered, finger on Tim’s wrist. The older boy laid on the floor, recovering. “His pulse is non-existent.”

“That’s not funny, Damian.” Bruce’s voice was stern.

“I’m not joking.”

Tim grinned weakly at him. “Would you like me to… check your pulse, brat?”

“Eww, no.”

—

“Uh.” Tim stared down at the self-proclaimed ‘vampire hunter,’ now unconscious on the floor. The guy was still clutching his stake. “Thanks for the save.”

Damian tsked dismissively, concentrating on getting the silver shackles off the older boy’s wrists.

“No, seriously,” Tim insisted, “we both know he could’ve actually killed me, or at the very least exposed my—“

“What’re you talking about, Drake?” Damian scowled. “All a wooden stake through your heart would prove that humans can die without their hearts, too. That is knowledge I acquired at the age of two. I have no interest in seeing you die for such a pointless scientific endeavor.”

Tim stared, gobsmacked.

Damian allowed himself a tiny grin.

Tim’s answering smile, when it finally came, was all teeth.

[meltwonu]

| 🍒 CH-CH-CHERRY BOMB! 🍒 |     [CHAPTER 5]

pairing; dom!seungcheol x camgirl!reader

this chapter’s notes; camshow, use of toys(sybian), squirting, the long awaited chapter 5 😳💕 do they finally meet?!?!?!?! hehehehehehe also sorry for not being able to post this yesterday, had a busy week and when I tell ya I woke up at 3pm today 😗 💕💕💕💕 as always, thank you so much for your continued interest!! I'm already writing ch 6 and im SOOOO EXCITEDDDD hHEHEHEHEEHEH 💕💕💕💕💕 HAVE A GREAT REST OF YOUR WEEKENDS! 🍒 

chapters; 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - ? 

“You guys! I--you have to see this!”

You can’t wipe the smile off of your face when you shimmy to the side, excitedly showing off the new gift that Seungcheol had sent in the mail.

sleepy_wonu: holy hell

universe_WZ: that mustve costed hella

alphagyu97: nothin like feelin extra poor amirite lads

angelhan: it was only a matter of time before dom.cheol was untouchable lol 

You giggle slightly as you adjust the camera so that you and your new sybian are in frame. “Hey~ Don’t say that!! Y’know it’s not the amount of money you spend on me… I’m glad you guys are always here with me~” The sound of coins clinking goes off in the back as you read a few more comments.

dom.cheol: well princess, don’t u wanna show them how you use your new toy? ;)

tangerine_kwan: fuck i bet it can get u to cum so fuckin fast

hoshi_tiger_xx: yessss

dom.cheol has donated $100

hoshi_tiger_xx has donated $50

“Hmm~ How many times do you think I can cum with this? Oh! Why don’t we do this~” You pause, sliding your wet panties down your legs before tossing the material to the side. You grin, swinging a leg over the toy until you’re straddling it. “Rapid fire question! Whoever guesses the right amount of orgasms I can take before I call quits… Wins a special unreleased photoset of me! Go!”

dom.cheol: 5

universe_WZ: 4

sleepy_wonu: 6

angelhan: 3 artist8hao: 5

alphagyu97: everyone took all the good numbers already!!! 7!!!!!

gentleman_josh95: DMAN IT 3

tangerine_kwan: 8, fuck

kitty_junjun: ugh i was gonna say 4!!!!

xcaliburDK: i was gonna say 5!!!!

therealchan99: 2? thats so low tho….

chwenon: as if anyone is gonna say 1, lmao. Uh 6…. If sleepy_wonu happens to disappear

hoshi_tiger_xx: im gonna say 10, but… seems… risky

Reaching for the remote, you situate yourself until the raised part of the toy sits directly on your clit. A shiver runs up your spine at the feeling; already excited for what’s in store. “Um, to be fair I haven’t tried it myself yet so I’m not sure either... Hehe, but I guess we’ll find out together, huh?”

Gulping, you set the sybian to its lowest setting, the air getting knocked out of your lungs immediately as your body lurches forward. “H--holy shit!” The vibrations are already harsh on the lowest setting; your fingers gripping the remote tightly as you try to adjust to the feeling. “O--oh my g-god, I--”

dom.cheol: aww can ur cute lil clit take it?

xcaliburDK: maybe one of the lower numbers was right lol…

The moans spill freely from your lips, garbled noises getting lost in the mix when you start to grind against the vibration. “Fuck, it--it feels suh--so good, hah, already feel like ‘m gonna cum…” You whine, already getting lost in the pleasure. For a second, you’re tempted to raise the vibration intensity but you hold back, letting your wetness coat the toy as you continue to grind down onto it. The sound of donations and comments sound fuzzy to your ears; only the sound of the sybian buzzing reminding you that the camera was still even on.

“Ngh, g-god, I’m--I’m gonna cum!”

tangerine_kwan has donated $75

xcaliburDK has donated $50

dom.cheol has donated $200

dom.cheol: cmon, lets see that pretty pussy cum

Your legs shake as you cum, only a squeak coming out of your mouth as you lurch forward atop the toy. The grip you have on the remote loosens while simultaneously trying to turn it off in the midst of your orgasm.

dom.cheol: awww cumming so hard on the first setting? Cute

therealchan99: lol baby is in trouble now

angelhan: maybe 3 was right lmao

“I--a-ah, fu--fuck!” You cry, shaky fingers finally managing to shut the toy off. Your body immediately untenses; chest heaving with how sensitive you already were and it had only been your first orgasm and the lowest setting of the toy. “O-oh my g-god, I--I didn’t know i-it was that s-strong…” You mumble, body buzzing with the remnants of your orgasm.

sleepy_wonu: well mr dom.cheol did pay top dollar

gentleman_josh95: imagine if u had this for yesterdays show lol

“Oh god, if--if I had this for yesterday’s show, I would’ve been too boneless to do today’s show!” You laugh airily, slowly grinding against the toy already. “It feels really nice though… I’m already super curious about how strong the other settings are…” Trailing off, you reach for the remote again, throat dry as you fiddle with the knob.

kitty_junjun: what if u set it to the max setting

chwenon: idk if her cute lil body could take it

dom.cheol: its okay baby, take ur time. I wanna see how sensitive that pussy of yours can get

“But ‘m already so sensitive~ I dunno how much more I can take~” You tease, biting your lip when all the comments flooding the chat are words of encouragement.

You knew when you started camming that it’d be no easy job. Building up your fanbase and subscriber count had taken you months upon months to even get within the thousands and camming was physically exhausting. Some days your viewer counts were low and some days they were above average and sometimes you didn’t make as much in one show than another.

tangerine_kwan: was therealchan99 right with 2 then? Heh

therealchan99: finally FINALLY ITS MY TIME TO SHINE

Giggling, you slowly start turning the knob; body twitching when the vibrations kick in at full force.

Seungcheol watches in amazement at the way your body jerks atop the machine.

He can see the way your legs twitch unbearably when you cum for the third time; your brows furrowed at the intensity of the vibrations and your taut body when you can barely manage to turn the machine off.

Licking his lips, he slowly thrusts up into his closed palm, spreading the precum down his shaft as he watches you catch your breath.

“I--ngh, fuh--fuck, I---I don’t--don’t know if I--I can cum a-again…”

Seungcheol moans at your breathy whimpers; the arousal in his body pooling up quickly when he sees the fucked out expression in your eyes. His eyes flit to the wetness that coats the silicone portion of the toy, smirking when he realizes how much you really seemed to enjoy the gift he’d gotten you.

Mentally patting himself on the back, he praises himself for making the right decision.

angelhan: please tlel me im the winner im begging

universe_WZ: NO

dom.cheol: is the princess tired already? ;)

You catch your breath, not wanting to give up despite how fuzzy your head was getting and how much your body was buzzing. “I dunno… We still haven’t tried the last setting, you guys… And I’m just so curious...” You whisper, hazy eyes staring into the camera.

hoshi_tiger_xx: god u look so pretty like this, all fucked out

artis8hao: right? fuck, id kill to be that guy who can get u off like this

xcaliburDK: goddamn same

The sound of coins clinking mixes with the ringing in your ears; fingertips already on the knob of the remote.

You take a deep breath, letting the adrenaline kick in as you quickly set the knob to the highest setting, a high pitched cry spilling from your lips when you let go of the remote in favor of holding onto the machine instead. Grinding down onto it, you meet the toy's harsh vibrations as it quickly forces another orgasm out of you in the matter of seconds.

Choked cries spill from your lips as your entire body tenses up; body twitching uncontrollably as you cum for the fourth time. You lean back with whatever energy you have left, bracing yourself on the back of the toy as you relieve your swollen clit of the buzzing machine. Your orgasm refuses to stop and you can already tell how obscenely wet everything’s gotten when your head starts to clear.

alphagyu97: fuck you squirted all over the toy baby

universe_WZ: fuck fucki fuck

universe_WZ: wait did i winf kjfhdsjk

You shakily slide off of the machine, resting on your side as the machine still buzzes with life next to you. Your entire body won’t stop shaking, head muddled as you fight the urge to shut your eyes and sleep for the next 5 days. “I’m--I--” You whimper, still feeling the phantom vibrations between your legs.

“I--ho--holy fuck, I, w-wow, I--I don’t--that--I’m, I’m just… wow.”

dom.cheol has donated $400

dom.cheol: knew you’d like it ;)

universe_WZ: THAT MEANS I WON

universe_WZ has donated $150

angelhan has donated $150

therealchan99: well, at least some of us got close

hoshi_tiger_xx: fuckin speak for urself man i said /10/

You end the show after letting ‘universe_WZ’ know you’ll contact him soon, shutting your eyes as you lay on your soiled sheets.

You can still feel your fingertips twitching when your eyes slide shut, chest heaving in deep breaths as you try to relax yourself, momentarily cursing yourself for pushing your body too far for tonight’s show. 

Groaning, you reach for your phone, the screen lighting up with a text from Seungcheol, a simple ‘don’t forget to drink water ;)’ in your notifications and you can’t help but pout.

Seungcheol was nice, almost too nice. Definitely not in a murderer kinda way though, you think. 

He bought you expensive gifts and never asked for anything in return which made you feel bad sometimes. And while the donations and tips you’d made through your camshows was enough to get by with, Seungcheol’s generous donations helped you always make your rent and bills on time without worrying if you’d have enough or not.

You quickly text him back with a smile on your face; hoping that he’ll like what you had to offer.

Seungcheol feels the exact same way he did when you first contacted him offering him a free show, except maybe ten times worse. At first, he’d been a little sad that he hadn’t won your quick little game but this made up for it 20-fold.

The six simple words read ‘want to meet up next friday?’, a small heart emoji next to the question and he’d almost thrown his phone when he read it, hands shakily responding with a simple ‘I’d love to.’ to make it seem like he was calm when he was most definitely not.

His immediate next order of business after replying was to text Namjoon despite how late into the night it already was, begging for the day off and offering to take any shifts or pay cuts in exchange for it. 

All he needed was one day and he swore he’d never miss a day of work ever again.

Namjoon responds with a quick ‘sure, why not’, momentarily confusing him as to why his boss was awake while simultaneously sending Seungcheol into complete panic when he realizes he finally gets to meet you.

The week goes by extremely quickly to Seungcheol; his mood on a completely different level when he offers to pick up Yoongi’s Sunday shift without a complaint. He cleans up all the messes around the roller rink and even offers to do jobs that aren’t his which have Jeongguk raising a brow at the older male.

In the days that lead up to your meeting, Seungcheol looks up a few cafes that you might be interested in and even goes to get an STD exam, not that he’s expecting anything. Safety first, he says.

Your Wednesday show comes and goes, Seungcheol too excited to even get off when he watches you and he even donates an extra $600 at the end of the show; travel spending money, he offers.

And Thursday comes without a hitch and he all but skips to the employee backroom once his shift is over, humming a tune while he changes out of his uniform.

“Hey hyung, no offense, but are you okay?” Jeongguk rests against the locker next to Seungcheol’s open one, brow raised at the blue haired male that beams back at him. “I’m scared, why are you so… giddy. You even offered to take Yoongi-hyung’s weekend shift? What the hell was that about? I’ve never seen him that giddy either.  Man, this place is getting weird, maybe I should quit...”

Seungcheol can’t help but laugh, patting Jeongguk on the shoulder before shutting his locker.

“I have an important meeting tomorrow, that’s all. And don’t quit, ‘cause who else is gonna give me free food.”

While the excitement had him since Saturday, now that it was finally Friday, he was downright nervous.

The two of you had agreed to meet at 2PM in front of the cafe that Seungcheol had picked out and you’d gotten a hotel in town to make it easier on yourself instead of trying to get back to your place too late. Seungcheol had offered to come pick you up, but you had politely declined; instead opting to meet him first before letting him do anything else for you.

And by nature, Seungcheol gets to the cafe 15 minutes early, fidgeting and continuously running his fingers through his hair as he patiently waits. He can feel his palms getting sweaty when he rubs them against his jeans, mentally trying to keep calm and his head floods with all sorts of thoughts; mainly, how he even got into this position with you in the first place. And he gets so distracted that he doesn’t realize you’d be standing watching him zone out for the last 5 minutes.

“Wow, not sure what’s got you so focused but you’re standing so still!”

Seungcheol hears your cute airy laugh that follows, a cherry blush on his cheeks when his eyes meet your smiling face. “I--oh my god…” He whispers, taking in your appearance.

He feels his face buzzing, fingers twitching when he sees you in a cute simple  sundress. “W-wow, you--you’re just… so beautiful. I mean, you’re beautiful on cam too but just, wow, in person? Incredible.” The blush reaches his ears when he realizes he’s rambling, a nervous laugh spilling out of his lips.

“S--sorry, I, uh, usually I’m more chill than this but y’know…” He trails off, to which you nod. You step closer to Seungcheol and he gets a hint of your sweet smelling perfume, mentally groaning when your cute eyes peer up into his.

“That’s okay! I totally understand~ I’m kinda nervous myself too, to be honest…” You pause, a pink blush coating your own cheeks. “But let’s talk over some food, huh?”

Seungcheol doesn’t want to pry, but he’s not sure if he should address you as ‘Cherry’ in person, or if he should avoid calling you by anything at all.

He watches as you go through the cafe’s menu, biting the inside of his cheek as he itches to ask.

“‘Cheol… I can feel you staring, y’know.. Penny for your thoughts?” You ask, concerned eyes meeting his nervous ones.

“I just-- Sorry, I didn’t mean to be awkward, I just was wondering how I should address you in person? I don’t want to overstep my bounds, I know you don’t put your real name out there so…”

You place your menu down, closing it before leaning on your palms atop the small table. Seungcheol is cute, too cute, you think. You knew this would be a question when the two of you eventually met and you had given yourself the time to get used to the idea that he’d know your real name.

He eyes hyperfocus on your glossy lips, watching as you say your name for him for the first time.

Seungcheol’s heart threatens to beat out of his chest when he hears it; repeating it over and over in his head before he says it out loud.

“Wow, it sounds nice when it’s you saying it~” You tease, leaning back in your chair. “I don’t mind if you call me by my name, by the way! The pet names are cute but maybe we should keep that to the bedroom~” You end in a whisper, winking at the male.

Fuck, he thinks, just as his cock throbs at your comment. He really wishes you wouldn’t say things like that because he’s weak and he knows it, especially when it comes to you. “Okay, cool! Yeah, sorry, I just---I didn’t want to overstep, I know you don’t really let that be public information.”

“Of course! And thank you, I really can’t tell you how much you’ve done for me. I really… really wouldn’t be able to do all the things that I do if it weren’t for your constant support.”

You want to say more, but the waiter comes to take your orders, cutting you off until he leaves again.

“By the way…” Seungcheol looks at you with curious eyes, lips puckered around his drink straw. “Tell me about yourself, ‘Cheollie! I feel like we didn’t really get to talk that one time!”

He swallows the water in his mouth, licking his dry lips. Here goes nothing, he thinks.

“I swear, and please don’t think I’m a loser, but I--I work at a roller rink. It’s really not cool, I’m not some high paid CEO or whatever, I--I just, I work hard?” Seungcheol chuckles, running a hand through his hair as he waits for your reply.

“Wait, that’s so cool! Oh my gosh, I kinda wanna go!”

The surprise washes over Seungcheol, eyes wide as saucers when he hears you saying you’d want to visit his workplace. “Wuh---wait, seriously!?”

“Yeah! It’s kinda, like, retro! I haven’t been to one since I was a kid!” He quickly offers to bring you to the roller rink on Sunday so you could have somewhere to hang out while you were in town.

“And sadly, I took a shift on Sunday so you can hang with me while I work.” 

Seungcheol grins, watching as you jokingly roll your eyes at him. “So you did it on purpose, huh…” The two of you share a laugh, glad that your first meeting seemed to be going okay so far.

“Well, I mean, if it makes you feel any better, my best friend works the concession stand so I’ll make sure to get you a free pair of skates and food whenever you want?”

“It’s a deal!”

The two of you continue to talk over your late lunch, Seungcheol telling you of the various work hijinks he’d gone through at his time working at the roller rink.

“Which, by the way, that morning show you did… Hope you know I holed up in the restroom for an entire hour for that ‘lil stunt.”

You can’t help the tears that fall from your eyes when you laugh, only feeling slightly bad for the blue haired male. “But I told you! Sometimes it’s just like that, y’know~” You tease back, heart blooming at the way you and Seungcheol got along.

In all honesty, there’d been something on your mind since you first sat down and you didn’t know when the right time to ask was, or if it was even appropriate.

The smile slips from your face as you bite the inside of your cheek in thought.

Seungcheol takes the bill from the waiter, slipping his card into the holder before you can even offer. But he notices the way your expression falls, noting the hesitance in your eyes when he looks at you from across the table.

“Are you okay? What’s wrong?” His voice is gentle, soft and caring when he leans over the table to make sure you’re alright.

“Yeah! Just---Can I ask you for a favor?”

[tooweirdforyou]

Ily and I'm so proud of you 🥺👉🏼👈🏼💙 keep up the good work my child 🍪

With that being said, ima request for the first time 😈

Can you hit me with that Luffy, prompt 16 ? Do it however you like 😚

Holiday Prompt #16 With Luffy

A/N : I hope I didn’t already use this pic- thank you for requesting!!! 🥰🖤 ilyt :DD thank you for being proud of me, 🍪 🥺 hope you enjoy this! :))

H.P. #16 : “I pray Santa doesn’t give me coal this year..”

Summary : In which, Luffy decides to cheer up his significant other and shine the positivity of Christas spirit. not good with summaries

-

“Do we really have to do this?”

Hearing the Christmas music being played and sung by Brook in the background, you sigh softly at the sight of Usopp, Chopper and Franky cheering and singing the lyrics loudly to their hearts content.

Sanji was in the kitchen, whipping up a special feast for dinner, Zoro was napping on the deck and light snow falling down upon him.

Robin was currently on the upper deck, unboxing the many decorations that the two girls, Usopp and Luffy bought to hang around the ship, while you and Nami were setting up the decorations on the Christmas tree.

“Why not? It’s a tradition and plus, it’ll be fun to celebrate with the crew.” Nami smiles as she hangs another ornament up onto tree.

You only sweat drop at the sight of Luffy screaming the lyrics with a huge grin.

“NEXT SONG! YO-HO-HO-HO~

Chopper the Blue-Nosed Reindeer

Had a very shiny nose

And if you ever saw it

You would even say it glows

All of the other humans

Used to scream and call him names

They never let poor Chopper

Join in any human games!

Then one foggy Winter day

One human came to say

"Chopper, with your nose so bright

Won't you come home with me tonight?"

Then how the humans loved him

As they shouted out with glee

"Chopper the Blue-Nosed Reindeer

You'll go down in history!””

You smile slightly at the lyrics and just shake your head at Luffy’s weirdness and hung up another decoration.

“I don’t know, I guess I just think it’s so.. over the top. Especially with Luffy begging to invite everyone we’ve met to celebrate with us..” you mutter, trailing off as you thought back to your memory from yesterday.

Nami scowls at the memory and you could see the tense aura radiating off of her. “He’s seriously insane..” Nami suddenly turned back to her cheery mood and smiles at you.

“So [Name]-“

“[NAAAAMEEEE]!”

Before you could react, you suddenly felt yourself be shoved down onto the deck, Luffy on top of you with a wide grin. “[Name]! [Name]! I have a question! Are you listening?!”

Hearing his words and his eagerness level of a child’s, you grunt a bit and look up at him hovering over you. “Yes, I’m listening. What is it, Luffy?”

Nami just stares in shock, Robin giggling a bit to herself and the others just ignored and continued to sing or do whatever they wanted.

“What do you want for Christmas?”

Taken back, you furrow your bows at him and his random question. “Uh, I don’t know.. why?”

“Because, I wanna know! Can you guess what I want for Christmas?” Luffy smiles brightly and you couldn’t help but smile at how excited and joyful he was about this holiday.

“Meat?” You mused, slowly pushing Luffy off so you could sit up properly. Luffy slides off of you and laughs. “Shishishi~,”

“Yeah! But also, I want to spend Christmas with all of you!” He grins widely with closed eyes.

The others, who were listening, were surprised before they relaxed and smiled at their Captain, hearts warming at his words.

You smile softly at Luffy and his pure heart and just shake your head, getting up and dusting off your clothes. “Looks like you’re getting everything you want for Christmas then. Your list is all checked off.”

Luffy smiled softer towards you, about to speak before Sanji interrupted him. “Oi, dinner time! Feast is all ready!”

Luffy quickly snaps his head to the kitchen with stars in his eyes and drool coming out of his mouth. “MEAT!”

You laugh at Luffy’s actions and ruffle his hair slightly, bringing his attention back to you. “Let’s go, Captain.”

“Yeah!”

-

“[Name], you didn’t answer me. What do you want for Christmas?”

Hearing Luffy, you glance towards him, sitting on the ground with his legs crossed and his straw hat resting on top of his head.

You two were currently alone in your room, you rummaging through your clothes while Luffy watched you.

“I already said I don’t know.. I never thought about it.” You shrug before turning away with a pout. “Though, I pray Santa doesn’t give me coal this year..”

Luffy seemed interested in your statement as he tilts his head curiously at you, confusion running through his head.

“Why would you get coal for a Christmas?” He then thought about what Makino taught him as a kid and he gasps dramatically, eyes widening.

“Have you been naughty, [Name]?!”

You blink a couple times at Luffy’s genuine shock and laugh heartily aloud, which confused the poor captain further.

“I suppose I have been..” you shake your head playfully and continue to go through your clothes, organizing your things.

“But, I don’t know, every year, I either would find myself with coal to warm myself up during the winters or I wouldn’t get anything at all.”

Luffy listens intently as he leans back on the floor before he stretches his arms and propels himself onto your bed.

“It never really bothered me whether I had something or not, but I’m not looking forward to coals anymore.” You glance back to Luffy, to see he moved and was now laying down comfortably on your bed.

He seemed to be in thought.

You close your drawer and walk over towards the bed, taking a seat at the edge and smile lightly. “What did you use to get for Christmas, Luffy?”

Luffy hums softly, staying quiet for a moment before smiling softly. “The same thing every year as a kid. Just a fistful of love punches from Gramps, and then meat and clothes from Makino and the old mayor in my village!” He laughs a bit at the memory of his childhood.

You giggle lightly and place a hand on his arm and rubbed it gently. “Sounds like a fun time.” You hum and Luffy nods with a better smile.

Soon, a lightbulb went off his head as he grins childishly. “I have an idea..”

Your smile quickly fades as a brow was soon raised towards him. “...what is it?”

Luffy didn’t answer you and only chuckles to himself as he gets up and rushes out the room, calling for Usopp and Brook.

You sigh at Luffy and stared at the doorway. “He’s a weird one.. but he’s my weird one.”

-

“HO, HO, HO!”

“Why?..”

You deadpan at the sight of Luffy in the all too familiar red and white outfit, a fake white beard over his face and the proper red hat to go with.

“Luffy, what are you up to..?” Usopp and Nami sigh and Luffy clears his throat. “I’m Santa!”

“Don’t be stupid.. who would actually-“ Sanji was interrupted by a yell.

“WOAH, ITS SANTA CLAUS!!” Chopper shrieks in awe, eyes widening with stars inside, at the sight.

“Never mind..” Sanji sighs, exhaling a puff of smoke from his lit cigarette.

Franky, Brook, Robin and you stood from the sidelines and watched, before you walk over to Luffy and grabbed at his exposed cheek.

“Wow.. who knew Santa was so stretchy?..” you joke, pulling at his skin and watching it stretch out, Luffy grunting a bit.

“Oi! Stop that!” He shouts before clearing his throat again. “I’m Santa Claus, and I have presents!”

“PRESENTS?!” Chopper and Usopp yell in unison and you sigh once more at them and their gullibility.

“Yep! And I have a special one for [Name]!”

Now this piqued your interest. “For me?” You question with brows furrowed as Luffy reached into his bag and pulled out a box.

“Mmh! Someone told me you were afraid of getting coals this Christmas! So I came to give you something else instead!”

You eye him suspiciously before opening the box and widening your eyes.

Reaching in, you grasp the item in your hand and pulled it out, staring at it closely.

Then, a small smile broke from your lips.

Luffy stared at you closely and waited for your reaction. “Wellll? Do you like it?” Luffy was no longer doing his deep voice and was now back to his regular self.

The others stare in silence and curiosity, wondering what it was.

A snort escaped your lips as you smiled wider. “You’re so.. weird, Luffy.” You mumble, staring at the object in your hand and held it tightly.

Luffy grins as he pulls down his fake beard to show his warm smile.

“This is much better than coals. I love it, thank you Luffy.” Clutching it tight in your fist, you wrap your arms around Luffy and hugged him tightly, to which he gladly returned.

“Shishishi!~ I’m glad you like it!” He smiles warmly with his eyes closed and faint blush appearing on his cheeks.

You gave a light peck to his cheek and took a look at the item once more, a genuine smile embracing your features.

...

“Wait, what is it?” Usopp asks, interrupting the sweet moment between the two of you.

You chuckle and held it up in between your fingers. “It’s a rock with a smiley face on it.”

Silence overtook the crew.

“HAH?!”

-

a/n : I feel like this wasn’t my best work— but I still really liked this, even if I couldn’t think of anything 😅 but I hoped you all did too!! So sorry this took a while and if it’s not what you expected either! :(

[crispyfishman]

Duolingo x Male!Reader Part 3

Part 1 | Part 2 Duo’s POV

I must have fallen asleep at some point, because my dreams are haunted by scenes of Y/N. He hasn’t practiced Japanese in days; I have to kill him, but I don’t want to. I see his blood pooling on the floor, and no matter how hard I try to lower the knife I can’t. It’s like I’m the puppet of some higher power, forced to spread the knowledge of languages and kill those who refuse to learn.

I wake up covered in cold sweat. I have to let him go. The only one who’s going to hurt him is me, I can see that now. In the morning I’ll open the door and let him go, I tell myself. I have to.

Morning comes and I don’t get up. Would it really be so bad if I kept him here? I shakily stand up and walk into the hall. The guest room’s door creaks open. He lies in the bed, peacefully sleeping. When he wakes up I’ll let him go.

I quickly go to get some food and leave the door open after me. Y/N can come and find me when he wakes up. For now I decide to eat toast and sit quietly at the table, waiting.

The toast is good. I try to keep my mind off the conflict that is inevitably drawing closer. I could just shut the door and deal with it tomorrow… No. I have to face him at some point, and it’s better to do it now.

I hear a creak behind me and turn to see Y/N staring at me in confusion and fear. He didn’t speak, just watched me.

“You can go. Sorry.” I awkwardly broke the silence.

He just nodded and walked to the door. I wanted to stop him, to run after him and lock him back in the guest room and tell him to stay here where it’s safe. But I let him go.

Y/N didn’t come to school again. I overheard the teacher saying that he had transferred. I felt bad, but I couldn’t just let him go like this. I followed him on social media under a fake name, but he didn’t post anything about where he had gone to or why.

I understood it, of course; who wouldn’t be more cautious after being kidnapped? It was still irritating though. Maybe I should leave him alone. That would definitely be the wiser option, but I couldn’t help it. I needed to see him again.

Y/N’s POV

“Hello, my brother.” I said awkwardly as I stepped into my house. His look of blank shock was almost funny, until I remembered what I was about to tell him.

“Y- Y/N? You’re alive!” He sounded very happy. Of course I was alive, I wouldn’t allow myself to be killed. “Yes. Obviously. And I have news.”

He listened quietly as I told him where I had been the past few days, and at the end of it he gave me a sympathetic pat on the arm. “Terribly sorry to hear that. Well, I suppose we must do something.” He abruptly stood up and walked up the stairs, coming back down soon after with a suitcase. “I’ll get rid of that boy for you. He lives at the big house on (street name), doesn’t he?” I nodded in confirmation and he grabbed his hat and a coat from the door.

“Off I go! Dinner’s in the fridge, don’t commit any crimes while I’m gone.” He smiled and started running down the street. I watched him go with a bored expression. My brother had always loved to kill random people from my schools. I had a feeling that Duo would be harder to kill than the others, but my brother could handle him.

I opened the fridge to see a bottle of milk and some baked beans. I started to cook the beans and drank the milk, then sat down to watch the evening news and practice my Japanese.

Duo’s POV

I heard a knock on the door, and opened it to see an unfamiliar man. He was tall, taller than me. His hair was the same colour as Y/N’s and I wondered if they were related. My suspicion was proved correct after he introduced himself.

“I am Y/N’s brother. You kidnapped him yesterday?” I nodded, then paused. Why was I confessing so easily? “I uhh nope.” I violently shook my head and took a step back into my house.

“You lie.” He seemed to grow taller and more intimidating. “I do not condone the kidnapping of my brother.” He took a step inside my house.

“If you could please step outside...” I tried to get him to leave, but he stood fast. “Sir, I have no idea who you are.” He kept staring into my eyes as he moved backwards out of the house, but stayed on my front porch.

I was starting to get tired of his games. He could never beat me, so what was he trying to do?

It became clear when he jumped forward and knocked me to the ground. Oh, he was trying to beat me. How pathetic. I stood up again and hit him in the face. Contrary to my expectations, he did not move. He hit me again and then started to pat his legs, as if searching for something.

“I’m sure I put it somewhere here. Give me a second.” I waited on the floor, curious. What was he looking for?

“HAH!” He pulled a knife out of his sock and waved it at me. “Behold, my knife!”

I stared at him blankly. “You do realize I’m immortal, right?” He looked mildly concerned and sat down in front of me.

“How old are you, exactly?” I tell him I'm immortal, and this is the first thing he asks? “2000 or so, I’m not entirely sure” I reply.

“AND YOU KIDNAPPED A HIGHSCHOOLER? THAT’S MESSED UP.” he seems to be missing the point here. He shook his head. “What you have done is unforgivable.” He stabbed me in the neck.

I laugh. “That won’t work.” But when I try to heal my wound, I find that I can’t. “Really? It seemed to work perfectly fine.” He looks smug.

“How? I’m not meant to die…” I struggle to find an explanation. It must be that knife of his. Some kind of an enchantment, or something? I reach for it, but he moves it out of my reach.

“No.” He watches my blood flood out onto the wooden planks of my floor. “Well, you were interesting while you lasted. Now I have to go. The chances of Y/N burning the house down get higher every second I’m out.” He steps over my body to the door, and walks out.

I spend my last moments thinking about Y/N. If only I had got to know him better… Oh well. I let myself fall into eternal sleep.

-END-

[mcwriting]

The Marriage Project (8)

Hello, hello, hello! Here’s chapter 8 after a long break since chapter 7! If you haven’t all ready, make sure you go check out the prologue to Sweet Home Alabama once you’re done here, as I may post the first chap very soon!

Story Masterlist

Word Count: 2178

Warnings: Some language? I can’t think of anything else

% approximately the 3rd week of October %

You hadn’t really told anyone what you’d been doing Sunday, and especially left out the part where you were with Tom.

Once getting home the previous night, you’d quickly taken off your makeup and brushed your teeth before essentially passing out on your bed. You’d also snoozed your alarm enough times that you’d had to rush to school that morning, getting to class with only a minute to spare.

In the afternoon, your friends sat around a lunch table discussing how your weekends had gone.

“Mine was pretty boring. How about yours, y/n?” Caroline asked.

“It was fine. Mostly did homework. Oh, and I took some senior pictures yesterday, but that’s it.”

“Oh that’s why your hair is straight?” someone else asked.

“Yeah, I got home late and woke up late so I just tossed on some jeans this morning.”

“Where even were you? Your snap maps said you were at the lake,” Alexis stated. 

To say that question made you nervous was an understatement. You didn’t want to give anything away so you tried to keep it vague.

“Oh, yeah. The photographer knew of a place out there we could go so I said yes.”

“Who was your photographer? I’ve been looking to get pictures done,” Caroline said.

Well, there goes ambiguity.

“Hah, well, Nikki Holland.”

“Isn’t that Tom’s mom?” Alexis asked, squinting at you. You sighed.

“Yes. I’ve been at their house a lot for the project and her whole career is photography so she asked me if I wanted her to do my pictures for free. I couldn’t turn that down.

“So that’s why you and Tom were at the same location yesterday!” Alexis exclaimed.

“What! Keep your voice down!”

“So it’s true? You and Tom took your senior pictures together? I was waiting until you’d admit why you were together.”

“Okay there are so many things I need to address but firstly, we did not take them together, we just did them at the same time. And secondly, since when do you have Tom on snap?”

Alexis rubbed the back of her neck and looked away. Everyone else looked surprised and kept quiet.

“Remember sophomore year when I went to that party while you were out of town? And I told you I made out with someone? Well….”

“ALEXIS!”

“I was drunk, okay? By the next day I realized how gross it was, but I kept him on snap so I could keep tabs for when we talked trash about him.”

You folded your arms across your chest and stared blankly across the table at your best friend.

“And you just didn’t think to tell me that you, I don’t know, made out with my mortal enemy and have had him on snap for the past 2 years?”

“I thought you’d be mad at me! Obviously it was the one time, and we’ve never sent each other a single snap. This was about you anyways and how you and Tom spent yesterday together. Where were you, actually?” Alexis asked, looking at you expectantly. You rolled your eyes.

“His grandparents have a lake house, okay? His mom planned the whole thing and the leaves were pretty colors, so it was whatever.”

“Hm, I guess so…” Alexis trailed, giving you one final look of “this conversation isn’t over” before someone brought up a different topic.

%

With volleyball regionals that upcoming weekend and Tom having an away game, you and he decided to work together that Thursday at his place.

You quickly rinsed off after practice and headed over to his house where he was waiting at the door. 

“Took you awhile,” he commented as you came up the sidewalk.

“Yeah, sorry. I got caught talking to coach about this weekend. It also takes forever to get these leggings on right out of the shower,” you joked, gesturing down at your athletic pants.

You got to work pretty quickly as there was a lot to do as compared to normal. By the time you finished, it was almost dinnertime.

“Oh, I think my mom finished all those pictures if you want them. Let’s go find her,” Tom suggested, leading you downstairs.

Her and Dom were in the kitchen cooking together. It was sweet watching them interact.

“Hey, mom? Did you say you had that flash drive done?” Tom interrupted, causing both parents to turn.

“Yes! I’m glad you reminded me. Dom, hold down the fort while I go get that.”

She led you to her office, then dug around her desk until she found it, handing it to you.

“You know, dinner will be ready in probably 10 minutes. You’re free to eat with us tonight,” she offered.

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“You never impose on us! And absolutely, we always make more than enough food so the boys can take leftovers to school.”

Well if you’re sure… I’ll text my mom and make sure she doesn’t mind.”

She didn’t, so as you waited for dinner, you sat down on a living room couch, Tom taking a recliner nearby. From the corner of your eye you saw Paddy walk in the room and freeze when he saw you.

“Y/n! Lovely to see you on this fine evening,” he greeted, sitting tentatively on the other end of the couch. You held back a chuckle at his word choice.

“And you as well, sir. How was your day?” you asked, trying to get him out of his shell. 

His eyes widened as he told you all about his school day. You prepared to reply when Dom came and announced the food was done.

You followed everyone to the dining room and stood watching, not wanting to accidentally take someone’s seat.

“Oh, you can sit here, y/n,” Paddy said, pulling out a seat for you in the middle of the table. You glanced to Tom, who was rolling his eyes.

“Thanks, Paddy. What a gentleman you are,” you complimented as he helped tuck in your chair. He took the seat on the left of you as Tom sat on your right. Directly across from you were Sam, then Harry and Dom on either side. Nikki took the head.

“Y/n, why don’t you get what you want first,” Nikki suggested, gesturing over the food. There was spaghetti, salad, and bread. You got only a little bit of each thing, trying to be polite.

“That’s all you want? I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you eat more on the bus to soccer games than that,” Tom commented. You raised your eyebrows at him and nudged his knee with yours.

“Thomas! Don’t be rude! Y/n, you’re free to however much or little you’d like. You can always go back for more later, too.”

Dinner went relatively smoothly aside from that, most of the conversation being centered on you as different family members wanted to know different things (Paddy especially as he’d trained his eyes on you almost the entire evening). For the most part, Tom was quiet except to crack a few jokes or answer something you asked him.

As everyone was finishing their meals, you offered to help clean up.

“Oh, no, don’t worry. It’s Tom’s job to do the dishes tonight,” Dom told you.

“I don’t mind helping him. I can dry if nothing else.”

After being reminded a few times that you shouldn't feel the need to, you went with Tom to the kitchen anyways, holding a towel. 

“You really don’t have to help me, you know. You’re technically our guest,” he said as the sink filled with water.

“Seriously, I don’t mind. I have nothing better to do anyways since I finished my homework.”

You worked together pretty much silently, falling into a comfortable rhythm. As you set down the last plate, Tom spoke up.

“Hey y/n, think fast.”

“Wha- TOM!” you exclaimed, as he had shot water at you, making the front of your shirt wet. “Oh you are so dead for that!” 

You jumped on his back, pressing your wet shirt against him, causing his own shirt to dampen. He thrashed around, the both of you laughing.

“What the hell is going on in- oh,” said Sam, who entered the room. 

You both froze in place, you quickly sliding off Tom as Sam looked at you skeptically.

“Your brother just sprayed me with the faucet, so I was getting back at him,” you tried to convince him. It is what happened after all.

“Right... I was just coming to grab something from the drawer, so I’ll leave you all to it,” he said awkwardly as he dug around the drawer and quickly made his leave. 

You and Tom both looked at each other awkwardly before bursting into laughter.

“You know you’re lucky this is a dark shirt,” you said after a moment.

“Am I though?”

“TOM!”

%

When you got home a little bit later, you decided to plug in your flash drive and look at all the pictures Nikki had taken. You were marveling at her work when your phone started buzzing. It was Alexis.

“Hey, what’s up?” you picked up, confused as to why she’d call on a Thursday night.

“Hey. I saw that you were home so I figured I was good to call. Are you alone?”

“Yes, and why do you need me alone?”

She paused.

“Look, y/n, I’m sorry for bringing that stuff up about Tom in front of the girls Monday, but, since I don’t know when I’ll be able to get you alone again, I need to ask you something.”

“Okay what is going on?” You’re scaring me a little.”

“I hate to be the one to ask this, because I know you and we came up with that whole revenge thing at the beginning of the semester but… do you… have feelings for Tom?”

You were taken aback at her question.

“What! Me have feelings for Tom? Are you crazy?”

She sighed.

“Well it’s just that, you two are always together now, your usual bickering has turned into normal banter, and you literally traveled to take pictures with him last weekend. It just seems like something else is there, and the whole school is starting to pick up on it.”

Ironically, you had frozen on a picture of you and Tom from Sunday, one of you standing in your sports uniforms back to back.

“Okay so maybe we’re kind of friends now, but that doesn’t mean I like him! And how many times do I have to say that the pictures were just at the same time?”

“Then explain to me why his mom’s website has multiple pictures of you two together?”

Your blood ran cold and stomach dropped.

“Wait, what?” you breathed, immediately going to pull up her page. Like Alexis said, a picture of the two of you posing was at the top of the home page. It was the same one you’d been looking at before. “Oh, no,” you whispered.

“Are you seeing it?” she asked.

You gulped.

“Yep. But, it’s not that bad, right? I mean she takes tons of sports pictures and we look super serious. It’s not like we’re standing with our arms wrapped around each other or anything.” you rationalized, half joking at the end of your sentence.

“You might want to scroll down, then…”

You went past a photo of just you on the dock railing in your jumpsuit to find one of Tom lifting you over his shoulder, but of you laughing.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” you muttered.

“Are you sure you’ve got nothing to tell me? I’ve had lots of guy friends and most of them don't do that to me.”

“Yes, Alexis, I’m sure. He was getting back at me for something and acted like he was gonna throw me in the lake. I didn’t realize Nikki took any pictures of it. I’ll ask Tom about it.”

“If you say so… I’ll believe you. But you do know you can tell me anything, right?”

“Of course I do, and I’m telling you right now that nothing has happened or will ever happen. We’re just friends, okay? Now I’ve got to go. See you tomorrow?” you finished.

“Okay, see you tomorrow,” she signed off, ending the call.

You felt another pit in your stomach thinking about how you’d lied to her. You definitely didn’t have feelings, but why didn’t you tell Alexis about that moment you’d had in his room a couple weeks back, or how you'd fallen asleep on his shoulder Sunday night, or even how you’d accidentally seen him naked?

Because she’d think there’s something there.

But there isn’t.

But..?

You shook the thoughts away as you texted Tom, asking him to take a glance at his mom’s website.

“Omg I have no idea why she used the third picture. I’ll see if she’ll change it” he answered. 

You were glad he would save your asses like that, but felt a twinge of sadness for it to be replaced. You almost didn’t mind it being there.

%

A/N: another long awaited marriage project! I have been working so hard to get this out while going through rewrites and working on sweet home alabama, but hopefully this will hold y’all over for now. As always, thank you so much and feel free to hit up my asks any time!

Send a message or ask if you’d like to be added to my permanent or series taglists so I can verify you’ve been added!

Story tag list: @jackiehollanderr, @one-big-fangirl, @l0lmk, @primadonnasdream, @bookworm06, @thenoddingbunny-blog, @agentnataliahofferson, @spider-babe, @stxfxniexreads, 

[backtobackbakubabe]

Leaving my Love Behind Part 2

Bakugo x Reader

Words : 2031

Reader hasn’t seen Bakugo in almost ten years but when her boyfriend goes missing she all but begs him to help her find him and get him back from a notorious gang leader.

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

You had insisted you could get an uber back to your place and meet Bakugo somewhere afterwards. You honestly just didn’t want him seeing where you lived. It wasn’t in the nicest neighborhood and you knew he would probably think less of you for living in such a shabby place.

“No that doesn’t make any sense. It just waists time. Just let me give you a ride and we can leave from there.” He had his arms crossed now and his feet set. You knew this stance well. It was his ‘I’m a stubborn ass who isn’t going to budge or compromise in way’ stance. You had seen it many times before, whether it be in training or even on one of the many nights you hung out after class.

“We’re not in high school anymore Bakugo. You can’t just stomp your foot and get your way. I told you I’m fine with meeting up later. I need to shower and pack and you’ll just slow me down by nagging me every 5 minutes about how long I’m taking.” You mirrored his stance, looking him dead in the eye.

He narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw. You both stood there in awkward silence just staring at each other. Neither of you planning to give in.

Out of nowhere he let off a small controlled explosion off of his palm. The sudden loud noise startling you and making you blink.

“HAH! You blinked! I win, I’m driving. Let’s go.” Bakugo was grabbing his keys as he slipped his shoes on.

Your mouth gaped as your eyebrows knit together, “You CHEATER!”

He just shrugged as he held the door open waiting for you to follow him out of the apartment, “Look at who’s stomping their foot now? Stop being such a brat and let’s get moving. You’re burning daylight.”

You made your way to the door, stopping just before you crossed the threshold looking at his feet. “Fine… Just… Just don’t judge me okay? Not all of us get paid an obscene amount of money to play hero.”

You could feel him tense up a little before giving you a light shove through the door. “Joke’s on you because I’d make fun of you regardless.” He turned to lock the door behind him. “But because you asked so nicely, I’ll call a temporary truce until after we’ve left your house.”

He followed your directions back to your place. His grip on the steering wheel getting tighter the closer he got. He had promised to not say anything, but he also hadn’t expected it to be this bad. The thought of you living here made his skin crawl. But what really got to him was the overwhelming guilt churning in his stomach knowing that this was somewhat his fault. What you did for him all those years ago allowed him to live his dream as a hero, but it had also condemned you to this life. When you said he owed you yesterday in the rain, you were right. He did owe you, and it wasn’t until now that he realized just how much.

He finally pulled into a visitor spot outside your apartment building. Your fingers nervously fidgeted with the edge of your shirt, “Uh, you can just wait here. I won’t be too long. Fifteen minutes tops.”

He gulped. On one hand he didn’t want to leave his car here unattended, but on the other hand he didn’t really want to leave you unattended either. Knowing you’d never let him in if he was being overprotective, he told a white lie. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to come inside. I need to use the bathroom.”

You hovered with one foot out of the car. “Sure. I guess that’s fine. Just like I said before, try not to judge me. I know that goes against every cell in your body, but please try.”

He followed closely behind you and you could almost feel the disapproval rolling off of him in waves. You had to walk up 3 flights of stairs before reaching your floor and the whole time you were trying to remember what state you had left you place in? Had you remembered to wash the dishes in the sink? Or were they still ‘soaking’? Had you put your clean laundry away or were they still in a pile on your couch? Did you even remember to take the trash out? You were in an absolute spiral.

You took a deep breath while giving him one last pleading look before unlocking your door. You tried to hold the door close to you as you peaked in, in an awkward attempt to check the status of your living space while hiding it from Bakugo’s view.

Impatient as ever he huffed as he pushed the door all the way open. “Tch. Let’s just get this over with.” You glared at him but all he did was shrug, “What? I told you I needed to take a piss.”

You rolled your eyes before pointing in the direction of your bathroom. “It’s that door there. I’ll pack first, and I’ll shower when you’re done.” Without waiting for a response, you sprinted to your room and started packing. You didn’t know what you would need but you tried to stay practical and pack light. The only thing you packed that wasn’t an absolute necessity was your switch so you could kill time while on the road. It didn’t take up much space so it should be fine.

You took one last glance around your room. You made a silent promise that the next time you were here, it would be with Kiyo back home and safe.

You rejoined Bakugo who was being busy being nosy. “Does Bilbo live here with you?” He picked up a picture of you as a child and studied it.

You groaned as you took the picture back from him and put it back in its place. “Yes. KIYO does live here as well. Why?”

He didn’t seem to like that answer. But he just shrugged, “No reason. Just found it odd that there’s no pictures of him. Or like any evidence at all that a guy even lives here.”

You pushed past him on the way to the bathroom, “I don’t know what you’re suggesting, but he does live here. In fact, he paid for most of the furniture.” You slammed the bathroom door a little harder than necessary. What was he trying to imply? You couldn’t put your finger on it, but it made you uncomfortable anyways.

Your shower was quick. You were in a hurry to get on the road. You braided your wet hair before once again rejoining Bakugo who this time was rummaging through your refrigerator. “What are you looking for?”

His head had been so deep in the fridge he hadn’t heard you coming and he jumped slightly at the sound of your voice making his bump his head on the door. “Shit! Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

You leaned on the kitchen counter putting your head in your hand. “I thought you were supposed to have some crazy bionic hearing now or something.”

He looked at you like you had two heads, “That’s not how hearing aids work dumbass. I hear better with them then I do normally, but I can’t hear shit normally so…” You could feel a blush hint at the tips of your ears. You didn’t mean to upset him. “I was looking for anything we could take with us as road snacks but… you have like no food here that’s not microwavable.”

“What did I say about judging me?”

He raised his hands in defense. “I wasn’t judging, just making an observation. I personally could never live on such a disgusting diet. But then again you never really did care what you put in your mouth.”

You picked up the closest thing to you which happened to be a bag of chips. This teasing wasn’t anything new. This is how you used to be in high school. The two of you had been best friends, practically inseparable at one point in your lives. He was a hot head and you were sassy. You fed off each other’s toxic energy and were always either fighting or joking with each other, and if you were being honest there was rarely a difference between the two.

He caught the chips without a problem, “I’m sorry y/n. I was wrong… you do have something that’s not microwavable.”

You just glared at him. “I refuse to stoop to your level, you immature porcupine. Can we just get going already? You were the one crying about burning daylight earlier.”

You could see he was trying to hide the smirk on his face, “Oh yeah, for sure. We can get gong as soon as you tell me where it is we’re going.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but then you realized you actually didn’t know. “Uh… I was kind of hoping you would have a lead. I mean you told me you were already investigating Big Shadow right? Where do you think we should start?”

He rolled his eyes as he pulled the map function on his phone. “Okay so there’s five known places that he and his men operate out of. A casino, a restaurant, an auto shop, a bar, and a strip club. I say we check them out one by one and see what we find out.”

You nodded as you looked all the locations he had marked on the map and pointed to the restaurant. “I think this one is probably the closest to his last known location.”

Bakugo narrowed his eyes, “That also happens to be the furthest one from us. By like a lot. That’s half a day’s drive from here. What the hell was he doing all the way out there?”

“He works for some security company. He installs security systems. Sometimes he has to travel really far to do it.” You shrugged as if that wasn’t suspicious.

The more Bakugo learned about your boyfriend the more his suspicions grew. Cheeto probably had a secret side job that wasn’t exactly legal and Bakugo think’s he pissed off the wrong guy. You would be lucky if you even found him alive, but he wasn’t going to tell you that. You needed the closure.

So that’s how you found yourself back in his car playing 20 questions. He had said it would help pass time while also catching up on what you guys had missed out on the past few years. You were hesitant at first because the Bakugo you knew was never the talkative or sharing type. So, the fact that not only was he willing to play this stupid game but was his idea., well that really freaked you out.

Little did you know he was using this game to basically integrate you to learn more about your shady boyfriend. It grated on his nerves how happy you guy while talking about him. How your eyes lit up as you said his name. He tried to convince himself it was because you were his friend and he didn’t want to see you get hurt by some asshole. But deep down he had to admit there was a more logical source for this irritation. There was a chance he was jealous.

Bakugo had had a crush on you almost all through high school up until the day you were forced to drop out. He didn’t see or talk to you after that. The guilt ate him alive that he never even tried. Part of him wondered what would have happened if he had. Would your life be any different now? Would you still be living on the shitty end of town with a dead-beat boyfriend and an empty fridge?

He’d be true to his word. He was going to help you find your boyfriend. But he was also going to help you realize all the ways you don’t need him. He was going to use this time to remind you who you are. A strong ass independent women.

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

Tags : @spicy-therapist-mom @runrabbitrun3

[seiin-translations]

2.43 S1 Chapter 5.2 - Stand By Me

2. ESCAPE

Random girls: oh no the girls are fighting

Translation Notes

1. Koutairen is the abbreviation for the All Japan High School Athletic Federation.

2. Kuroba calls his relatives おんちゃん and aunt is おばちゃん, so yeah

3. Economy class syndrome is “deep-vein thrombosis said to be caused by periods of prolonged immobility on long-haul flights.”

4. Murderer was in English in the original text

Previous || Index || Next

The bridge in the middle of Monshiro Town and Suzumu City was the goal of Haijima’s daily jogs. At the end of his jog, he dashed across the concrete bridge that was shining silver in the scorching August sun, then made a U-turn at that same speed and ran down to the riverbank. “Uwah!” His soles slipped on the overgrown summer grass. He ended up sliding down to a flat area of the riverbank on the enamel bag he carried on his back.

Hah, hah…He lay there for a while, breathing heavily. In the shadow of the bridge, the temperature felt a little cooler than on the bridge. He could feel the dampness of the summer grass soaking into his hair.

He got up unsteadily, put down his bag and took out his ball. He imagined that he was tired at the final stage of the game and purposely began to do one-person passes before he could catch his breath. With an overhand motion, he threw the ball directly above him. He continued to set the ball rhythmically no higher than a centimeter. The sound of the ball being softly flicked echoed in the quiet riverbank for a while.

The concrete piers rising from the riverbank had several colored chalk marks on them, though they were already fading. The marks were used as the attackers’ positions, and he set the ball to them. He spun around and hit the bouncing ball with a jump back set at the exact same height. He turned forward again and set the bouncing ball again. This time he intentionally changed the spot he hit it to. The ball deviated somewhat and bounced up. He then ran to chase it and crouched down and set the ball while he was underneath it. Gradually, he purposefully shifted to spots where he hit the ball to harder and harder places.

Haijima’s sets were characterized by their “speed,” but they were sets that crushed the attacker’s will, or sets that didn’t “allow for themselves to be hit,” so to speak. As the ball moved in a parabolic position, it had time to drift near the top before it began its free fall. If he set a ball that overlapped the top of the parabola with the attacker’s highest jumping point, the attacker could use that time, even if it was only a few tenths of a second, to draw out his power and hit the ball as hard as he could. In order to always have that kind of set, he had been refining his technique by focusing on unparalleled accuracy in ball handling.

Immediately after hitting the pier with a back set, the ball bounced back with a bang and he flipped it up with his elbow, still facing backwards. He jumped up to the high ball and hit the mark accurately with one hand. Technically, he could keep on doing this for an hour or two without dropping the ball. However, his legs couldn’t keep up, his toes got caught in the summer grass and he pitched forward. As he slid forward, he stretched out his body hard and thrust the back of his hand into the gap between the ball and the ground.

Although he connected with it through willpower, that was as far as he could go. The ball was flicked low in front of him and crashed into the grass.

He sprawled out on top of the grass, his chest heaving as he gasped for breath. The blue summer sky spread out above the slope pierced his eyes, and he raised his arm to cover his face.

“Shit…”

He let out a curse under his arm.

“Why do I have to do this…”

In addition to withdrawing from the semifinals of the Fall Tournament, the school gave them the severe punishment of refraining from club activities for the time being. It wasn’t that it was settled that they were guilty, but rather that the current situation was completely grey. Okuma said it was in fact because it was grey. If the fact that the scandal was real were to leak through some other channel and the school had received the report but not taken any action, the school would be on the hook. There were several such incidents a year, regardless of the type of sport. Okuma was a little more familiar with that sort of situation—it was the school’s way of protecting itself by taking strict measures, he said.

Since they weren’t banned from practicing on their own during the summer break, Haijima continued to practice on his own, just as he had done when he wasn’t a part of the team. Since he didn’t know when the next competition was going to be, he hadn’t made any adjustments for a tournament, just blindly practicing everyday to beyond the limit of his stamina, much less stopping at the limit. However, even if he practiced until he couldn’t move, he couldn’t see the effect by himself. There was only a growing sense of futility, no sense of accomplishment at all.

What am I doing here all by myself? What’s the point of practicing by myself? There’s no point in this unless I’m in a place with a net and there’s someone to set the ball to——.

Fading chalk marks on the bridge piers. The reason they were fading was because he didn’t have to practice alone anymore before, and because he didn’t draw over them these days, even when they were getting fainter.

---

It had been a month since club activities were suspended. September 2nd, the second day of the new semester—they only went to school for the morning yesterday, so today was the real first day of the new term.

When he pedalled his bike to the station, he saw the train arriving at the station building. He pedalled faster and charged in front of the station, then immediately got off his bike and jumped over the ticket gate. Monshiro Station was a desolate little hut, so the platform was right in front of the ticket gate. He ran and made it just in time through the gap in the doors as they were about to close.

A dark green afterimage intruded his vision and he momentarily felt dizzy. He took off his glasses, wiped the sweat off his face with his shirt, and exhaled. The fan spinning on the ceiling blew a strong and lukewarm wind that ruffled his hair.

I pedalled my bike as hard as I could for just a little bit, but I’m tired…

As he leaned against the railing by the doors and put his glasses back on, he noticed a tall person wearing the same uniform as him standing in front of the priority seats.  

“Granny, if you don’t tie it up properly, they’ll all fall out.”

While giving something that sounded like honest advice to the old lady sitting in the priority seats, the person was tying the mouth of a supermarket bag that was filled with some kind of fruit and then putting it on the overhead rack.

“Thank you, young master. I wish my son was as big as you.”

“Your house would get more cramped with people like me in it. My mom keeps saying I’m getting in the way.”

“Well, isn’t your house big enough?”

“Our house is wide horizontally, but it’s stuck verti…”

Kuroba also noticed him and cut himself off.

“Oh…hey, you’re kinda sunburnt.”

I was wondering what he was going to say first, but it was that? He sure has it easy.

Kuroba was dressed in his uniform, a white shirt and pants. There was a rule about ties, but few male students wore them in the summer. A colored T-shirt was showing through under his shirt, and Haijima couldn’t judge if that was cool or tacky because he didn’t have the evaluation standard for that. Haijima was just wearing the white shirt.

The only bags he had was the flimsy school bag designated by the school (it wasn’t designated to be flimsy, Kuroba just flattened it himself), and he wasn’t carrying the enamel bag for club activities. When he clicked his tongue with the implication of Look at you, just enjoying your vacation like it’s natural, Kuroba flinched a little and pouted.

They averted their gazes and leaned against the railings on either side of the door. There was no conversation that would stimulate them, so there was silence. Haijima planned on going home after doing some more self-practice today, so he had his usual enamel bag slung over his shoulder, but he couldn’t bear the weight on his shoulder and put it down on the floor. The single ball, his own that was used for outdoor practice felt terribly heavy.

He might be right when he called me sunburnt… When he turned the direction of his face, he could faintly see the frames of his glasses faintly reflected in the door glass. He had been practicing outside for overwhelmingly longer than usual, so he felt unusually burnt. I spent a lot of time outside yesterday too…so much that I don’t even remember how long I practiced. He wondered if that showed how tired he was.

Even though it was September, it was still blazing outside. However, the scenery of the paddy fields flowing outside the train window had become quite autumnal before they knew it. The growing rice plants were beginning to hang down their ears as though bowing. He squinted his eyes at the dazzling golden glow of the paddy fields reflecting the sun that had been shining brightly since morning. It seemed to overlap with his current situation, where he could only look on at a brightly sparkling world from a dim place, which made him feel even more frustrated.

Their participation in the Spring Volleyball Tournament’s preliminaries was hopeless at this stage. The semifinals would be held at the end of this month, and the two schools that would advance to the finals for both the boys’ and girls’ teams would be decided. Two months later in November, the finals will be held for the right to represent the prefecture at the National Tournament, where there was only one spot for both boys and girls. The Spring Tournament Final Selection, where representatives from all over Japan would gather, would be held in January of next year.

They had completed the application, so it seemed that they still weren’t officially non-participating yet, which was rather like a state of limbo. Even if they were allowed to resume their activities in the second semester, it would be difficult to rebuild a team that had fallen apart during the summer break in less than a month. It would be fine if their goal was to participate—but what Seiin, Haijima, Oda wanted was a ticket to Nationals. They needed the ability to beat all the teams in the prefecture and rise to the top.

What about Oda…he wondered if he had already given up on the Spring Tournament. As the days went by, he had a feeling that he was the only one feeling irritated like this every day, but when he saw Kuroba’s reaction, like he had forgotten something completely important, that worry turned into certainty.

Every time the train stopped at a station, the number of passengers and density within the train increased. Right before Nanafu Station, it became congested like it was rush hour, and the two stood side by side with their backs against the door. The two tall boys blocked the door glass, turning the inside of the car dark and causing the passengers near them to somewhat keep a distance from them.

There was a group of girls in Seiin uniforms chatting animatedly. He could tell from a glance that they belonged to a sports team, and from the logo printed on their bags, he could tell that they belonged to the girls’ softball team.

“Oh, you’re the first-years from boys’ volleyball.”

They seemed to know their faces and called out to them.

“We heard about it. Your club activities got suspended.”

They said in a teasing tone. “Yeah, well,” Kuroba said with a stiffened face and took a step over to him. While pulling his bag to between his legs with his foot, Haijima gave a side-eyed glare at Kuroba. …Don’t chicken out. What’s with that “Yeah well” and that half-smile. Aren’t you the reason why.

“…You, get a clue. It’s thanks to you that the Spring Tournament has become a total waste. We missed out on Inter-High and the National Meet, so this was our last chance to go to Nationals…”

He spat out in a biting voice, with the back of his head against the door glass. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kuroba’s shoulders jump.

“I, I know that much. It’s Oda-senpai and Aoki-senpai’s last year, and I feel awful about that. But if that’s the case, then you should trust me even more.”

He was just as persistent as he had been a month ago. Haijima had no idea what he was being so stubborn about. Was there anything in this world that required him to stubbornly prioritize it over the Spring Tournament? If it were him, he would say no.

“It’s not just the third-years. Why don’t you think about yourself too? We’ve only got three chances.”

He emphasized “three chances.” If he could, he would do it dozens of times, but he could only go there three times in his life.

The Spring High School Volleyball Tournament had been held in the first gym of the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo for a long time as a March tradition, although there had been some changes to the outline of the tournament since it was moved to January. Since elementary school, Haijima had watched those recordings to the point where the tapes were literally worn out (some games were only recorded in analog form, so he went out of his way to have them shown to him on a VCR). He had imagined dozens of times, hundreds of times, that he would be fighting on that orange court—not the multi-sided court they had been playing on until the quarterfinals, but the center court right in the middle of the gym. Ever since elementary school, he had only been imagining that both when he was asleep and awake, only to suddenly realize one day that he had only three chances to actually try to go there, and that truth felt absurd to him.

When he decided to leave Meisei Middle School and go back to Fukui, he thought that with this, he had nothing to aim for anymore. But Oda’s words shone a light on what he had once stored away in a dim place.

“I honestly believe that this year’s Seiin will definitely be a team that goes to the finals.”

“Lend me all your strength.”

Can I really trust him…? If that’s the case, as long as I give it my all, I’ll get us there. After the summer training camp, he was at the point where he was becoming more and more convinced that he could make that a reality with this team, and he couldn’t step on the brakes twice.

“I can’t wait until next year. If this year’s ruined, then we lose one chance. Three chances will become two. And even if we could go there three times, it still won’t be enough.”

Why doesn’t he understand…really, how many years does this guy plan on being in high school?

“Were we told that… You seemed to be attached to the Spring Tournament, but that’s because you’re from Tokyo, right? What’s the difference between this and Inter-High or the National Meet?”

Kuroba’s tone of voice also became a little stronger. What had been sulkiness gradually became something like resentment and lashing out.

“If you wanna be in the Spring Tournament so badly, I’ve got an idea for you. You should go back to your old school in Tokyo and compete with them. You don’t care what team you’re on, as long as you can be in the game, but not Seiin. You’re only thinking about yourself anyways, aren’t you?”

“…? Why do I have to be told that? No matter how you look at it, you’re the one who’s not thinking about the team.”

Their voices, getting louder and louder, attracted attention from around them. The girls’ softball team was exchanging whispers that sounded like “Boys’ volleyball is splitting up.”

“You don’t know the rules of Koutairen (1) in the first place, do you? There’s one where it’s a general rule that if you transferred schools, you’re disqualified from participating in games unless six months has passed. If I transferred to Meisei right now, even if I get accepted, there’s no way I’d be able to compete in the Spring Tournament preliminaries anyways.”

He was starting to feel very annoyed, wondering why he had to explain all that in a place like this. As expected, Kuroba looked as though he didn’t know about such a rule, but he still snapped back, saying, “W-Well, if that’s the case…”

“You want to go back if you can be accepted, right? I knew it.”

“I didn’t talk about that at all. Let me say this clearly, even if I’m accepted, who’s gonna want me as their teammate again? I…”

His voice caught. The words that had congested in his throat were spat out in small chunks.

“I’m…the setter who caused his teammate to attempt suicide…after all…”

Kuroba widened his eyes and became speechless.

That face suddenly disappeared from his vision with a surprised “Oh?”

The train had just appeared at the station and the doors had opened. Having suddenly lost the support of his back, Haijima almost fell onto the platform.

Passengers, including many in the Seiin uniform, surged towards the doors. The current of people pushed him and he jumped onto the platform on one foot, but his bag he had put down on the floor was left behind and he hurriedly pushed his way through the crowd to go back. A large rectangular bag was slumped between people’s feet. While almost getting kneed several times, he reached for the strap and retrieved the bag.

The departure bell began to ring, so he quickly retrieved it and was about to jump off the train, but just as he put his foot down the edge of the train car, he suddenly felt hesitant.

…What’s the point of this whole day? I’m just going to school and killing time between classes, not even doing any club activities, and yet I’m just going to go home tired.

He saw Kuroba’s head in the stream of people heading for the ticket gate. It was like a rock sticking out of the shallows, his height one head above the others. While walking with the current pushing him, Kuroba turned around and shouted something at Haijima, but Haijima turned back and went back inside the car.

He sat down on a vacant seat and threw his bag out onto the aisle. Of course, the Seiin students had all got off at Nanafu, so there was no one else left who was wearing the same uniform as him.

That’s what he thought, but then he saw Kuroba’s trouser-clad legs step over the bag in front of him and stop.

Blinking, Haijima looked up.

“What the hell are you thinking…”

Kuroba, looking a little flustered, was panting heavily.

“Why are you coming back here too?”

“You’re skipping school? What are you gonna do?”

“What, you say…”

He was about to answer “Nothing really,” but then fell silent.

It wasn’t as though he had any destination or goal if he kept riding. But…

He just thought of one.

“…Kuroba. Come with me.”

“Huh? Where?”

Kuroba darted his eyes about.

“Tokyo.”

“Huh? What are you doing there?” He looked like he still didn’t understand yet.

“I’m going back. ——To Meisei.”

***

“…Huh, Yori-chan came back? …No, it’s fine, yeah…I owe you, Uncle. I’m begging you, please don’t tell anyone until tonight. It’s not like I’m running away home, I’m with a guy who knows Tokyo, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Kuroba, who had been talking in front of the station attendant’s office, came running back and said, “I kept you waiting. Here.” He pushed half of the bundle of tickets into his hand.

Fukui Station was in the center of the northern part of Fukui Prefecture and a terminal station where limited express trains stopped. The express train from here to Maibara in Shiga Prefecture and the bullet train from Maibara to Tokyo cost about 13,000 yen for a one-way trip—not an amount that a high school student could afford after making up his mind on the spot, so they had Kuroba’s relative who worked at the station to arrange the tickets for him. He didn’t know if tabs were a thing at train stations, but it felt like it was Kuroba’s tab.

With a humble look on his face, Haijima received the ticket.

“You asked me to come with you, but you used me as your wallet.”

“It’s not like that. I’ll repay you. My dad will be there when we get there.”

“Well, I don’t really mind. Oh, that relative of mine just now is my aunt’s…Yori-chan’s mom’s younger brother.”

“I don’t get it.” The relatives and aunts got mixed up in his mind. (2) Were there really hundreds of relatives related to the Kuroba family around here?

“Yori-chan went out of the prefecture to play again during vacation, but he arrived on a night bus a little while ago and came back to town the same time as us.”

Since the departure time of the special express train was approaching, they talked as they ran up the stairs to the platform and jumped in through the nearest door.

It was a weekday, but the unreserved seats were quite packed. Most of the passengers were in two categories: groups of young people on summer vacation since universities were still on break, and businessmen on business trips. They looked terribly out of place in their high school uniforms, but thanks to Haijima’s enamel bag, which was easily recognized as something for club activities from an outsider’s perspective, they should look like they were going to an away game or something.

Kuroba found two empty seats and took the window seat first. Haijima shoved his bulky bag into the overhead rack and sat down in the aisle seat. The two of them were taller than most people, so it was quite a bit of trouble for them to tuck their legs in.

“The seats are so cramped in limited express. Won’t we get that economy class syndrome thing?” (3)

“It’s only a little over an hour to Maibara. Bear with it.”

“Accused of misconduct, then skipping school in the new semester and escaping outside the prefecture, can my situation get even worse…umm, how do you put the seat down, oh, here?”

As he continued to complain, Kuroba pushed down the back of his seat one notch, and when he thought he was going to rest his back on it, he pressed his face against the window and said excitedly, “Oh, it looks like we’re setting out already!” Even though he had been complaining about his situation, he was completely acting like he was on a school trip, saying, “Let’s buy a station lunch if they’re selling food in the train. I’m starving.” This guy fundamentally has weak self-awareness.

It shouldn’t have been reassuring at all to bring along a country bumpkin who got excited just by riding the express and having to take care of him, only adding to his burdens—but he convulsively invited Kuroba. Even if he hadn’t depended on his wallet, he didn’t think he would have even thought of going if he was alone.

Kuroba made an “Mmm?” sound and stirred, rising from his seat. Haijima was fed up, wondering why he couldn’t stay calm like that, but it seemed that he got a call as he took out his vibrating cell phone from his back pocket. As soon as he checked the caller, he got a startled look on his face. “Itoko…ah, not Yori-chan, but my cousin, Itoko.” “Your relatives sure are complicated.”

He thought he was going to answer, but he only indecisively stared at the message, not even attempting to respond.

“What if it’s an emergency?”

“No…we had a little fight, and she was staying angry at me, so what’s with the sudden…”

Kuroba clamped the phone between his hands and the vibration eventually stopped.

“Ah, she stopped.”

His voice when he said that sounded a little disappointed as he breathed a sigh of relief.

The gravity from the front lightly pressed him against his seat. Haijima imitated Kuroba and lowered the back of his seat down a notch, resting the back of his head against it and relaxing. He slowly closed his eyes and turned his attention towards the vibrations beginning to come from underneath his buttocks and the muffled sound of the train as it gradually picked up speed. He didn’t mind the feeling of being wrapped in a thin barrier, something characteristic to long-distance trains.

It’s been a while since I felt this feeling. In the winter of my second grade of middle school, I rode the express train in the opposite direction…

“Haijima.”

It came from next to him. It was no longer high-spirited, but calm.

“You’re not seriously going to transfer schools, right…?”

“You’re still saying that?”

Haijima answered curtly and opened his eyes.

“If you’re not, then what…”

“Who knows.”

“What do you mean, who knows?”

Kuroba’s voice became a bit wild, as though he was impatient, but even if he said that, it wasn’t as though Haijima had any specific predictions about what would happen.

After that “test of courage” incident at the summer training camp, he began to have nightmares from time to time. He didn’t really hold a grudge against Okuma and the others for their prank. It was just that those people didn’t know his circumstances, and it made him realize that he was still dragging along what happened at Meisei.

It might be that something would be put behind him for the better, it might be that something worse would happen. It might look foolish to be desperate and going out of his way to have his wounds gouged out, but in any case, if he stayed here, then this summer would end fruitlessly in a state of limbo. For Haijima, this current situation where he couldn’t go forward or back was unbearable, to the point where he thought that it would be better to just destroy everything once and for all.

“I thought if I met Souta, it would play out one way or another.”

“Souuuta.”

Kuroba repeated the name in a strange monotone, then cleared his throat like there was phlegm stuck in it.

“Hey, if you don’t mind me asking…what happened at your Tokyo school…?”

“I might as well. I’m the one who made you come with me, so it makes sense for me to tell you. We have time while riding anyways.”

“I-It’s not like I’m curious or anything, okay? You don’t have to talk about what you don’t want to talk about.”

“Don’t get so weirdly worked up over it.”

Although he said that, this guy was someone who paid attention to the needs of others by nature. Unlike him, he could be considerate in order to not hurt others. …Oh, was he coughing because he found it hard to ask? It was then that he realized that the excessively high-spirited chattering might because he was finding the right moment to broach what he wanted to ask.

“He’s the guy who…attempted suicide, right? What kind of person is this Souta…?”

“Yoshino Souta. My volleyball buddy since fourth grade.”

Haijima began to play volleyball when he was in fourth grade. The Haijima family was a father-son household, but his father came home late and he had to stay home alone for a long time, so he was enrolled into a local elementary schooler volleyball club as a substitute for after-school childcare. The club itself wasn’t a full-fledged one, as its main objective was to improve the physical fitness of children, but Haijima became more and more absorbed in it, to the point where volleyball became everything to him before he knew it. Volleyball might have become something like a parent to him.

It was at this club that he met Yoshino Souta and Komukai Tetsuto, and they would later play together at Meisei Middle School. Although they went to different elementary schools, they invited each other to continue playing volleyball at the same middle school, and they all took the entrance exams for Meisei Private Academy Middle School.

“Our coach was named Minami-sensei, who took care of us older kids under the head coach, and the one who told us about Meisei. Sensei told us that it was a powerhouse school in Tokyo, with great facilities, and that they worked closely with their high school to nurture their players over the long term. So we all promised Sensei that we’ll definitely go to the Spring Tournament from Meisei High.”

“Heh…With such a good team and environment…” How did something like that happen? He seemed to want to say.

Why did it become like that, really. When he was in elementary school, everyone got along well. They all looked forward to the days they had club, and there was never a conflict of opinions that created a bad atmosphere.

However, that was probably because their positions were fluid and they were playing volleyball half in fun. As they started to play a serious and strict team, the disparity in ability and physique became more and more apparent, and their old relationships changed before they knew it. Haijima himself probably realized it quite late, but it seemed that everyone distanced themselves from him from the very beginning.

“Can’t you get it up there? If you don’t do that, I can’t do anything either.”

There was a time when Haijima lost his temper because the attackers’ serve return rate was terrible.

“You don’t do receives, so don’t talk to us about anything. If you’re gonna tell people to do something, do it yourself first.”

“If I do the first touch, then I can’t be the setter. If I’m not in the middle, there’s no offense. The left’s job is to receive first and foremost. It’s the job of all of you to connect to me. I’m not gonna let someone who’s not gonna do that to spike.”

Haijima thought he had said something obvious. Even thinking about it now, he was sure he wasn’t wrong in theory. No matter what formation it was, the setter didn’t take part in the reception. However, his statement made the atmosphere rough.

Apparently, this kind of thing would happen so often that his teammates would go online to enthusiastically badmouth Haijima to each other in order to vent their frustrations. Someone’s mother must have happened to see their screen, and shocked by the situation, the mothers overreacted and it reached the coach in the form of harsh advice from the parent’s association.

“Haijima, why did you have to say things that way…? I’m not a teacher at this school, so I won’t delve into it that much, but could you please think over your words a little bit more? That’s why, even though it’d be fatal for us if we don’t have you, you’re benched for the next game.”

The mothers’ cooperation was important not only in terms of funding, but also for training camps and away games, so the coach was probably reluctant to speak out. He decided to temporarily drop Haijima from the starting lineup for the tournament in the fall with the sense of “appeasing them.”

It was on the very day of the tournament.

Yoshino Souta attempted suicide by slitting his wrists.

The direct trigger for this was the fight with Haijima during practice two days ago, apparently.

“MURDERER…do you know what that means?” (4)

“…? Um…what was it again?”

He was suddenly asked a question and gave a quizzical response. He didn’t want to give him a quiz, so he immediately said the answer.

“A killer.”

Kuroba’s seat suddenly creaked as he sat up and looked at him. Haijima only gave him a side glance and purposely continued to speak detachedly.

“I also didn’t know until I looked it up in the dictionary, so I guess they weren’t really good at bullying. Even if they drew graffiti with a word I couldn’t read, it didn’t really affect me. …Until I went home and looked it up.”

The Yoshino incident spread outside the club, probably embellished, and he ended up being harassed in school. When he came to school in the morning, there were words carved on his desk, or his textbooks and school shoes went missing. It was of course unpleasant and disgusting to see his shoes lined up in front of the fence on the roof (which was of course off limits as a general rule). Going to school because he had club activities remained the same in middle school and now. Haijima didn’t have any reason where he had to cling to his classes to the point of struggling to find what he had lost and being treated as entertainment as he did that. Staying home from school was an easy decision.

“So with the end of the second semester, I stopped going to school for a month, and I transferred here for the third semester…and you know what happened after that. …That’s pretty much it.”

The blood drained from Kuroba’s face. It rubbed him the wrong way a little, wondering why he was making that face even though he wasn’t the one who had those things done to him. He understood, though. He’s got that kind of personality, so he sympathizes with me and feels sorry for me. But it actually hurt him to recognize anew that he had been through something that made him be pitied.

“…Haijima. After hearing your story, I have a feeling that you really shouldn’t go there… I think going back to a place like that would make you feel painful feelings again, and nothing good will come of it…”

“You’re the one who started it. You told me to go back to Tokyo right now.”

“Oh, that, well, that was more like tit for tat…”

“Take responsibility. I don’t need you to get cold feet. Because…I might be the one who’s getting cold feet.”

“…”

Kuroba kept stiflingly silent. The passengers sitting in the seats in front of them reclined their seats like they had arranged it beforehand, making it too cramped for them. Still silent, the two obediently bent their knees. The four knees in black pants tightly lined up before them.

A small vibration began sounding at the window. Kuroba’s phone, placed on the window frame, received another message. Kuroba took his phone and muttered, “Ah…it’s Itoko again.”

“Why don’t you just answer her?”

Haijima moved his legs aside to make room for him to leave, but Kuroba shook his head with an “Oh, no…” and pressed the power button on his phone. “It’s fine.”

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