#he was ah? you’ll do that? okay. I’ll wait here. didn’t even notice/know he was supposed to be tied

[grabby-smitten]

[kazumist]

STUPID CUPID .ᐟ

✩ — in which you thought cupid was stupid for making you fall for a guy like wriothesley.

✩ — wriothesley x gn!reader. fluff. no cws. wc: 753 (woah). reader is down bad for wrio LOL theyre so me fr. reblogs are very much appreciated !!

you never found wriothesley attractive.

well, that was before, at least. now, you’re currently undergoing a love crisis because how and when did he even become so attractive in your eyes?

since when did wriothesley look so good in rolled up sleeves? (one of the rare times where you’re thankful that the uniform has long sleeves, really.) since when did wriothesley look good in fitted clothes? since when did his chuckle start replaying in your head at random times during the day? and archons, since when did you even start liking the way he says your name?

just when did wriothesley start to become your type?

a few months ago, you didn’t even spare him a glance when it wasn’t needed. yet now, here you are, most probably on the brink of losing your sanity just because of a guy who you’re 100% sure doesn’t even think of you the same way.

you don’t share that many conversations with him, but when you do, it feels like you are floating. maybe it was simply because of how good his voice sounds, or maybe it was because you’re actually talking to him—who knows?

the words that your friends had said before started to echo in your head, “you know, when you’re in love, you’ll feel like your dreaming every day.” you didn’t believe them at first, of course; it just sounded impossible for you. but the tables just had to turn on you, didn’t they?

“as i was saying, i think it’s best if we take another approach to doing this project—are you okay?”

oh shit. this just proves their point even more, you completely forgot you were in the middle of talking and planning about your project with wriothesley because you were thinking about him! 

“huh? oh yeah, don’t worry about it.”

he nods in acknowledgement and continued to voice out his thoughts and archons, you were so close to melting. no way in celestia that even you even find him attractive as he is explaining his ideas, right?

right?

-

who knew that a project could bring two people together?

you managed to find out all sorts of things about wriothesley. a few of those would be: he has a little sister named sigewinne and he lets her style his hair whenever he’s at home, he usually does morning walks during the weekends to watch the sunrise, he really likes drinking tea and doesn’t like talking too much because his throat becomes too dry for his liking, there’s also—

yep, you’re falling deeper than you initially thought.

-

stupid, stupid cupid!

cupid must’ve been stupid. there’s no other explanation for it. because why did you just have to fall for a guy like wriothesley? wriothesley, who’s way out of your league. who you’re positively sure doesn’t like you back (and has no plans on doing so). wriothesley, who wasn’t even your type yet, here you are, going crazy over him!

just why did you have to fall for wriothesley who's… currently walking towards you right now with a bouquet of tulips in hand?

“what’s with the tulips?” you asked him.

you didn’t have to be a genius to know what tulips symbolized—love and happiness is what they mostly meant.

“are you going to give them to sigewinne?” you followed up on your last question. “ah, they’re actually for you," he replies, keeping his eyes on the bouquet in his hands and refusing to look you in the eyes instead.

wait.

did he just say they were for you?

“huh? for me?”

he silently handed you the said bouquet and proceeded to put his hands in his pockets. there, you noticed a little note attached.

i love watching the sun rise, but i’ll love it more if i get to watch it with you.

“if you don’t feel the same, it’s completely fine with me. i just wanted to let you know that i hold romantic feelings for you and—" he started to ramble, which is very out of character of him since you’re well aware that he doesn’t like to talk too much.

you didn’t believe everything at first. wriothesley suddenly giving you a bouquet of tulips was already unbelievable enough for you, but to read this note that was obviously written by him? you’re probably just dreaming, right? yeah, that must be it. maybe you just fell asleep, and now you’re dreaming of this whole thing—

“i’d like to watch the sun rise with you as well.”

maybe cupid wasn’t stupid after all.

tagging: @ryuryuryuyurboat, @oveloof, and @yinyinggie <3

[san8ny]

Intermission

Ellie Williams <3

Synopsis: Ellie and you haven’t spoken since highschool, you two never really that close. One day, the all-star hits you up upon getting kicked out. You down to help her steal from her own childhood home or nah?

w.c: 4.1k / warnings include: Ellie is a bit rude in the beginning, some Joel slander, she’s just hella uptight, mutual pining, kissing, she makes out with your hooha, but it’s hot. ;-;

“Am I even doing this right?” you mutter down at the pocket knife you had angled, poorly sharpening it’s blade with the edge of the worn-down whetstone you and Ellie happened to find upon arrival to Joel’s cabins.

She gives you, and both the board, a once-over before turning back to the picture frames lined up on the wall, “Sure.” Rolling your eyes, you throw the knife onto the counter, “You know, I didn’t know he had such a swanky place.”

“Yeah. Reeaal swanky.” She huffs, scrunching her brows in annoyance when the clatter of the knife you’d just thrown doesn’t quiet down immediately, “You find the checkbook yet?”

Ah, the checkbook. You almost forgot she recruited you out here to practically rob her adoptive dad blind.

I mean, fuck, had you had the luck of being in her place— living so lavishly, you’d let the bastard yell at you all he wanted.

Dragging your finger tips across the wooden counter, careful to not splinter them, you push yourself off where you were leaning, and walk towards the stairs, “Doesn’t it make sense for him to like, I don’t know, have it upstairs?”

Ellie runs a hand down her tired face, letting out a huge sigh before turning towards when you stand near the railing, your foot already placed on the first step. Why didn’t she think of that before? She gives you the green light, following behind as you ascend up the stairs. She finds her breath hitched and her eyes closing in further irritation when you suddenly stop, her face parallel with your lower back due to the step-to-height difference.

“Is that you?” You say, a smile stretching on your face as you point towards the meek framed photo that hung above the handrail, depicting a pre-teen Ellie in a science museum tee, Joel slightly crouched behind her with two thumbs up. You almost would have missed the small smile she has in the snapshot had you had nor squinted, “Didn’t know you had a dimple. Do still have it?” You ask, turning down towards where she stood.

“No. Now move.” She huffs, bumping your shoulder as she takes lead, climbing up the rest of the stairs. Rude. Nonetheless, you follow her as you enter into the main hallway. How the hell was a cabin this big? you’re only in it for, like, less than a season— Right? Not like you would know, the fanciest thing you’d ever seen was the time you went to Dina’s Bat Mizvah down at the community center and got to see a chocolate fountain, granted it was years ago, it’s the closest thing you’d ever experienced comparisable to ‘upper echelon.’

She seemingly notices your distant stare, harshly bringing her palms together in a large clap thus pulling you out of your thoughts. Clearly taken aback, you meet her blank gaze, “You take the attic, i’ll take the main bedroom”

“Where—

“Down the hall, to your left. You’ll see the ladder cord hanging.” She cuts you off, already walking away and into one of the many doors you could only assume led to Joel’s bedroom. Okay! This should be easy!

It was not easy.

On your hands and knees, you cough uncontrollably from the dust that blocks insulation. It errupted when you pulled the damn ceiling ladder cord down. All this money and they couldn’t fucking dust it once in a while? Wait, when was the last time this place was even entered? That was the question you asked as you slowly tip-toed up with wide eyes. immediate, you’re met with U-haul boxes, plastic dinosaur figurines and some comics.

In that moment, you smile a bit as you kneel on the floor, grabbing the Stegosaurus and T-rex as you gently knock them against eachother, playing with them.

Though you swear you were being satirical when you began toying with them, you couldn’t help thoughts drift to a younger Ellie playing with these like you were. She’d probably always call dibs on the Carnivore, giving the other person an eyeroll when they cry at how unfair she was being for never giving them a turn at being the razor-bearing predator. ‘Skill issue’ she’s also snicker when the kids run back to their parents.

When you finally put them down after some time, you walk over to one of the several moving boxes. Some tattered, some dirty and some even still closed up. It was wrong for you to have been snooping around her childhood home, sure, but she’s also stealing from her own said home— so you can’t be that bad. Reaching into the closest one near you, you pull out a small velvet belt. One that stroke resemblance to the ones you’d see in the cheesy karate-cop movies your dad had been a fan of. Another, and another and shortly, you have a large array of belts, with at the very bottom of the box containing a small plaque of achievements, ‘Ellie Williams’ printed in fine, gold lettering, ‘Graduate from the Jackson institute of Martial Arts.’

Of course, she was a prodigy at everything. What wasn’t Ellie good at? She’d been your highschool’s valedictorian a couple years back when you both were about to graduate, given the golden chance to speak at the commencing, well, was. That was before passing the chance onto the second runner without a second thought; she claimed she wasn’t the talking type and just casually went about her day, like it wasnt the opportunity most students would have killed for. Students like you, who spent all night and day to even make a dent in the social stratosphere that was highschool.

Given now you both were in your early 20’s, you still hold admiration for Ellie. Maybe that’s why when she randomly called you to hangout after years, you didn’t question it, or even second guess yourself.

How long Ellie had been standing there watching you coo over her baby pictures was something you, and both she couldn’t answer. Originally wanting to smack you on the head or scare you, she couldn’t help but lean against the attic wall, eyeing the way you carefully place her achievements down like they were the most important thing to you.

You’d always been like that since Ellie can recall meeting you. Always so nice, so sensible, always the first one in the room to make light out of nothing. You definitely would have been burnt on the cross or something for just how smiley you were if you were alive back in that day. Ellie found you interesting in ways she couldn’t configure why.

She and Joel had a falling out a couple of weeks ago. He cut her off of all financial support, insisting she get a job or a higher education like her peers were. A few profanities and insults were thrown around, leading eventually to her getting kicked out. Funny. Though she never cared about being embarrassed or the opinions of others, she did feel some sort of seeping humiliation. So, with the money she had, she booked a hotel and called you up. She chuckles when she remembers the first time she sent the address, your hesitancy to type back as you get the wrong, but expected idea,

‘ .’.im not fucking u lol’

‘wth no I got kicked out’

‘OHHH srry!!! D: ‘

The chuckle that hears behind startles, your grip seemingly loosening on the picture frame you had in-hand meeting the floor in cruel shatters. Quiet consumes you both with your hands shaking erratically, “O-oh my god? i’m so sorry, I don’t even know why I did that. fuckfuckfuck!! It was an accident. I can pay for that! Like, i’m so so sorry—l” you frantically plead with her, your eyes alternating from her and the bloody gla—bloody?

“You’re bleeding.” Ellie sighs, softly reaching forward to grab your wrist, pulling you around the mess you caused. You didn’t even realize you were until you felt the blood drip from your ankles down to your shins, staining your bleach-white socks in scarlet droplets.

“I messed up, Ellie, i’m really sorry.”

“Can you like, stop apologizing? It’s fine. Didn’t even know when that picture was taken anyways.”

Somehow, her words worsen your hysteric state, you sinking down back onto your knees as you sob. Oh god, she didn’t even know when that picture was taken meaning it’s that long ago. Ellie stares at you clearly with a panicked look, not really knowing how to comfort you— or anyone for that matter. Again, you were more of the sensible one between them, even if you two hadn’t exactly been all that close growing up in the same town, school and similarly interconnected friend groups. ‘What would you do?’ So, Ellie slightly crouches down, her squeaky sneakers noising as she awkwardly encircles her arms around you. Clearly taken aback by this gesture, you peer up from where your head was buried inbetween your knees and instead, at Ellie, who’s usual laid-back expression is replaced with furrowed brows, her eyes not meeting yours and some reddening on her cheeks. “Y-you’ve seen the picture frames around, man, I see myself all the time. It’s fine.”

You sniffle abit before giving her a coherent answer that isn’t just hiccups, “Im sorry.” She sighs before slightly reaching up to pat your head, “Please stop crying, I think i’m more off-put by your ugly cries than you breaking shit.” That tugs a laugh out of you, pushing Ellie away as she matches your grin. “I mean look, you ruined my tee.” She wasn’t lying, you look down to her white tee and it was absolutely soaked with shed tears belonging to you. You gently run your thumbs over her chest in a bad attempt to wipe your embarassingly smeared mascara off, but it only recieves a small whine from Ellie, who backs away immediately. You’re left confused when she gets up, clearing her voice. “We should continue searching.” With that, she leaves the attic, leaving you up there and with multiple. How could ones demeanor change that often? You almost noticed the sensitivity in her chest.

“Pfft, softie.” You mutter, a smile on your lips as you follow her down. Eventually, Ellie is the one to find the book, it’s placed inbetween some folded jeans. ‘Fuck yeah..’ She bites her chapped lip as she flips through it. Enough pages for her, and a good forged signature she’d mastered when he’d be too lazy to sign her field trip permission slips— guess something did pay off. You stand there with crossed arms, feeling a bit squeamish all of a sudden, like the thought had hit you finally, Ellie is moving away. She notices you when she lifts her gaze up, puzzled with your stance, “I told you it’s okay, the picture frame can be replaced.”

“I don’t want you to move away.”

“What.”

“I won’t repeat myself.” You shake your head defiantly, standing your ground when she towers over you, all these years and when you two have somewhat of a bond, she wants to move away? And maybe yeah, you had it coming, being easily-attached to somehow who’d you’d only started recently hanging out with. “What makes you think I care?” She mocks, looking at you like you’d grown an extra head, she’s almost astonished with your stupidity, why would she have dragged you all the way here to just, stay? Something with the way she says those words churns humility deep in your gut, who were you to even admit that to her? You flail around your arms passively as you back away, a croak in your throat, “Just something I said. You’re a cool person.”

“Right, well, I got the checkbook meaning we can get the hell out. Seeing this place almost makes me want to not drain Joel’s pockets.” She yawns, throwing you the book before retreating into one of the previous rooms, though before, she asks, “Say, where’d we put the keys?”

..

Who had the keys?

Comically enough, sirens began to faintly hear in the back, and your gaze locks onto Ellie’s, “Fuck— find the keys.” She says, running back into the room. How petty was her dad to call the police on them? Well, petty enough to have alarms laying around incase his thieving daughter comes around. You, instantly begin to eye around for them, palms growing clammy at the aspect of being arrested now comes into plan as the sirens grow closer. Finding them, you call out to Ellie who seemingly was already on her way once she heard the jingles of them, “Out the back. You’re gonna run, and not turn back, ‘alright?” She whispers, grabbing you and running towards the kitchen door once the front door is knocked.

Once it’s kicked in, Ellie manages to get out with a groan, definitely a bruiser, but nonetheless, they make it out of the area without getting caught. While she hasn’t broken a sweat yet, you were coughing up a storm like you were earlier, eyes tearing up as you let them out in fits. She gently rubs your back, looking around for where their parked car was, it was a good idea they’d parked so far away- granted it was flawed in multiple ways, it came out in their good favor. Once you’d caught your breath, Ellie hums, “You know where we parked?” You nod, looking around, “Yeah. near the marked tree, you smeared my lipstick over it..” She scrunches her nose to prevent a loud laugh from coming out, your sadness over lipstick being funny to her, “Right. That way.”

You both find the car and enter, ellie starting the car as she backs up and maneuvers around the various tall trees it was parked around before getting onto the main road. You don’t say anything for the majority of the one hour ride, those 60 minutes feeling like the longest ones to Ellie who’s gotten use to your talkitive habits. So when she asks you if you want aux, you shake your head— deflating her mood. She sighs, lighting up a cigarette at the light and rolling down the window. You just lean your head back and rest your eyes, emotions running through that you couldn’t even seem to process. Tiredness, embarrassment of her flat out saying she’d never stay for you, getting almost booked by the police, and just ones you didn’t want to acknowledge at all. You wanted to just, go to sleep.

Ellie, on the otherhand, feels nothing but anxiety gnawing at her. Why does she care so much whether you talk to her or not? She’s never even liked talking, and somehow, the thought of never speaking to you again after this makes her feel nauseous. Would you text her? Call her? Visit her if she left? Would you buy the nearest train ticket if she told you one day to come when she settles into her new place? Or would you just move on? Would you move onto some cooler girl in town to befriend? Some other girl you’d look up to, some other girl who would show you the hidden gems around town you’d been asking her to, Fuck— some other girl you’d give all your affection to. Ellie swerves the car, and had it not been your quick-wit to pull the steering back, she might have crashed the vehicle.

Pulling over, she places her head lightly on the leather wheel while you stare at her in bewilderment, “Are you crazy?! What was that?!” You say with a slight twitch in your eye at her loss of control.

“I don’t want to move away.”

“You literally have to, we’re on the side of the road and your emergency lights aren’t on so.”

“I’ll stay.”

“You can’t, that’s like, against the rules. I don’t know, my permit is expired.” First order of business, obtain a license.

“In Jackson. I’ll stay in Jackson.” She mumbles, lifting her head up to stare at you. This feels like a joke to you, like Ellie might just begin laughing at you when you show the tiniest bit of you of relief. So, you just match her stare, tiling your head. “Why?” Why? What do you mean why? Ellie wants to scream, why don’t you look happy? She’s staying for you.

“Just..wanted to.” She says after a beat or two, pulling the car back onto the road as she nears your house. Giving a curt nod, you look out the window, your knees feeling wobbly like a teenage girl all over again as you suppress asking questions to the clearly disoriented freckled girl. Once on arrival, Ellie expects you to leave and slam that door but instead, you sit there for a bit.

“My mom isn’t here.” You say, chewing your inner-cheek.

“You don’t have a spare key or ‘sum?”

“No no I do, it’s just— want to come in?” You ask her with big eyes, your hands folded on your lap like a child on their best behavior to get something.

“Did your mom bake that pie you got me last time?” She’s referring to the Cherry Pie your mom made last time you two hung out.

“Is the sky blue?” You say, with a smile, trying to lighten the mood that’ll need more than just that to recover.

“It’s grey but I see your point. I’ll go park, leave the front door open.” She smiles when you nod, skipping out of the car and into your home.

When she does so, and enters your door, she’s met with a warm wafting smell of baked goods. Ellie might gave been fairly thin, but she had a nose on her, leading her to the kitchen. You’ve changed out of your dirty clothes, she notices, you now wearing some small pajama shorts and a tanktop. You’re bent over the oven, grabbing the treats out of the pre-heated oven your mother had likely left them in to retain warmth.

“You’ve got to stop doing that.” You mutter, almost dropping the tray of food while Ellie smirks

“Can’t really promise accepting an apology if you dropped those.” She says, walking on over to where you stood by the kitchen island. Something in the way she says that so..flirtatiously, makes you look back at her twice. “Whatever. Do me a favor, take the plates out while I cut the pieces.” Ellie nods, walking over to the several arrays of cabinets. Though, upon doing so, she notices your refrigerator, decorated in colorful magnets, children’s literature and most of all, a picture of you, and an older woman. You were younger, hair a bit longer than you had it now, and a wide grin with your front tooth missing. You couldn’t of been older than 6, Ellie thinks. Smiley.

“This your mom?” she asks, running her fingerpads alongst the smooth film while you hum, nodding. “Yeah, it’s my mom” You say, handing her a slice of piece when she gives you the plate, “You look alike.” Ellie concludes when you two begin walking upstairs to your room.

It was certainly your room, is what the auburnette thinks as she sits on your bed. Messy bedsheets you never got to make, clothes scattered near your closet and other things you never got to clean up when she’d called you up this morning at such an ungodly time to divulge you in on her scheme,

though now, upon her decision to stay in the town, it seemed a bit for nothing. It’d be a funny story to tell with you. With you, she thinks, watching as you chew the treat and sit on the rugged floor as you flip through TV channels. Eventually settling on some show Ellie never knew was still even airing. She quietly sinks from the bed, onto the floor herself, sitting close to you as your gaze stays glued to the blaring screen, flashes of color reflecting onto your face as each scene passes. Ellie finds herseld staring at you, a person she once found so inconspicuous now becoming the very reasoning she stays in a town she hates so much. Whatever you had the girl under needed to be looked at.

“Do you like me?” Is what she wants to ask, but “Do you have a boyfriend?” is what she settles for.

You turn to her, meekly shaking your head. Since when was she sat so close to you?

Ellie nods, looking back at the show to get you to, before asking another question, “Girlfriend?” You shrug, “I mean, I use to talk to this one girl..”You mutter, before Ellie finds herself furthering it, “What happened?”

You sigh, before pointing a finger, “Don’t laugh.” you glare. Ellie smiles, nodding. “She told me she was straight after like 2 days AND THEN, i saw her kissing on Judy.” Ellie snorts, “No fucking way, Judy the librarian?” You nod, burying your face in a nearby throw pillow.

“I need a drink.” You mutter, getting up and leaving the room with Ellie in it. You return shortly after with a bottle of wine and some glasses. The girl groans as she stretches, “Now you’re talking. Pour me some.”

Eventually, the topic heads in the way of relationships once more, with you two telling each other of your awful sex lives in the majority straight town Jackson was as you sip.

As Ellie tells one, you find your eyes feeling heavy, alternating between her green eyes down to her pale pink lips. You nod, poorly attempting to give the illusion you were following along with whatever she was saying. Ellie, herself, wasn’t all that there but she was better. She’d stopped talking long ago and was just moving her lips with no dialogue coming out whatsoever, seeing if you’d ask why she halted her story. She licks her lips, leaning back as she places her glass down on the nightstand near her— jean-clad thighs spread tantalizingly as your gaze drops to them.

Her years of martial arts and track did her well, you admit, hoping it wasn’t obvious you were ogling the girl.

“Were you mad at me earlier?” you whisper, fidgeting with the loose seam of her jeans as you notice the difference in how she was acting at the cabin, and how she is now. Ellie hums, matching your small voice. “I was more so mad at myself.” She answers you, her hand finding where yours toys with a string, “Not at you.”

You nod, not really having anything to say.

“Can I kiss you?” you finally utter, liquid courage taking over as Ellie thumbs your soft hips from where you sit so closely. She gives you a soft ‘yeah’, pulling you onto her lap. You begin by littering feathery pecks along her jaw, her sensitivity earlier when you touched her chest beginning to make sense when goosebumps begin to arise along her pale skin, her nipples hardening as the hair on her neck stands before kissing her deeply.

You two kiss slowly for a while, finding some rhythm as it slowly turns into something else. You gently gasp when Ellie rocks your hips onto her thigh, making you detach from her mouth and straddle it the way she wants you to. The rough texture against her jeans on your soft shorts makes you huff a bit, face burning up as you grip her shoulders.

“You’re my sweet girl, you can do it.” She murmurs lowly, watching you grind all over her, your slick slowly starting to seep onto her denim pants— all like she wanted. You nod, frustrated to the brim of tears when you can’t seem to fuck yourself on her thigh well. Ellie pushes you down, caging your legs in between her hips as she tilts her head back down, "Seems like you're not the only sweet girl wanting my attention.." She smiles as you moan, the heel of her palm placed directly on your touch-starved mound, giving it just enough pressure and angling to make you whine out a small 'Ellie..'

She gives you finally what you want, sliding your shorts to the side and sighs when she sees just what a mess has been waiting for her.

No underwear?

You attempt to leverage yourself by sitting up on your elbows but Ellie pushes you down, hiking your hips up even more with a singular grasp of your shins as she kisses directly on your puffy pussy, your messy sap smearing all over her lips before giving you a grin,

Oh, you'd pay her what she was worth alright. Maybe returning Joel's checkbook can wait after this.

[All credits to the owner of the picture above!! i got it from popipa on pinterest]

[dreamwritesimagines]

The Eye of the Hurricane [13] - Cupcakes

A.N: Here’s the new chapter my loves! ❤️ Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, you made my day! ❤️I hope you’ll like this chapter as well and please don’t forget to tell me what you think! ❤️

Summary: There are many ways to plan a wedding.

Word Count: 2500

Pairing: MobBoss!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: Violence, stabbing, death, guns, crime, blood, explicit language, dysfunctional relationship. This is an AU, friendly reminder that I don’t condone any of the actions depicted on this story and please read with care.

Series Masterlist

Apparently, the fact that you had been in a car chase with bullets flying around last night didn’t change the fact that you had to go cake tasting the next morning.

Even if you were in desperate need of some sleep.

Bucky had brought you back into the honeymoon suit last night and put around twenty bodyguards in the hallway before leaving, and even if you wanted to go with him to question the captives, you were way too tired to do so. Since he was nowhere to be found in the suit after you woke up, you figured he had gone to his apartment instead of here after he was done. You heaved a sigh as you filled your cup with coffee, then walked to sit down on the couch and pulled your phone up to check the schedule for the day. Taking a sip of your coffee, you sent a quick text to Becca, and looked over your shoulder when you heard the door open.

Bucky offered you a small smile as he stepped into the hotel suit, and you tilted your head.

“Hey,” you said. “I was wondering where you were.”

“Hey,” he rasped out, exhaustion laced in his tone and you frowned slightly.

“Why do you look like you haven’t slept last night?”  

Bucky shook his head, making his way to the coffee pot before grabbing a cup from the cabinet.

“Because I haven’t—” He stopped talking when he looked down at the red fingertip stains on the white porcelain cup he was holding, then cursed under his breath and went to wash his hands in the sink. You took a better look at him, now noticing the blood on his clothes and pulled back slightly.

“Bucky?”

“Not my blood,” he said. “I was uh—we were questioning the guys.”

“The whole night?”

“Mm hm,” he said, wiping his hands with a paper towel before grabbing another cup to pour himself some coffee. You leaned back to the kitchen island, cradling your cup in your palms.

“You should get some rest.”

“No time for that,” he said, taking a huge sip of his coffee. “I’m gonna take a quick shower and go to work. How do you feel? Could you get some sleep last night?”

“Are you trying to divert the subject?”

“Yeah, is it working?”

“No,” you deadpanned. “You need to sleep.”

“Sleep is for the weak,” he joked, making you roll your eyes at him.

“Bucky.”

“I’ll be fine,” he said. “Don’t worry about me.”

“I don’t,” you said quickly. “I don’t worry about you as a principle. It’s just that if you get sick because you haven’t slept or whatever, we’ll have to postpone the wedding and I know you haven’t met our wedding planner but she is not the type of person you cross.”

“Noted,” Bucky said. “Do you have any plans today?”

“I’m going cake tasting with Becca,” you said. “So did the guys say anything?”

“One of them will, eventually,” Bucky said. “We’re being very convincing.”

You hummed.  “Do you have a preference?”

“In weapons?”

You blinked a couple of times.

“In cakes,” you said. “Flavor wise.”

“Ah,” he said. “Sorry, my mind is still at the warehouse. Anything but banana.”

“Very helpful,” you muttered. “You don’t have a favorite flavor in cakes?”

“Not really, I’m good with all of them—” he started but his phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out, then his eyes skimmed the lines before he let out a groan.

“What?” you asked and he rubbed at his eyes.

“I forgot I had a meeting with Stark,” he said and cleared his throat. “Great, okay. So doing wedding stuff today then?”

“Yeah I gotta take a shower and get ready, but I can wait. You’re the one who looks like a horror movie killer.”

He grinned. “You know, if you ever wanted to save water…”

“You’re about to pass out from exhaustion and you can still make sex jokes?” you asked with your brows raised and he shrugged his shoulders.

“I have my priorities,” he said. “So if you—”

“That will never happen,” you pointed out. “Go.”

He held up his hands.

“Okay, okay…” he said as he climbed the stairs and you shook your head slightly when you heard the bathroom door close.

“Jesus Christ,” you muttered, taking another sip of your coffee. “Can’t believe I’m marrying him.”

                                             *

When you planned this cake tasting with Becca, you were sure it would be fun for you but safe to say, Becca’s mood wasn’t the best after last night. When you first talked about it, you had said Leila could join as well but since she wasn’t here, you could only guess they had a big talk last night, after the car chase incident.

“So,” you said as you sat down and grabbed the nearest cupcake, then read the label that informed you that it was walnut and carrot. “How have you been?”

“Fine,” Becca said, turning the cupcake in her hand and you pressed your lips together.

“How is Leila after last night?”

“Uh, she went to work,” Becca said, still staring at her cupcake. “And hasn’t texted me yet so I wouldn’t know.”

“Did she say anything last night?” you asked as you bit down on the cupcake, then shook your head and put it aside while Becca heaved a sigh.

“Yeah we talked.”

“And?”

“She says—I mean obviously she was terrified but she kept saying it wasn’t my fault.”

You hummed. “But you don’t believe her.”

“Well she has been in zero car chases with bullets flying around before she met me, so…” Becca trailed off and you reached out to hold her hand.

“Becca…”

“She’s going to leave me,” Becca said and cleared her throat. “You know what, she should leave me. That’s the right choice there.”

“Becca!”

“I never thought I’d say this, but maybe mom was right.”

You rolled your eyes. “I love Winnifred, but I wouldn’t take her advice on romance.”

“No no,” Becca said. “She kept saying this life is no fit for civilians, and she’s right.”

“You’re not even officially in the business,” you told her. “I mean I can see why being with a civilian would put them in danger if you’re one of the bosses, but you’re not. You don’t even want to be.”

“It doesn’t matter though,” Becca insisted. “I put my girlfriend in danger—”

“HYDRA put your girlfriend in danger,” you said. “And everyone is fine except those guys. I don’t know where Bucky took them but—”

“The usual warehouse.”

“Ah,” you said. “Well apparently he questioned them all night last night, so I can assure you that we’re taking revenge.”

“My girlfriend’s safety is more important to me than revenge,” she said and you pulled back slightly.

“Right,” you said. “No I know. But they’re never going to hurt anyone else, I assure you. And Leila is safe.”

She pursed her lips together and shut her eyes before squeezing at your hand.

“Sorry if that came out snappy.”

“No I get it,” you said. “Trust me.”

“It’s just…” she muttered and swallowed thickly. “Is this going to be the rest of my life? Always looking over my shoulder and worrying I might get someone killed?”

“Of course not,” you said in a rush. “No way. We had truce so far and it never happened before right? It’s just until we get rid of these assholes that we need to be extra careful, that’s all. After that, it will all be fine.”

She scoffed a small laugh.

“You sound like Bucky.”

“That might be the worst thing you ever said to me throughout our friendship,” you deadpanned and she let out a giggle.

“He looked pretty worried last night.”

“I mean I’d say so, you’re his little sister—”

“No no, for you,” she said. “We had a talk when he took me and Leila home.”

You pulled your brows together and shook your head.

“No way, Bucky doesn’t worry about me,” you said. “Why would he?”

Becca blinked a couple of times, and opened her mouth then closed it again to lean her fist on her lips, as if trying to control herself.

“Because we’re picking cakes for your wedding right now?”

“Oh yeah but that’s the only reason,” you said. “If I get killed, he will have to do business with Ian and he won’t do it so… It’s in his self-interest rather than my wellbeing.”

“I can’t believe I used to accuse Bucky of being oblivious.”

“Hm?”

“Nothing,” she said. “Okay so, my relationship issues aside, let’s pick the perfect cake for you and my brother’s wedding that is completely pragmatical on both sides, nothing more.”

You nodded fervently, then turned to look at the table.

“Not the bananas though, apparently he doesn’t like banana flavor in cakes.”

Becca raised her brows and tried to bite back a smile.

“Right. Uh huh.”

“Anyways,” you said and grabbed the next cupcake. “Let’s do a pragmatical cake tasting then.”

                                                        *

By the time you were done with everything you were supposed to do, it was already evening. You and Becca had picked two cakes but you couldn’t be sure so you had asked the bakery to give you a box of them so that you could get Bucky’s opinion as well.

Even though the idea of making his slice banana flavored just to mess with him was tempting, you were going to play nice.

Well, as nice as you could.

You pulled over in front of the warehouse and left the car with your bodyguards following you. Bucky’s men rushed around as soon as they saw you walking there with the small bag thrown over your arm, and one of them opened the door to no doubt let Bucky know. You smiled at the men by the door.

“May I?”

“Of—of course ma’am,” one of them said, opening the door for you and you stepped inside to see Bucky approaching the door.

“Charm?”

“Hi there,” you said looking around the warehouse. You had been here a couple of times while you were still the heir, and it looked as huge as you remembered. You could see the tied up figured on the chair far away in the room as the familiar scent of blood hit your nostrils, and you scrunched up your face before turning to Bucky’s men. “Could you leave us please?”

They turned to look at Bucky who nodded, so they all left one by one, leaving you with him and the tied figure that almost looked unconscious. Bucky went to the table to grab a towel so that he could wipe his bloodied hands.

“What are you doing here?”

“Wedding stuff,” you said, putting the bag on the table to open the small cardboard box. “I’m supposed to let them know tonight about which flavor we picked, and I figured I wouldn’t have the time if you decide to spend the whole night here again.”

“Okay but—”

“Also what kind of a question is that? We’re getting married and I can’t visit you at work, asshole?”

“I didn’t mean—”

“Here,” you cut him off by pushing a piece of cupcake into his mouth before he could say anything else and he pulled his brows together as he chewed on it, obviously deciding that arguing with you was useless.

“This is amazing,” he said. “What is this?”

“Lemon coconut,” you said as you tore a piece of the other cupcake in the box while he nodded.

“We can go with this one—”

“No so fast buddy, try this too,” you said, pushing the piece of the other cupcake into his mouth again and he chewed on it, deep in thought.

“And this?”

“Chocolate blueberry.”

“Fuck, this is a hard decision.”

“I know right?” you asked while the guy tied to the chair let out a whine. “I’m more leaning towards lemon coconut but…”

“Yeah no, chocolate blueberry is delicious too—why don’t we have two cakes?”

“Because the cake is symbolical Bucky!” you whispered while the guy let out another groan. “This marriage is going to require us to take some decisions about business together, how are we going to do that if we can’t decide on—shut it asshole!”

Bucky looked over his shoulder at the guy. “Yeah prick, we’re having a conversation here.”

“Fuck you,” the guy managed to wheeze out and Bucky shook his head slightly.

“You’d think he’d be more cooperative since I killed the other guy in front of him.”

You hummed, picking at the cupcake. “We are killing him too right?”

“Obviously, he put you and Becca in danger.”

“He also made Becca upset!” you said. “You know how I feel when people make Becca upset.”

Bucky popped the piece of cupcake into his mouth, then nodded his head.

“Lemon coconut it is,” he said. “Can I go back to beating the fuck out of him now?”

“Yeah don’t let me stop you,” you said and grabbed another cupcake from the box to follow him to the guy.

It was quite obvious that Bucky had broken every single bone in his face considering how he looked. Blood was dripping from his nose and mouth, his breaths were leaving his bloodied lips in pained groans but he still managed to look up at you while you leaned sideways to the column close to you, nibbling on the cupcake.

“Oh isn’t this the princess?” he said with great difficulty but let out a groan when Bucky grabbed his throat to squeeze it.

“I didn’t say you could look at her,” Bucky said calmly and you grinned.

“Hi there,” you said, chewing on the cupcake. “You seemed more confident while you were chasing me with a car, huh?”

The guy let out a choked noise and Bucky tilted his head, then pulled his hand back so that he could breathe again.

“You fucking bitch…” the guy started but he didn’t get to finish his sentence when Bucky punched him in the stomach, knocking the breath out of his lungs. He coughed while Bucky shook his head slightly.

“He just doesn’t learn,” he told you and you shrugged your shoulders.

“They never do,” you said, turning to the guy. “That was very rude by the way. Someone should teach you some manners.”

The guy scoffed and spat out blood.

“Maybe someone should teach you, you spoiled slut—”

He didn’t get to say anything else when Bucky pulled out his knife and rammed it right into his kneecap, making him let out a howl of pain.

“Maybe,” you said, your voice completely calm. “It’s not going to be you who teaches me anything though.”

He tried to catch his breath while you popped the rest of the cupcake into your mouth, then tilted your head.

“Bucky?”

He looked over his shoulder. “Yes sweetheart?”

“Make him do it again.”

Bucky shot you a grin and twisted the knife, the guy’s scream echoing through the warehouse again.

Chapter 14

[kurishiri]

95k bonus . . . Liebe geht durch den Magen

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ warning ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ none; it’s really just vogel being silly! hope you’re ready for the dari, nica, and ring galore, hehe.

Kate: A tea party with all of the members of Vogel…?

Victor: Mhm, it seems like all of them have taken an interest in you. So they asked for a chance to speak with you.

Kate: Well, seeing as I’m the only one who isn’t Cursed, I guess it makes sense they would hold an interest.

Victor: Indeed. …How would you like to answer? It’s completely up to you.

V: …However, both parties hold their own secrets.

V: And we do often take care of them, seeing as they are diplomatic guests.

V: Should there be anything making you anxious, or you feel even slightly you don’t want to do this, or anything of the sort, then you are always free to turn them dow—

Kate: …Victor. I will attend the tea party.

Victor: Wait, really? Are you sure?

Kate: Since they have come here to deepen relations between the organizations, turning down an opportunity like this wouldn’t leave a good impression, I’d imagine.

K: And besides, I would like to be of some use to you and Crown, for extending such hospitality to me.

When I expressed my honest feelings, Victor’s expression softened in turn.

Victor: I’m grateful for your honesty. Well then, it’s about time I give them a response.

V: Ahh, but… I’ll have Roger listen in from nearby, so if something happens you can just give a shout, okay?

V: No matter the time and place, I’ll come running.

After Victor’s words resonated in my heart, several days passed——

Darius: Thank you for accepting our invitation, miss fairytale keeper.

D: Did you perhaps prepare everything on this table?

Lined up on the table was filled to the brim with snacks, causing Darius to blink.

Kate: Victor and I prepared them. We were hoping it would be nice if you could eat these…

K: And that we can be on more friendly terms as we’re chatting like this.

Ring: You want to be on more friendly terms with the ones who might kill you? I don’t see the point?

Kate: …Gh.

Nica: Riiing, now don’t go saying gruesome things like that. You’ll bother the Spatzi.

N: So sorry about that? Ring is a Jungfrau [1] who tends to get a bit more nervous around cute girls.

Wearing an amiable smile as he faced me, Nika lifted the heavy air around us.

Kate: Jung…?

Ring: Y-you don’t have to ask what it is! …And also, it’s not like I’m nervous.

R: But, I won’t deny… that you are… cute…

He was simply cautious around me; it was not as though he was really doing me any harm for now.

…Even so, though, I myself had become ever so slightly anxious.

(The members of Vogel are also Cursed, if I recall, right…)

(If they had such intentions, they could easily take my life.)

The fear that I had first felt when I started working for Crown started to paint over my heart, when…

Darius: …Are you nervous, by any chance?

Donning a childlike innocence, Darius looked into my face.

Kate: Ah… umm…

Darius: Well, well… if we did possess a strong ability much like Sir Rex…

D: I wouldn’t blame you for feeling powerless even while simply conversing.

D: But you can relax around us. My ability will not kill you.

D: ——In fact, there is absolutely no way it will. Okay?

Nica: Oh, me and my brother’s abilities aren’t really harmful too.

N: That said, it can probably make you feel really good and maybe make you feel a bit fuzzy, but that’s actually a good thing, isn’t it?

Kate: R-right…

(Just what ability does that entail…?)

Although I still held my doubts, I knew that their abilities didn’t pose a danger to my life, which ebbed my fear.

Darius: Now then, now that you know we mean you no harm, how about we partake in these?

With Darius’ encouragement, Ring quickly reached out to a cake in front of him.

Ring: Mm…! This is really good.

Taking large bites, the cake was gone before I knew it, and Ring then reached out for another snack.

Nica: Geez, Ring, why are you just taking whatever’s in front of you? Pick the ones that especially look good.

While saying so, Nica reached for a baked pastry diagonal of him.

Nica: I recognize this shape. Isn’t this from the high-class bakery near the castle?

Kate: I’m surprised you know of it! That shop——

Nica: Mn… hm? It’s good, but did it really come from that shop?

Kate: Well, what I wanted to say was that shop’s pastry shapes were the inspiration for these homemade sweets.

That said, this time, Victor and I did make our rounds around a variety of bakeries, and put this together.

And I tried to make homemade pastries here at the castle that were freshly made or were hard to obtain.

Nica: They’re ‘homemade’? So they’re basically cheap foods, in which case I don’t want any.

Kate: Eh—

Nica: Here, Ring, say ‘ahh.’

Nica pushed his half eaten pastry into Ring’s mouth.

Ring: Mn… this is also really good…

When he was eating it, Nica said it was ‘good,’ but maybe he’s actually not good with homemade pastries…?

Darius: Hey, miss fairytale keeper, this is Baumkuchen [2], isn’t it?

This time, Darius called out to me while pulling on my sleeve.

Kate: That’s right. We figured since you’re here, we could prepare some German pastries… or that’s what Victor said.

Darius: Ho-oh…

Darius used a knife to lightly cut a slice before he carried it to my mouth.

Darius: Here, have a bite?

Kate: Mn… mmm, it’s really fluffy and delicious!

Darius: I’m glad to hear. Then it’s my turn.

With layers of the Baumkuchen spilling, Darius brought it to his mouth.

Darius: Mm, it’s delicious. …But, I take it it’s not something made in most of England. So where did you get this?

Kate: Actually, while I was racking my head on how to make Baumkuchen…

K: Victor made a gadget that could make it.

In order to make a delicious Baumkuchen by the tea party, I practiced baking it day in and day out.

…I feel that I can keep the fact that for some time the castle’s snacks consisted of nothing but Baumkuchen to myself.

Darius: He made a whole gadget just for this? Hmm… he’s quite strange, I’d say.

Kate: I can’t argue with that… but I’m sure it’s just that he was happy.

K: Happy that you guys, who are also Cursed, have come to England——or rather, to Crown.

Darius: …The pleasure is ours. I’m delighted at how warmly we’re treated here.

D: I do like the Baumkuchen, so do make it again sometime.

Kate: Alright!

I was so glad he liked it that I gave an immediate answer, but…

(Making it is quite time consuming and requires skill… but I’ll try my best.)

Nica: This topic’s all well and good, but what I really want to hear about the Spatzi [3] herself.

N: You know, like what fragrances you like, or which types of guys you fancy, that kind of thing… what about you, Ring?

Ring: Mngh…!? U-uhm…

R: ………M-maybe, like, which color of the sky she most likes?

Nica: The sophistication’s lacking, I see.

Ring: And what’s the problem with that?

Darius: I do agree with Nika here though. I would also like to get to know you better.

D: But simply asking would be a bore, so how about we play a guessing game?

Nica: So, Ratespiel? Now we’re talking.

Darius: Let’s make it so each person can make a single guess, and until then, we can continue asking questions…

D: Come play with us, why don’t you, miss fairytale keeper?

D: If possible… I would prefer you choose a topic that pertains to yourself.

Kate: Alright, then…

K: Out of the foods on this table, which one is my most favorite?

Darius: Hehe, that’s quite a charming topic? Then let’s start.

Nica: Sounds good to me, though I’d like to propose another twist.

N: The first person to guess the correct answer will be able to ask the Spatzi out on a date. Well, how about it?

Ring: A date…!? [surprised]

Darius: You do make a good point. A competition does call for a prize of sorts… well, miss fairytale keeper? Are you fine with this?

Kate: U-um, I think a date may be a bit——

When I tried to speak up, though, the three of them looked at me, causing my breath to catch in my throat.

Ring was looking at me with a guarded look, as though he were a guard dog who could tear my neck apart with a single order.

Nica was looking at me with a scrutinizing look, as though he was thinking about how to play with a toy.

And Darius was wearing an amiable smile, but his eyes alone were sharp, like that of a predator aiming for its prey——

With the three of them looking at me in their own way, I couldn’t bring myself to disagree, feeling myself surrounded by a heavy air.

Darius: ‘I think a date may be a bit’ what was that now?

Kate: …Nope, never mind. That works for me.

Overwhelmed by the pressure, I could only nod, and Darius returned the gesture with an angelic smile.

Like a signal, the tense atmosphere became more lax.

Darius: Thank you. Then, let the game start.

With that, the tea party proceeded such that Darius, Nika, and Ring asked me questions.

While the discussion occasionally went off track, this peaceful time continued to pass by——

Ring: I got it!

The one who had his answer ready first was Ring.

Darius: A friendly reminder that you only have one chance. If you miss the mark, that will be the end… are you sure you would like to answer?

Ring: Don’t worry, I’m sure of this.

R: The answer is——that fruit before your eyes!

Kate: …Miss.

Ring: Wh…!? I-I see… so it was wrong…

Ring looked a bit despondent at my answer, and though he looked like a guard dog before, in an instant, he looked more like an abandoned puppy,

and I had to desperately fight the urge to say ‘actually, it’s a hit.’

Nica: …Hey, Ring. Mind if I say how you got to your answer?

Ring: ‘How I got to my answer’?

Nica: When you were about to grab that fruit, the Spatzi said ‘go ahead’ to you with a smile and put it on your plate,

N: and so you held a positive association with that fruit, leading you to your answer?

Ring: N-now that you mention it… that might’ve been the case… it was completely unconscious…

Darius: Ahaha, you’re so adorably honest, Ring.

Nica: Well then, it’s about time I guess too. The correct answer is… this chocolate.

N: It’s a bit on the mini side, and it looks cute too, and not to mention the packaging is also intricate. It practically oozes the traits a girl would like.

Kate: Miss.

Nica: Oops, too bad.

As opposed to Ring, who seemed down upon getting his guess wrong, Nika didn’t show any signs of caring, even if he did.

It was as though he knew from the beginning his answer was wrong.

Darius: I would prefer you make a serious guess, or this game will really end up in a bore.

Nica: But I thought long and hard about what girls would like and picked based on that?

N: Besides, this is where a subordinate hands the torch to the master.

Nika gave a smug wink, and Darius shrugged his shoulders in response.

Darius: It seems I bear a great responsibility now. If I’m unable to answer correctly, I’m afraid the little miss fairytale keeper——

D: And Crown as well would be disappointed in me.

Kate: Don’t worry, I won’t be disappointed even if you don’t answer correctly. It’s just a game, after all.

Darius: Hmm, so you believe I won’t get the answer right, is that it?

Kate: That…

(If I’m being completely honest, yes, I did think that.)

(Because the answer to this question is… a bit special.)

Darius: Hehe, seeing you have such low expectations of me makes me want to try my utmost hardest.

D: Alright, I have my answer.

D: I see you were trying not to eat this chocolate cake, right?

D: Because you like it, you saved it for last, I take it. So, my answer is that chocolate cake.

I was about to reply with an immediate ‘miss,’ when he opened his mouth before me.

Darius: …is what a normal person would say, but that would be incorrect.

Kate: Eh…

Darius: The answer to your question is——-

D: ‘Everything here on the table.’

Kate: …That’s a hit.

Ring: A-all of it…!? Is that answer even possible?

Nica: Well, we never established that the said thing had to just be a single thing, so yeah, it’s fully possible.

N: But even so, way to bend the rules there, Spatzi. I didn’t think you had it in you.

N: …You really are an interesting one, aren’t you.

Darius: I did think it was a strange answer, but considering the little miss fairytale keeper’s character, it wasn’t too difficult.

D: Perhaps you thought something like, ‘If I’m preparing something for guests, I would choose the things I believe are the most delicious’… am I right?

Kate: It is as you say…

While consulting with Victor, I chose all of the pastries here.

So, that’s why if I were to choose my most favorite among these, the answer would naturally be ‘everything.’

Kate: It was a bit of an underhanded answer, so I didn’t think you would get it.

Darius: Hehe, but I did. Oh, but, I don’t think it’s underhanded.

D: After all, I take it you thought up of such an answer so that you didn’t have to assign winners and losers, yes?

Kate: Yes, there was also that. Since it was such a fun tea party, I didn’t want to label anyone as winners and losers…

Darius: To see you try to put us on an equal footing without assigning a winner…

D: You truly are sweet to the point it’s cloying… and kind as well.

Ring: B-by the way… will Darius ask her out? O-on a date, that is…!

Darius: Ahh, that nearly slipped my mind. Well, miss fairytale keeper, will you go out on a date with me next time?

Kate: …I will.

I didn’t have much reason to turn him down, and now that I got to talk with them like this, I started to become more interested in the members of Vogel.

(…And going out together with them seems pretty fun too.)

Nica: Okay, then, when you’re done with your date with Dari, let me know, okay? We can plan a date of our own then.

Kate: Eh—

Nica: The prize for the game was the right to ask you out on a date, but there’s no need to hinge something like that on a game, right?

N: Besides, if the answer to the question is ‘everything on the table,’ that would technically make my answer right, too, yeah?

Kate: I… guess so…?

Nica: And you caught my interest too anyway…

N: …Ah, that’s right. Since we’re talking about this, why don’t you invite the Spatzi on a date too, Ring?

Ring: O-on a date…!? I… I’ll pass.

R: …But when you go on your date with Nica and Darius, I’ll tag along behind you guys.

Nica: Wait, why though?

Ring: If she’s around, you’ll let your guards down and lose sight of your surroundings, right?

R: So I’ll cover those bases during your date.

Nica: Ehh…

Darius: Hehe, thank you, Ring.

D: …Hey, miss fairytale keeper. I must say that half a day isn’t nearly enough.

D: Why don’t we take our sweet time chatting on our date, the two of us?

A smile played on Darius’ lips, and I couldn’t look away from his honey-colored eyes.

Just then, I remembered Victor’s words from before I went out.

—— Flashback ——

Victor: Ahh, that’s right, Kate. There’s one thing I should say.

V: If you wish to return to your normal everyday life after this month passes… you mustn’t let your heart get stolen by them.

—— End flashback ——

(It’ll be alright… I think I was able to enjoy this time today when I tried talking to them.)

(This feeling won’t blossom into love. Surely…)

Fin.

will vs darius jude vs nica alfons vs ring

NOTES:

[0] according to our handy google translate, the title of this story, Liebe geht durch den Magen, translates to “love goes through the stomach.” I assume this may reference or be the equivalent to a similar English saying, “the way to one’s heart is through their stomach.”

[1] “virgin” in German nhdkshfds

[2] and here we have a quote from Wikipedia: Baumkuchen is a kind of spit cake from German cuisine. It is also a popular dessert in Japan. The characteristic rings that appear in its slices resemble tree rings, and give the cake its German name, Baumkuchen, which literally translates to “tree cake” or “log cake”.

[3] originally, I had Rotkehlchen, which is like the literal translation for “robin” as far as I know. Spatzi means “sparrow,” but can be used as a term of endearment in the same way the Crown members call Kate “robin” out of endearment. In his collection story event, he mentions that the word he used is German for robin, but it could be localized to something like “it is a German-equivalent term of endearment for robin.” Thanks to @.citrusmornings for providing this link!

END NOTES: did you enjoy this story? because i know i did, haha. i really enjoy all the vogel characters so far; they all have interesting personalities, and they bounce off each other in a fun way as well.

honestly, i’m still trying to sort of get an idea of how i want to sort of translate and write these characters. overall, though, i tried to give darius a more innocent air, with some hints of his nobility, while also having a strong sort of presence. and i tried to capture nica’s sort of casual and flippant (but also clever and sharp) air, which contrasts with how ring gets shy and flustered pretty easily.

i’d love to hear your thoughts!

full masterlist 🕊️

[sukunas-wife]

YOU NEED TO MAKE MORE DAD!SUKUNA😭 It’s just soo good!!!, I’m literally obsessed with Dad!sukuna🫶🏻

lol here’s a little snippet to start the day, in other words I had a domestic dream 🥺🤍

Jujutsu Teacher Sukuna AU

Somewhere in another time line Sukuna became a not so dedicated teacher at Jujutsu high school still after having turned himself into a curse, even 1000 years he landed a spot on the higher up’s board it hilarious when they try to execute someone and he completely disagrees.

They learned quickly is Sukuna disapproves of their actions agree with arrimen Sukuna. Don’t go behind his back and try to do it either. He’s not afraid to kill everyone and replace the entire board of Higher Ups

Then one year he met you, you came in from the sister school to be teacher. Usually he tried not to mess with staff they only last so long anyways. But maybe it was that time he saw you banging your head in the drink machine because you used your last bills to buy a drink and it got stuck. Or maybe it was that time Gojo and Toji surprisingly decided to team up against you and you managed to hold your own.

It was when YOU started to pursUE HIM he became really intrigued. At first he became annoyed because not to far behind the corner he could hear the snickering and “Oh she’s really doing it!” “She’s a brave woman to try and flirt with him…” “What are you idiots do- oh, this could be interesting.” “shhh, I can’t hear what he’s saying!”

You didn’t notice when he flicked his wrist, but you did hear your coworkers panic and the rushed steps. Looking back confused you were more confused when you looked back at Sukuna and he was leaning forward getting face to face with you before squishing your face in one of his hands. “You do understand you proud Jujutsu Sorcerers don’t live very long, so give me one good reason you want my attention.”

You wanted to badly to look away from those demanding red eyes, to pull away and breath the God given air, instead here you were getting dazed off his musk and cologne. Feeling his warm hand squish your face, nails lightly pressing against your skin. Smash- swallowing you had one chance to do this right. Don’t stutter, don’t fear, breath, don’t rush, don’t show him WEAKNESS.

“I J- ahem” ah.. I messed up already, “Wait let me restart- Okay I’m ready, I’m not gonna stand here and promise happiness smiles and endless love, praise and worship. I’m not gonna lie to your face and tell you everything you want to hear and pretend it’s all sunshine and rainbows. When I go on a mission I’m not gonna say I promise to always come back that would be a fools move. But at least in my last moments I’d have to privilege to remember you and all those wise words you used to tell me like. “Dumbass that’s why you keep more than two dollars in your wallet.” Or “Living to please others and dying with regrets if no helping everyone is vain, Live to please yourself at least in your final moments you’ll have some sense of fulfillment.” So like it or not I’m here to please myself if you say No and tell me to fuck off and send me on my way. I won’t regret having asking. If you say yes, well I won’t lie I wouldn’t really know what to do or say I came in expected to be rejected and humbled.” Finally your eyes left his, you were oblivious to stare he had. He wasn’t completely amused but he wasn’t bored of your words either. “Look at me.” You did, “you didn’t bore me entirely with your little … speech so I’ll give you one opportunity. Sunday, I have an early mission, meet me here at 4 in the morning and I’ll tell you with me. After I finish you can have the rest of my day or until I get bored.”

He didn’t get bored… it turned out you amused him so much more when you weren’t surrounded be suits.

And that’s how you ended up here.

“Yuji don’t say something stupid love can’t protect anyone.” Nobara rolled her eyes, “Yuh huh, your words can’t hurt me because my mom and dad’s love protects me.” He puffed his chest out crossing his arms and smiling with closed eyes, missing the book Nobara was throwing at him. A solid sound was made, Yuji was wide eyed, the all to familiar wrist holding the heavy book just in front of his face, “Careful Miss.Kugisaki it’d be a shame if you caught extra missions for disabling another student from completing his own.” Yuji smiled proudly, “See, protected.”

Sukuna rolled his eyes, “Get to class Fushiguro was on your ass last time for being late to class.” He nodded his head at Yuji who just smiled sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, “Alright.” Of course the Trio ran past you greeting you with “Hi Mrs.Sukuna!” Good morning Mom!” “Morning Y/n Senpai.” You watched them all keep running until your husband stood next to you offering you the Coffee Cup he had been drinking. You were distracted by one thing “Why do you have our photo album?” Sukuna felt his eye twitch, “Damn brat.” Was all he mumbled tucking it under his shoulder, “Your son believes your love protects him.”

You laughed, “OUR son believes OUR love for him protects him. Considering your holding that book Im assuming Kugisaki tried to throw it at him or you were reminiscing on that time you had to save them from a Special Grade ambush and when you had to carry them all out Yuji was sniffling how he knew he could count on you to be there for him.”

He looked away, “Higher ups are lucky I only wiped out half of them.” You rested your head on his shoulder pulling the album from him. “Aaww this is Yuji’s baby album” you cooed seeing the picture of Sukuna holding Yuji next to a bouquet of “It’s a Boy!” Balloons. In the background you could see the blur of Geto smacking Gojo on the back of the head.

Sukuna is secure as a man and father 🥹

So it’s not a surprise to you when you come home late from the school and find true form Sukuna threatening to break the sofa under his weight coddling 15yo Yuji 🥹

As much of a brute people have him to be, Yuji might be his only son, and he might call him brat and roll his eyes a lot. But he’d be damned if he were truly a bad dad. In a whispered conversation he told you about everything that happened on Yuji’s mission. How the mission was purposely miss graded and they basically walked into a special grade curses domain. Sukuna had no doubt in his mind that if wouldn’t have been the one over seeing their mission the first years wouldn’t have walked back out alive.

Yuji was alright the entire ride but when he got home he broke down crying, speechless gasping for air. That’s when Sukuna pick him up carrying him over the sofa, coddling Yuji wasn’t as easy now that they were almost the same height, so he turned to his true form. And let Yuji cry, scream and hold onto him. Rubbing his back, holding his head against his shoulder, just talking to him to comfort him. “Do you remember that time we went to the park, and you wondered off to far chasing a duck.” Yuji nodded still sniffling, “Your mom was scared shitless when she couldn’t find you.” He laughed and Yuji laughed lightly, “y.. yeah I remember I jumped into the pond and then you and mom started screaming and then jumped in…” sukuna laughed louder, “Y/n was so mad but she couldn’t stay mad when she saw you with that little duck.” He patted Yuji’s back resting his chin on his head. Soon Yuji fell asleep.

It led you to find him this state. You asked him to go lay him in his bed, he did. He came to help you make some comfort food, it was hilarious when you asked if he could use dismantle on vegetables and it turned out he could. Now over the table in the wall is a sign that says “Malevolent Kitchen.”

The house that night was filled with the soft sounds of cooking, you and your husband talking about whatever came to mind. The Golden pot boiling with whatever broth you made. Sukuna was fighting the rice cooker while you tempura fried some shrimp and rolled some noodles to cook

It was well past 9 when you heard Yuji coming, both of you turning to see him walking yawning and rubbing his eyes. Bare feet padding along the kitchen floor. “Come sit down Yu you gotta be hungry.” you fixed him a large bowl of noodles with Tempura shrimp. On the side were the massive Onigiri Sukuna had made, he even tried to use the nori stamp to put little faces on them. More often than not they have 4 little crooked eyes that looked mad but it squeezed your heart how he laughed to himself saying “Yuji’s going to love these.”

He did, you watched as he bit into it rice sticking to his face. “These are good dad what did you fill them with?” “Nitamago we forgot to pack em for lunch so.. improvise I guess.” You both sat down with Yuji talking and eating. Just enjoying the free time you had together before Sukuna would go commit another crime against the higher ups 🤍🤍

Yeah 🥹

Im here 10-1 in the morning 🤍 It took all day to type this out 😭😭

Also a lot of my co workers walked out today 🥹 it was rough

Tag List: @sad-darksoul @cyder-puff @satorisgirl @bontensbabygirl @lupita97lm @queen-luna-007 @sakuxxi @mercymccann @simpforyoubitch @certainduckanchor @domainofmarie @najiiix @bakugou-katsukis-wife @amitiel-truth @souyasplushie @mylovelessnightmare

[onceuponaoneshotfanfic]

Fringe Benefits

Part of my Birthday Bash!

Request: “you’re spending more time at my desk than at your own” for Roy

Roy Kent x Reader 0.7k words Warnings: Language

“Well, well, well, what have we here?”

You turned around, smiling at Roy as he strolled into his office. He raised his thick eyebrows at you, nodding a greeting. You wondered if he could see the way your eyes flickered down his figure, checking him out, the way you could never resist doing when you saw him.

You’d been working at A.F.C. Richmond for about three months now, having been hired by Keeley Jones to manage their PR. It was a fun job and, if you were being honest, the sight of Roy Kent in those track pants was definitely a perk.

“Hey,” you hummed. “I was just leaving you a note.” You nodded at the sticky note you’d begun to write on before the sound of his growling voice interrupted you. “Got those concert tickets for you and Pheebs for Friday. But make sure you post on your Instagram, alright?” You gave his arm a playful smack. “Or I’m never doing you a favor ever again.”

A smile broke out across that handsome face. “Fuck, thanks a lot. I really appreciate it.” He paused, gazing at you thoughtfully. “This is what, the third time today you’ve been down here?” He narrowed his playful eyes at you. “I think people are starting to notice that you spend more time at my desk than you do at your own. What, you using me to get your fucking steps in?”

You rolled your eyes. Okay, maybe your crush on Roy Kent was obvious to everyone at Nelson Road. Keeley teased you about it nonstop. The players, especially Jamie Tartt, often gave you sly, knowing smiles when they saw you make your familiar way to Roy’s office. Even little Phoebe had asked you if you were her Uncle Roy’s girlfriend when she met you at a Greyhounds match- a question she repeated every time you saw her, actually.

“Come on Kent, you know I just come visit you for the snacks.” To punctuate your point, you opened one of his desk drawers and pulled out a sweet. With a wink, you popped the treat into your mouth.

Now Roy rolled his eyes at you as he approached you, standing a smidge too close, the way he’d been doing almost since the day you started working at Nelson Road. “And here I thought you came all the way down here for the pleasure of my company.”

Another sweet found its way into your mouth. “Ah, that’s just a fridge benefit, Coach.”

“Fringe benefit, eh?” Roy snorted, his cheeks tinging pink as he glanced down at the floor. Fuck, he looked adorable like this. How could a man look bashful and confident at once? And how could he look so damn good at the same time? “So, you’re basically using me to manage your sweets cravings, then?”

“Afraid so, Kent.”

He nodded as he glanced at you through his lashes. “Then maybe you let me buy you some kind of fruity drink after work today. For your cravings.” He smirked. “And the fridge benefit of my company.”

Could he see the way the color rushed to your cheeks? “O-oh. Yeah. That would be nice.” You took a step back towards the door, needing to run back to your office and call Keeley to squeal- and maybe ask her to come drop off a change of clothes. “I’ll see you after work then.” As you turned, hoping you didn’t sound as nervous as you suddenly felt, Roy cleared his throat.

“Oi.” You glanced over your shoulder, your heart skipping a beat at the sight of his cocky grin. “And see if you can get one more ticket for that concert. You don’t have plans Friday, do you?”

Oh hell. If your smile got any bigger, your cheeks would probably crack. “I’m free,” you managed. “And I’d love to go to the concert with you guys.”

Roy nodded, looking nothing short of pleased. “Right. I should let you go back to your work, then.” His expression became teasing again. “I’m sure you’ll be back down here in an hour or so. I’ll have some snacks waiting for you.”

A giggle tumbled out of your mouth as you shook your head at Roy. “I’m sure you will.” With a little wave, you strolled away, already coming up with another excuse to come back downstairs to visit Roy Kent.

[maddy-k-reads-all-day]

When You Get Sick Version 2

Version 1:

A different puzzle this time, still the tape titled “When You Get Sick” pops out. Riley walks over to the TV and puts it in, curious what’s going to happen this time. 

“Hi friends! I’m Amanda!” Amanda beams, she is clearly healthy this time around. 

“And I’m *cough* Wooly.” Wooly says quietly. It appears that he is under the weather now.

“Uh-oh Wooly, that cough doesn’t sound good.” Amanda remarks, placing her hand on her cheek thoughtfully. 

“I’m fine Amanda… just announce the adventure okay?” 

“Alright, if you say so. Today we’re going to be-”

“ACHOO! Ah! I’m sorry, please continue.” Wooly uttered. Amanda looks at him with a mix of annoyance and worry. She waits. Wooly sneezes again. “I swear it’s just allergies, start the adventure already.” 

���Today we’re going to be taking care of Wooly!” 

“Wha-”

“It seems that Wooly got sick when he helped me get better earlier so this time it’s our turn to help him!” 

“Fine, you’re right. Maybe I am sick, but I’ll be fine. You can just go on your adventure. I'll stay here.”  

“But Wooly, that’s the theme of this adventure!” 

“Since when did you care about sticking to the script?” he snaps. Amanda looks at him with confusion. “*cough* sorry.” 

“But you took such good care of me before… and then you got sick because of it. The least I can do is make you feel better.” 

“But then you’ll just get sick again.” 

“How about this? I’ll wear a mask to protect me from the germs.” Amanda says, pulling a mask out of her pocket and putting it on. “Come on, let’s-”

“NO!” Wooly screams. The tape suddenly glitches to the surgery room for a second. Wooly starts breathing heavily, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’ll be fine on my own just… go…” 

“Wooly I… I’m s-” Was she sorry? Amanda wasn’t sure. She was starting to feel like she should be. “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have done that I…” 

“I know… I know that. I know you were dealing with a lot… I was a bad friend… I should’ve done something to help… but I didn’t want you to… I…” 

“Look Wooly, I won’t do it again so… let’s get you some rest… okay?" Amanda asks, holding out her hand. Wooly takes it and she helps him up. “You know, I think that’s the first time we ever talked about that.” She looks over at Wooly, but he doesn’t respond. He starts swaying a bit. “Wooly?”

“I’m okay just feeling a little-” his legs turn to jelly and he flops to his knees. 

“Um… how’s Wooly feeling?” Amanda asks. Riley wonders how the heck they should know but they take a guess and type in dizzy. 

“Yeah… I do feel a bit light headed.” Wooly laughs awkwardly. Amanda shakes her head. She kneels down and looks at Wooly. “What are you doing?”

“Piggy back. Get on.” she says. Wooly climbs on her back and they head upstairs to Wooly’s room. 

“It’s not safe… to piggyback on the stairs…” Wooly mumbles in a drowsy voice. 

“Oh, be quiet.” Amanda sighs. 

They arrive in his room. “Alright where should Wooly rest?” Amanda questions. Riley, just to see what would happen clicks on the rug. “Very funny.” They click on the chair. Amanda rolls her eyes. “Hurry up, he’s heavy.” Riley finally clicks on the bed. Amanda lays him down. Just to find he already fell asleep. “Oh.” She says, and tucks him in. “Alright, first we should check his temperature right? I mean… he’s clearly sick but…” 

Suddenly the tape glitches to the kitchen. The thermometer sits on the counter, but Amanda doesn’t notice. She takes the step stool and looks in the cupboard. “Oh… Wooly put it back somewhere else. Do you know where it is?” Amanda asks us. Riley clicks on the thermometer. “There we go… not that I think it will do much…” 

The tape promptly glitches back to Wooly’s room. Amanda checks his temperature. The thermometer turns even more red than before. “Oh no… he’s sicker than I was…” Amanda looks at the floor sadly. “Stupid Wooly. He didn’t have to help… What was it he did again?”  she asks us. We type in soup. “That’s right! When I was sick my --- would make it for me. But… I don’t know how to make that.” She turns to Wooly and shakes him a little. “Wooly…” 

“Mmm?” 

“How do you make chicken soup?” 

“The mommy chicken doesn’t eat her babies… she gives them to the farmer… they eat the babies…” Wooly mumbles. Amanda realizes that he’s still asleep. 

“I guess I could make some toast… and I think we still have some ginger ale.” the tape glitches to Amanda in the kitchen, placing the bread into the toaster. “Alright… I guess we got the toast. Should I put some jam on it?” Riley types in yes. “Okay. We’ve got apple or peach. What do you think Wooly would like?”  Riley clicks on the apple. “Wooly’s allergic to apples. I don’t think it’d be very good to give him that now.” So Riley clicks on peach. “Yeah, that’s his favorite, it’s sure to cheer him up. While we wait for the toast, let’s get the ginger ale!” She opens the fridge. “Oh no… there’s no more left. What should I give Wooly instead?” Riley clicks on the milk. “Wooly said it’s not good to drink that on an upset stomach. I don’t know how he’s feeling right now…” Riley clicks on the peach juice. “Yeah… I think juice will be okay. Ah! The toast is done. Let’s spread the jam and bring it to Woo-ly ly ly ly.” The tape glitches back to the bedroom. 

“Oh, hi Amanda.” 

“Wooly! You’re awake! Are you feeling better?” 

“A little bit, yeah.” 

“Want something to eat?” 

“Uh… I’m actually not hungry at the moment. Honestly I might go back to sleep…” Wooly notices that Amanda made toast. “But I’ll eat it later when I wake up!” 

“It’s fine. I should’ve asked first.” Amanda laughs, placing the plate and drink down on the chair. “What else did you do when I was sick… I know! I’ll get you a wet face cloth!”

“Wait!” Wooly calls out, grabbing Amanda’s sleeve. “Do you think… you could stay here… for a bit? Till I fall asleep again? I keep having these weird dreams…” 

“Oh… sure Wooly. I guess I could do that.” Amanda replies. Sitting down on the bedside. She tries to remember what her dad would do… but her mind becomes blank. It’s still a bit fuzzy. “Heh heh… I’m not as good at this as you are, huh?” 

“I’m sorry… I just didn’t want you to leave…” Wooly mumbles.

“That’s okay…” 

“But you probably will anyway.” 

“Well, I’ll come right back once I get the face cloth.” 

“No, one day… you’re gonna leave and go into the real world.” Wooly whispers, “And I’ll be here… all alone… I guess I probably deserve that.”

“What do you mean?” 

“I thought I was being good… but I must’ve done something wrong… that’s why they left me all alone…”

“Wooly…” these words hurt Amanda’s heart. She knew the feeling. 

“I keep having these weird dreams…” Wooly mutters to himself. 

“I… I’m probably never going to get out of here.” Amanda whimpers, burying her head into her arms and legs.

“No… you will. I’m sure of it.” 

“Why?” 

“Because you’re you.” 

“Wooly that-” she was going to tell him that that didn’t make any sense, “If I do escape, you can come with me.” 

“Where would we even go?” he asks, Amanda thinks for a bit. She remembers that when she was feeling bad, her dad would always tell her stories… happy stories. 

“We’ll find our parents.” She whispers. 

“But I don’t think I even have parents…” Wooly mutters.

“Then when we find my dad you can live with us. Then we’ll get far far away from Hameln and live happily ever after.” Amanda explains. 

“I like that story…” Wooly smiles, his voice drifting off. 

“Me too…” Amanda sighs, she turns to Wooly who has fallen back asleep. “But that’s all it will ever be… a story.” static fills the tape again, but Amanda quickly snaps out of it. She feels Wooly’s forehead. “Seems to be going down? I think? Let’s get him that cold face cloth just in case.” 

The tape glitches into the bathroom. “Which face cloth should we use?” Amanda asks. Riley picks the lavender one. “Alright. That works. Should we use the cold or hot water?” Riley clicks the cold. “Yep that’s right.” Amanda runs the face cloth under cold water for a bit. “You know, I used to think Wooly was evil… and working with… you know… but I’m starting to think he might not be so bad. If I ever find a way out of here… maybe I will take him with me…” 

The tape glitches back into Wooly’s bedroom and Amanda places the cold face cloth on his head. 

“Who are you?” Amanda asks. Obviously, Wooly doesn’t answer, since he’s asleep. “Do you even know?” The tape glitches back to them being outside. 

“Hi friends! I’m Amanda!” 

“And I’m… Wooly!” Wooly beams. 

“Feeling all better now Wooly?”

“Thanks to you, yeah!” Wooly laughs sheepishly. 

“Now we can go on our adventure!” 

The tape ends, and the credits roll. This time Riley notices something in the credits. 

CAST

AMANDA

Rebecca Colton

WOOLY

William Scott

Wooly’s name. Riley finally found Wooly’s name.

(Wooly's in-fic universe name was chosen by reader suggestions! Thanks to everyone who suggested names for Wooly!)

[hcaeh]

mew ^3^

chap.iv | THE SAME AIR. [wc.1.3k]

interview time ^0^

you anxiously sit cross legged in the back room, waiting to be called into the interview. you did find it a bit strange that there were three other men with you..and that you were all being called in at once. a few minutes pass and a black haired male comes out of the office with a pen and pad. “yn, jeno, jisung and taehyun?” he calls out. you look up, as well as the other guys with you. you all nod in sync as a response. “great! i’m chenle, one of the instructors today.” he says, smile plastered on his face, “follow me back here, i’ll get you all settled in.” you get up and follow behind the ‘pack’ of men in front of you. when you enter the office you’re hit with a strong scent of hibiscus and mint. “take a seat over here.” chenle leads you all to a sofa.

you four sit down, waiting for the next instruction. “first, we want to build a team here. one that the cats, and customers can rely on for support.” he begins, “so i’d like all of you to get to know each other more! take some time to introduce yourselves.” you look over at the boys next to you with a slight concerned look. this isn’t exactly what you signed up for, jaemin wasn’t even anywhere in sight. you were slowly starting to regret this. but out of respect you nod and do what chenle has said. the tallest one, yet shyest it seemed began. “uh..hello, i’m jisung..mm, nice to..meet you all?” he speaks slowly, yet his voice is so soothing.

the rest of you greet him, then another one goes next. “hi, hopefully future coworkers. i’m jeno, great to be here!” he says with a smile on his face. you like his energy, he seems very kind and playful. someone you’d enjoy working with. and finally the last among the group introduces himself, “i’m taehyun. i guess it’s good to meet you all..uh, yeah.” he was very bland and straight forward. it somewhat intimidated you but..now it was your turn.

“ah..hello. i’m yn, it’d be a pleasure to work with all of you.” you say softly, yet a small smile on your face. you really didn’t want a job at the moment, but for some reason that stupid worker was calling your name. yet he wasn’t even here. “okay! well, bonding and communication..can be worked on later.” chenle says with an awkward chuckle. “how about i tell you all the rules and then i’ll pass you onto the next section?” you all nod and give your attention to him

he gives the basics of the rules, a run down of what to expect, and how to keep the cafe a safe place for everyone. once he finishes he stands up and opens the door, “everyone can go through here. you’ll meet the next staff member and the cats while you’re here.” you all stand up and go into the next room. you four stand awkwardly in a clump while waiting for the worker to show up. you hear arguing and rustling towards the back of the room, you look around to see if anyone else noticed it. when you were about to ask something the door flung open and two people came out still looking angry with each other.

your heart rapidly started beating as you saw blond hair and a tall figures back facing you. when the two turned around you were somewhat relieved and somewhat nervous to see jaemin. you couldn’t help but smile a bit in relief that he was going to be here today. “hi! sorry for the delay, someone doesn’t know how to do their job.” the girl says glancing over at jaemin. you can’t help but notice jeno chuckling with jisung as the girl and jaemin bickered with each other. you felt strange, like something was up. “anyways, i’m gowon! i’ll be showing you around here.” she says with a smile.

“i’m jaemin, i’ll introduce you to the cats and the functions of the equipment, food, and much more.” he says, looking directly at you. your heart flutters as you continue to keep eye contact with him. he quickly breaks it to continue his words.

the walk through has passed, everyone seemed pretty tired at this point. you had already had your one on one meeting with another employee named sungchan. by now it was 6:30 and getting dark. you bid your goodbyes to everyone who helped and the other guys who were with you applying. you sit outside of the cafe waiting for mark to arrive with your ride, ten minutes pass and he still wasn’t there. you began getting anxious and uncomfortable seeing as the employees were still closing the cafe and everyone else was gone. you tried calling mark but there was no answer.

“oh you’ve got to be kidding me.” you sigh out, feeling defeated. you don’t know what to do, your ride isn’t picking up or with a sight to be found. you contemplate going into the cafe and asking one of them for a ride. honestly it was your last option of getting home safely, you walk back up to the cafe’s doors opening them quietly. that stupid cafe bell at the door just had to ring alerting the employees behind the counter. they all turn to you, you stood there awkwardly not knowing what to say now. “oh hey yn, what’s up?” chenle asks, “what brings you back?” you sigh in deeply before beginning to speak, “i know we’ve only just met..but my ride isn’t picking up and he’s not even close to here..” you pause, “would it be too much to ask one of you for a ride home?”

they all look at each other, back at you, then to jaemin. “jaemin can!” gowon says, “he’s about to leave anyways, right?” she says, glaring at him. jaemin looks at her with a confused look, but quickly catches onto what she’s implying. “ah, yes! i am. i can take you home yn.” he replies. you can’t believe your ears, jaemin, taking you home? you barely even know this guy yet your heart is beating rapidly and excitement fills your body. “thank you, really.” you say smiling at him. “no worries, let me get my bag and i’ll meet you in the front.” you nod and exit the cafe once more.

you stand nervously at the curb outside the cafe, waiting for jaemin to pull up. a few minutes pass and you see a white car pull up to you, the window rolls down and reveals jaemin. “you can come in,” he says unlocking the car doors. you nod and open the passenger seat sitting down hesitantly. you buckle in and quickly glance over at jaemin. “thanks again.” you mumble. he smiles while focusing on the road in front of him, “it’s my pleasure really. you did a great job today by the way, i’m sure everyones gonna agree to having you.” he replies. you can’t help but blush at his compliment, you mumble out a ‘thank you’ while hiding your face a bit so that he can’t see your red cheeks. the ride feels tense, not in a bad way but just really awkward.

you both arrived to your home, he parks his car right in front of your driveway so that you have a safe route in. “well..thank you! i hope to see you soon.” you say opening the car door and stepping out, “you too yn, stay safe tonight!” he says before you close the door and wave to him through the window. you quickly run inside your house and close the door behind you. you can’t help but squeal into your hands and smile like a dork at the night you’ve had.

taglist (open) : @prettyrenjunn @sweetcandycum @swee7dream @lovesuhng @n0hyuck @sunflowerbebe07 @lostinneocity @222brainrot @ms-no1kpopstan @choerubies @pnkified @odxrilove @sunghoonsgfreal @njmluvr @sinsgaybutthatsokay @nasangel @buns-inhiding @seunghancore @clean-soap @aggtslva @h-aecat @savluvsmingi

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[jujumin-translates]

[A3!] Tsuzuru Minagi | [SR] Premonition of Budding | Please Ticket: From Tsuzuru

*Knock on door*

Tsuzuru: Director, can I come in?

Izumi: Sure, what’s up?

*Door opens*

Tsuzuru: I came to give this to you.

Please write whatever you want here. I’m happy to help you with anything I can, Director.

Izumi: Ah, your “Please Ticket”! Thanks, I appreciate it.

Tsuzuru: Knowing you, I’m sure you’ll take care of a lot of things yourself and then just write something simple down, but…

Tsuzuru: Please don’t hesitate to write down what you really wanna ask for with this.

Izumi: Ahaha, if you’re going out of your way to say that, you must really not want me to hold back, huh?

Tsuzuru: Exactly. I mean, you do tend to do that, so.

Tsuzuru: Anyway, I’ll be waiting.

Izumi: Got it. Well, in the meantime, I’ll try and come up with something to write.

Tsuzuru: I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Izumi: Ah. That reminds me, this is unrelated, but I wanted to see you about something else, Tsuzuru-kun.

Tsuzuru: What’s up?

Izumi: Sorry that this is so short notice, but are you free tomorrow morning? There’s something you, Sakyo-san, and I need to have a meeting about.

Tsuzuru: Sure thing, that won’t be a problem for me.

Izumi: Thanks. Alright, be ready around 10:00 a.m., okay?

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsuzuru: (Tomorrow morning, huh… I wonder what the meeting will be about.)

Tsuzuru: (Depending on what it’s about, I might end up being busy doing more important things. If that’s the case, then…)

Tsuzuru: I should finish my college paper that’s due at the end of the week tonight.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Masumi: …What are you doing?

Tsuzuru: College paper.

Masumi: This late at night?

Tsuzuru: I’ve got a meeting with the Director and Furuichi-san tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., so I wanted to get it done before then.

Tsuzuru: I’m almost done with it, so I don’t think it’ll take me that much longer.

Masumi: Hmm…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Masumi: Hey, Tsuzuru, get up.

Tsuzuru: Mnh… Ah, Masumi…

Masumi: You overslept. Director’s already waiting for you.

Tsuzuru: Huh… Director…?

Masumi: Don’t you have a meeting today?

Tsuzuru: …AH!!

Tsuzuru: What time is it!? You said the Director’s already waiting for me!?

Masumi: That’s what I said. It’s already way past 10:00.

Tsuzuru: Seriously!? Just let me get changed…!

Masumi: You’re sure getting changed fast…

Tsuzuru: Aghh… Is Furuichi-san there with the Director?

Masumi: Oh yeah, I think he was there. Didn’t you say he was gonna be there yourself yesterday?

Tsuzuru: I know what I said…! Oh, I’m screwed, I’m so, so screwed…!

Tsuzuru: Alright, bye!

*Door closes*

Masumi: …What a pain in the ass. Now that it’s quiet, I’m going back to sleep.

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

*Door opens*

Tsuzuru: I’m SO sorry I’m late!!

Izumi: Good morning, Tsuzuru-kun. Hehe, you sure got here in a hurry.

Sakyo: For now, why don’t you just have some of the breakfast that Fushimi made?

Tsuzuru: Huh?

Tsuzuru: (W-Why are they being so nice…? I thought for sure they’d be mad at me… So why aren’t they?)

Tsuzuru: U-Uhh…?

Sakyo: Usui talked to us. He said that you were up late working on a paper.

Izumi: You were working so hard because of today’s meeting, weren’t you?

Tsuzuru: Ah…

Sakyo: Knowing you, I’m sure you thought you’d end up busy from being asked to do something at this meeting.

Izumi: You finished up your college stuff yesterday so you could have more time for today, didn’t you?

Tsuzuru: (They both understood… I am super thankful…)

Izumi: Still, you should’ve told us if we were being too harsh on you.

Tsuzuru: Ahh, no, it’s just… I thought it’d be a quick thing, but it took longer than I expected.

Sakyo: Well, we know you were keeping us in mind. Just consider yourself lucky that it was us you were dealing with…

Sakyo: The same never would’ve happened had this been a meeting with an outside party. Okay?

Tsuzuru: O-Of course! I mean, I’ll try not to do it anymore, even within the troupe…!

Izumi: And make sure you thank Masumi-kun too.

Izumi: He went out of his way to come and tell us about what happened with you yesterday and he woke you up.

Tsuzuru: …Got it. I’ll make sure to tell him after this.

Izumi: Still, it must be pretty nice having someone to wake you up in the morning like that. It’s just me in my room, so I’m a little jealous.

Tsuzuru: Uh, I know I was the one who was late today, but…

Tsuzuru: If you ever need someone to do something like that, just let me know and I could give you a call or something.

Izumi: Huh, are you saying you’d wake me up?

Tsuzuru: Yeah. I dunno if I’d really be comfortable going to your room, but if it’s okay with you, I could call you.

Izumi: Ahaha, thanks.

Sakyo: Alright, that’s enough chit-chat, why don’t you just get to eating for now?

Tsuzuru: Yeah, I will!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Knock on door*

Izumi: Tsuzuru-kun, can I come in? I have something I want to give you.

Tsuzuru: Yeah, come in.

*Door opens*

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: I’ve decided on what to write on my Please Ticket from you, Tsuzuru-kun. Here you go.

Tsuzuru: I’ll look at it right away. Uhh…

Tsuzuru: “I want you to give me a wake-up call tomorrow morning”. Wait… Are you sure?

Izumi: Yeah, when you mentioned it earlier, I thought it sounded like a good idea.

Izumi: Not to mention, I actually have to be up early tomorrow, and I’m a little worried about whether I’ll be able to get up in time or not.

Tsuzuru: Gotcha. Just leave it to me.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Choose!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Option 1: I know it’s early, but is that okay?

Izumi: I know it’s pretty early, but is that okay? It’d be around 5:00 a.m., so…

Tsuzuru: 5:00… That is pretty early. Alright, I’ll need to remember to wake up and not hit snooze too, then.

Izumi: Sorry that I’m kinda waking you up early too.

Tsuzuru: It’s not a problem at all! I have to make up for oversleeping today somehow.

Tsuzuru: And I’ll make breakfast for you too, while I’m at it.

Izumi: Hehe, thanks.

Option 2: You’re a lifesaver.

Izumi: Thank goodness~. You’re such a lifesaver.

Tsuzuru: It’s nothing. I know what it’s like to be thankful to have been woken up in the morning.

Izumi: Haha, yeah.

Tsuzuru: I also thanked Masumi for waking me up, but he said he only did it because I was causing problems for you… He really never changes.

Izumi: Ahaha… That sure sounds like Masumi-kun.

Izumi: Well, sorry again, but I look forward to tomorrow.

Tsuzuru: Yeah, I’ll call you tomorrow morning.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Phone rings*

Izumi: Nmh… Ah, it’s Tsuzuru-kun…

Izumi: Hello…

Tsuzuru: “Good morning, Director.”

Izumi: Tsuzuru-kun, good morning…

Tsuzuru: “Haha, you still sound sleepy.”

Izumi: Yeah…

Izumi: …But thanks. You were a huge help.

Tsuzuru: “You’re welcome. Let’s do our best today too, okay?”

[edgrara]

Could you do headcanons of the MK1 Earthrealm Defenders with a street racer reader?

helloo! sorry for the delay as I have school and family problems! :( I tried my best writing this and this request is actually a fun challenge for me to do! Hope you enjoy it!

no warnings, sfw, reader is gender neutral

RAIDEN

he was shocked when he found out that you street race.

first thing he ask , “isn’t that illegal?” 

every time you came home, he’ll be grateful that you went back home in one piece. When the moment you came home, he’ll would be praying fervently to the elder gods that you did not passed on or get into an accident. He’ll hug you and give you lots of kisses

he sometimes hides your car keys when you want to go out whether you want to street race or not. My boy just taking precautionary actions for your own safety 

“Aw come on! I just need to get groceries Raiden! I’m not going to street race. Trust me on this,” you whined. you tried convincing Raiden but it did not work. “Ah, Ah, Ah! I’m not going to let you drive and go out by yourself! I’ll bring you there. No complaints,” you huffed but have no choice but to let Raiden bring you and accompany you to the market as to avoid you street racing (and also he doesn’t trust you going out alone)

he tries to be a bit supportive but not too much to be point that he wants to actually street race

KUNG LAO

“Wait, not gonna lie that’s actually cool,” like his reaction was like “WOAHHH” 

he has a curious mind. Sometimes, he’ll ask you tons of questions about street racing like “do you ever go to jail for over speeding?” “Have you got yourself into an accident because of street racing?” or “Why did you do street racing?” 

sometimes, you’ll bring him on a street race. You’ll even let him sit at the passenger seat! (He’s your passenger princess). he would like blast music inside the car until you could not focus.

“Kung Lao! I can’t focus! Could you mind lowering down the music please?” You were in the middle of a race, fighting for first place. Kung Lao on the other hand, busy karaoke out loud and making remarks on the racers. When you peeked on the rear mirror, you noticed that a car was behind you and you needed to speed up a little bit. Little did you know that the car wants to push you offtrack. “Oh no Kung Lao! We’re gonna get crash! Brace yourself!” As you seen your very own life flashing right before your eyes,  Kung Lao peeked out of the window and threw his razor sharp hat and aim it accurately on the racer’s wheels. “Thanks Kung Lao, you know, don’t let anyone catch you next time doing that, it’s considered cheating,” you gave him a stern warning. “Okay, to be fair, you’re going to be in danger!”

JOHNNY CAGE

“Whoa woah! I didn’t knew a babe like you do street racing!” With your sweet and innocent aura, you smiled at him cheekily.

he could come up with tons of wacky ideas about you for his film about you

wants to make you an instant celebrity/superstar as your street racing could make you famous in a snap

he’ll purposely ask you if he could follow you to some of your races as he wants to do some ‘research’ on his movies (actually my boy here js wants to be w you) 

“okay Johnny, just to let you know, this is where the spectators-“ as you were explaining things about street racing to Johnny, Johnny was busy writing about all the things that you have said. You decided to have a peek at Johnny’s notebook. Apparently, all he wrote was all scribbles. “Johnny Cage! Have you been listening to a word i have been saying? All you wrote were just scribbles!” You scolded him. You caught him in the act and now Johnny is trying to debate with you saying that scribbling helps him to ‘focus’. “Helps in focusing what exactly?” You tried to twist your words so that Johnny would stop giving that excuse. “Alright fine! I actually just want to spend time with you,” Johnny pouted and hugged you tightly. A smirk appeared on you lips and you pecked him on his cheek. “You could have said so, love!” you rubbed his back with your hand and he looked at your with dearly eyes. “Let’s ditch this race, shall we?” You elbowed Johnny and you both laughed and ride on your car.

KENSHI TAKAHASHI

“You don’t sound like the person who would, you know, street race?” He was confused. REALLY confused 

He’s also curious, on how a person like you even street race 

You’ll show him your awesome driving skills by bringing him along to some of your street races

he’ll be at the spectators space and cheering for you (he sometimes jokes around that Sento also cheers for you)

doesn’t matter if you street race or not, he likes you for the way you are 

“Let’s go (name)! Don’t disappoint me or Sento! You can do this!” Kenshi was cheering for you so loudly to the point people gave him weird stares at him. They were all wondering who and what is  a ‘Sento’. You were drifting left and right, fast forward. You are at maximum speed, focusing for first place. Your opponent suppressed you that you didn’t even see him. You were right behind him. You pressed down the paddle with force and successfully out tracked him. As you were near the end, you give in all your might and you won first place. “Woohoo! That’s my love! They won first place!” He walked towards you and pulled you into a hug. “I’m so happy that you won first place,” Kenshi says cheerfully.  “Thanks love,” you chuckled and smiled at him. “Let’s go home and celebrate!” You were over the moon and you both went back home, happily.

reposts, likes, and reblogs are appreciated!

@edgrara ‘24

[lovestaysblogs]

another cinderella story

pairing: college au!jeongin x reader word count: 2121 genre: college au, fluff warnings: none network: @skzstarnet

Jeongin frowned at his friend’s bad joke. To be fair it was finals week. They had to find some humor somewhere because if they didn’t laugh, they would most definitely cry. He reached over to flick Jisung’s forehead,

“Go back to studying,” He deadpanned.

Jisung rubbed his forehead with a pout. “I’m trying, bro”. He groaned, “I don’t know why the hell I took this class in the first place.”

Jeongin chuckled, “It’s a required class Sung, you didn’t have a choice,”

“I know, I know but I’m a –”

“Creative writing major” They said in unison.

“We all know. You say it all the time,” Jeongin groaned and leaned back. “It’s college math bro, we all have to do it whether we like it or not,”

It was currently nearing dinner time and they both have been cooped up in the library from the day has started and they have yet barely reached anywhere.

“I give up. I don’t know why I even attempted to study,” Jeongin placed his head on his hands. “And I’m hungry,”

“We need to pass the class,” Jisung said trying to convince himself, “And I do not want to go through this hell again,”

Jeongin looked around, the library was full of tired and stressed out students. “If we leave and come back we’re probably not going to get our spot back.”

“Or, I could leave and you watch our spot?” Jisung looked over at him with a sly smile. “I could bring you back a coffee, please! Innie-ah please!”

Jeongin sighed, running his hand through his hair, “Fine, just go. You need it more than me anyways.”

Jisung barely took notice of his comment before packing up and leaving immediately. “I’ll find the best coffee on campus I promise!”

Jeongin would describe himself as an okay student. The university he attends now wasn’t his first pick. In fact, it’s more quaint than the others. But seeing that he still hasn’t declared a major, he can’t really be too judgy. 

He looked down at the foreign formulas in his book. Studying was not something that was on his mind at the moment. So with the lack of motivation and food in his stomach, he starts to scroll on his phone, praying that Jisung comes back soon.

The table he was sitting at shifted. He looked beside him to see a girl unpacking her books, basically setting up camp for studying beside him.

“Hi, uh that’s someone’s seat,” Jeongin said.

She turned to him and he noticed how put together she looked. Her twists pulled into a neat bun, wearing a sweater vest and dress pants paired off with the cliche black glasses frame. She was also wearing a mask but the way she frowned at him with her eyes in despair, when he told her she was in Jisung’s seat, tugged at his heart strings. He could tell she was a nerd, but at least, she was a cute nerd.

“Really? Oh no, the exam is tomorrow and my laptop is dying and this was the only open spot with an outlet right next to it.” Her soft voice brought back some life into Jeongin.

He suddenly felt re-energized. And who was he to turn down a study partner, especially one with such pretty brown eyes.

“Well, I’m sure he’s not coming back for now.” 

That was the half-truth, Jeongin prayed that Jisung wouldn’t come back for now. 

“You can stay here until he’s back,”

The bright eye smile you gave him as you pushed your glasses up, made him smile as well.

“Thank you so much!”

“No problem.”

After a shared silence, he glanced over to see you clicking away on your calculator. Your brows were knitted together as you punched in numbers and quickly wrote down answers, softly mumbling to yourself. 

“Is that college math?” He asked.

“Yeah, the exam is tomorrow and I’m so nervous,” You barely even glanced at him.

But he smiled again. “Yeah, I have it too. But you seem to know what you’re doing. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

You paused what you were doing and looked up at him. He felt the gratefulness from your eyes.

“Thank you. But I don’t. And it’s no thanks to Professor Cho,”

“Wait, we're in the same class?”

“Yeah, we are”

“How come I haven’t seen you before?”

You looked back down at your notebook, and pressed your lips together, “Oh, you probably just didn’t take notice,” You said softly.

He scratched the back of head, feeling embarrassed.  “Well I should have. I can’t believe I’m only getting to know I had such a pretty and smart classmate all along.”

You laughed softly through your mask, “I’m wearing a mask, you can’t even see me.”

“I don’t need to when I know how gorgeous your eyes are already,”

There’s a certain warmth from you that’s pulling you towards him and he wants to find out more. 

You rolled your eyes, hoping the mask hid your smile beneath it, but Jeongin saw straight through it. Before he even got a chance to comment you changed the topic,

“How do you think you’re going to do on the exam?”

His shoulders slouched, “Honestly,” He chuckled, “It’s in God’s hands at this point,”

Your head fell back slightly as you laughed at him. It was to the point of people starting to shush you. You covered your mouth, trying to soften your laughter, even though you already had on the mask.

He liked that he made you laugh.

“It can’t be that bad?” You tried to offer little hope, before shaking your head, “No, it’s that bad. Professor Cho did nothing but yell all semester,”

“Or complain about –”

“No one wants to work these days,” You both said simultaneously.

You giggled looking over at him. His jet black hair slightly ruffled, most likely due to stressfully running his hand through it. His dimples really shine through, even when he barely laughs. His eyes glanced over at you and you both made eye contact. 

“You’ll do fine though,” You said softly. “I see you and your friend in class and you always have the long ass worksheets he sets for us done,”

“You saw that?” His eyes widened, “Damn, how come I’ve never seen you before?”

He truly cannot believe that you two have not crossed paths before. He was almost mad at himself for not taking notice of you. It’s amazing how in such a short time, he managed to feel so comfortable with a complete stranger. He really wanted to get to know you more. He can’t imagine how much more beautiful you were unmasked. 

You laughed, “Maybe it’s the mask. You just didn’t notice me” 

But his eyes narrowed at you, “Maybe it is,” 

His hand slowly reached out towards your face, “Can I?”

You nodded. 

As his hand gently touched the face covering, you both jumped apart at the sound of someone clearing their throat.

Jeongin looked up to see Jisung and cursed in his head. Of course he picked the worst possible time to come back.

“Uh hey, that’s kinda my seat,”

And apparently Jisung was set on cockblocking him too.

“Oh! Sorry, yeah. My laptop’s done charging anyways.” You said quickly packing up your stuff. 

“I’ll see you around Yang Jeongin,” You said, “Good luck,”

Jeongin looked at Jisung out of the corner of his eyes. “You couldn’t stay away for five more minutes,”

“Bro, I don’t know why you’re attacking me. You’re the one that gave up my seat to a random girl. Why were y’all so close anyways? Do we know her?” He said handing the coffee over to Joengin.

Jeongin rolled his eyes as he took a sip, “No. But she knows me. And I was getting to know her.” He sighed leaning back into his chair, “The only good thing to happen to me tonight was her and I didn’t even get her name bro,”

Jisung shrugged, “She left her calculator here though,”

Jeongin sat straight back up, “Wait what,”

He grabbed the calculator and examined it, realizing there’s no name on it. Instinctively he stood and rushed out of the library, but he didn’t see you around.

“Damn it, the exam is tomorrow and she doesn’t have a calculator,” He mumbled to himself.

Dejectedly walking back into the library, he saw Jisung packing up. 

“Did you find her?”

Jeongin shook his head. 

“Maybe you’ll find her tomorrow man. But let’s call it a night because I have a feeling we’re not getting anything else done tonight.”

He shook his head again, “Nah, you go ahead. I wanna stay back,”

Jisung shrugged and left him behind.

The sun was blaring down on Jeongin at the exam center. He woke up early and went there just so he could see the girl with the mask again, in hopes of giving her the calculator before the exam.

It was now five minutes before the exam and still no sign of her. He looked down at the pink calculator with a frown. Before one last hopeful look he turned around with a sigh about to enter the room.

“Yang Jeongin!”

A girl screamed running towards him. As she got closer Jeongin realized it was her. 

She came to a halt breathing heavily, “You have my calculator? Please tell me that you do?”

Her pretty brown eyes furrowed once again, reminding him of their first encounter. Her twists were no longer neatly pulled back but a bit more messy resting her on shoulders. Yet, wearing just a simple t-shirt with sweatpants he still found her beautiful. His eyes scanned the features of her face, the mask so rudely covered. Her full lips fixed into a frown and her round cheeks added to her cuteness. 

“I do. When I realized you left it, I ran out after you but you were gone.”

“God, I’m so stupid. I didn’t realize I left it until I reached back to my dorm and I had to study using my phone calculator. If you know anything about phone calculators and how inconvenient they are, you can imagine how stressed I was. Not to mention I thought it was gone for good and calculators are so damn expensive nowadays and I got that ages ago and –” Your hands flew up to her face in despair as her breathing got worse. 

He gently reached out to your hand and placed your calculator in it. “Breathe.”

And so she did. 

Their eyes locked together once again as Jeongin smiled at you, “I’m sure you studied well and you’ll do well. Now let’s go so we never have to go through Professor Cho again,” 

You laughed. He really liked that he could make you laugh. “You’re right,”

When Jeongin left the exam room, he saw you outside waiting for him. 

“So how was it?” You asked with a smile.

He shrugged, “It was okay. But I think it’s because I saw you again as to why,”

You laughed and shoved him slightly, “You play too much,”

“How was it for you?” He said.

“It was good. Thanks again for bringing my calculator,”

“Of course. I had to find you again,”

“Why?”

“Because I want to get to know you,”

You looked down, suddenly feeling insecurities rise upon you. Why would he want to get to know you? 

“I forgot to wear my mask today,”

“So?”

“I…I was just saying that’s why I look different. You’re probably not really interested. It was probably the illusion of the mask,”

He placed a finger under your chin, raising your face up, forcing you to take eye contact with him. “I mean what I say, I want to get to know you. And without the mask, I think you’re beautiful the same,”

You felt your face warm up and if you were a bit lighter, you’re sure you would have been caught blushing.

“Let me take you out,” He said boldly. “After finals. It’ll be worth your time I promise,”

“You don’t even know my name,”

He used his other hand and tucked a twist behind your ear, “What’s your name pretty?”

“Y/N. My name is Y/N,” You said with a soft smile.

He smiled at you back. Your name was beautiful as you were. “Would you go on a date with me Y/N?”

“Yeah, I would,” You said with a giggle. 

“You know, I’m actually really glad you left your calculator,”

You gasped and hit him playfully, “You play too much,”

He laughed as he gently took your hand and walked with you. He knew that you were glad too, you just didn’t want to admit it as yet.

a/n:

reblogs help other people see my fics and it lets me know that you liked it that much to reblog 🥹🫶 so please reblog! i appreciate it.

omg this is the longest fic i've written! i hope you enjoy it T.T please please let me know.

i take feedback and criticisms as long as you're nice. i tried to play with the point of view here. if you notice it hopped between third person omniscient and second person. i tried my best to switch it when it was appropriate. let me know if it was good or not. also!! i'm trying my best to not write the same character (both the boys and y/n) in each fic. i really want to diversify it and really make them feel real and raw. with each post is me practicing so i'm really trying my best here. i hope to get better :')

[yourangel137]

“Beautiful.” A Kazuha X Fem!reader Fanfic

Again one of my proudest possessions, so I want to post it here too for safe keeping <3

Pairings: Kazuha x Fem!reader

Warnings: reader is insecure. Did not proof read

Genres: fluff

Type: drabble

Word count: 835 words

Summary: Reader is insecure about herself, but Kazuha likes her for who she is. + Confession

Everyone would fall for him if they know what kind of person he is. Gentle and kind by nature, poetic with his words and patient with his gestures, he’s the type to treat his loved one like loyalty and you knew that too. It’s just the fact that,, you aren’t confident enough about yourself to fully accept your feelings for him. To you, he deserves better, he deserves someone prettier and someone whose willing to give more than you think you’re able to give. Yet, every time you try to avoid the kind wanderer, he always seems to find his way back to you. Why was that? Why does he care to stay when he deserves better?

Unknowingly to you Kazuha always has his eyes on you and has always seen you as the most beautiful girl he laid his eyes upon. To him, your body is beautiful, your face is gorgeous and your personality is breathtaking. Even if you try to hide your insecurities from him, he knows you’re insecure. He can feel your attitude change around him, your body posture curling and trying to hide your body in some way. It hurts him seeing you so insecure, but he hopes one day you’ll see yourself the same way he sees you.

Your hand trails over the railing from The Crux, feeling the small marks on the wood. You told yourself you wouldn’t go with Beidou and Kazuha on the boat to Inazuma, but in the end you gave in and joined anyways. Maybe because you could never say no to Kazuha his puppy eyes whenever you reject his ideas at first. ‘Dangit.. Why must he be so cute..’ You think to yourself. A breeze touches your exposed neck, goosebumps forming in your delicate skin. Today the breeze seems to be colder than usual and you didn’t fully prepare for colder weather. Before you can think of a possible solution to the sudden cold temperature, a voice calls out to you. “Are you cold, Y/N? It’s colder than usual today.”

The sudden voice you hear from behind you makes you jump a little before turning around to face him. “Ah.. Kazu.. Yeah I guess it’s kind of chilly today. I’ll be okay though~” You answer him, cheeks flaring up a little from embarrassment he caught you thinking to yourself. “Let’s get you inside instead. I know it’s going to rain soon and I also do not want you to catch a cold.” He holds out a hand for you to take, a gentle yet sweet gesture he uses on you so you’d come with him.

It’s hard to reject such an offer so you gently put your hand on top of his and let him lead you away from the deck and to a warmer place instead. Once you two got inside, you watch him let go of your hand and instead grab a blanket and put it around your body. “You should be more prepared next time, the breeze can get cold really fast. Always bring an extra pair of warm clothes with you, dove.”

The sudden nickname makes your heart skip a beat, cheeks flaring up this time from the sudden rush of love you’re feeling for the man before you. “I’m sorry.” You say, but instead of more scolding, you see Kazuha his eyes soften for you. “Why do you think so little of yourself, darling?”

“W-wha-?”

“I know you’re insecure about yourself. I just personally don’t understand why. To me, you’re like a work of art. Your words flow like music out of your mouth, your personality is as warm and bright as the sun, your beauty is as beautiful as the prettiest and brightest of flowers and your whole existence brightens my life more than the sun is even able to do.”

You’re at loss of words, quickly noticing how Kazuha his cheeks turned pink from his sudden confession. ‘Wait.. is this a confession?’ You ask yourself, yet you couldn’t seem to place those words on your tongue and speak them out loud.

“My words might be a lot to take in right now. So I want you to take your time and let this flow in your mind for a bit longer before you answer me back.”

You quickly shake your head and you part your lips to finally speak your mind too. “I like you.” Yet the way those words left your parted lips, ended up louder than you hoped they would. His cheeks flare up more, turning into a more reddish glow, yet his smile is brighter than his blush.

“That was supposed to be my line, dove.” He let’s out the cutest chuckle before speaking once again. “I hope one day I can make you realize how beautiful you truly are. But... Let’s take things slow and steady my sunshine.” Silently you agree with him, nodding along with his words, words you never thought he’d tell you.

He really is too good to be true.

Thank you for reading <3

Much love,

Angel

Made on: 26-03-2023

[kfkr1ze]

[002-A19] Bad Will Hunting[1]

Summary — ✈︎ The students called Ushio to a meeting. When they demand an explanation as to why he’s being uncooperative with his work, he gives them a sarcastic response in retaliation…

Characters— ✈︎ Ushio, Nanaki, Akuta, Kiroku, Muneuji, Sakujiro

Location: Otomari Chuuzaemon Inn in Shodoshima

Ushio: ………

Nanaki: ………

Ushio: What do you want? Wearing such a scary expression on your face. 

Nanaki: We need to talk. …Let’s go. Everyone is waiting for you.

Ushio: (Uwah, I got a bad feeling about this one. This seems like more trouble than it’s worth…)

I’d love to go, but my stomach hurts y’know? Didn’t you hear that from Chief? I’m just taking a break today, soーー

Nanaki: You’ll be fine.

Ushio:  Ah… Wai… Don’t touch me!!

…I’m going.

Nanaki: ………

Kiroku: ………

Muneuji: ………

Akuta: Welcome back, Uu-chan!

Ushio: … Don’t call me that.

So? What’s this about? You got a reason for surrounding me like this?

Nanaki: The drawstring bag… It looks like he has it with him.

Akuta: See? I knew he didn’t throw it away. 

Okay, next up is my turn sooo, don’t mind if I do!

… Yup, it’s all good. The egg, feat. alien legs, are all in one piece!

Ushio: What, don’t tell me that this is all because you guys thought I threw away the egg?

Kiroku: You… weren’t in your room…… so we thought… maybe……

Nanaki: ………

Ushio: Of course I didn’t throw it away. Didn’t we all decide on that?

Nanaki: … I’ll apologize for suspecting you. I’m sorry.

Ushio: I don’t really care though.

Muneuji: With that, one of the problems has been resolvedーー

Akuta: Mhmm…

Nanaki: ………

Kiroku: ………

Ushio: Again, what is this all about? If you have something to say, spit it out already.

Muneuji: There’s no other issues, other than the work for the summer festival.

There were some concerns that maybe Uu-chan hasn’t been progressing properly in your preparations for the summer festival.

Ushio: (Ughh so there were complaints about that? I knew this was gonna be an annoying ass talk. So draining…)

These “concerns” you’re talking about… Was it all from one person?

Nanaki: Why are you looking at my face?

Ushio: There doesn’t have to be any special reason, does there? It's not like I'm thinking that Panda is the most likely candidate to say stuff like that or anything.

Nanaki: Even Kinugawa-kun is doing his best for this, no matter how much he’s struggling with it. It’s normal to not want someone holding us back.

Kiroku: Eh…… M-Me……?

Nanaki: I know you’re trying your best for this. It’s only natural to notice that when we’re living in the same room.

Kiroku: ………

Nanaki: And that’s why, Kurama-kun should alsoーー

Ushio: Doesn’t really matter in the end, since the event on the day after tomorrow is getting canceled.

Akuta: ………

Nanaki & Kiroku & Muneuji: ………

Akuta: EEEHHH!? W-WHY!?

Muneuji: For what reason?

Ushio: On that day, there’s an 80% chance of rain around the evening. It’ll be pouring down right around the time of the summer festival.

It’s fine to believe in shit like effort, friendship, and youth or whatever, but shouldn’t you at least check the weather forecast?

Nanaki: What about the JMA’s weather control?

Muneuji: No, I’m sure they’d ensure the skies were clear for events at urban places like HAMA, but for the more rural areas…

I’m certain that they wouldn’t take such measures here.

Akuta: A-A-Are you serious～～～！?

I’ve been a city boy since I was born so things like that completely slipped my mind…

Nanaki: Can’t we try asking the JMA now?

Kiroku: …… I don’t think…… they’d listen… to just…… one person……

Ushio: (Hm…)

Akuta: Should we just try to pray for clear weather!?

Like gathering around a bonfire to pray for rain, but the opposite!

Kiroku: …Do you have…… a power…… like that… Isotake…?

Akuta: Nah, not at all!

Ushio: (Life is filled with absurd events like this. No matter how hard you try, or how pure you try to live your lifeーー)

(Some stupid, unavoidable absurdity falls on you and ruins everything.)

(Of course I knew this already, ever since back then, but for kids like this who were raised with privilege and protection? This is probably the first time they’ve been exposed to something like this.)

(Serves them right.)

Hey.

Nanaki: Hah?

Ushio: It’s a shame that it never got healed. That broken heart you got from that time in the old building.

Nanaki: … Is spewing out sarcasm the only thing you know how to do? No wonder they call you a pleasant guy. 

Ushio: ……!

Muneuji: A pleasant guy?

Nanaki: That’s what his classmates call him behind his back. It’s a fittingly ironic nickname for someone as cruel as him.

Ushio: ………

Muneuji: … I see. It’s pretty well put.

Ushio: ……!

Muneuji: Ah, I didn’t mean like that, please don’t misunderstand. I was just impressed that you were given such a spiteful nicknameーー

Ushio: (What’s with that phrasing? How is Muu-chan able to stay as nonchalant as he always is while I’m the only one feeling this uncomfortable…?)

(This is… so unfair…!)

… Y’know, Muneuji…

You didn’t seem to be that upset by the fact that the festival got canceled because of the rain. You’re the one who knows best just how much everyone worked for this, don’t you?

Muneuji: ………

Ushio: Could it be, maybe when it doesn’t concern your father, you consider it to be someone else’s problem?

Maybe, in this train wreck, the rails that you were on were already shifted and the damage isn’t as great to you, so you don’t care?

Muneuji: … Just what are you trying to say?

Ushio: I’m just saying. If that never happened to your father, you wouldn’t even be where you’re at right now.

(You’re different that I amーー)

What I’m saying is, it’s great that you got a little sister who you can give souvenirs to.

Muneuji: Ghーー！

Akuta: Ah, Muneuji’s pupils blew upーー

Muneuji: …Kinugawa.

Hold onto my phone and my watch.

Kiroku: Eh? Okay… but…

Ushio: Huuh? Did I offend you?

Muneuji: You too, Ushio. If you’re holding onto anything you wouldn’t like destroyed, put them to the side. If you refuse to take back what you just said… Then I’m going to duel you.

Ushio: Hah, how am I supposed to take back a fact? Aren’t you just averting your eyes from the truth now?

Muneuji: That’s enough. Shut your mouth. Prepare yourself.

Ushio: ーーHmph, don’t think it’ll be as easy to toss me around as it was last time. 

Nanaki: He was thrown by him just the other day…

Akuta: I-It’s a fight～～～！ WOO WOOO! Get him, get him! Don’t lose, both of you guys!

Isotake’s Gambling Foundation is in full support of this clash between friends! Dear customer, which side are you betting on?

Nanaki: Of course I’m putting 1,000 yen on Muneuji… not! What are you doing!? We have to stop them!

Hey, calm down! Kaguya-kun!

Muneuji: Do not interfere! Uu-chan purposefully angered me. He made his bed, and now he must lie in it.

He wants to be thrown around. He’s asking for it, I’m sure of it. …I want to throw him, as well.

Nanaki: Why would he ask for that!? Ugh, I don’t have another choice…!

Akuta! Help me stop themーー

Akuta: Great, keep going! I’m at the edge of my seat! Don’t hold back, you guys～～～！ You’ll kill the footage～～～！

Nanaki: Whaー Is now the time to be filming!? Kinugawa-kun youーー Already disappeared too!

Ugh, seriously…! Why did it turn out like this…!?

Kaede: Let’s see… Did I manage to make the shumai recipe that Yuki-nii taught me correctly?

Waah! Look at this, Sakujiro-san! I think I actually made them pretty well!

Sakujiro: Oh my, this is… What beautiful, moist skin, reminiscent of platinum…!

The plump, steamy green peas add a burst of color to the snow capped mountains, like a flower budding in the spring…!

This is a wondrous piece of art. I’m thoroughly impressed.

Kaede: The Chinese porridge you made looks amazing as well, Sakujiro-san! The finishing look would look great for pictures on dazzle!

Sakujiro: I’m honored to hear you say so. The soup and the sides are finished, so let us prepare them to be servedーー

(Muffled banging)

Kaede: ……? It’s so noisy upstairs… I wonder what happened.

They’re still pretty young and full of energy, so they might even be play wrestling right now… Ahaha!

Sakujiro: Chief.

Kaede: Yes?

Sakujiro: It seems a helpless fawn has stumbled its way into our castleーー As in, the kitchen.

Kaede: Huh? ーーOh, Kiroku-kun?

Kiroku: ……

Kaede: What’s the matter? You’re shaking a lot…

Kiroku: …… Chief… and, Sensei…… There’s… a fight.

Kaede: Eh!?

Previous — ✈︎ Masterlist — ✈︎ Next

Notes — ✈︎

I believe the title is a reference to the movie “Good Will Hunting”. It's about a guy named Will, a self taught math genius who works as a janitor at a college. He was solving difficult math problems on the blackboard. Will is later arrested after he attacks a responding police officer. The professor who wrote the challenges arranges for Will to avoid jail time if he agrees to study math under his supervision and participate in therapy sessions. Will agrees but is uncooperative in therapy and mocks all his therapists. After Will drove away his first 5 therapists, the professor gets an old friend named Sean to be his therapist. Unlike the others, Sean actually challenges Will's defense mechanisms. During the first session, Will insults his deceased wife, and Sean threatens him, but after a few unproductive sessions, Will finally begins to open up […] Sean points out to Will that he is so adept at anticipating future failure in his interpersonal relationships that he deliberately sabotages them to avoid emotional pain. 

[gallivantingheart]

Use Your Mouth as an Anchor

masterlist | previous | next

🍵 chapter 3: mango 🍵

who?: soonyoung/hoshi x (f)reader

word count: 1228

genre/s: fluff, humour, social media!au

warnings: some course language

genre: social media!au, princess diaries II !au, humour, romance, mild angst

warnings: none, as of yet

**please ignore the timestamps - they are not accurate**

a/n: welcome to the obligatory fashion montage feat. joshua

You didn’t think Wonwoo’s luxury couture contacts would ever come in handy for you. But here you are, in a boutique strictly listed as an appointment only, on site basis. Your friend had promised you that you could absolutely hire out a designer dress for the night and look exactly like any of the other socialites oozing through the ball. Your attendant is said friend,  Joshua, especially requested by Wonwoo over the phone before you arrived. Joshua is a mild soul with a sweet american tinted accent and kind expression.

He peers into the waiting room in a sleek yet casual blue suit, his expression lighting up at the sight of you. “Ah, y/n! You’re here! Come in, come in.”

You quickly scramble up and throw your leather purse back over your shoulder. Ushering you behind the heavy curtain and down the hall of the boutique, it unfolds into a cosy dressing space with a full length mirror and another curtain, most likely to a changing room. There is a massive wall-sized window bearing the Amaide coastline and flooded in natural light, even at this time of day. Discreetly you can smell the sea salt and sage diffuser perched in the corner.

“Thank you for taking me on such short notice. Wonwoo reminded me of you and I didn’t know what else to do.” You gush, his hand settled between your shoulder blades.

The invite sits in your purse, and you know it's your imagination how it weighs on your shoulder like a brick.

“Anything for a friend. And for a royal event! How could we say no. As soon as Wonwoo told me, I brought out a few designs.” He slides a shy glance your way, his cheeks colouring. “I hope this isn’t creepy, but I guessed your approximate size from that time we went diving? When we all went to rent out scuba suits -”

The memory brings a smile to your face. “Oh, and then we all found out me and Wonwoo’s boss was a cheapskate and we were only going snorkelling. We almost forked out all that money on those silly suits!”

“Exactly!” He laughs with you and opens the curtain to the change room while taking your purse at the same time. Smooth. “Okay, now, sit down and I’ll bring out the rack.”

You sit on the lone seat and instantly your knees start to bounce and you wring your wrists. God, you wished Wonwoo was here. Anyone but just you in the swallowing quiet and the tension you were building all by yourself. Poor Joshua had his work cut out for him trying to make this appointment as seamless as possible.

When he returns there are at least six dresses on there, from what you can make out between skirts, shapes and colours. He’s beaming though, very proud of himself.

“I tried to keep them broad - so if you don’t like any of these, surely there’s something from some of them you’ll like. We do ask though that if you post on social media, do not tag us until after the event - our business is very exclusive and all of our garments are designer. They don’t even appear on runways most of the time. We like to keep our clientele information very confidential.”

That instantly sets your heart at ease. So no one would know what was going on, at least not from here. You sigh and nod.

“‘Shua, I don’t think you know how reassured that makes me feel. I wouldn't dream of publishing anything about this. At least not until the gala - maybe someone will ask what I’m wearing, like a real celebrity!” You giggle.

His smile turns from cool to warm and his chuckle is fond. “Let’s hope! Okay, come see what we have and we can have a little fashion show.”

You choose a sleek silk gown in fairy floss pink first, cut on the bias and with plunging back. From there it’s like a revolving door of dresses. The first one is a little too revealing for a royal event. The next a tulle puffball in a dark sage green both the wrong colour and just all too much.

“I feel like a cupcake!” You cry out, embarrassed as you fluff at the skirt.

He tuts, fingers on his chin. “Yeah, this just isn’t it. And this colour is just not you. Off!”

A sheer number with long sleeves like seaweed in a seafoam green and white, like made of ocean waves. Pretty but you thought you might trip on something or catch a sleeve in something. But you did think you needed more than one colour or you would feel too plain. And a little bit of structure.

“No sleeves, ‘Shua.” You say from behind the curtain, finding the zipper and trying to wrestle with it as carefully as you could.

“Noted! Not to mention, you do have pretty shoulders.”

You snort. “Pretty shoulders?”

You thrust it out from the curtain and his graceful hands take it away, leaving you standing in your underwear again. He peeks in and by now you’re far past the point of having any dignity or care. He nods and presents another, a strapless navy number with a bursting star or firework motif in gold beads and embroidery blooming from the side of the waist. Slipping your bra straps down and crudely stuffing them in your bra, you shimmy this one on and step out. It’s a lot heavier than any of the others you’ve worn and by now you’re getting a little tired. You glance at the window - you’re losing light. This looks the most like you so far. Not too showy and there are your supposed "pretty shoulders."

“We’re close.” You affirm in the mirror, taking a twirl.

He has his arm crossed, squinting. “Yes, but not quite. And I want nothing less than perfect.”

He stands still for longer and you start to squirm under his critical gaze.

Finally he straightens up and his plush lips round in Joshua’s light bulb moment. “Stay right there. I think I’ve got it.”

He moves faster now than you’ve ever seen him, out through another door and down another short corridor. Moments later he’s back in a flourish, presenting another strapless gown. This one looks lighter but with more structure and interest.

“Get rid of that one. I didn’t think Valentino would suit you, unfortunately. This though, is a Chinese based designer - I don’t know why I didn’t think of them sooner! You have so much more of an understated sense.”

You like to hear him babble about his work - his art. His clients are his canvas, the garments are the paint. Together they make his masterpiece. You’re nodding and already fumbling for the zipper as you walk. His excitement is infectious and maybe it’s the fifth time’s a charm. You hold the Valentino out for him to take - you didn’t live under a rock, so suddenly it feels like you’re holding gold. This last one is black with a slice of marshmallow pink tulle cutting through, the tulle studded with silver gems and no train or excessive skirt in sight.

If his eyes are glassy when he takes you in, you don’t mention it. He holds his hands on your shoulders, squeezing.

“This is the one. I am a genius.”

[cyten0]

A Symphony In Crimson

Act 1: A Movement in Black

Chapter 11

The day has gone…. Somewhere.

You’ve tried acting as normal as you can. But it’s very, VERY difficult.

You’ve avoided talking more then you have to. Had to talk to Mira and let her know you were alright, since you did kinda breeze past her when you woke up. Checked up on Isa, talked JUST long enough to make sure he didn’t see you at the favor tree, since you were suspicious this morning. Checked up on Bonnie yourself, since you HAD to make sure, even with Loop’s assurance. And chatted with Odile a little, just helping her shop to get some quiet. Get… get just a LITTLE used to human scent again.

… It was never easy, being around them, but it’s so much WORSE now.

You’d known how amazing they taste from scent alone, but you could put up with it before. You’d forgotten the actual taste along with the island.

But now? Now every time you look at them, you can’t help but salivate, and feel horrible. You still can’t forget how scared they felt in your throat, the taste of their blood pooling in your mouth, the fear in their voice moments before-

✿ “Frin? Why aren’t you eating!”

✦ “Ah! Oh um.”

You look at the plate in front of you. You're hungry, but… Even as you know these samosas taste great, it’s hard to eat them, not when….

Not when they're right there. Not when you can still smell them. Still remembering how amazing they tasted in comparison. Not when you can still-

You gag a little. Blind it, they noticed.

▲ “Sif?! You Okay?”

◆ “Are you alright? Your diet acting up, maybe?”

✦ “I-It’s fine! Just… Had a nightmare earlier. Kinda… ruining my appetite….”

◉ “O-Oh! You did look nervous this morning. Is there anything we can do?”

Stars, you still can’t think. They're all here, right next to the foods, and the smells are mixing in ways that are confusing your brain right now. You need to get out of there, NOW.

✦ “S-Sorry, I’ll be back.”

You quickly leave the table, and head to the bathroom, slamming the door behind you. You need to breathe. You breathe in. And out. In. And out.

Stars, you can see your eyes glowing in the mirror. You're still too agitated. Still struggling. You thought it was hard before, but now? NOW? Ņ̸̥̆̋ͅỜ̷͇Ẅ̶̥́͗?̸̫̣̅͑̃?̶͔̮̼̀?̵̢̥̝͒͠?̵̨͙̏͘

You can’t let them see. You can’t let them know. You can’t afford to get close. Or you’ll lose them. Lose them like the island. Lose them like the ones who’s hugs you felt. Lose them like the person in that photo.

◉ “Are you alright Siffrin?”

BLINDING- Okay. You're fine. You're breathing. You can’t let Mira worry about you, she has too much to worry about already. You’ll just. Eat Bonnie's food outside. You can have yourself sorted by next loop, right? So you just have to manage for now, and it’ll be fine, right?… right?... You put on a fake smile, check it looks decent, and reply.

✦ “Y-Yeah! Just. Needed a minute!”

You head out. Oh. As soon as you touch the door it falls down. You uh. Must have put a little too much strength into that slam. You even cracked the doorframe.

◉ “Oh. Hm. Guess this place is… a little under the weather? I-I’ll let them know to fix that after we fight the king.”

✦ “… Yeah. Anyways, I’ll just. Grab some food and eat outside. Get some fresh air.”

◉ “Okay!”

You grab the food, go out, and wait for the smells to clear before eating.

...It doesn’t taste the same anymore.

>>>

You’re feigning sleep. Isa already did his thing. You wish he’d tell you now. But more important... You… can hear his heartbeat. Feel the warmth of his body. Feel him breathing. Smell him, so clearly. You're right next to them. Vulnerable. Easy. Quiet. NO. Stop that. Think human thoughts!!

Stars, you don’t… hard to. think. Tired. Unsafe.

You slowly. And carefully. Remove yourself from the bed. You need to be. Elsewhere. Flee. Hide. Leave room. Where. Up. Climb. Up.

...There. You can’t sense them. Just the ticking of the clock-tower.

You can see out it’s face. Stars. And the town. Pretty, up here… You hear the gears move. The clock tick. Slow. Methodical. Safe….

You cry… You have to hide from them like this. Can’t stay with them… You can’t sleep. Those thoughts are still in your head…

...You sing a lullaby to yourself.…. As you slowly….. drift…. Into…. Sleep…….

>>>

You enter the house. You're hungry. You're anxious. You’ve had to smell the others all the way here, pretend everything is fine. You're not doing so good.

The first sadness. That. BLINDING sadness. So annoying. Makes Mira upset. Takes too long.

Looks. Tasty.

◆ “A sadness, huh? The house must-”

Move. Attack.

Pin. No escape. They try. Stab. Still trying. Stab. Too mobile. Ensnare. Tendrils help. Bleeding. Delicious. Bite. Still moving. Bite. Not moving. Eat. Eat. E̶̦̬͝ȃ̷̖́ț̵͔̏̌̊.

It’s… Gone. You feel. Fuller. Oh. Friends. Need to. Calm.

✦ “I’m full!”

Oh. That was. Not right. They’re. Staring. They’re scared. Oh no. Oh no. You stopped thinking. No no no their scared of you, you can’t-

《

◆ “A sadness, huh? The house must be crawling with them.”

You don’t move. They keep talking. You can’t speak.

You fight the sadness normally. Like a human. Just don’t lose it. You can’t afford to lose control.

They talk, after. Like people. You don’t know if you can.

◉ “...Siffrin?”

✦ “Oh, um, I’m fine! Just… Thinking!”

You… Loop was right, you're going to have to make this easier for yourself. You need every blinding scrap of energy you can get. Because even if you can avoid hurting them, you can’t act right. Not unless you have enough energy to think.

Infecting sadnesses means being more monster. That’s not good. But it’ll help, right? It’ll keep them safe, right?

Okay. Second sadness. Time to try this. Attack quickly, get around, hand on it’s back to cover what your doing, slither a piece in, and move. The others catch up, start attacking it. You hold back a little. Give yourself time to root into it. And then-

You snap you fingers, and hum your song. The sadness trembles, and gouges out it’s own face. You then have your fragment drain it’s life-force while it’s weakened, watching as it’s body withers before it dissipates. As the energy surges into you, you have your fragment die as well, leaving no evidence except the dark stain.

▲ “Holy crab!”

◆ “Siffrin, what did you DO to it?”

Huh? Oh right, you guess making it kill itself was obvious. But it felt SO satisfying... Need to answer.

✦ “King uses a craft to control sadnesses, right? Figured out how to mess with it, somewhat.”

◉ “O-Oh! That’s��� Something!”

✿ “You can control Sadnesses? That’s…. SO COOL!!!!”

▲ “Gotta admit, caught me off guard, seeing it attack itself like that. But hey, sure seems handy!”

◆ “Indeed, how much control do you have?”

Hm… Control is scary. Make them think it’s little. Because it IS little, for now, while you're weak. Okay. Talk like a human.

✦ “Not much, Just get them to pull punches or confuse them. May need to mark some of them first. Handy though.”

◆ “Good to know. Now that you’ve actually explained it, let’s keep going.”

Okay. Good. They're oblivious as always. They won’t know. And. The extra food has cleared your head a bit. It’s not a substitute but. It’ll work. It’ll keep you sane. It’ll keep them safe.

>>>

Okay. First floor is done. You’ve infected nearly every sadness you can find, and it’s been making things easier. But. It’s still…. Hard to focus. You might have died a few times already. Brain's a little fogged. But it’s okay. Death doesn’t matter. Not yours at least. You deserve a few deaths. As long as they're safe. And they're very safe! Nothing here will hurt them!

You would get that book in the storage room. But. No, not now. That seems like a lot of talking. And thinking. And you can’t do that right now. That one corpse you ate isn’t lasting that long with all you're doing. You’re really, REALLY hungry.

But it’s fine. You can hold on.

You're in the break room before the second floor. Odile flips the coin, they talk with Isa.

◆ “We’re not friends. We’re associates.”

You hear those words ring out again. It hurts. It hurts so blinding much. Every time. You know they don’t care that much. But. Blind it, they're the only thing you’ve had to hold on. They're your one anchor from being the monster. The one light you have left.

And it’s hinging on just… allies.

At least last time you got to friends. But now you’ll never even have that again, because you're too dangerous to trust yourself around them, especially to do all that to help them, like they deserve. You lose everyone around you eventually.

▲ “Sif? You good there?”

Oh. You didn’t realize you were crying.

✦ “...it’sfine”

▲ “You sure?”

✦ “… Just. Wish we were friends.”

They all just kind of… freeze at that. Blinding Idiot. You shouldn’t have said it... Odile sighs.

◆ “That was meant to be a joke... But, I suppose I have made similar comments before. I’ll admit, friends just hasn’t felt accurate. We all have different goals and thoughts. Not to mention a wide age range. So… Friends just hasn’t sounded right. Not sure what we have at this point.”

✿ “Oh.”

◉ “I-I see.”

◆ “Not to downplay things. We’d all do anything to protect each other. I’d frankly do some horrible things if it kept you all safe. So… Even if friends doesn’t fit, We certainly have something at least as close as that.”

They all think. You just… don’t know what to feel.

▲ “...Maybe… Family?”

Huh? You...That word. Warms your heart. In ways you didn’t think possible.

▲ “S-Sorry if it sounds a little awkward, but it felt right!

✿ “Yeah! Like me and Nille! We stay together!”

◆ “Heh. I have a somewhat difficult relationship with that word, but… Yes, family fits quite well, I think.”

◉ “Such a lovely word for it! Thank you Isabeau.”

▲ “Kinda already thought of us that way, honestly. But it’s not the kind of thing you just say on a whim.”

◆ “Perhaps. But, while we’re still together, might as well say it. Especially since Siffrin here thought I didn’t care about him.”

You…. Don’t know what to say…. Family?…

You do matter. It matters. You… You're glad. It’s worth it. Every single inch you fight to stay yourself has been worth it, will still be worth it, just for that word alone.

Even if they never say it again, even if they forget, you won’t. You’ll know. That all this time… even if you don’t do anything…. This entire time, that was what they thought of you...

Odile ruffles your hair. And smiles at you.

◆ “You're terrible at reading people Siffrin.”

✿ “hehehe”

▲ “So mean, m’dame.”

◉ “Hehe, Siffrin’s hat is all lopsided now!”

✿ “You look funny like this, Frin!!!”

You sink into your cloak a bit. You're blushing a bit. And. You think you're crying enough for your eye to glow. It's. You're so glad.

✿ “… I’m bored. SNACK TIME!!!”

Oh right. Food.

Wait.

You're remembering the clocktower. How the smells mixed.

You’ve been getting a bit from every sadness so far, but. It took energy to infect them. You're still not stable! Your stomach is gnawing at you with a vengeance!

Bonnie pulls out the food. Blind it all, it’s also all sweet food too, you remember, you can smell it! Fruit and cookies, the best it gets is rice around apple slices, but everything has been smelling sweet for a while, sweet just isn’t appetizing enough to distract you! It just makes THEM stand out more!!

Nononono not now not right after they said it, you can’t ruin this!!! Calm down, focus focus focusing!!!

You gesture to the Onigiri. You can’t talk, can’t open your mouth! Bonnie hands the others food, and then.

Their hand. Is holding food. And you. You can’t move.

✿ “...Frin?”

Your hands are shaking as you try and take the Onigiri from them. You don’t know if you can- Just-

✿ "Ow!"

Your hands shifted to claws, involuntarily. And cut their hand. It’s just a scratch but. You can smell the blood and. No. nononononononono

You grab your heart and-

《《《

…. You're back in the field. You. Had to get out of there….

There goes that moment…. Family…

It’s…. fine. You can remember! It’s fine! You got farther then you thought... A-And it’ll be easier this time around, since you won’t really have to fight! At least till the second floor! And then you can get those ones! It just… Might take a few loops! It’s fine! You're fine! You're fine… You're fine...

...You’ll keep your family safe, no matter how many times it takes. Just… You think you need another... meal... from Loop. Another…

...Why…

Why did it have to come to this?

WHY does it have to be this way?!?!??? Things were fine! You could have managed! You were doing so BLINDING WELL not crossing that line!!! But the king. The king ruined it!!!! You shouldn’t have trusted him!!!!! And now??? Now the blinding MONSTER he hates SO MUCH is back!!!!! By his own hand!!!!….

...He’s a monster, worse then you…. And he’ll hurt them, if you ever give him an inch again.

…. Family. Your family. You have. To protect. Your family. From him. From the monsters.

All of them.

✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

… Stardust isn’t doing so well...

But, they could be doing worse!~

Least they haven't hurt anyone by their own hand yet! When they get out, they’ll be SO much better then you! Just have to make sure they don’t become you, and it’s all good!~

Still. You should have known the king would make things so troublesome. This is FAR too close for comfort, quite honestly~ Stardust having a taste for human at all is such an issue! You're sure they’ll recover somewhat when their out of the loops, and can eat normal animals and such again. Eventually. You hope.

...But till then, you’ll have to make do!

At least they can stop themselves. They know they have a fallback, and that gives them a reason to bother holding back! And you’re happy to kill this man as many times as it takes till they don’t need it.

And since stardust isn’t in as much of a panic, you’ve spent a little more time making the kill more subtle, just so they don’t get suspicious. If they do find out they were killed, you’ll just say that times are getting desperate in unfrozen villages! After all, ANYONE could have killed them!

Of course, the moment you tell them YOU did it, they’ll probably want to kill you!

...Good. They should. Out of all the monsters around here, you're definitely the worst one...

Your poor family is surrounded on all sides~ Monsters in the house, monsters in their midst, monsters watching from the shadows!

But it’s okay. As long as you keep stardust from being a REAL monster, they’ll take care of them all! Keep your family safe from all the monsters! Kill every last one of them!

All of them~