#he's the mature one between the three of them and that says it all 🤣

[joy-girl]

Bonus:

Takeru is soooo done with them 💀

[vanitythevantropist]

Mkay so it took me way too long but I have finally created new art :3 (I finished these a while ago and forgot to post them but SHHHHH)

Anyways, these characters are from my absolute favourite and most well developed story in the roster; Stones of Gold. The love I have for thus story and its characters cannot be put into words. They are my everything

Anyways, here they are :3

Characters featured (left-right): Zepsun and Casaraua

Cas is the main POV character of SoG and I love him to death, he’s one of my favourite characters in all of my stories😭 He was raised on a farm by his mom after his dad left her (he left because Cas is what is known as a Rune Shifter which I’ll explain later). He’s not the best with social interaction due to never having interacted much. He’s very shy and afraid of everything, even though he literally had super strength. He becomes the newest member of the main group behind the next guy

Zep, fun fact, is actually a minor antagonist in the beginning👀 He joins the main group last because of issues. Anyways, he was taken under some emperor’s wing after the guy saves him from slavery as a child which totally fucked with his psyche (as it should). Zep’s pretty closed off and tends to get defensive. He fears anyone who can beat him in a fight. He is also a rune shifter

They become very gay later on

Characters featured (left-right): Chryo and Cyruss

I fucking love Chryo to death, she’s just so fun. She is a TANK of a woman (and a Rune Shifter as well). I’d say she’s pretty motherly and sweet when interacting with people she likes but, when you threaten someone she loves, she’ll become your worst nightmare. She’s determined as fuck and very snarky, especially to her boyfriend. She was the first to join the group (AKA she created it LMAO)

Cyruss canonically has gigantism, making him very tall👀 He’s Chryo’s girlfriend and is definitely the more mellow of the two. He’s a musician (haven’t named or drawn the instrument yet but it’s kinda like a guitar/banjo hybrid Ig???) and enjoys his more gothic music n stuff like that (I imagine his music to sound like The Awakening or Miracle of Sound, or both) He’s a bit scary to many due to his quieter nature and darker colours, but he’s a very nice and chill guy with a lot of good advice to share. Like his girlfriend, he definitely knows how to fight :3 He joined the group second, though the last two basically joined with him so (The group as in the friend/rogue group, btw). Heis not a shifter

Characters featured (left-right): Drélan and Mitzen

Drélan is an ex knight who left due to disagreeing with his king. He had since become close friends with a viking, a gothic musician and an assassin (as well as a traumatised gay man and a farmer boy later on, obviously). He’s a very kind and selfless person who takes no bullshit from anyone every. This dude will literally stand between you and god. He sorta becomes a father figure to Cas in the story and they do strong man stuff together (like fix carts and talk about animals, obviously)

Mitzen is an ex assassin, leaving her guild for similar reasons to Drélan. They were once on opposing sides but became good and loyal friends once they both left their groups. She’s a ‘tough love’ kinda gal, shoving her friends into situations whether they like it or not. Like Zep, she’s pretty closed off but she’s definitely calmer and more composed than he is (due to being older and more mature)

They are the only characters in the group that aren’t in a romantic relationship with each other🤣 You can still ship them, tho :3

ANYWAYS, the ✨lore✨

Y’all are probably wondering what a Rune Shifter is, right? Yeah, I thought so👀 I’ll do my best to explain!

A Rune Shifter is a magical being with gem/rock/whatever material casings covering certain parts of their bodies (for reference, Zep, Cas and Chryo are Shifters). One-Runed Shifters are the most common, Two-Runed Shifters are rare, Three-Runes Shifters are VERY rare (90% of critters never see a single one in their lives) and Four-Runed Shifters are saved for myths n shit (no one knows if they’re even real) (Examples; Zep is a double shifter - meaning he had two magic types at once, making him a Two-Runed Shifter - Cas is a Three-Runed Shifter and Chryo is a One-Runed Shifter)

Shifters’ powers are element based (for example; Zep in an ice/water Shifter, Cas is a Sun Shifter and Chryo is a Moon Shifter (or Moon Rune and Cy likes to call her). There are quite a few of them and I haven’t written them all down yet, so🤣 Anyways, they all have different abilities (having more runes= more powers). More examples!! Ice Shifters can control ice, Water Shifters can control water, Sun Shifters are typically protective forces (with force field n super strength and all that), Moon Shifters can multiply and become invisible, etc. (It’s all still a wip so💀)

An ability all Shifters have is the ability to shift (duh) into Rune Beast forms. Rune Beast forms are like monster forms, they can take on any appearance but mostly take the appearance of different already existing animals (also a WIP). Many believe that the form you discover always means something

Now, for the ✨worldbuilding✨

Basically; Rune Shifters are powerful and scary so non-Rune Shifters hate them. Shifters are discriminated against and feared. Any mother to have a Shifter child and keep is also despised (basically Cas’ and his mother’s backstory lmao)

Omg this is a long ass post lmao-

But bro, I can’t help myself😭 I fucking live this story and the characters to DEATH and I hope y’all like em too💕

If you have any questions regarding the story, feel free to reblog or reply with said questions!

[nerdieforpedro]

Weekend Update 03/10/2024

Made it another week Nerdie.

That I did. I believe today is Sunday. Too much time in this chair. I think I slept in it before. Too many times.

Nerdie, don't you have a bed?

I do, I don't always make it there. I've usually zoned out and nodded off, the wake up when my neck hurts. 👀 I'm not always writing either, just thinking sometimes.

Couldn't you think in bed Nerdie?

I could, but I don't. That sounds like a good idea. My ideas aren't always great. But I did have a few this week.

My March Spring Prompts continue. I was able to do ten of them without repeating a character! 🤗 This upcoming week we'll see some Pedro peeps come back. Key words: gas station sushi, angst, oil and bath. Remember this is Nerdie 😎, it could be any and everything, but my prompts are mature and not explicit. I do write about some heavy subjects, fluff, a few giggles, and have some innuendos, but my main masterlist is 78% smut so just go there.

The WIP I’d been mentioning for the last few weeks or months (could be either) is finished and posted : Diddle your Dieter to Disco. My first Dieter smut actually which is hilarious at least to me. 🤣 The rest of his Masterlist is fairly fluffy. I would check the warnings on it, I put a lot in it. 👀

Part Two of my series The Lake Between Us is up. Make sure to read the warnings. Ezra introduction has a lot going on. It's an AU so he has both arms but that doesn't mean I didn't torture him other ways. 👀 I do love that ya'll love the taglist name "Taste-testers of Ezra's gumbo." 😆

I finally wrote the follow up to He told me his name called She made me feel. I think I enjoy mentally torturing Pedro characters at this point. Poor Din is so anxious and touch-starved. As always with Din = HANDS. A Nerdie staple. This is The Way.

Now for everyone's favorite (and mine): Fic recommendations!!! (Yes I did type and do a little yell, fanfics are serious. Pfft.) 😄

Confetti by @secretelephanttattoo (Marcus Pike x f reader) The Quiet Moments Collection

Adrift with you by @morallyinept (Frankie Morales x Jude OFC) The Prologue “I’m behind”’😭

A Real Man by @pedroshotwifey (Frankie Morales x female plus size reader) my request - stay self indulgent everyone! 🥰

Tick by @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin (Frankie Morales x wife reader) The Mistress of Angst!

A Bronx Tale: Part Deux - A Chicago Tale by @justabovewater20 (SydCarmy)

Love’s a weed:  just ripe by @tinytinymenace (Frankie Morales x ofc - Ruby) Fruits are essential.

Second Chances part 2 by @pedroscurls (Marcus Pike x fem reader) Such a cute series 💕

Cigarettes After Sex by @immarocketman (Awesome artist I follow. 💜)

Promise by @criticallyacclaimedstranger (Ezra - dragon x fem reader) The only Pedro character that can pull off being a dragon. 🐉

Please Mister Please by @grogusmum (Joel Miller x fem reader) The fluff 🥹💕

Unconventional Location by @winniethewife (Abel Morales x fem reader)

Personal Shopper by @huntingingoodwill (Dieter Bravo x reader)

Enjoy the Silence by @strang3lov3 (Joel Miller x fem reader)

Spicy Ask #68 by @kewwrites (Din Djarin x reader) Say it with me: HANDS 🙌🏼!!!!

Reminder by @criticallyacclaimedstranger (Tim Rockford x fem reader) Sometimes good things happen in Tim’s office.

Forever Starts With You Masterlist (Frankie Morales x chubby fem reader) @criticallyacclaimedstranger I loved all three parts I read 🥰🥰 (A Good Start, A Strong Finish and A New Beginning). It looks like there more to their story so much more reading for me. ❤️

some good friend by @covetyou (Tim Rockford x fem reader) TIM DESERVED THIS ❤️ That is all.

Sanctuary by @thefrogdalorian (Din Djarin x GN reader) Din fluff forever. 🤗

We got your back chapter 1 by @softpascalito (Javier Peña x fem reader)

The Sweetest Melody by @noisynaia (Din Djarin x afab reader)

Rise by @sp00kymulderr (Joel Miller x afab reader) ALL THE FEELS 😭

Falling for you by @fhatbhabie (Joel Miller x plus size reader) Part One - The drama!

Just look at You by @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin (Poe Dameron x fem reader) The Poe Dameron smut we deserve. 🍆

Chapter 3 - Here’s a health to the company… and one to my Boss… by @inept-the-magnificent (Tim Rockford x ofc Jane Nebbie) I just think about this series and I start giggling. Sunshine Nebbie and grump Tim - he is a super grump. But he is also me. 🤣

To the Flame chapter 6.5 by @pedroshotwifey (Dark Javier Peña x fem reader) So sweet out of context.

To the Flame chapter 9 by @pedroshotwifey (Dark Javier Peña x fem reader) The slow decent begins...we're just at the start of the ride. 😈

Between the Sheets by @saturn-rings-writes (William Tell x fem reader) Reminded me of an Isley Brothers song. I feel like we're headed toward that song. Please with this direction.

Hiccup by @morallyinept (Javier Gutierrez x fem reader) A whimpering Javi G. What an evening. 😘

A New Home by @charethcutestory02 (Frankie Morales x Benny Miller) Budding feelings. 🤗

Special shout out to Ms. Payday - Le Poet and lover of da words: @maggiemayhemnj They seek her out, have brunches and nightcaps. It's what all writers long for. She checked in on me along with @megamindsecretlair @angelofsmalldeath-codeine @magpiepills @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin and @lady-bess

I've been not as active - mainly due to work, school, and the insomnia. But still writing. 😄 priorities. lol

New appreciation for Javier Pena. well not new, re-newed. Maybe am working on a few things. None are good, none are final. Still need polishing. Also need to give Javi G's outline another look. I might...👀 have a chapter for him this week. I hope. @goodwithcheese was pleased with this. @undercoverpena was Luke-warm. I think she thought I was taking something, but if Javi P has shown us anything, sharing is caring. 😘

Stay well, sleep in your bed (unless you're planning not to) and be hydrated,

Love Nerdie 💕

[wowstrawberrycow]

Oh, goodness! It looks like someone strung up some mistletoe! What three couples (or throuples!) got stuck together underneath and how’d they react?

Ok so this prompt inspired me to do something so much fun!!

Setting it up with some notes!⬇️

(This is the partyverse!!! Totally planning on making a partyverse timeline master list too btw! Thank you for the inspiration y’all! Lol this is totally connected to my 7 minutes in heaven prompt 🤣! In my prompt timeline, this happens before the 7 minutes in heaven one. I’m gonna say that the 7 minutes in heaven one is on New Years lol Lindir is too invested in his fun to join his lovies at the New Year's party. After Adar had Brimby in the closet they went outside to talk to gil-gadaddy about them being poly with one another! I absolutely will alter what I need to in order for these prompts to connect!🤣 I'm on a mission now!!!)

December 21st 

Once upon a lovely winter holiday, there was a glorious party at Elrond’s homely house in Rivendell. He invited many of his friends across Middle Earth to celebrate the solstice with him. He was happy to accommodate all who attended with a beautiful fireplace to settle down with many stories to tell and a plentiful banquet table. Even the passers-by who happened upon his gracious home were welcome to partake as usual.

Lindir X Elrond X Thranduil

Lindir had waited all year for this moment. He chest tightened as he spied the mistletoe he had hung in the doorway not long before the party had started. Tonight was the night. He was going to say it for real this time. ‘I’m going to ask him… I can do it.’ he took a steadying breath before he could finish his thoughts. The feeling of mature loving lips fluttered in his mind just as the butterflies did upon his stomach. He closed his eyes, savoring the imaginary bliss. However, upon opening them he felt his heart sink. The sight of the tall blonde bending down to cling to his secret love had him gasping. He turned away before he could witness them lock lips Out of sight in a far-off corner of the room. No one in the room noticed them but Lindir.

Silently he had exited the party hall with sharp pains in his stomach and chest. He had no tears to cry; for those were much too hard to evoke. Instead, a heavy feeling of regret befell him. Why hadn’t he spoken sooner? Would it have even mattered? He thought there was something odd about Elrond’s situation with Thranduil. The man was visiting multiple times a year. Elrond had also visited Thranduil in a similar accord. It all made sense now… How could he compete with the elven king? He was only a lowly council member… He hung his head in embarrassment. How could he be so foolish? 

His thoughts were soon broken to a gentle touch of his shoulder. Lindir jerked his head up in surprise. Shock soon filled his face when he spied Thranduil on one side and Elrond on the other. “What? What is it, my lord and king?” Lindir bowed his head in respect.

“Oh, I think you know.” Thranduil leaned on the man with alcohol already on his breath. He laid his head playfully over Lindir’s shoulder. The blonde already was tipsy with boldness.

Elrond rolled his eyes. With a shake of his head, then he gently patted Lindir’s hair. “I’m Very much aware of your pining my dear. I just wasn’t sure how far it went until tonight. The pretty bit of greenery you had hung was a sweet gesture. I suppose I assumed correctly then? Was that meant for you and I?”  

“I- I… My Lord, I can explain..” Lindir stuttered, baffled with nervousness dripping from every part of him.

“You know Daddy, He is very cute. I don’t mind at all so long as I am allowed time with him as well.” Thranduil hummed lower, ignoring the man's sputtering. Alcohol surely was the culprit of such behavior. 

“D-Daddy?” Lindir gasped, covering his mouth with wide eyes.

To this Thranduil smirked, leaning into Lindir’s side. The shorter man stood there with a gaping mouth, looking between Elrond and Thranduil. He was quite unsure what to do with himself.

“Doll, play nice with him.” Elrond took a scolding tone when eyeing the blonde with a dominant warning in his eyes.

“ Oh fine.” Thranduil huffed quite pouty towards his dom’s command. Though ultimately he obeyed.

Lindir was still quite speechless. After a moment he desperately needed confirmation, “I-I... Are you both insinuating what I suspect?” 

“ Yes. I believe so my dear. That is if you’re interested in us both. My doll is very special to my heart. But, if you can allow yourself to feel loved by us both then I will gladly have you at my side in that way.” Elrond spoke softly, caressing Lindir’s cheek.

  “Y-Yes.. I think I could try.” He eyed Thranduil shyly then peeked at Elrond with a dark blush rushing to his cheeks. 

With that, the two men hauled Lindir inside where the party was merry. No one paid the trio any mind as the two each kissed one of Lindir’s cheeks. It seemed harmless enough for the time of year. The joyful season called for snuggling close and expressions of innocent affection. Even as the three sat by the fire closely as they shared their stories, their new relationship fell on oblivious eyes. Or so they thought. 

Legolas X Gimli

Legolas was a rather observant elf. They people watched often so seeing their father in the arms of Elrond was quite expected. They had witnessed the two of them subtly longing for each other and exchanging sweet brief kisses on the lips every chance they had. No secrets could be kept from Legolas for very long. Speaking of kisses it was about time for their fair share. 

“And what do you think you’re doing?” Legolas snickered seeing their husband downing beer. They had to laugh at the dwarf’s rosy drunken face. This also was very expected.

“What do ye want, ye leafy twig? Can’t ye see I’m in the middle-” Gimli was cut off by the elf scooping him up in their arms.

Legolas chuckled, running off to the mistletoe. After seeing their father enjoying it they wanted their fill of it too. Such fun kissing games were. 

Gimli chuckled drunkenly while giving his spouse’s hair a playful tug, “Now wait just a minute you cheeky canary, I am not a teddy bear you can just run off-” His rant was then cut off by Legolas once again. 

Before the dwarf knew it he was under the mistletoe sharing a deeply passionate kiss with his spouse. He soon grew content to settle in his lover's arms. All that truly mattered on this night was that they shared it together. This thought made his heart sing. He hummed, laying his head against Legolas’ shoulder. “ Why don’t we take this to the balcony? A serenade is bubbling in me, my beautiful gem. I need to share it with ye before it fades.” 

Legolas felt their heart pitter-patter with glee. Their husband’s poetry always made them feel weak in the very greatest of ways. “How could I resist my dearest wish’s proposal? However, I request you write it down this time. Or I shall have to scribe it for you. I do not want to lose any of my darling's beautiful words on this night. I’ll immortalize it for my eyes only.” Legolas gushed as they sped out of the room with their husband and pack in their arms.  

Gil-galad X Celebrimbor (Brimby)- In my perfect shipper world these 2 are happy and very much in love. If you read the 7 minute in heaven prompt you also will know that eventually Adar joins them! Just wait Adar my beloved you too shall be loved soon!

Celebrimbor was beginning to feel left out. After seeing several others partake in the little game brought on by Lindir’s hanging mistletoe, He could feel his eyes wander over to his King. A faint blush busted his cheeks. With a bit of courage, he tapped Gil-galad’s shoulder. “Darling, do you mind stepping over with me? If it’s not too much trouble.” he looked between his dom and the greenery that hung in the doorway. “I know you like to catch up with everyone and-” Brimby stammered nervously, trailing off into silence.

Gil-galad’s heart swelled with a light akin to liquid as he watched his sweet little mouse chatter on. Such a darling little thing he was. Gil-galad couldn’t hold back his grin while placing a finger against his lover’s lips to cease his mumbling. “You know I always have time for you. Come my dear.” He offered Celebrimbor an arm as they made their way across the room.

Brimby leaned in, snuggling close to his King. There truly was no other place he’d rather be than in his handsome lover’s arms, “Thank you my King.” he could already feel his mind growing fuzzier with anticipation as a softer headspace slowly befell his mind. That of a princess he’d soon be. Once under the mistletoe, the mouse peeked up at it, then shyly spied his king. 

“Well, go on my dear. Show your King those beautiful lips.” he coaxed the timid little mouse from his arm. Then with the most gentle hand, he guided his submissive to stand in front of him. 

Celebrimbor obeyed his King’s pillowy order, by tilting his head up with his lips puckered timidly and ready.

“That’s my sweet princess. Such a good boy.” Gil-galad leaned down whispering praise into his mousey princess’s ear.

This evoked a soft shiver that ran down Celebrimbor’s spine. A small whimper escaped his lips when he felt his King’s grace of his own with a feathery peck. It was a teasing touch, this only meant one thing. Brimby gulped, before speaking up “ May I please have another that is deeper and passionate my King?” he asked in the sweetest voice he could.

“Of course darling. I’m so proud of you for using your words to speak what you desire.” Gil-galad stroked his princess’ cheek before locking lips with him fully. He slipped his tongue in expertly exploring his mouse’s mouth. 

By the time Gil-galad had parted from the kiss Celebrimbor felt dazed. His breath hitched with a mild weakness. He couldn’t help but fall into his King’s arms. 

Gil-galad smirked at his princess’s speechless reaction, “Come, sweetness, let us grow warmer by the fire.” The regal man drew Brimby closer to his chest and led his sub to a comfy place where they could snuggle near the heat. His sweet one would need the closeness more than ever since he had fallen into a vulnerable nonverbal state. “You just stay close. I have you, my dear.”

With a small hum, Brimby obeyed his King snuggling deeper into the security his dom provided. Meanwhile, his hand stroked his King’s hair to prevent his floating mind from sailing away completely.

------------------

I had a blast writing this!!!!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!!!

☃️🎁🎄

[alectoperdita]

could you do #28 from small details for fictional kisses prompts, please?

From small details for fictional kisses prompts

28. an accidental kiss between two exes

Sooooo this one kinda got away from me. I needed an elaborate setup to get there. 🤣

Warning: they're currently broken up but it's a hopeful open ending?

------------

"I need a favor."

Few words pained Kaiba more. Yet how readily and automatically Jounouchi, his ex, had responded with "what do you need?" stung almost as hard.

After Kaiba explained his predicament, silence descended on the call. He drummed his thigh, waiting for Jounouchi to say something—anything. He'd made what he believed to be the proper appeals and given the necessary assurances. Did he imagine Jounouchi's previous readiness to render assistance?

A heavy exhale, shaky-sounding, whooshed across the phone line. "Okay, when do you need me to be there?"

"We're planning for this Saturday, but if there's a better time to fit your—"

Jounouchi cut him off. "No. That's fine. I'm free then. Just, uh, send me the time when you have that decided?"

Kaiba slumped in his seat, the tension draining from him like wind from a sail. He was so relieved that all he said was "thank you," to which Jounouchi answered with a vague but affirmative noise. The phone call then ended without even stilted goodbyes.

In hindsight, Kaiba should have questioned Jounouchi's easy acquiescence more. As the clock approached twenty minutes past the designated meeting time with neither hide nor hair of his ex, doubt plagued Kaiba.

What if Jounouchi changed his mind? How was Kaiba supposed to explain his sudden unexplained absence? What if this was Jounouchi's actual intention? To leave Kaiba high and dry after agreeing to help?

Was this payback?

The break-up had been mutual. Amicable, even. No one threw out an ultimatum, much less screamed or hurled accusations. They hadn't even been in the same damn country when they reached the agreement. A two-year-plus-three-months-long relationship that began with a bang and fizzled out like a doused spark, only fatigued sighs as they both stared down yet another two months of hellishly mismatched schedules.

Some people would point out how it was a sign they'd matured. That neither felt the need to raze and salt the fertile earth they'd cultivated between them during that time. Neglect invited weeds to overtake the space. It wouldn't have been impossible. But neither could find the time, energy, or headspace to sort out the tangled mess.

A cliche, maybe—but it didn't make the underwhelming reality any less true: they'd drifted apart and out of each other's lives.

At the light tug on his coat, Kaiba glanced down. Large, round gray-blue eyes stared up at him, unassuming. His heart clenched at how much the child looked like his father at that age.

"Uncle Seto, will Uncle Katsuya be here soon?" his niece asked.

Kaiba clenched his jaws. "He's probably running late."

"You should call him," she continued, confident as only a seven-year-old was. "Mommy and daddy always call each other if someone's late. To make sure the other person's safe!"

Mokuba and Rebecca loitered nearby, but neither stepped in to rescue Kaiba. Why should they? As far as they were concerned, Kaiba had been dating Jounouchi Katsuya for the last two and a half years. Was still in a relationship with the man he previously derided as a "loser dog" or "deadbeat."

Maybe this was revenge, served ice-cold more than a decade afterwards.

As she slipped her tiny hand into his, Kaiba retrieved his phone. The read receipt on his message confirming the meeting time and place and the subsequent lack of a reply mocked Kaiba for his naivety.

Right above it was the last communication he'd received from Jounouchi: "miss you" sent just four days prior to their break-up.

The complete radio silence between them merely confirmed that they'd made the right choice.

Kaiba shoved the phone deep into his pocket.

"Everything okay?" Mokuba asked after he and Rebecca moved closer.

His niece answered in his stead. "Uncle Katsuya's missing!"

Mokuba arched a skeptical eyebrow, while Rebecca smothered a laugh.

"He's probably running late. Missed his alarm and overslept," Kaiba reasoned. His voice remained even-toned despite his growing agitation.

Rebecca perked up. "Hotaru, honey, don't worry. Here he comes."

Kaiba turned as his niece squealed and tore away her hand. Jounouchi, flushed and windswept, hurried toward them with an aggressive jog. Hotaru sprinted to meet him at a breakneck speed, launching herself and screeching, "Uncle Katsuya!" at the top of her lungs.

"Oh, shit!" Jounouchi exclaimed, practically dive-bombing to catch her. "Careful!"

"Jounouchi! Language!" Mokuba reprimanded.

Jounouchi hoisted Hotaru into his arms before wincing and apologizing, "Sorry. And sorry for making you guys wait." If his hands weren't full, he'd scratch the back of his neck in embarrassment.

Hotaru threw her stubby arms around his neck. "Is it true? Did you oversleep? Uncle Seto says you did."

Kaiba and Jounouchi locked eyes, but Jounouchi looked away first. "Something like that," he muttered.

Air flooded Kaiba's flared nostrils, but he was careful to not let his shoulders tense or his hands clench into fists. He kept his distance as Mokuba and Rebecca moved forward to greet his ex. Without releasing Hotaru, Jounouchi returned their greetings heartily and with the appropriate amount of teasing. To the casual observer, Jounouchi looked fine—probably better than fine in that effortlessly casual style of his; low-hanging cargo pants, fitted tee, and bomber jacket.

But Kaiba could read the stiffness distorting the edge of his expressions. Could hear the discomfort that frayed his voice, which was only a notch better than the exhaustion that Kaiba had become accustomed to in the twilight days of their relationship.

Four pairs of eyes drilled into Kaiba, studying him with varying levels of concern or confusion. He had been staring for too long. After clearing his throat, he closed the distance in three long strides. He didn't miss the lingering once-over that Jounouchi gave. Much like his ex, Kaiba had dressed down for today's outing in his version of casual: turtleneck, slim-fit slacks, and a light trench coat. Against his better judgment, embers rekindled for having earned a smidgen of admiration from his ex.

"Katsuya," he said, pushing past the awkward fumble of consonants and vowels he'd once been so intimately familiar with.

Three months felt like forever.

It was like no time had passed.

Rebecca took Hotaru from Jounouchi. The family of three moved aside as if to make space for him and Jounouchi to get closer.

After a beat, Jounouchi shuffled a half-step toward him. He offered a tight smile, but his eyes were soft. "Hiya, Seto."

The knot in Kaiba's chest unfurled a fraction, even as the sound of his given name strummed his heartstrings. Jounouchi was here. This could work. They could get through the day. His worries must have shone through despite his attempts to hide them. He flinched when Jounouchi laid a gentle hand on his arm. Then he gawked at the familiar sight of his ex's fingers curled around the inside of his elbow. Warmth bled through multiple layers. It felt like they were touching skin-to-skin.

In a low voice, Jounouchi said, "Sorry for being late. Time kinda got away from me. I wasn't sure what to wear, and it all spiraled from there. I swear I wasn't trying to—"

"It's fine. You're here." Seto exhaled a shaky breath. That was all he'd asked for Jounouchi's presence so that Hotaru could enjoy the day with her favorite uncle.

Jounouchi squeezed his arm before releasing him. His hands returned listlessly to his side, fingers flexing. "Yeah. I am."

When his ex released him and straightened, sunlight bounced off his necklace pendant, drawing Kaiba's attention. Suddenly, Kaiba's mouth ran dry. The necklace was a gift he'd prepared for their first anniversary. While he hadn't expected Jounouchi to throw it away, he never expected to see it again, much less around Jounouchi's neck.

"We should get going," Jounouchi said and nodded toward the small family. "Before they think something's up."

Not trusting himself to speak, Kaiba simply nodded and followed.

***

For better or for worse, the awkwardness between them was short-lived.

A dismayed part of Kaiba wished they hadn't fallen so easily into their previous pattern while dating. It begged the unfortunate question of why—why had it been so easy to fall out of contact when this capacity to tease and banter held strong?

It served their needs for the day, though. Their relationship had not been public knowledge. Even if it had been, neither were prone to public displays of affection. So being able to converse normally and be friendly with his ex when they each had one hand claimed by his clingy niece, swinging their arms wide as they strolled through KaibaLand was an important component of selling the act to his brother's family. They drew some stares, but mostly for who they were, and not necessarily because they were together in public.

Long gone were their teenage days of quarreling and insulting each other in public.

But Hotaru couldn't serve as a buffer between them forever. As much as she adored her uncles, she still reveled in being the apple of her parents' eyes.

So when she demanded Mokuba and Rebecca ride the carousel with her, Kaiba and Jounouchi declined, choosing to wait to the side of the ride. The distance they stood from one another was just enough room for a precocious seven-year-old to insert herself when she returned. Kaiba shifted, tempted to consult his phone for a distraction, an urge that Jounouchi had already succumbed to. Instead, he studied his ex out of the corner of his eyes, noting his rosy cheeks and the fluffy bangs falling long into his chocolate eyes.

"Quit eyeballin' me. S'weird."

Kaiba blinked and fixed his gaze forward. "I wasn't."

Jounouchi merely scoffed in disbelief.

Unfortunately, that became another pattern that emerged over the day. Being left alone with Jounouchi wasn't painful, but it grated like a dull toothache or a splinter under his skin. The most extreme example was the Ferris wheel, where Hotaru chose again to ride with her parents, leaving the two of them alone in their own carriage with a desert of withered conversations spanned between them.

At least until Jounouchi obliterated it with a verbal grenade.

"You never told Mokuba we broke up."

Kaiba barely suppressed a wince, forcibly diverting his attention from the other man to the grounds outside. "It slipped my mind."

Which was the truth, and had been exceedingly easy to do when they lived on separate continents and time zones. But saying it out loud made him sound absent-minded.

Or worse, avoidant.

But instead of fighting or insulting him, Jounouchi sighed loudly and let his head loll, hitting the windowpane with a thunk. He stared out at the clear, autumnal sky, a melancholy note soaked through into his voice. "Yeah, guess time flies when you're an adult."

This time, Kaiba observed the man openly, making no secret of his scrutiny. Sunlight burnished Jounouchi's golden hair as a soft breeze ruffled the strands as gently as a lover's hand. Kaiba acutely remembered how they felt sliding between his fingers, so often accompanied by a warm weight pillowed against his shoulder. Ignoring the lump in his throat and the itch on his palm, he gazed out at the park again.

They passed the rest of the ride in silence.

***

All good things must end. Today included, because it had been a good one.

Even when Jounouchi clung to his arm for dear life, cutting all circulation, while he hissed and cursed at Kaiba for the haunted mansion's ultra-realistic holograms, or when his ex stumbled into his arms, slightly green around his face after going completely ham on the teacups ride. It was worth it—to both of them—to bring out Hotaru's gleeful laughter and high-pitched screams of delight.

But now the sun descended toward the horizon, and his niece's energy sunset along with it. Hotaru hugged Mokuba's neck tightly, burying her face in his shoulder as she was carried to the car. Rebecca strung one arm with Mokuba's and took the side opposite of her daughter. The small family was several steps ahead of where Kaiba and Jounouchi walked side-by-side, close enough that the back of their hands occasionally brushed with each other.

Neither moved to prevent the situation from occurring.

"Thank you for coming today." Kaiba kept his volume low as the parents tucked the drowsy Hotaru into the backseat.

Jounouchi offered him a tired but genuine smile. "No problem. It was fun."

Kaiba did not dispute his assertion. "Do you need a ride? It'd be a squeeze but—"

Jounouchi shook his head. "No thanks. I'm good. I came on my bike. Pretty sure your people would impound it if I left it in the lot overnight."

"Drive safely then."

"I still can't believe what a worrywart you're about that. You!" exclaimed Jounouchi while rolling his eyes.

"Need I remind you about Barcelona?"

"Oh my god, seriously? You ever gonna let me live that down?"

"What do you think?"

Without meaning to, the last bit of space between them vanished. Jounouchi leaned against his side, virtually pouting. The day's dying light set his eyes ablaze and cast shadows that accentuated the contours of his kissable lips. Kaiba's body moved without his brain's command as he reflexively ducked his head down to bring their mouths together. Jounouchi's lips were cool against his own, but also stock-still. He didn't return the kiss. It seemed that he'd forgotten to breathe.

Or maybe that was Kaiba.

Kaiba hastily wheeled back. Away from his ex and his shell-shocked expression. "Muscle memory," he said, as if that explained everything. Which it both did and didn't. "I didn't mean—"

Jounouchi didn't let him finish. Probably for the best. "It's fine. I get it. It was an accident."

Kaiba nodded, words drying into dust within his parched throat.

His ex shoved his hands deep into his pockets and held his shoulders in a tense posture. "Don't forget to tell 'em later. I'll—I'll see you around, Kaiba."

When Jounouchi turned and fled the scene, Kaiba let him go. A knot, one that should have been present when they had that fateful phone conversation months ago but wasn't, settled inside his chest. It refused to go away. After Hotaru had been put to bed for the night and he spent the rest of the evening catching up with Mokuba and Rebecca, it swelled and clogged his throat whenever he tried to bring up the break-up.

It only went away when he picked up his phone and called Jounouchi.