#her voice lines are so cute 🥺💕💕 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

derelictheretic · 2 years ago

Text

Wips be upon ye again

I was tagged by @clicheantagonist @adelaidedrubman @socially-awkward-skeleton @unholymilf @strafethesesinners @aceghosts and @detectivelokis to share a wip!! Thank you beloveds 🥺💕

Tagging @viktor-sinclaire @baldurrs @deputyash @fadedjacket @florbelles @ishwaris @jinfromyarikawa @locustandwildhoney @redreart @shellibisshe @wewillryesagain @bl-beater @jollybone @trashcatsnark @afarcry5fromstraight @bluemojave @shellibisshe

My creative juices have been flowin so I got a whole three things to show off uvu

First Lola wip 👀 (I have half given up on this because I'm not confident in Lola's dialogue/mannerisms yet but it's also cute so who knows)

"I heard we had a newbie!" A boisterous voice sings from the left and the three turn to the doorway of the breakroom, a blonde with pink dyed tips bounds into the room with more energy than anyone else in the whole building had combined. A plastic container in her hands as she shoves past Staci and Joey to stand in front of Dean. Her grey eyes are bright and her pierced smile is breathtaking and infectious. She clutches the container to her chest with one hand and grabs Deans with the other, shaking it enthusiastically as she all but bounces in place.

"Nice to meet'cha rookie, names Lola! You can call me Darling or Your Majesty if you're feeling cute though."

Dean can't help but grin as both Staci and Joey sigh, the high energy from the woman now opening the container a nice change of pace from his slow and dull first week in the county.

"Nice to meet you, my name's–"

"Dean Sinclaire! Australian, twenty five, single, youngest of three kids, no criminal record and owner of a really shitty Jeep wrangler. I'll forgive you for the car because you were playing some bangin' tunes but you're on thin ice—Cupcake?" Lola holds out the container with a cheery smile and Deans tries not to look shaken as he reaches in and takes out a pink frosted cupcake. He knew his file would have some information on him but he had no idea who would have access to it, and he wasn't expecting anyone to list it all off in the middle of the office. Not that any of what she'd said was much of a secret, it was just unexpected.

"Tone it down Darling you're gonna freak him out—she does the background checks on newbies don't overthink it," Joey sighs, shaking her head and offering Dean a reassuring smile. He nods gently and decides to shake it off and take a bite of the cupcake and damn it was a good cupcake. Really good.

"Yeah, yeah i'm the only one tech savvy enough to do 'em, anyway interesting socials you got, don't really scream enforcer of the law if you know what I mean. Why're you here?" Lola takes a bite of a cupcake herself, watching Dean with an intense yet non-judgemental gaze that leaves him feeling unsteady. He swallows the piece of cupcake in his mouth and glances between the three deputies now staring him down, Joey and Staci seeming to want to hear his answer as well.

"Uh… I don't know how to say it without sounding cliché—I just want to help people." He offers sheepishly, suddenly having a hard time keeping eye contact.

"Plenty of other jobs that help people though, why'd you go this route? Is it the gun, it's okay if it's the gun I know you guys don't really get those easy down under." Lola raises the hand holding the cupcake to her mouth, her tone growing hushed in a conspiratorial manner as she offers a squinted, pursed lipped look his way.

"Hah—no, it's not the gun, I'm hoping I don't have to use it if i'm honest but uhm… I don't know it just, ended up this way I guess?" He shrugs gently, not prepared for this line of questioning. Which really he probably should have saw it coming, it's not like it was the one question in every cop movie ever or anything.

Lola nods slowly, humming as if she were dissecting his words in her head, ripping them apart.

"Better reason than Pratt's that's for sure, you'll do fine here. It's slow most days, holidays it tends to get a bit crazy but we'll look out for you." Joey offers another reassuring smile, matched with a welcoming pat to his shoulder. Staci scoffs under his breath, Joey quickly glaring at him to stop any complaints he had from surfacing verbally. Dean can't help but admire the interaction, it seemed like they had a good friendship—maybe in time he'd be sharing similar moments with them as a new guy walked in the door. It was a nice thought.

"You're getting paired up with me so obviously you'll be more than fine," Lola places a hand on Dean's other shoulder and he catches sight of her black acrylic nails, pink hearts dotted along them, "You're like my baby duckling now and if anyone fucks with my baby duckling I'll fuck them up with my car." Her happy tone turns serious in the blink of an eye, sincerity in every syllable and a promise that she meant it in her gaze. Oddly Dean finds the sentiment comforting instead of alarming, it was nice knowing he'd have someone so intent on having his back.

"I'm—Thank you, Lola." He smiles and she shoots a grin back, her vampire smiley piercings gleaming in the office light. She pats his cheek before stepping back and placing an extra cupcake on his desk. 'For later,' she mouths at him, pointing at it as if the other two with them couldn't see exactly what she was doing. As she's closing the plastic container the older deputy Dean had seen sitting at the front desk walks through the doors and Lola lets out an excited squeal, bounding up to the woman with glee.

"Nancy, my baby duckling is here! He doesn't have an accent but he's got the cutest little nose, do we have his uniform yet I wanna show him off—show him the ropes. I'm going to show him the ropes." Lola excitedly buzzes to the older woman, tacking on the last sentence as Sheriff Earl Whitehorse walks in behind her. Dean has to stop himself from laughing as she straightens her poster and blinks owlishly at their sheriff.

Earl shakes his head lightly as she shoots him a less than bashful grin. She tries to offer him a cupcake but he raises a brow at her and she pouts in response, mumbling something about being unappreciated as she walks off with Nancy back to what Dean could only assume was the break room.

And !! More of the jacob/dean fic from the last wip day, I know, me working on the same wip consistently? Shocking

"What did he do to you Rook?"

Staci's voice feels distant, but Dean knows he's standing in front of the cage—clinging to the bars and probably looking down on him with the same dismay in the others' faces. Their resilient resistance leader was quiet, small, tired.

"Fuck, your leg—"

They were all scared, Staci was scared. Dean wanted to reassure him, wipe his eyes and tell him he was still getting them out of here.

"I–I'll get you some bandages, hold on."

But his mind just wanted to rest, shove down every memory of ginger hair and humid nights and stupid towns and stupid dreams and stupid wishes—He wanted to rip it to shreds and destroy every trace that said that motherfucker had ever been something to him. So he laid there on the ground and he stayed quiet. He tried to scrub the images behind his eyelids away, and tried to spit that name out of his mouth. Tried to rip that feeling out of his stupid heart.

Maybe if he was lucky he'd bleed out right now and steal the satisfaction of watching him continue to struggle through Jacob's trials. He could just see the hissy fit he'd throw, tables thrown and paper flying through the air as he cast blame onto whichever chosen shot him. Wouldn't that be funny?

I have a lot of art wips so uhh, peggie!dean and Jacob chillin' while Jo gives a sermon. Giving peggie!dean an alt look entirely based on a cosplay I did and i'm not sorry

#lola is taking up 90% of my brain rn can u tell #rotating her like a rotisserie chicken in my mind #also rotating dean in my mind. honestly rotating them both and vibrating at high velocity #dean just. sOBS. looks so good when he's brainwashed an evil yanno ashsjahahsh #HONESTLY ALL MY OCS LOOK SO GOOD PEGGIE-IFIED. glad everyone appreciated peggie cas and pip I need to being them back #misc: wips #misc: tag game #nadine's wips #Far Cry Tag

34 notes · View notes

feekins · 1 year ago

Text

here are my thoughts and things and whatever translation weirdness I find as I re-read ch 5 of Trigun Maximum vol 6!

(NOTE: I'm reading the Dark Horse [physical] and the Overhaul [online] translations side-by-side)

I remember this chapter gets Heavy, so let's start with something silly - here after the title page:

(Dark Horse on left, Overhaul on right)

it's not a translation thing, but I had to include a comparison so you can see that it's not, like...weirdness involving image compression or quality or whatever - it rly does say BUNCH GRASS SALOON there, and that just. tickles me. so much. it's so cute! and exotic-sounding, I'd imagine, if you live where anything that's everything that's publically accessible is desert.

(Dark Horse on top, Overhaul on bottom)

now, getting into the 'meat' of this chapter, we have minor wording differences between translations for this all-important line. both make sense, but given the theme of this chapter (titled "Colorless Expression" in both translations), the Overhaul's wording choice is more fitting. das nuance, babey =u=

oh, another tiny thing that tickles me: when that kid tackles Vash, the Overhaul translates the name of the kid's 'attack' as "Flying Mid-air Crab Pinch" whereas Dark Horse calls it "Flying Volley Crab Pinch" - both very cute!

(Dark Horse on left, Overhaul on right)

reading the Dark Horse translation, this bit of conversation always confused me - and it's moments like this where the Overhaul's is just. SO helpful. domfock has spoken on some of the translation choices that're made to clarify who's talking, and it looks like the above is one case of that. this happens a couple more times throughout the chapter, and I appreciate each and every one 💕

...oh. that church scene. haha. hellooooo, teenage me's religious trauma;;;;;;,

FIRST: this bounty hunter's name is Justin, so in my head, he is forever voiced by Justin McElroy goofing around 🤣

SECOND: timeline stuff!!! we now know that this chapter takes place 10 years after Lost July (which happened in the year 0104), making the "current" date sometime in the year 0114 - 1 year after we see Meryl in Trigun Maximum vol 1 (on her birthday in February 0113), and 4 years after Jeneora Rock (which happened in October 0110)!

SILLY THING: the label on the bottle reads "RED ROCK" - which also happens to be an irl soda company. it was founded in Atlanta a year before Coca-Cola was. also they make yummy grape soda =u=

SAD THING: I didn't get the significance of this part when I first read it as a teenager. I wasn't raised around alcohol - I thought this bit was just Vash being A Silly Lil Guy. reading this as an Adult who only very very very very very rarely chooses to consume An Alcohol, partially bc I know way too many ppl who struggle with substance abuse/addiction (ALCOHOL IS A DRUG)...Vash. 🥺

it goes right along with the "Colorless Expression" thing...

*wounded animal sounds*

something about we the readers knowing Vash's power is what did The Thing but that Knives is what triggered itgxxjgxjgjxg

...oh, Overhaul. I hurt. using "people" thereby implying these townspeople don't even see Vash as a person... (you also gotta wonder - how many of these people were just in that church?) 🥲

then, there's an interesting difference in wording between the two translations after Milly asks Vash (in both translations) "How can you keep smiling like that?"

"look" VS "do" - it all comes down to nuance.

all Vash is trying to do is keep going... 😭

this post. just...all of this.

😭😭😭

#trigunbookclub #text postan 2k23 #sup motherfuckers r u ready 2 b SAD?

5 notes · View notes

regularponyfan · 2 years ago

Text

Reading the Bad Guys Movie Novelization:

For some reason, the prologue is told from Wolf’s perspective and the rest is in third-person. Inconsistency much?

Let it be known that Snake hates split pea soup.

“It is always nice to get to know my buddy on a deeper level.” Wolf, you are so in love.

The fart scene is so much funnier in text.

This exchange: “Nice work, birthday boy.” Snake hissed back.

Someone add “El Nocturno” to the Bad Guys wiki.

Why did they swap out Mother Teresa with the Dalai Lama? Is Mother Teresa not school-friendly or something?

It’s confirmed that Chief Luggins eats other officers’ leftovers.

The spelling of “booty” cracks me up.

Why did they not include the scene of Piranha walking Wolf across the street?

According to the novel, the cat is female, even though Wolf still refers to it as a “he.” Not sure how canon this is.

“‘Madame Governor,’ he said, his voice smooth and flirty.” Damn Wolf, you’re such a player.

When the one person said they’d throw their cat into a tree just so the Bad Guys will save it. 🤣

“They steal hearts instead of wallets now.” AWWWW! 🥰

I love Webs’ advice for young hackers.

“Someone shouted on the other side of the room.” Uhh…the author knows the gala takes place outdoors, right?

“Maybe, Snake thought, his tail screaming in pain, my part of the plan isn’t going exactly right after all…” Aww, poor Snakey 🥺.

Wolf feels weird around Diane. Also, he drops his wallet in a donation box 😊.

The chief when Wolf asks for the Golden Dolphin: “Uh…okay.” 😂

Apparently, the author does know the gala is outside. They must just believe rooms can be outdoors.

Speaking of, I guess they didn’t proofread because the chief literally says one of her lines twice in Chapter 13.

Apparently, each of Webs’ hands has a full set of fingers.

It’s so cute how Snake is referred to as Wolf’s “bestie” even if it’s before they fight.

“Nothing says evil like a toxic pink glow.” Except that the meteorite glows blue in the movie. The guinea pigs’ eyes, too.

I wish the movie did show Webs comforting Piranha after their place was robbed. That was too sweet.

Love how they referred to Piranha’s dorsal fin as a “Mohawk.”

“Snake…but why?” “Because I’m a bad guy, remember?” Wow. That’s cold.

“I’ve never been happier to smell you guys!” LOL.

So cute how Wolf laughs at Snake teasing Marmalade even though he believes he was betrayed by him.

“Weenie guinea pig voice” XD

“Wolf, can I go crazy? Please say yes!” Oh, Piranha! 🤣

Chapter 19 should have been combined with Chapter 20 or something. It’s way too short.

“Catching Snake before he landed was all Wolf was thinking about now.” AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕💕💕

“Wolf caught Snake in his furry arms.” OMG WHY DIDN’T IT GO LIKE THIS IN THE MOVIE?!!!!!

“Piranha popped out from under Shark’s butt.” Um…whatever you’re into, Piranha.

The paragraph saying how much Snake loves his friends melted my heart.

Also, Snake has fingers according to the writer.

Why are some of these chapters so short? Just combine them!

I literally bought this book because of the fluffyvenom posts on here.

Also, because I just read the 16th book and was still craving more Bad Guys content.

#bad guys #dreamworks #the bad guys #the bad guys movie #mr wolf #mr snake #mr piranha #mr shark #ms tarantula #diane foxington #fluffyvenom #professor marmalade

41 notes · View notes

taromolktea · 3 years ago

Note

I just noticed Xiao on both of the favs so..

Cute little Xiao getting antsy about how Verr asking him about how his relationship is going with you. Even asking when the wedding is, enough to make him blush at the thought before almost teleporting away if it wasn't for your hands linked together. Kisses in public is always a guaranteed "YOU HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THE ADEPTI!" spiel, until he gets used to it then and only then does he get enough courage to steal kisses from you before he leaves to take care of his duties.

On another note: he arrives at the abode of the adepti, cloud retainer chuckling at the yaksha's red face everytime he comes to the mountain almost combusting from the amount of heat on his face from hearing you say I love you to him.

I WAS REALLY HOPING IT WAS GONNA BE XIAO FOOD 🥺👉🏼👈🏼🤧💓💗💖💘💝💞💕 bc i have like 4 fics lined up for him that are ready to go over the next few days bdhskfkshdkfkgsjd i looove a flustered Xiao who gets teased gently yet relentlessly by ppl in his life about you as his lover bc your effect on him is so profound and obvious ueueueueueeueueue that’s like. the goal of every Xiao fic i write lk lmao i jus wanna nourish him 🍲🥟🍤🍚🥠🥮🍰🍯🥛��☕️🍵🧃

Verr is deeply invested in Xiao’s relationship w you tbh she talks to her husband Huai’an about y’all on the regs 💅🏼

Xiao doesn’t exactly make it a point to explicitly tell Cloud Retainer or any of the Adepti really that he’s found love (tho i think Zhongli would be among the first to find out or even Hu Tao ehe) but ofc word travels n Cloud is jus like this one been fuckin knew o(｀ω´ )o

Shenhe’s voice line about Xiao is so-

“My first impression of him was that he's not one to smile. After meeting him again more recently, however, he's still as reserved as ever, but... he seems a lot more relaxed now. Maybe he... met someone special.”

#love letters from random names stuff 💌#🌼.sumspeaks #the little meow meow is v beloved here #xiao x reader

101 notes · View notes

vi-trying-to-survive · 3 years ago

Text

Safe Space

Stephen Strange x f!Reader

Warnings: None this is just fluffy fluff 💕💕💕

Summary: (Y/N) comes back after a bad day of work, and tries to hide in her safe space.

A/N: i hope you guys like it 💕💕💕💕 just wanted some cute Stephen fluff today💕💕💕 if you like it pls leave a request I love doing them 🥺💕

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

Walking into the foyer, she quickly glanced around the large expanse, letting out a soft groan when she wasn't met by the comforting face of her boyfriend. Lugging her bag, she sluggishly moved up the staircase, panting slightly when she reached the top, turning back to give them a dirty look, wondering when they got so tall. Navigating the narrow corridors easily, the echoes of her footsteps drifting up, ending up in their shared room. Tossing her bags to the floor, as she let her coat land on the chair in the corner, they landed with a soft thump on the aged, hardwood panels of the floor. Promptly changing into a pair of pajama pants, her eyes searched the room for a shirt, remembering that she had set all their clothes in the wash that morning before leaving for work, settling on the dark, navy shirt hanging unsuspectingly behind the door. Slipping it on, she took in her appearance, making a brisk 360 turn in the mirror, shrugging her shoulders in acknowledgement, before padding out of the room, having noticed the partly crumpled sheets, making the connection in her mind.

She found herself instinctively making her way to the library, the smell of aged paper, ink and spices filled her sense as she pushed open the heavy door, creating a boisterous creak, the edges oh her lips curving upwards into a sheepish smile as the man in question turned to look at her frame, from where he sat, smiling softly at her.

Moving over slightly, he patted the fluffy, velvety seat next to him, chucking as she plopped down next to him, burrowing her face under his arm, only her thick locks, now slumping down at an odd angle after being pulled out of a ponytail, visible. Moving his arm to reveal her, he raised his eyebrow questioningly at her, putting the worn leather book in his hand down, while stifling his growing grin, “what are you doing (Y/N) ?”, as he watched her attempt to tug his arm back down. Fixating her gaze on the confused, yet amused sorcerer, she frowned menacingly, “hiding”, promptly turning her attention back to the task at hand, which was unfortunately proving to be somewhat impossible. Mouth quirking up into a smirk, he playfully tapped his finger against his head, “don’t you mean hug?”, giving her a pointed look. Catching her attention, she spun her her head to glare at him, “did I stutter?”, huffing as she crossed her arms across her chest, “this is my safe space, … so can you just put your arm around me”. Rolling his eyes affectionately, he gave in to her endless pulling motion, he laid his arms around her once more, laughing when he heard the satisfied sigh from his side, as she snuggled closer, resting her head in the crook of his neck.

Picking up the book once more, he tried to read the same line again, however, after a few minutes of failing, he set it by his side, pressing himself closer to her, leaning his head down to question, "so, who or what are you hiding from then?", making her open her eyes. Groaning into his skin, she pulled her head out, turning to gaze at him, admiring the way his softened expression, his blue eyes shaded with curiosity and amusement. "I had an awful patient today", she spoke, rubbing her palms across her face, in an act of frustration, "she- I don't know- she kept questioning my answers and now I'm upset", she grimaced, looking away, recalling the emotions she felt earlier in the day.

Reaching out with his other hand, he tilted her head up, so that she fixated her eyes on his, "you never need to question your abilities as a doctor", his voice steady and comforting, as he moved closer, to press his lips against hers reassuringly, as she responded almost instantly. Breaking the kiss, he gave her a teasing grin, "plus, if you weren't such a great doctor", raising his arms dramatically as he gestured between their tangled figures, "this probably wouldn't have happened". Playfully punching his shoulder, she giggled, "you're terrible", turning to press a delicate kiss on his neck, before leaning her head against his shoulder, as he curled his arms around her waist, their legs intertangled tenderly, just enjoying the comfort and peace they brought each other.

383 notes · View notes

artsy-dreamer · 1 year ago

Text

Thanks for the tag Emma :D and sorry it keeps taking me forever to answer these :’D

What book are you currently reading? lol what’s a book? /j I haven’t even been able to read fics lately… I miss the days where I used to read books a lot 😔

What's your favorite movie you saw in theaters this year? I… haven’t actually been to a theater before? So I’d just have to go with my favorite movie I saw in general this year… trying to remember if I saw any movies this year 🤔 I don’t remember watching anything? At least nothing new or in full… man my answers are disappointing so far :’D

What do you usually wear? Graphic t-shirts and long denim skirts 👍 all about them comfy clothes babey XD

How tall are you? Somewhere in between 5′6 and 5′7… so about as tall as Ojiro, I guess :’D

What's your star sign? Do you share a birthday with a celebrity or a historical event? Capricorn, apparently ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ And I share a birthday with Ethel Merman! :D

Do you go by your name or a nickname? Like, on Tumblr? I go by a nickname :’D

Did you grow up to become what you wanted to be when you were a child? I wanted to be an artist… and while it’s still not my career (and I’m not sure I want it to be anymore, anyway) my art has improved a lot over the years, so I guess yeah, in a way :) 💕

Are you in a relationship? If not, who is your crush if you have one? same answer as Emma actually :’D Enjoying the single life, no current crushes unless the occasional fictional man counts XD

What's something you're good at vs. something you're bad at? Good at singing, bad at sports XD

Dogs or cats? I love them both 🥺💕💕 Though I feel slightly more comfortable around dogs… mainly cuz they don’t have sharp claws XD

If you draw/write, or create in any way, what's your favorite picture/favorite line/favorite etc. from something you created this year? I liked the way my Marroncream art turned out 😊💕 though I feel like it might look a bit better without the background lol

What's something you'd like to create content for? I literally started watching Octonauts just to find out a character’s name so I could look up references for her, because she was so cute that I really wanted to draw her… and then I never did XD Still wanna do that someday… technically I did draw a nameless character from the show once but hey :p It’s actually really good as far as preschool shows go, even I’ve learned stuff from it :D

What's something you're currently obsessed with? At the moment, Neko Atsume has been on my mind… that college AU I played around with back in the day is swirling around in my head again XD Lots of fun stuff you can do with that… it’s a cute and simple game, and the little bits of backstory we have leave plenty of room to expand upon :)

What's something you were excited about that turned out to be disappointing this year? I finally started getting back into my first fandom, enjoying full-on brainrot for the first time in YEARS… I was even excited for a little fandom anniversary that I used to celebrate, I hadn’t been excited about it in a LONG time and I was really happy about that, I had plans and everything 🥺💕💕 I had so much excitement I wanted to share, I made the mistake of trying to reconnect with the fandom again… and it instantly killed all my enthusiasm, seeing that some corners of it weren’t quite as welcoming as I thought and that most people don’t even like the thing I was celebrating anymore, so I’d be pretty alone in my excitement anyway… and I couldn’t get back my excitement in time to celebrate the anniversary, so it just passed by without any of my plans happening 😔 I just hope I can get back my love for the thing eventually, and that it doesn’t take literal years like last time…

What's a hidden talent of yours? I can say the alphabet backwards XD It’s all thanks to a beloved toy of mine from when I was little… I can still hear it in his voice to this day :’D

Are you religious? Oh yeah, definitely

What's something you wish to have at this moment? Motivation to write XD I have so many ideas for headcanon posts and whatnot…

I never know who to tag… so I guess I’ll just tag whoever reads this and wants to do it?? XD

Tag Game To Better Know You

I have been tagged in so many things by so many of you lovely people in the midst of my sorta-hiatus and I would break the internet if I tried to catch up...but I like this one because it feels like a good little re-intro into the Tumblr world. :-)

What book are you currently reading?

The Writing Revolution...I can't in good conscience recommend it unless you also happen to find yourself as a teacher trying to capture teenagers' imaginations and get them to produce complete sentences! Hahahaha. Miserable toil.

What’s your favourite movie you saw in theatres this year?

Ooh, this one's easy--The Little Mermaid!! I have seen it with my family twice and then with my friends once. (I felt a little freer to lust after Prince Eric when my husband and two children weren't sitting there with me...)

What do you usually wear?

These days, some form of athleisure. During the school year, I've been told my teacher style is "Jessica Day if she didn't care so much" and...that about sums it up.

How tall are you?

5′5″ AND A HALF (alternatively: taller than @stolen-pen-name23 which is all that truly matters in this world)

What’s your star sign? Do you share a birthday with a celebrity or a historical event?

Cancer...I think? Malala Yousafzai and Henry David Thoreau!

Do you go by your name or a nickname?

Most folks IRL call me Abigail. It's just my brothers, husband, and you guys who call me Abi!

Did you grow up to become what you wanted to be when you were a child?

Absolutely not. I wanted to be a lawyer my entire life. My undergrad was pre-law and then life had other plans for me and now I'm teaching 8th grade American History. And LOVING IT. I start grad school in the fall and I'll be getting my Principal's Certification with that, so I suppose I'm in this education world for the long haul.

Are you in a relationship? If not, who is your crush if you have one?

I am tragically married. Sorry to all interested parties!

What’s something you’re good at vs. something you’re bad at?

I'm fairly good with piano and singing. I'm terrible at cooking.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs forever and ever!

If you draw/write, or create in any way, what’s your favourite picture/favourite line/favourite etc. from something you created this year?

Oh my. I haven't written as much as I'd like to this year (although I'm hoping to post something before the weekend!!) so I'm choosing to interpret this as the last 12 months. Maybe this bit from walking by her side, talking by her side, have pity?

He holds out his hand, wondering if she’ll bare touching him. “Goodbye, Leia.”

She is not a girl of gentleness—this, he can tell. But she accepts the hand like she’s afraid to shatter it. “Goodbye.”

“Saying my name won’t hurt you, you know,” he says, refusing to be the first to let go.

“Remind me?”

He rolls his eyes. “Anakin Skywalker.”

“Skywalker, you said?” she echoes, and lets their hands fall between them. She opens the door and smiles teasingly at him, tilting her head. “Interesting. That was my father’s name.”

What’s something you’d like to create content for?

I think I'm forever stuck in my prequels hell!

What’s something you’re currently obsessed with?

Ur mom. Okay...sorry. Ahem. I've been sewing more lately. I used ot dabble in high school, but I'm finding more motivation to make things for my toddler than I did to make things for myself.

What’s something you were excited about that turned out to be disappointing this year?

The weather recently! It was supposed to rain the past couple weeks and we've not gotten much more than a few minutes of sprinkling. I looooove rainy days, so that's bummed me out quite a bit.

What’s a hidden talent of yours?

I'm excellent at whistling. It's completely useless, but I'll get compared to a Disney princess occasionally, so I guess that's something.

Are you religious?

Yes. My faith is very important to me, but it's *my* faith, so I don't feel the need to bring it up with strangers unless asked about it. (Crazy concept, right?)

What’s something you wish to have at this moment?

A cuppa tea...so I think I'll go put the kettle on byeeeee

No pressure tags: @pandora15 @stolen-pen-name23 @tessiete @ilonga @kckenobi & anyone who wants to join in the fun!

#gif #always taking the easy way out with tagging lol :p #anyway I got a lot of tags and whatnot that I need to catch up on :’D #the past couple months have been kinda stressful and I’ve been a bit too #overwhelmed to do a whole lot 😅 but I’m starting to feel ready to tackle some of these tags so 👍#finally getting to this one :’D and oof i still gotta answer your shocktail ask-

41 notes · View notes

peachsayshi · 3 years ago

Text

Chapter 14 - Jealousy

Summary: you & Gojo have your first fight.

A/N: (18+ / minors and ageless blogs dni) Can I just say thanks for all the love on this fic? Your comments bring me so much joy, you have no idea -like thank you so much for the support I cannot express it enough! These two are trying to figure out where they stand, we are pretty much halfway through the story. Prepare for some angst and feels! 👀 Huge shoutout to the lovely @pensivespecter who made an awesome playlist based on this fic! I listened to it the entire time I was writing 🥺 you gem of a human 💕

- - -

You exhaled, ignoring the way your jaw tightened as you clenched your teeth. Tingling sensations spread between your fingers, static signals reminding you to take a breath as you squeezed your arms. Your narrowed gaze was focused on the clothes that were hanging in a perfectly neat line in your closet but the fabrics blurred into a mesh of colors. You swallowed the lump in your throat, a manifestation of your growing anger that had been brewing ever since your conversation with Satoru earlier this week.

He called you out of the blue, teasing you at first by saying he’s forgotten what your voice sounded like. Despite his playful tone, you could tell there was something off from the way he kept circling around his reason for reaching out.

“Look, I might have done something stupid with someone else. We haven’t uhm-...you and I haven’t been together in a while and things uh-...fuck, well, we had sex and I’m feeling kind of shitty about it...”

A cold chill ran through you, “Oh...”

“If anything it was an accident...” he insisted, a nervous chuckle escaping him. “You know how things get in the heat of the moment...”

“Mmm, yeah, things can...escalate...” you replied through gritted teeth, your heart pounding in your chest upon hearing his confession.

“I swear, my intention wasn’t to fuck her. Just...mess around. You know what I mean?”

How were you supposed to respond to that? Of course you don’t know what he means, and he knew that.

When in the last eight years of your friendship had Satoru ever seen you “mess around” with somebody?

“Hey, you’re not mad, right?” he questioned, a hint of worry in his voice from your lack of response. “You did say I could still see other people...”

“You can do whatever you want, see whoever you want. I just...I hope that this was the only time...”

He clicked his tongue, “What kind of guy do you think I am?”

“The kind of guy whose love life is basically a revolving door of bedroom playmates...”

As quick as you were with that remark, you wished you could take it back immediately, but your friend had already absorbed your snide comment and his silence spoke volumes.

“What does that make you? Another playmate, I guess… would you like me to buy you a pair of bunny ears then? I think it’ll look cute…”

His response was cold enough to make you wince and you gripped the phone tighter against your ear. “Excuse me?”

“If you’re upset with me, just say it…” he added on.

“I’m not...”

“You suck at lying, so don’t bother trying...”

“I’m not lying. Why would I be mad when we could barely stick to our own rules? Knowing you as a person, you were bound to break this rule eventually. Besides, you’ve told me countless times that you don’t commit yourself to anything or anyone, right?”, you heard him sigh with annoyance on the other line but carried on anyway, “I just…I don’t feel comfortable having sex with you if you are hooking up with other people.”

“One person. I fucked one person since this started…and it’s not like I’m hiding it from you...”

“How am I supposed to know that you’re telling me the truth?”

“Because I’m your friend. Do you not trust me?”

Trust, that word hung heavy in the air. You wanted to answer yes almost immediately, because you trusted Satoru blindly, more than anybody else in your life and that scared you. However, he never saw you in the same capacity. Gojo kept so many things from you, and you couldn’t help but think what if the other women were just another one of his secrets that he hid away?

The mere thought of sharing him with somebody else made your skin crawl.

“I’m sorry that I can’t change what happened,” he reiterated, interrupting your thoughts and bringing you back to the forefront of the conversation.

“Whatever, it’s not a big deal. Thanks for telling me, I guess,” you replied.

“I would say you’re welcome but I don’t want to piss you off more than I have…”

“I’m not pissed…”

“Uh-huh…” Satoru pressed, hoping to tackle you into submission.

“I’m hanging up now.”

You didn’t even realize how upset you were until you ended the call and found yourself shaking.

Irrational, was the first word that popped in your mind, you’re being irrational...

Yes, he shouldn’t have had sex with somebody else but there is no real reason for you to get so worked up about what happened. You weren’t exclusively hooking up with him and he had zero commitments to you. Those thoughts consistently passed through your mind as you tried ignoring your growing vexation. However, no matter how hard you distracted yourself, you couldn’t escape the thought of Gojo being pleasured by somebody while you were at home aching for him.

Oh, how that made you simmer with annoyance…and how easily it brought up painful memories…

Your friend had no idea that he rubbed salt on an open wound. Maybe if you told him about Haru cheating on you he might have been considerate of your feelings before choosing to fuck somebody else. He had no idea how much Haru messed you up, harming your ability to trust on levels that you didn’t even know how to fix.

Until you could get over this false sense of betrayal, you decided to avoid seeing Gojo. You didn’t want to pick an unnecessary fight with him. He sked you not to overthink what the two of you were doing, and you were having a hard time letting go of your irritation. However, just because you wouldn’t allow yourself to have any ill feelings that didn’t mean you couldn’t get even.

Tonight you made plans with yourself to go out for some mindless fun but there was a clear agenda in your head on what kind of fun you were looking for. Finally brushing aside the white-haired sorcerer from clouding your mind, you pulled out your shortest black dress that you could find before slipping on your favorite pair of high heels. You threw on a leather jacket, one that would do very little to keep you warm from the chilled weather this evening but enough to make you comfortable until you reached the bar. You applied your make up with intention, highlighting your face to accentuate every feature that would make someone’s head turn. A little tint on the cheeks and a bold color to emphasize your lip before finally sharpening the angle around your eyes to enhance the mysterious gaze that you would throw on some lucky stranger tonight.

***

Rina called you while you were in the taxi, asking if you wanted to hang out at her place and eat steamed dumplings. While the offer was tempting, you politely declined and informed her that you already had plans for the evening. The car pulled up to the street, and you said your goodbye before exhaling to calm your nerves then hanging up the phone, doing your best not to change your mind from the decision you already made.

The bar was located in an obscure location somewhere in the city, about thirty minutes away from where you lived. You decided on the place based on Rina’s recommendations, as she always prided herself in knowing the latest hot spots when it came to all things food and beverage. The entrance was in the corner of an alley, the door leading you to a staircase that traveled to the basement of one of the buildings.

Neon red enveloped you, tinting every inch of space from corner to corner, creating a full monochrome experience. An impressive selection of alcohol bottles were displayed in the back, the shelf almost reaching the ceiling of the bar. The place itself is already packed with people, the noises of their conversation ebbed with the music playing through the speakers. With your head held high, you slowly approached an empty seat at the counter of the bar, slipping off your jacket as you made yourself comfortable.

The bartender caught your gaze, “what can I get you?”, she asked with a smile that showed off her dimples.

“One umetini, please,” You replied, placing both your hands on the counter and tapping your finger nervously against the smooth wood.

She nodded her head, “would you like me to set up a tab for you?”

“Yes, please…” you answered again, unsure as to why you were suddenly overcompensating with your polite tone.

The bartender swayed to the back like a dancer, her movements fluid with the rhythm of the music. You fiddled with your hands, looking at your phone screen occasionally as you were unsure what to do with yourself. You could see the unread text messages from Satoru, who had been persistent on reaching out, but refused to give in to your curiosity to see what he had to say.

You glanced around the room watching as groups of friends laughed and conversed while couples whispered in each other’s ear. You had your expectations for tonight but you were already starting to feel like the odd one out in a sea of strangers.

Relief rushed through you as the bartender placed your drink down on a napkin. You took one long sip, allowing the liquor to coat the back of your throat.

Satoru probably never had the experience of sitting uncomfortably alone at a bar. Being as attractive as he is, people naturally flocked to him and this has happened countless times in front of you. You’ve seen some of the prettiest girls say hello to to him, their body language telling you that they were more than just acquaintances from the way they would kiss his cheek and whisper in his ear. You’ve seen random strangers ask him to pose for a photo thinking he was some kind of fashion model, and you were there rolling your eyes as you watched your friend play along with his good looks and charm. Then there were the ones who would shyly approach him, cheeks flushed and words coming out in gibberish as they would ask him out on a date. He always declined before walking away and making teasing comments about how cute they looked all flustered as they made their attempt.

Your face grew hot, knowing that you were just the one of the many who did the same when you showed up at his apartment with the proposition of you both hooking up.

By the time you were given your second drink, your tense muscles had relaxed. You were even humming along to the music that was playing, your chin resting against the palm of your hand while your other finger swirled along the rim of your martini glass. A buzz tingling from the tip of your finger to your toes, numbing all the parts of you that hurt.

When you looked up is when noticed the gentleman seated on the opposite side of the bar, his attention completely zeroed on you as he sipped his beverage. You couldn’t really tell from the light, but he seemed relatively handsome with dark hair that reached his shoulders, his narrowed gaze emphasized by his thick brows and angular eyes. His lips curved into a beautiful smile, making you sit upright as you dragged your finger from the rim to the stem of your glass. A match made on queue, and the adrenaline pulsed through you as you found yourself returning a grin: an invite that asked him to join you.

You could see he was tall, his height dwarfing almost everyone in the room. One hand was in the pocket of his slacks, the other nursing his drink as he navigated himself towards you. You cleared your throat, taking another sip then smoothing out your dress, your eyes glimmering with anticipation as you met his stare once more.

“Hi,” he spoke, his deep voice cool and collected. He leaned against the bar, leaving very minimal space between you both.

“Hello, yourself…” you replied, spreading your lips as you maintained that flirtatious grin.

A shiver ran up your arm when he boldly gave you a good once over of your entire outfit, taking a sip of his own drink to stop himself from beaming with approval.

“You here alone?”

You nodded your head.

“Hmm, I hope you don’t mind me interrupting your night out.”

“Not at all. What brings you here this evening?”

You learned that the stranger worked at a tech company and was in the city for a couple of weeks on a business trip. He was supposed to be here tonight with one of his co-workers but they were feeling unwell and cancelled on him last minute.

You couldn’t help but thank your lucky stars for it - if you were planning on having sex with a random guy the best thing is to ensure you would not run into him again after tonight.

The conversation flowed lightly but your words were tainted with false enthusiasm, you were speaking to him but nothing scratched the surface of wanting to know more about the other person. He didn’t ask about your interests or hobbies, keeping the narrative strictly on his experience in the city so far and what he has been doing. In return, you gave him some anecdotes about your own work life and suggested a few places he might be able to visit while he still had time. He was waiting to make a proper move, taking control of the conversation for the most part. You were grateful for it in a way, finding it easier to nod and feign laughter as you were mustering up your own courage to push things a little further.

With Haru, it took you months before you were even able to kiss him. Every time he tried you would dodge his advances, making him question if you were even interested in him but you just needed the time to build the right connection.

Sometimes you wondered why it was so easy for you to proposition Satoru. Once you settled your mind on making that decision, you knew there was no other person you could approach with such trust.

Trust…there it was again, only this time it stung.

Things were easier when this started, you didn’t feel a weight against your chest every time your friend crossed your mind. All you could hear was a big fat “I told you so” in your head, with your conscious mimicking Rina’s voice.

Maybe pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will be just the thing you need to detach yourself from you relying on Satoru entirely.

After all, this isn’t fair to him.

You couldn’t burden him with the stuff you haven’t worked through yet, nor could you blame him for wanting to sleep with other people. A week ago you might have been curious if maybe he felt the change in your relationship as you did, but circumstances have proved otherwise. You decided in that moment that you needed to end this entanglement you put yourself in.

Even though stopping is the last thing you wanted.

The night was turning up, the bar at max capacity with people bustling around. The scent of bitter liquors and cigarette smoke was putting you in a daze. You were distracted by your own thoughts that you had stopped paying attention to what the stranger had been talking about. You pushed your drink away, feeling the room spin. You wanted to leave, the thought of sitting in comfy pajamas with Rina while eating delicious dumplings feeling ideal right about now…

But, you were trying to prove to yourself that you could follow through with your plan.

You just wanted someone to hurt the way you did, even if that someone was your friend.

The stranger leaned down, bringing his lips to your ear. “You look like you could use some fresh air. Want to step out for a minute?”

“Please,” you exhaled, reaching for your wallet as you tried to pull out your credit card, trembling slightly from how anxious the fast paced music is making you feel.

The man gently placed his hand on yours, before giving you a subtle wink. “I’ve got this…”

After he paid, he waited by your side as you slipped your leather jacket back on. You stood up on shaky legs, giving him the opportunity to slip his arm around your waist to help you stand upright. The alcohol coursed through you, playing with your senses and making your stomach flip in the process. He guided you through the crowd and up the stairs, your mind sending a giant alert to your system from the awareness of him securing himself around your waist.

Once you were out the front door, you had to blink a few times to adjust to the setting around you. The veil of red was removed and in turn color began seeping back in. The chill hit you next, piercing right through you and making you cross your arms over your chest. The stranger led you between the alley of the building, hiding you both in the shadows.

“Fresh air doing you any good?” He asked genuinely.

“Yes, it was starting to feel really stuffy in there,” you replied as you leaned against the wall.

The stranger cleared his throat, “I know there are a couple more bars just around this area. Would you be interested in checking them out?”

“Uhm...” you pressed your lips together, lifting your heel slightly off the ground as you weighed your options.

In that moment you knew that the initial allure that engaged you to the handsome stranger who sat across from you had disappeared the minute you both stepped outside. Your desire to seek out something dangerous replaced with the sheer fact that you suddenly felt incredibly exposed in the dress you were wearing. Your toes pinched in your shoes, the sides of your feet rubbing against the material and making you wish you opted for something with a little more comfort while the aroma of the establishment surrounded you, nestling it’s scent perfectly between each strand of your hair.

“I just need a minute from the sensory stimulation,” you explained, giving the stranger a hopeful smile. “I don’t do too well with crowds in small spaces.”

“You know,” he continued, taking a few steps closer towards you, his height almost daunting as he gazed down at you with soft eyes. “My hotel isn’t that far from here. If you like, we can head back there? No crowds, no fuss. And I’m sure we’ll enjoy each other’s company...”

Your words were caught in your throat; you were expecting this but the reality of your situation made every fiber of your being want to say no. However, your vindictive heart was overriding your rational thought.

“Listen, I hope I wasn’t getting the wrong idea about tonight...” the stranger carried on, knitting his brows together out of concern.

“No, not at all!” you answered back, biting your bottom lip and noting the way his eye lingered on the action. “I’m just considering if that’s something I would like to do...”

The stranger smiled, flashing you a perfect set of pearly white teeth. He placed both his hands down by the each side of your face, before leaning forward and brushing his lips against yours.

“How about you give me a chance to convince you instead?”

You barely had a second to protest, before he silenced you with a kiss.

***

Gojo scrolled through the many unanswered text messages that he sent you. Swiping up and down the conversation as he reread them over and over again. The dull pain in his chest bothered him to no end, and he knew it was because you were ignoring him. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes from behind his shades.

Why wouldn’t you just talk to him?

Hell, you could spend an hour yelling at him to get your irritation out of your system but the silent treatment was completely torturous. The two of you have never gone this long without speaking to one another, and his guilt continued to fester as time went by, the shadow of his regret looming heavily over him like a dark cloud.

“Gojo-sensei...” Yuuji groaned, slamming his forehead against his mentor’s shoulder. “If we don’t eat soon, I might die.”

“You just placed your order,” Nanami replied from the seat across the table, “be grateful that they agreed to seat us even though they should have closed thirty minutes ago.”

Itadori pouted, leaning on the surface as he huffed. “Ugh, don’t make me feel bad. If I knew our day would have lasted this long, I would packed a snack or something...”

Gojo wasn’t paying attention to what his co-worker and student were saying. He just tagged along one of their training sessions because he didn’t want to have to sit through another night by himself.

His finger hovered above the keyboard, wondering if he should send you another text but this time he couldn’t figure out what to say without coming off as desperate at this point.

Suddenly, a call came through, prompting the sorcerer to knit his brows as he saw Rina’s name flash before his screen.

“I’ll be right back,” he informed the pair who were too busy engrossed in their own conversation.

Gojo stepped out of the small sushi establishment to answer her, surprised when Rina asked if he could put you on the line. When he informed her that the two of you weren’t together she went quiet.

“She told me she had plans, I just assumed she was with you...”

“Nope, not tonight,” Gojo replied, straining to get those words out through gritted tonight. “Why can’t you reach her? Is something wrong?”

Rina hummed, “No, no...it’s nothing serious, she’s at Red and might just be busy. I'll try to get through her tomorrow morning.”

Gojo sighed, “yeah, probably...If I get a hold of her I’ll ask her to reach out to you.”

“That would be great, thanks...”

After he said his goodbye, he mindlessly stared at the device in his hand unable to ignore the sinking sensation from how strange that conversation felt once he hung up the phone.

You weren’t exactly a socialite; Gojo could count all of your closest friends on his hand. He knew that himself and Rina were the only two people who lived in the city that you hung out with on a consistent basis. There was no way you would be galavanting with your co-workers, considering most of them were mysogynistic assholes that you could barely stand.

He was sifting through all this information in his head, his heart stopping at the thought that there was an extremely high chance that you might be out meeting somebody else.

When he stepped back into the restaurant he was a bit disoriented by the revelation, merely informing Nanami and Itadori that something came up and he had to leave

“What about your food?” Nanami asked, “You ordered enough for six people.”

“You can have Ijichi drop it off at my place...”

Nanami scowled, “you forget I am not your assistant, Gojo-san...”

“I know but I still appreciate everything that you do for me, Nanamin!” The sorcerer sang, as he backed his way out of the restaurant before flashing him a thumbs up.

He could see his co-worker grimace through the window but matters were drawing his attention other than Nanami’s usual disdain towards him.

Gojo was quick directing himself to the bar once he searched for the address on his phone. He was fully aware of the scene he could potentially be stumbling upon. Maybe you were already tangled up in another man’s arms while nuzzling against their neck, or sharing a laugh while the two of you were conversing over drinks…

Jealousy is a strange feeling for Gojo since he wasn’t used to it. He always got whatever he wanted but you were completely intangible. Rarely had the sorcerer ever been told that he wasn’t able to have something or achieve his goals, but on this occasion the circumstances were out of his hands.

If he really tried back then, he definitely could have seduced you from the man you were so desperately in love with. Gojo has thought about it multiple times but the consensus he came to was the fact that it would be completely self serving and eventually you would grow to resent him for ruining your relationship with Haru.

Instead of allowing his envy to dwell, he brushed it aside for the sake of the bond you both shared; a friendship that meant more to him than you knew, especially since it was around the time when Suguru had completely detached himself from Gojo’s life.

He sighed, if only you knew just how important you were to him. Then again, he never made a conscious enough effort to tell you. You never cared about the things that made him who he was, his lineage carried no weight in the conversations you shared nor did his wealth and power. For him it was refreshing to be around somebody that gave him a sense of normalcy, which meant that he could only push his boundaries so far.

Over time the green that tinted his eyes seeped into the back of his mind where Gojo tucked it away in a perfect box, much like every other uncomfortable thing he’s ever encountered in his life.

Gojo figured he might have a chance after your break up but everyone could see how much that killed you, including him. He never understood why you tried to hide the pain but he never questioned it either. On top of that, he made a stupid promise to Rina not to cross the line with you, which effectively kept him from trying up until this point.

It would never work, Suguru stated in his head, You know that though, right? What more could you offer her than this?

Gojo wished he could erase the harsh truth. Having sex is one thing, but he knew what your expectations were when it came to relationships. You didn’t deserve to be with somebody who would always be half in, who could only provide you with fifty percent of the things you asked of him. He could never give you the ideal marriage you strived for, could never fully let you into his own world since his name alone would put your entire life at risk.

What is the point in pursuing something that was doomed to remain stagnant?

Beyond the barriers that withheld him from committing himself to you, if any of his enemies were to find out how much you meant to him…

A shiver brushed past him knowing how easily they could erase you from his life.

He already had one ghost haunting him, he didn’t need another.

Gojo paused when he arrived at the correct street, sensing your presence almost instantly. He managed to lead himself to you without thinking things through but reassured that he wouldn’t interrupt your night if he knew you were enjoying yourself. He wasn’t about to put a damper on your weekend just because he couldn’t stand the idea of you getting your kicks.

That was the logical thing to do until he peaked into the alley where he witnessed two bodies veiled in black, with one pressed against the wall of the building.

Gojo tightened his fist as his attention focused on the man kissing you, forcefully stopping himself from immediately wanting to rip out his tongue. Then, as his gaze shifted onto your face, his annoyance withered away when he began registering your response to the stranger.

Your body was frigid, frozen in time and space while your hands gripped onto the man’s forearms. Gojo watched as you tugged away from the kiss, nudging the gentleman forward to give yourself a little bit of space. The man was saying something in return but Gojo could see the resistance in your eyes and it was enough for him to disappear from where he stood.

You had pushed him to his limit and he’s had enough of this game.

***

You had to hand it to the man for approaching the kiss with confidence but the entire time his mouth was on yours, you were aware of how wet his tongue felt. The taste of his drink lingered, as well as the tobacco that revealed to you that he was a smoker. You found yourself grading his action, if you weren’t so tense about the situation you might actually enjoy him kissing you. He wasn’t bad at it but you were clearly kidding yourself into thinking that you could do this.

You pushed him away, ignoring how clammy your skin felt and how much your feet was now beginning to throb.

“I-uh...I appreciate the effort but I think I might just call it a night if that’s okay with you...”

You could see the frustration his eye but he wasn’t showing it on his face. Instead, he merely tilted his head to the side and smirked, “I think you just need to relax...” he teased, the hand that was secured around your waist guiding it’s way down to the hem of your dress. “There’s no need to be so uptight, I meant what I said that I think the two of us could have a lot of fun together. Besides, you’re just so beautiful...”

Goosebumps raised along your skin as his hand slipped underneath your dress to squeeze your inner thigh, making you tremble where you stood.

“You just have to give it a chance, but if you say no, I will walk away right now...”

The answer was on the tip of your tongue and it was an easy one to give. All your efforts to push yourself out of your comfort zone tonight resulted in nothing but you landing back on square one. There was no way you could pretend that you wanted this no matter how hard you tried.

At the end of the day there was only one person you wanted to kiss but you were still furious at the white haired idiot for unintentionally hurting you.

You were exhausted, the alcohol was making you queasy and you were cold.

You were ready to go home.

As you parted your lips to give your answer, the stranger’s seductive eyes widened in sheer panic as he tilted his head down to look at his own hand. Slender white fingers circled his forearm, the figure appearing out of thin air as he stood close to the man. You didn’t even recognize Satoru in the spur of the moment until you watched him pull the stranger’s hand away and shove him, before taking a stand to separate you both.

“Who the hell are you?!” the stranger spat, slightly afraid of the unknown man who made his presence known.

“That’s for me to know and for you to never find out!” Gojo replied enthusiastically, as he took a step forward towards him.

Your brain was still registering what was happening, your attention fixated on Gojo’s shoulders. Finally mustering up the courage, a whisper escaped you as you called for him, “Satoru…what are you doing here?”

“Hmm?” He replied, glancing at you from over his shoulder. “Oh, I was taking a late night stroll…”

You scoffed, “I meant, what are you doing here. In front of me…right now…”

“Wait, you know this guy?!” The other man interjected as he attempted to get closer towards you.

Gojo immediately raised his finger to stop him, “Uh…don’t even think about it. I don’t want to have to do anything I might regret…”

“Okay, I don’t know what your deal is but we were kind of in the middle of something…” the stranger argued, wanting to brush past your friend but found himself unable to move.

“W-Wha…”

You raised your brows, realizing that Satoru was using his infinity to physically keep the distance between you both.

The sorcerer leaned forward, pulling his glasses down his nose as he stared at the stranger menacingly, “do yourself a favor and fuck off.”

Whatever fight the man had to persist coaxing you into his bedroom dissipated almost instantly. You’ve never heard Gojo speak in such a threatening tone before and it was enough to scare the man to slowly back away.

“Look, I’m not here for any trouble. I thought she was single…”

“I am single!” you answered back, peeling yourself off the wall as you found your place by Gojo’s side. “And why are you speaking on my behalf?!”

“I’m not, you’re the one just standing their in silence,” your friend replied with a nonchalant shrug.

“Okay, you know what…” the stranger interrupted raising his hands in defeat. “As much as I want to get laid tonight, this isn’t worth it. I’ll leave you two to figure out…whatever is happening right now…”

The heat on your face warmed your entire body. You were so embarrassed by the interruption that you couldn’t even respond with an apology. The stranger from the bar turned his heel and walked in the other direction, leaving you and Satoru behind.

“You better have a good explanation for this…” you stated, flickering your attention to him as you tensed with frustration.

“What’s there to explain? I was on a stroll when I saw you and it looked like you were in trouble. I was being chivalrous by stopping that creep from taking advantage of you…”

“Chivalrous?! You call that chivalry?!”

“You know, a thank you might be nice…”

“Thanks for what?! Making me look like a complete fool in front of the attractive guy I met tonight?! He was doing nothing wrong!”

Satoru angled his body to face yours, “You thought he was attractive? Doesn’t seem like your type to be honest…”

You scoffed, folding your arms over your chest as you closed the gap of space while staring at him with raging eyes.

“Do not brush this off. You know you had absolutely no right to do that!”

“Well, excuse me for thinking I was doing you favor…”

“You weren’t!”

“I guess he must have been a terrible kisser, you seemed completely petrified…”

Your mouth circled, taken aback by his comment with the need to defend yourself becoming apparent. “I was not…”

“Ha! You mean to tell me you were actually enjoying that?” He lifted his shades, his baby blues radiating in the darkness. “Now, we both know that’s not you react if you’re really into it…”

You wanted to smack that smug grin off his face, choosing your words carefully for your rebuttal. “As a matter of fact, I was just about to ask him if we could back to his hotel for some privacy. You know, before we got too carried away in the heat of the moment right here on the street…”

A wicked lie but you fired your shot using Satoru’s own words against him. You could see the way the confidence fell from his face, hating that you enjoyed the second of pain.

“It’s not like I’m breaking any rules…”

Satoru clenched his jaw, “Does it look like I give a fuck about our rules right now? Instead of just talking me about why you’re upset, you decided to what? Punish me for sleeping with someone else?”

“You deserve it!”

You swallowed hard, shocked by how loud your voice grew with your response. You drew your attention to your arms holding you protectively as you shifted uncomfortably on your feet. The silence that followed hung heavily around you both. You were still simmering, knowing full well that this was not how the night was supposed to go.

“Don’t forget that I have no obligations to you, that comes with strings, which you made very clear from the start wouldn’t be attached to our arrangement…” Satoru spoke in a low tone, shaking his head in disbelief as an exasperated exhale escaped him. He brought the tips of his fingers underneath your chin before raising your head high. “Whether or not you think I deserve it, I’ve had to watch you pine after a man I couldn’t stand for years. One more night isn’t going to make a difference to me…”

You parted your lips at his confession, but he trailed his hand down to yours, interlacing his fingers as he proceeded to walk away.

“It’s getting late, we should get you home.”

***

The first time you and Gojo ever held hands was during the walk back to your place. His grip was secure around yours and you were quite aware of the size difference. He was guiding you with his long strides, forcing you to keep up but slowed his pace whenever he noticed you wobble on your heels. You walked until he managed to make it to one of the train stations.

Inside the train, the two of you found your place standing among the crowd. You were holding onto one the rails for support, but when the train halted at it’s first stop, you lost balance and tumbled into Satoru’s arms. He held you in place as you looked up, the two of you finally making eye contact after ignoring one another.

Your heart pounded uncontrollably in your chest and it has not stopped since Satoru let his comment slip. His words left you in a spiral of confusion; but you were now suffering from regret regarding your plans, since he admitted that it would have been redundant.

Since he admitted that he’s always been jealous of Haru…or at least, that’s how you understood it…

On your way back to your apartment, you began assessing the mess that was the night. You were tired of blaming yourself for a past that you couldn’t change and felt shameful for trying to drag Satoru into your issues. Despite the bliss that came out of this arrangement, the negative development of this week proved to you that you were not willing to put your friendship with him on the line.

As he dropped you off to your place, he waited as he watched you unlock the door to your apartment. With the key still in your hand you paused for a moment, considering your option of confronting his truth.

However, as much as you wanted Satoru to explain himself, tonight was a clear indication that you couldn’t bury yourself in something complicated. You needed to figure yourself out without the influence of somebody else around you, even though you actively kept avoiding that one option.

“You were right, about what you said. I didn’t want to hook up with that guy, I only said that because I wanted to make you angry…” you admitted softly, unable to turn around and look him in the eye in the hopes that it might be easier. “I think-I think we should stop this…”

You could hear him breathe soothingly behind you, your voice wavering as you continued, “…this is getting complicated, don’t you think?”

“Is that what you want? For us to go back to the way things were?” He seriously questioned.

You nodded your head, hoping that the gesture was enough for him to understand.

A shiver ran up your neck, feeling him brush the hair from your ear as he brought his lips down close to your skin.

“Fine by me,” he murmured, “but there’s something you should know…”

You closed your eyes, his fresh cologne enveloping you like a blanket of comfort.

“The woman I slept with…I only did it because of how much I missed you. I couldn’t stop thinking of you the entire time we were together. I always end up thinking about you…”

You inhaled, the words pouring out of him drowning you slowly. “Satoru…”

“I know I fucked up but I wasn’t trying to hurt you. I would never do that.”

“Wait, just…”

However, when you tried to turn your heel to face him, you felt his hands hold you by your hips to keep you in place.

“Give Rina a call before you head to bed. She was trying to get a hold of you earlier.”

He didn’t say goodbye but let go of you as he made his exit. You couldn’t remember how long you were standing outside your door for but the tears that streamed down your face brought you back to your senses as you finally made your way inside.

Nothing is supposed to change but you knew that things would never be able to return back to normal.

***

CHAPTER 15: UNREQUITED

#Gojo Satoru #Gojo Satoru x reader #Gojo x reader #satoru x reader #gojo x you #Gojo x reader insert #jjk fan fiction #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen fanficiton #jujutsu kaisen x reader #gojo smut #gojo fluff #gojo angst #this took me so long lol #for those who asked for an update! XD

323 notes · View notes

madisonbeersource · 2 years ago

Note

Woooooooow 💙 I had no idea there was a Beauty and the Beast movie had a French version! I love it! Now I know what the next movie I'm going to see is going to be! Thanks 😘

The trip through France is for a vacation with my family. In fact we are going to Auterive as a meeting point because my father has contacts there, and so we will take the opportunity to visit the area and pass through some of those beautiful villages 💫

Oh angel I really appreciate that you were willing to do a tour for me. You are wonderful 💖 So, you live up north, right? Near Paris, maybe? I ADORE Paris and can't wait to visit it. I really love all of France, its culture, its style, the language... I think I'm the biggest fan of it.

Ohhh YESSSS I totally agree Madison has a unique style and both her voice and music is very special. Your idea is amazing, if Madison ever released a fairy tale album... omg it would be a 🌟fantasy🌟 I support that idea to the fullest.

AAAAAAAAAAA Homesick is your favorite song too? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I'm going to scream with excitement 🤩

Also, in Mads last post she uploaded pics from the studio with the "finish line" message and I'm so excited! Do you think we'll have new song in August or maybe September? I'm hoping for sooner rather than later.

A big hug and take care of yourself, beautiful 💕

From your dear friend, Bri 🌘🛸🌙

YES the aesthetic is insane & the costumes? BEAUTIFUL!!

WOAH is it because your dad is part french or is he just cool like that?

OFC!!! you're part of this blog aka a part of the family SOOO that's the least i could do!! nope i live in the north west coast of france, Saint-Malo is you want to check it out!! but i was born in Paris! OMG this is so cute do u speak french?

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS she has!! like it's a 50s who meets sci-fi and had an affair with thrillers from the 90s you see what I mean? YES like with alice, alice would become the queen of heart by the end of the song idk something angelic with an inch of twisted to it!! but fr we have a concept here!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! i listened to it right after a moment where i felt so alonee that she described my thought perfectly and honestly this has been my favorite ever sicne but honestly i have too many favorites on this album that i couldn't even start to tell u haha!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS i would say september BUT i'll let her surprise us!!

thank u my love you too pls b safe always ♡

i love bri 🥺♡

#ask

8 notes · View notes

readerxlovestay · 3 years ago

Note

Hello, I’m the one who requested the fenrys fic

And i loved it alotttt thank you so so so much I can’t wait for the second part 🥺🥺🥺💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Fenrys x Reader

Summary: He finds his mate and takes her on a date (kinda?) And she learns more about the mating bond but mostly about him. She says yes to it too. Lots of fluff and you might see the angst if you squint really hard:)

Ref: E/c - your eye colour

H/c - your hair colour

Y/n - your name

A/n : YES! I'm so very glad that you loved it and this time, I really wanted to do the same. I tried my best here. Also I got carried away and it's a little longer than usual so please bear with me. Love you like always😘 Take care❣️

Forever with You - 2

Fenrys Pov:

He was still reeling from the mating bond. To make things worse, people were starting to stare and whisper but he couldn't stop himself from looking into his mate's pretty face.

Framing her stunning face was messy H/c hair thrown carelessly over one shoulder that revealed pointed ears just like his. Below gracefully arched eyebrows were her beautiful E/c eyes that peered at him through dark lashes. A cute nose and those very kissable lips that were still parted slightly in shock. Her cheeks had a light dusting of tint.

She wasn't all that perfect but she was his mate and that was more than anything he could ask for.

"Um if you don't mind, can we go?", her friend spoke up. "People are starting to look at us weird"

Y/n was the first to break eye contact. She looked like she was about to protest but thought better of it. He didn't get glance back from her as she brushed past, friend in tow and he let her go, only moving after he was sure he was in control of himself.

Considering how he wanted to take her away right then and there, he'd say he did okay.

He turned around, looking at the door from which she left, hands in his pockets. How was he going to approach her now? Maybe find her and ask her out nicely? Or was that too creepy? He honestly had no idea.

Fenrys have never hated Maeve more than he did that moment. His blood oath with her had slimmed, if not diminished any chances he had with the other Fae. So he didn't really know how he was supposed to get to know a female romantically or anything like that. But he wanted to try. Try to get to know his mate like what foods she loved, which line from a book made her smile, what scent reminded her of home, who made her laugh and everything else about her.

He left the shop in search of her. He had already scented her a while ago so he could pick out her individual delicate yet intoxicating fragrance. He started towards its direction.

Y/n's Pov:

Her traitorous heart instantly felt dull and missing when she exited the shop in a hurry. Even the voice was silent for once. She was his 'mate' apparently. Her heart argued otherwise, but still she hesitated.

She never thought she could have a mate. How could she? It made sense because how could anyone love someone like her? With the secrets and scars she carried.

"What was that?! Why was he calling you his mate?" Her friend interrupted her thoughts.

"I don't know. Maybe he mistook me for someone else"

The girl shrugged. "I wouldn't be so sure Y/n, 'cause he looked like he knew who he was approaching"

She frowned, because he did look like he knew where he was going. And yet he came to her. Who was that though?

"Have we seen him around by any chance?" Her friend questioned. Even Y/n was not sure. "I don't think so. Plus the male's clothes looked like he was royalty. We should be more careful around him"

Her friend pursed her lips looking behind her.

"Uhh...speaking of being careful, I think we are exactly not that"

"What?"

"The Fae's following us"

She whirled around and sure enough he was walking right behind them.

She felt like her body instantly wanted to throw itself in his arms. What the hell? What was going on with her? She strangely felt very responsive towards him. Maybe that was the mating bond? She didn't let herself dwell on it as she crossed her arms and waited till he came up to them.

He smiled which really softened his features and made him more alluring.

However, she stood still, watching him flinch under her gaze.

"Hey"

The male seemed very nervous though he looked all sassy and confident.

"So um..." She decided to spare him his suffering this time.

"Hello", she replied.

He kind of relaxed and continued speaking. "I think we have to talk about what happened at the store."

"What is there to talk about?"

He looked taken aback.

"So you didn't feel it?"

She considered refusing it. But then again, it would be like refusing her own feelings. What she had felt in that store was real, that much she was sure of. She glanced at him.

He was still a stranger after all, but he looked so hopeful at that moment that she would forever hate herself if she denied him. She nodded.

"I... I felt something, but I doubt its anything to be spoken about" Y/n looked pointedly at him. "Especially with someone I'm not familiar with"

"Oh" The male realized it and held out his hand. "Fenrys Moonbeam"

Immediately the gears turned in her head. Fenrys Moonbeam. She has heard this name a countless of times before, so he must be-

"You're The White Wolf of Doranelle?!" Her friend blurted out who had been silent all this while. "At your service"

He smirked and retrieved his unshaken hand from the air, clearly getting more comfortable. She narrowed her eyes, unimpressed.

"And why were you following us?"

"Well as I said before, I think we may be mates so how about someplace quiet to talk in private?" He gestured at all the people that they had been ignoring until now. "Just us"

She was reluctant. "My friend comes with me" But her friend backed away. "Nope. I'm not gonna be the third wheel here. You two can take all the time you want to talk about it. Explain more when you get back, I'll be at the house"

"But-"

"No buts. This is The White Wolf of Doranelle Y/n! Queen Aelin's close friend too". Her friend pulled Y/n close and whispered. "And I also trust you to land a blow if necessary" Y/n smiled a little at that. She winked before waving goodbye and walking off into the crowd.

She sighed and turned towards him.

Fenrys Pov:

"What was that?"

He could see that Y/n was hiding a smile. She shook her head slightly.

"Nothing"

He raised his eyebrows, smiling to himself.

"That's settled then. I know a good place but it'll take us some time to get there so I suggest we use magic"

She looked confused. "I don't have that kind of-"

"I meant mine. Now, if you would hold on tight"

Y/n widened her eyes as he placed a hand on the small of her back and whisked her away.

No one in the increasing crowd of people noticed two Fae disappear into thin air.

When they reappeared, his mate's side was flush against him. She was clutching his shirt in a death vise and had her eyes squeezed shut. He chuckled when she opened them.

"We're here"

She withdrew right away looking flustered.

"Yeah...okay let's go"

He led her inside the spacious inn. He could see her observing and taking mental notes of everything silently.

"How did you do that?" She asked.

He shrugged. "I've always been able to travel like that. Even my-" He immediately caught himself. Even my brother could do that, was what he wanted to say but he wasn't ready for that conversation just yet. She just looked at him curiously. He dusted an invisible fleck of dust on his shirt.

"Let's get a table"

After they were seated comfortably, a barmaid came up. "What would you like to have?"

"The usual", he replied eyes on his mate.

She looked at Y/n with pure envy.

"And you?" Even her words had a bite to it.

"Watch it", he drawled.

No one talked to his mate like that, even she hasn't accepted it yet.

The barmaid had tried countless of time to woo him and he had rejected her advances from time to time. Still she never took a hint.

"Just water please", Y/n said, looking surprised at his comment.

The barmaid turned away with a swish of her hips. He wanted to roll his eyes but his mate was all business.

"So you said we were mates, how do I know it's true?"

His eyes crinkled in amusement.

"And here I thought you'd be happy to have me as your mate"

She raised an eyebrow. He tilted his head. They both stared down at each other like cats ready to pounce. His lips twitched.

This game, where she matched his energy and stood up to him while he tested her waters, was honestly turning him on. Her gaze was level, never distracted or distant, and he held it, a challenge in his eyes. She seemed to acknowledge his attention to her, and there was a twinkle in hers.

Fenrys felt like dreaming. He was actually being with her, his mate and he was living every single second of it.

"I asked you a question", she exclaimed without breaking eye contact.

"And I will answer it", he replied doing the same. "Give me your hand"

"What for?"

"So I can show you the actual bond"

"Is hand holding really necessary?", She asked, extending her arm across the table. He smirked.

"It's not, but looks very romantic doesn't it? She tried to scowl but he could see that she was fighting a smile and he almost went in for those lips.

She was just so beautiful. He took her hand in his and watched goosebumps rise up on her arm.

She left a silent gasp. He was instantly concerned.

"Did I hurt you?"

"No... It's actually..." She shook her head to herself. "It's nothing... I think I felt something"

Her hand tightened in his.

"What next?"

He straightened.

"Now close your eyes"

Y/n's Pov:

It was like a fireworks happening in her mind when she touched him. The dark emptiness that always seemed to loom around in her mind was dulled. Muted. She could actually feel herself alone after a long, long time. And she revelled in it. The constant drab of the voice was nowhere to be seen. She sighed through her nose. This was nice.

"Once you proceed through your memories, you'll find a wall", Fenrys' voice guided her.

Y/n concentrated on herself and floated past her memories.

Her dad kissing her bruised knee, her mother swinging her around and many more like that. She schooled her expression under control when the bad ones came up. She skipped through all of them, and finally found the back of her mind, where she could feel her mental wall. It felt familiar, like it was always there and she had forgotten about it.

"Found it", she said out loud, keeping her eyes closed.

"Now look for a tether. Its not physical but it's a part of you", he said clasping her hand gently. "Like a bridge or a rope"

She moved along the wall, feeling its surface. It was made of a mixture of her forgotten dreams and thoughts. And there was the tether, somehow connected to it. She couldn't really see it but she felt its comforting presence.

Without her mate telling her what to do, she followed its path, not caring where it led to, and stopped right before another wall.

A crack opened up, as if just for her, and she slipped past.

She was welcomed by memories and wishes, dreams and nightmares alike.

"This is me. This is my mind that you're in right now, and it will always be open for you", Fenrys' solemn voice distracted her. "Now that you're in there, I wanna show you something funny"

Before she could do move, her mind was tossed into another place, another time.

Y/n looked at herself. She was there as a faint form, only that she was in Fenrys' mind.

Was that Queen Aelin? Why was she running after Lady Lysandra?

"I didn't steal your chocolates! I swear to god!"

So it was one of his memories.

"Then who was it?!", Aelin shrieked, making Y/n laugh. "I dont know! Ask Fenrys!". Uh oh.

"Fen I'm going to kill you!"

From his eyes, she could see Queen Aelin head straight to his hiding place, looking like she might actually kill him. He bolted out of reach.

"They were tasty, can you blame me?"

And Aelin's expression got murderous.

"Exactly the reason why it was labelled 'Positively do not touch'. Those were meant for me"

Fenrys shrugged innocently. "Oops, guess I didn't notice"

Y/n watched as Queen Aelin made a run for it and yell in annoyance as Fen vanished.

"I'll make up for it, I promise!", Fenrys' voice could be heard from nearby. "Don"t kill me just yet!"

Y/n opened her eyes, smiling softly, as he gently tugged her hand.

"And that's why I get Aelin, her monthly stash of chocolates without fail" He smiled back at her. "I'll show you a bit more"

-time skip-

So for the next few minutes, Fenrys' showed her bits and pieces of his life and it didn't take much for her to understand him. She could feel his pain and agony over his brother, among other things.

My mate.

The scene changed to when he first saw her amidst the crowd. It felt like finding answer to the one question that he had been searching for all his life, similar to the unacknowledged feeling she felt, when she first saw him.

It slowly faded out and she opened her eyes to Fenrys' sad smile.

It was like seeing him in a whole new light. She understood that this was his way of telling her that he was vulnerable to her. That this mentally bruised and shut down male was hers. And it was completely up to her if she accepted him or not.

She knew he wouldn't pursue her anymore if she ends up not choosing him, but she simply didn't want to. She had started warming up to the idea of him and besides, she knew that the mating bond didn't happen to anybody and it was irreplaceable.

She smiled at him.

"I really appreciate this, thank you"

"You don't have to thank me" His eyes twinkled. "I simply did what any mate would do"

She nodded at him.

"So is that a yes?"

Y/n grinned slowly. "Maybe"

"What? After everything I showed you, all I get is a maybe?!"

She laughed and he smirked. "Honestly I wouldn't mind a maybe, if I get to see you laugh like that"

Her expression turned serious. "However, I would like to take this slow" She glanced at her hand covered by his. "One step at a time"

He gave her a grin that melted her insides.

"I can live with that." He lifted her hand to brush a kiss over her knuckles that made her toes curl, and placed it back. "when I have forever to get to know you"

#fenrys moonbeam x reader #tog x reader #tog #aedion ashryver #fenrys x reader #fenrys moonbeam #fenrys is my boy #thankyou for the ask #bye bye

82 notes · View notes

gretagerwigsmuse · 1 year ago

Text

oh my GOD elle!! the jenny slate ‘who will come into my kitchen and be hungry for me’ of it all!!! everything about this chapter made me feel like i was in the backyard/kitchen with them. all the little details and personal intimacies just gave me the warmest feeling. i’m excited to see what the girls get up to with their scheming in the future, but for now here are my fave parts 💕

Bradley pulls her out of the way of Harvard and Fritz playfighting to be first in line. “Careful, wouldn’t want you to catch an elbow with that cute lil nose of yours.” His thick arm wrapped around her waist, and the way he has to bend down to talk into her ear gets her heart pumping. She feels small next to him; she never feels small. - i know you put this in the sneak peek and i already gushed! but i love this little moment so much! like picturing his voice all rumble-y and his big arm around her waist would make me do a lot more than have my face heat up like mary’s. also bradley calling her miss mary is so cute

“Anyway, it turned out to be a huge mistake because he barnacled himself to me for the rest of the semester and apparently for the rest of my life.” - barnacled! i’m obsessed with that it’s so perfect because i can just picture college age reuben and mary attached at the hip in those labs of theirs. also rico suave??? legitimately laughed out loud

Mary always takes this as her cue to escape, knowing her romantic luck is the worst of them all, and she would win hands down. This time around, she collects the dinner dishes and sneaks through the back door, making a clean getaway until Bradley turns to whisper a joke in her ear and realizes she’s gone. - this is so so GOOD! i just love that even tho she tries to sneak away and make her self invisible, bradley still notices her? and notices her absence?? and that it’s like second nature to lean over and say something cheeky to her in group settings

The dark strands making the rosiness of her round cheeks stand out as she cleans up. - she’s so lovely ☺️

The best part of his night was when she sat on the stool beside him for a breather. Bradley bought her a drink and made small talk; his brain unable to create meaningful conversation once he felt the soft material of her dress brush his calf. And then she was gone again, pulled back to the dartboard by Jake, who was happy to have someone to compete against. He had spent the rest of the night watching Jake joke with her. Mary’s laugh was the only thing in Bradley’s head when he went to bed that night. - i’m being 100% serious when i say my eyes welled up? like i can’t describe it but this is so soft and sweet. i’m dying to know what her impression of him from that night is especially since she probably didn’t know his stilted small talk was because he was nervous? and then bradley being jealous that she spent time with jake and javy 🥺

When Bradley realizes no one is paying attention to him, he gathers the rest of the dirty dishes and heads inside. - i love how this mirrors what she does earlier? no one’s looking, so he sneaks away (tbh she was probably staring at him in the kitchen window)

Mary feels her cheeks get darker at the compliment. Damn him for being handsome and sweet. - she just thinks he’s being sweet and kind 🥺

“…I just want to make sure everything else is as done as possible before I bring dessert out; those dishes can run in the dishwasher tonight.” - okay but this is the hallmark of being a good - and smart - hostess! do as much as you can while your guests are preoccupied so you’re not up all night cleaning (or worse doing it in the morning blegh). i want to try all of her food even tho i know i would probably fudge some of it (like bradley eventually does 🥺 there’s just so much potential with that)

Bradley watches in awe as she moves around the kitchen with an ease he’s never seen before; it’s like watching a one-person waltz. - this entire paragraph is so pretty and lyrical

“Which was funny for a while, until a guy she used to date and his group of assholes caught wind of it and turned it into something decidedly not funny.” - so curious what they turned it into now? will we ever find out?

As the attention moves away from her, Mary curls in on herself, feeling vulnerable about the information she had shared. The other women notice and make eye contact, a silent conversation passing between them. - oh all those poems we talked about earlier are really hitting again 🥺 sweet girl

Bradley’s heart stops from where he’s eavesdropping in a lawn chair. Is that why she never responds to my flirting? He feels like an ass, trying to catch the attention of a woman who potentially doesn’t even like men. “She flirts with Jake all the time!” Bradley chugs the rest of his beer. - why is he so stinkin cute? god it’s really not fair that he’s so charming and sweet but also insecure and i just loved how you formatted this part with separate paragraphs for the line about her “flirting” with jake and bradley chugging his beer

They subtlety observe as Mary leans into his side, giggling and whispering in his ear about something as she gestures towards the game. Bradley throws his head back as he laughs, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and dipping his head down to respond. - i have proper butterflies in my stomach!!! they are so precious and good and sweet and lovely and that she only feels small around bradley gahhhhh

“…Rooster moves slower than molasses in January when he’s interested in a woman for something more than a night.” - see now this line i find interesting and wonder if it’ll get back to someone? 👀

Mar(r)y Me | part two

pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Mariella “M&M” Vertucci (fem!OC)

summary: A love story told through friendship, laughter, and food.

series warnings: 18+ minors DNI, discussion of insecurities, difficult family relationships, discussions of food and alcohol use, extremely brief mentions of emotionally abusive ex-bf, eventual smut, warnings to be added as needed

word count: 3.4k

main masterlist

note: happy Friday! part two is here! and we meet Bradley today! thank you for the love on part one, I hope you all have a great weekend <3 (side note: if anyone recognizes where I adapted the very last line from, we are now best friends)

part two - strawberry shortcake

“Can we eat now? I’m tired of waiting for the chicken man!”

“Hangman, he’s five minutes late, and if you keep whining like a baby, you will be the last in line for food.” Mary’s hand shoots across the island, slapping the blonde’s hand away from the food. “Don’t even fucking think about it! Go sit in the living room!”

“Ow! I liked you better when you were too shy to yell at us yet.” He sulks into the next room, holding his hand to his chest. Only his ego is bruised, but Mary can hear him looking for sympathy from his best friend, giggling when she hears Coyote’s less-than-loving response.

“What’re you laughing at?”

“Oh my god!” She whips around, hand flying to her chest in a futile attempt to slow her heart. “Bradley! I didn’t hear you come in!”

“Sorry, Miss Mary, didn’t mean to scare ya.” The smirk on his face contradicting his apology.

She narrows her eyes. “Oh, you find this funny, bird boy? Hey Hangman?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“You’re no longer at the back of the line for food! Rooster will be taking that spot from you.”

A celebratory shout comes from the living room while Bradley protests, “That’s not fair!”

“Guess you shouldn’t have laughed at me. Okay! Come get food while it’s still hot!” She’s almost bulldozed by the herd of hungry aviators storming their way into the kitchen. Bradley pulling her out of the way of Harvard and Fritz playfighting to be first in line.

“Careful, wouldn’t want you to catch an elbow with that cute lil nose of yours.” His thick arm wrapped around her waist, and the way he has to bend down to talk into her ear gets her heart pumping. She feels small next to him; she never feels small. Mary pats his arm in thanks before wiggling away to establish order of the buffet she laid out in the Fitches' kitchen, her face feeling as hot as the sausage she’d cooked up.

“Boys, stop fighting.” She thumps Fritz’s head as she passes, “Danielle and Reuben get food first; it’s their house.”

“Traditionally, the hosts go last!”

“It may be their house, but I cooked everything, so I’m the host, and I say the pregnant lady and her husband go first.” Danielle smacks Mary’s butt as she passes by to grab a plate. “This isn’t officially Reuben and Danielle’s anniversary, but it’s very close, so I’ve made a lot of their favorites tonight. All the food is labeled, but let me know if you have questions, and drinks are in the cooler in the yard, so help yourself before you sit down! Coyote?”

“We’re ignoring the slap?”

“Yes. It’s been over fifteen years, and nothing has stopped her yet; it’s just part of my life now.”

Danielle scoffs, “Oh, please. Like you don’t love it. I know for a fact that when you dated-”

“Okay! Hey! Have you guys ever heard the story of how Reuben and Danielle got together? It’s really embarrassing for Reuben.”

“No, but I would love to hear it!” Fanboy pipes up, just like she knew he would, getting Danielle off the topic of her former boyfriend, the one who had a thing for spanking.

“You haven’t even told Fanboy? Your WSO?” Danielle looks at her husband in faux shock. “Well, now Mary has to tell it!”

“Please do not tell this story.” Reuben groans from his seat, realizing his two favorite women aren't joking.

“Picture this. It's August 2007. The Phoenix spacecraft is on course for Mars, Ed Hardy is taking over men’s fashion, and it’s the first week of classes at SUNY Buffalo. I’m waiting outside of my 8AM chemistry lab with like twenty other students, all of whom are lax bros. This tall, lanky kid,” Mary jabs a thumb in the direction of Reuben, “-comes walking up, plants himself next to me on the bench outside the lab, and says, “Yo, I know the formula for table salt; what else could I possibly need to know?” and me, being the wonderful person I am, I took pity on him and made him my lab partner.”

“You just didn’t want to get partnered with those guys from the golf team.”

“I will not lie; that was a factor in my decision. Anyway, it turned out to be a huge mistake because he barnacled himself to me for the rest of the semester and apparently for the rest of my life.”

“I am a delight!”

“I dragged us through that class, kicking and screaming the entire way.” She explains how their duo became a trio after Reuben walked directly into Danielle. “She hit the sidewalk so hard, and Rico Sauvé over there froze, staring at her like an idiot while I helped her off the ground and apologized for him. I wish I could remember what I said… do you remember Danielle?”

“You said, and I’m quoting here, “I’m so sorry about him. I would make a joke about him being so tall that he doesn’t get enough oxygen, but the fact of the matter is that he’s just a fucking idiot.” And then she smacked him in the stomach to reboot him.”

The team erupts in laughter, Yale heckling him. “Bro! You knocked her over? That’s so bad; I can’t believe she went out with you!”

“Oh, I didn’t! Matchmaker Mariella convinced me to give him a shot after she and I became friends sophomore year. He was too scared to ask me out.” Danielle’s statement makes the laughter worse, tears gathering in Fanboy’s eyes.

“And it worked out, didn’t it?” Reuben leans over to kiss his wife. “We’ve been together for fifteen years, five moves, and two kids. Not too bad, huh, baby?”

“Oh god! Keep it in your pants; there are impressionable, young minds present!”

Danielle flips Hangman off, “Annie isn’t old enough to realize what’s going on!”

“Forget Annabeth! I was talking about Bob!”

That begins the biweekly argument of Phoenix defending her back-seater, which then spirals into whose dating life is the most pathetic. Omaha has won the past nine times for his horrible flirting techniques that have a 4% chance of working, according to Yale’s calculations. Mary always takes this as her cue to escape, knowing her romantic luck is the worst of them all, and she would win hands down. This time around, she collects the dinner dishes and sneaks through the back door, making a clean getaway until Bradley turns to whisper a joke in her ear and realizes she’s gone.

He scans the backyard, coming up empty until his eyes hit the kitchen window. For a minute he watches her doing dishes and bobbing her head to the radio perched on the windowsill in front of her, admiring how the pieces of hair that have escaped from her claw clip frame her face. The dark strands making the rosiness of her round cheeks stand out as she cleans up.

She’s so beautiful.

The same thought had passed through his mind eight months earlier when he first met the Fitch family’s best friend. It had been a regular night out at the Hard Deck. Everything was going as expected, except for Payback’s behavior. The normally calm and collected pilot bounced between groups, his neck on a constant swivel to the front door. After minimal prodding, he announced that his wife and his best friend from college were running late. Rooster was expecting another man similar to his teammate; a funny, chill guy, probably someone who had been on the swim team with Reuben.

He was thrown for a loop when Danielle stormed through the door, yelling about the babysitter being late and pulling a gorgeous brunette behind her.

Payback had tucked the mystery woman under his arm and introduced her to the group. “Everyone, this is my bestest friend, Mariella Vertucci. She is a brilliant mechanical engineer, an excellent cook, and an even better baker. Also, she’s single.”

“Oh my god, Reuben, stop it!” She had blushed and tried to duck away; her wide smile made Bradley’s heart flutter. He immediately wanted to talk to her, buy her a drink, play her favorite song on the piano, anything to get her to smile at him like that.

He had been disappointed when he learned she was only visiting for a few days. His disappointment had grown when Hangman and Coyote monopolized her time after finding out she had a knack for darts. The best part of his night was when she sat on the stool beside him for a breather. Bradley bought her a drink and made small talk; his brain unable to create meaningful conversation once he felt the soft material of her dress brush his calf. And then she was gone again, pulled back to the dartboard by Jake, who was happy to have someone to compete against. He had spent the rest of the night watching Jake joke with her. Mary’s laugh was the only thing in Bradley’s head when he went to bed that night.

He looks over at Jake now, where - for his own entertainment - the blonde man is turning the dating life comparisons into a game of cornhole. Content to stand on the sidelines with Annabeth snuggled on his chest and watch what is sure to turn into a disastrously overly competitive tournament.

When Bradley realizes no one is paying attention to him, he gathers the rest of the dirty dishes and heads inside. “I saw you sneak away; you missed my joke about Hangman getting stood up twice in the same week.”

“I try not to give Dani a chance to bring up my past mistakes; it works out better for everyone considering how often she’s set me up on a failed blind date.” She makes a face over her shoulder, making both of them laugh.

“Dinner was great, by the way. I haven’t had a homecooked meal like that in years.”

Mary feels her cheeks get darker at the compliment. Damn him for being handsome and sweet.

“I’m glad you liked it. I always- oh! I love this song; can you turn it up? My hands are all soapy.”

“Big Steve Miller Band fan, huh?” Bradley laughs and twists the knob. “What are we listening to?”

“The oldies station - 105.6 - they play everything from before 1990! I love them; it’s just like when I used to spend the day with my grandparents. They have a Big Band Music Monday, and if I close my eyes when Glen Miller is playing, I swear I can smell my Nona's perfume.” His smile matches hers, the joy of childhood memories splayed across her face as she rinses plates.

“Which towel should I use to dry?”

“You don’t have to-” Her voice gets louder as she talks over him, sensing the protest that’s coming. “But! If you’re going to insist, grab a fresh one from that drawer right there. And don’t worry about the pots and pans; Reuben likes to let those air-dry overnight. I just want to make sure everything else is as done as possible before I bring dessert out; those dishes can run in the dishwasher tonight.”

Bradley pauses where he’s putting silverware away, watching Mary sway to the music. “You made dessert too?”

“Yeah, we’re having my version of strawberry shortcake. It’s a twist on their wedding cake which was vanilla cake with strawberry filling.” She answers distractedly, closely examining a roasting dish that won’t come clean.

“You made their wedding cake too?”

She giggles at his shocked tone. “No, I had just moved to Missouri when they got engaged, so most of my maid of honor duties were performed virtually. But I did help pick the cake flavors out when I was up for the shower.”

“Lots of yelling at vendors on the phone?”

“Occasionally, when it was needed. I’m not a fan of yelling at people if it’s not necessary.”

“You yell at work all the time.”

“That’s because you idiots don’t listen to me! My entire career has been learning the best ways to fix those expensive ass planes you fly in every single day, yet you don’t listen when I-” She cuts herself off and flicks water at him when she realizes he’s teasing her. “You’re not funny, mister.”

“Sorry, sweetheart, it’s just too easy sometimes.” He knows he’s not really in trouble when she can’t hold her grin back.

“Just keep drying so we can have dessert.”

The two work quietly together, cleaning and packing up leftovers, seventies hits floating through the kitchen. As Mary cleans the sink, she looks at Bradley, who is trying to figure out which cabinet the serving platters go in. “When you get those put away, could you grab the strawberries from the garage fridge?”

Bradley hums his agreement, grinning at her when she points to the correct cupboard before heading out to the garage.

“As you requested.” He laughs at the grabby hands she makes towards the green container in his arms as he reenters the kitchen, eyes going wide when she removes the lid. “Shit, those look awesome.”

Mary’s nose scrunches at the compliment. “It’s because they’re super fresh. I picked them up from my favorite farm stand on the way home. And I used the sugar-to-berry ratio my Aunt Denna perfected years ago.”

Bradley watches in awe as she moves around the kitchen with an ease he’s never seen before; it’s like watching a one-person waltz. Her hands carefully fold the strawberries together, gently stirring them so they don’t break. Once combined to her standards, she plucks a sharp knife from out of nowhere and begins cutting the cake into even slices without any measuring. Mary does this while instructing him to get dessert plates out; her hips never stop moving to the music.

She stacks everything onto a serving tray that was hiding next to the fridge. It looks precariously balanced, and Bradley is about to offer his assistance when she swings the tray onto her shoulder and makes her way through the sliding door with no problems. He stands there for a second, stupidly staring after her like a lump on a log when he realizes she forgot the serving spoon.

He grabs the utensil and follows her path to the deck, a cheesy grin spreading across his face as he watches her realize she forgot something. She turns as Bradley brandishes the spoon in front of him like a sword and bows. “For you, m’lady.”

The peanut gallery pipes up. “Oh my god, Bradshaw. That was painful to watch.”

“No dessert for you, Jake.”

“Oh, come on!” Jake holds Annabeth up from his chest. “I was gonna share with little Oakley Annie here! You can’t take dessert away from me! You’re depriving her!”

“Dude, you have got to stop using my kid as a bargaining chip every time you make M&M mad.” The defeat in Danielle’s voice sends laughter through the group.

“For dessert, we’ve got strawberry shortcake with a Vertucci family twist. And a limited amount of whipped cream to go around, so please don’t go crazy until everyone has some, okay?”

A chorus of “Yes, ma’am” comes back at her as she hands the first plate to Dani, who had elbowed her way to the front of the line, using her pregnant belly to her advantage.

Mary is fulfilling Harvard’s request for extra syrup on his cake when Callie’s voice raises the question on several aviator’s minds. “Hey Mary, why is your callsign M&M?”

“Oh… uh….” She hesitates for a second before remembering she can trust these people. “Growing up in a bakery, I’ve always been the designated person to bring treats. Even in college, I was that person. After people found out I was the one who made the food, I would always jokingly get proposed to, and people started the “Marry Me” nickname. Which is such a brilliant play on my name.”

“Which was funny for a while, until a guy she used to date and his group of assholes caught wind of it and turned it into something decidedly not funny.” The anger in Reuben’s voice stops any potential questions.

“Yes, and then my knight in shining swim trunks over there almost got kicked off the team for fighting, and my ex got a knee to the family jewels courteous of the knight’s red-haired partner.” She rolls her eyes at the memory of how proud her two friends were to be in trouble for defending her honor. “Anyway, that pretty much killed the nickname, but M&M took its place.”

The yard is quiet, no one entirely sure what to say.

“I still can’t stand Austin.”

“I’m pretty sure he can’t stand you either after you sent one of his balls back into his body.” Mary snorts, feeling uncomfortable that the conversation about her emotionally abusive ex is still going. “It’s okay, everyone. That was a long time ago, and I brought M&M with me as my unofficial call sign when I started working with the Navy.”

It’s awkward for another minute until Hangman gets cornhole going again, handing Annabeth off to join the women at the picnic table. The game quickly gets competitive between the guys, and the evening returns to normal. As the attention moves away from her, Mary curls in on herself, feeling vulnerable about the information she had shared. The other women notice and make eye contact, a silent conversation passing between them.

“What a dingus. If I was your ex, I would have proposed to you for real after trying your mac and cheese.”

“Callie, I called dibs after she made those cupcakes at Easter.” Natasha protests.

“Absolutely not! Of anyone, I get the first crack at her; I’ve known her the longest.”

“Danielle, I know you’re pregnant, but I will literally fight you.”

It’s enough to break the tension and make Mary laugh. “Ladies, ladies, please, no fighting. There’s enough of my food to go around.”

“And what about you? There’s only enough of you for one of us.” Nat throws an arm around Callie’s shoulders, winking at her fellow aviator, silly smiles spreading across their faces.

“I think if we really tried, there would be plenty of me for both of you.” She winks back before taking a stack of empty plates inside.

The table settles into a stunned silence, Danielle’s laugh interrupting after a few seconds. “I forgot you guys haven’t seen Mary flirt before!”

“She flirts with Jake all the time!”

Bradley chugs the rest of his beer.

“No, that’s not flirting. They’re just bantering each other. Besides, Jake is a good-looking guy, but he’s not really what she looks for in a man.”

“Oh! Forget Jake! She is single, right? Because I have a friend who would be perfect for her, she’s a middle school math teacher, and she has the same sense of humor as Mary!”

Danielle lowers her voice, “She is single, and she’s said now that she’s more settled out here, she wants to try dating again. But if everything goes the way I think it will, there will be no need for us to set her up.”

“What do you-” Natasha gets cut off by Danielle pointing at something off the deck.

The three women turn their attention to the backyard. At some point during their conversation, Mary had slipped past them and settled next to Bradley on the two-seater Adirondack chair. They subtlety observe as Mary leans into his side, giggling and whispering in his ear about something as she gestures towards the game. Bradley throws his head back as he laughs, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and dipping his head down to respond. They watch as Mary buries her head in his shoulder to muffle her laughter, and three sets of eyebrows raise in unison as the back of Bradley’s neck turns redder than the strawberries they’d just eaten.

“Wow. I vote that we only intervene if those two take longer than three months to get their shit together.” Callie looks around the table for concurrence.

Natasha grimaces. “Usually, I’d agree, but they’ll probably end up needing a nudge. Rooster moves slower than molasses in January when he’s interested in a woman for something more than a night.”

“They’ll definitely need a nudge, and I’m already working on it because, lemme tell you…” Danielle pauses, her heart warming at the shy smile on her best friend’s face as Bradley pulls her further into his body. “He’s in there with the champ.”

thank you for reading <3 if you would like to be added (or removed) from the tag list just send me an ask! have a good one!

fic tag | credit for dividers here

#bradley fic #i want everyone to read this so we can all collectively lose our minds over it

77 notes · View notes