#i did love his little cropped ruffle shirt but it made everything way too busy

[hybrix-hijinx]

Cascada Bad Boy Nightcore Lookin Ass

An old doodle from before leokumi week, and before I had Leo's more finalized design figured out/worked out feather details with Takumi's

[vannahfanfics]

Worthy

Category: Romantic Fluff

Fandom: My Hero Academia

Characters: Shoto Todoroki, Momo Yaoyorozu

Hey, everyone! I'm happy to present the piece I wrote for the @todorokibigbang! Enjoy some TodoMomo wedding fluff <3 Also, be sure to check out the absolutely stunning art by my partner, @danyartime​! 

Shoto sucked in a deep breath as he straightened his bowtie for the tenth time in the last minute, using his reflection in the mirror to ensure that the wine red accessory hugged the collar of his white button-down shirt snugly. As his hands fell, they automatically itched to smooth down the nonexistent creases in the thick, sleek fabric of his tuxedo jacket. He smoothed his palms down his front anyway, until they met the band of his black dress pants. Just as he began to wonder if he should re-shine his shoes, he realized just exactly where his mind was derailing and smiled sardonically to himself. 

Natsuo told me about the pre-wedding jitters, but I never imagined they would be this bad. 

Of course, Shoto had no compulsions to flee the altar; proposing to his soon-to-be wife was the greatest decision he had ever made. He would happily give her his heart, his world, everything he could offer, and more without sparing a second thought. However, as he stood there fidgeting in front of the floor-length mirror, listening to his groomsmen bicker and laugh in the adjoining room, Shoto would be remiss to admit that he wasn’t nervous. 

He couldn’t help but wonder if he was deserving of all this— friends and family to surround him as he passes into the next chapter of his life and a successful career as a burgeoning pro hero with a sound investment in an agency that he, Izuku, and Katsuki were slowly building from the ground up—all of which he could share with his beloved. After all the trials and tribulations of his young life, it all seemed so… easy. Shoto was far from perfect and had his regrets, so how could this wonderful life just have fallen into his hands?

As he ruminated, he smacked his lips, his mouth going uncomfortably dry, eyebrows furrowed as he sipped at a bottle of water. Shoto had never entertained these thoughts before—not when he graduated, not when he broke out as a professional hero, and not even on his worst days when he couldn’t save anyone—so it was mighty conspicuous that his subconscious chose now of all days to second-guess himself. He scrunched up his face as he tried to will away the anxiety gnawing at his insides. 

Ever since high school, you’ve worked hard to become who you are now. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the comforts you slaved for… he told himself, but it rang hollowly in his heavy heart. He drained the water bottle and tossed it in the trash, grimace not leaving his face. His tongue still felt bone-dry and coated with ash. As he paced the small room, rubbing his sweaty palms on his thighs, there was a quiet knock at the door that led to the hallway. 

“Hey, Sho, it’s us!” called Natsuo’s cheerful voice, followed by Fuyumi chirping a greeting. Running a hand through his hair and checking himself in the mirror to make sure he didn’t look too rattled, he hurried to the door and opened it. His elder siblings wore identical smiles as they looked him up and down. 

“You sure clean up nice,” Natsuo grinned as he looped an arm around Shoto’s neck and tugged him down to affectionately ruffle his hair. “Look at you, so big now that you’re getting married, huh? Man, how time flies.”

Shoto grunted as he tugged himself away, indignantly smoothing down his hair. The strands were fine and ordered enough that he didn’t have to bother doing anything, but he didn’t want to meet his bride with flyaways sticking up all over his head. “Natsuo…” 

“Hey, stud, not having any second thoughts, are you?” the white-haired man grinned playfully, nudging him with an elbow. Shoto blinked, floored by his elder brother’s sudden inquiry. 

“What? Of course not!” he answered in bewilderment. Natsuo seemed entertained and had no implications that it was an inappropriate thing to ask. 

“Good, good!” Natsuo chimed. He then glanced at Fuyumi as she began to sniffle. 

“I can’t believe it… Our Shoto is all grown up…” she moaned and dabbed at the tears blooming in the corners of her eyes. “Next thing you know, he’ll be having babies and will slowly move out of our lives…” 

Shoto turned beet red at the mention of having children. It wasn’t out of the question, but it certainly wasn’t on his mind right now, so it unnerved him a little to have it brought up in conversation. He swallowed the nervous nausea in favor of stepping forward to wrap his sister up in a gentle hug. He was taller than her now, so she could nestle right into the crook of his shoulder and cry. 

“Fuyumi, I’m not going anywhere,” he laughed lightly. “You’re still my family. I know life gets busy, but I’m still going to make every effort to see you all.” 

“Really?” Fuyumi gasped as her head snapped up. Shoto tried not to laugh at the black smudges of mascara under her eyes and smiled reassuringly. 

“Of course,” he said before leaning down to kiss the top of her head. The sweet action made Fuyumi start blubbering again, and no amount of dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief prevented the mascara from streaming down her flushed cheeks. Natsuo led her away to the bathroom, trying to suppress his snickers as Fuyumi wailed about “what a good young boy Shoto turned out to be,” and left Shoto in the doorway. 

What a good young boy he turned out to be, her words echoed in the dark of his mind. Though her words should fill him with pride and love, the only thing that rose up within Shoto was the cold emptiness of doubt. He leaned in the doorframe as his breath left him in a heavy sigh, and he stared at the place his siblings had rounded the corner. Fuyumi’s crying face flashed in his mind. 

Why was she crying in the first place? Why would she ever think that I would abandon them? The notion made nervous butterflies flutter in his stomach. Had Shoto perhaps been negligent with his family? Sure, they were the textbook definition of dysfunctional, but after his first semester at U.A., he’d done his best to try to mend their fractured relationship. Had he not done enough? Did Fuyumi really believe that now that he’d found a wife, he’d just make his own little family and forget all about them? 

He scowled as that irritating dryness returned to his mouth, making him run a hand over his lips. His entire family would be attending the ceremony today. He thought that was because they were there to support him, but could it be mere pretense? Or worse, did they all believe that after today they would see less and less of him until routine visits became replaced with excuses? He squirmed in the doorway as a pang of guilt began to prickle at him. 

Before he could dwell on that unsettling thought, someone called his name from down the hall. He looked up to see the looming bulk of his father striding towards him. Shoto involuntarily straightened up, blinking as Enji came to a stop in front of him. 

“Hello, son,” Enji coughed uncomfortably, tugging at the baby-blue tie tucked into his gray suit jacket. Shoto could tell that Enji was trying to hide his nervousness by the way he kept his head held high and the nervous twitches in his face muscles. Even now, after Shoto had grown into a young man, their relationship still had its strains, yet Shoto wasn’t petty enough to deny his father witnessing his marriage, so he’d still invited him. Enji’s eyes raked over him before giving an approving nod. “It suits you,” he said with a vague gesture to his tuxedo. 

“Thanks.” 

Enji shuffled his weight from one large foot to the other, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he struggled to gather his words. “Father, is there something you want to say?” 

“I, uh,” Enji gulped and scratched at his close-cropped auburn hair. “I just wanted… I just wanted to tell you… how proud I am of you, Shoto,” he mumbled, voice dropping with every word. Shoto’s face blanched in shock, causing him to just stare dumbly up at his father. Enji continued to fidget nervously, fumbling through his fatherly dotage. “You’ve, uh… You’ve come a long way. I know that a part of you will never forgive me for what I’ve done, and I know now that the way I treated you was not right. I’m, uh… very grateful that you’re even allowing me to be here to see you get married.” 

“Father, it’s not—” 

“Please let me finish,” Enji blurted, going a little pink in the face. Shoto nodded respectfully, and Enji grumbled under his breath, “How should I say this?” He contemplated anxiously for a moment before continuing, “You’re a fine young man and a fine young hero, a better one than I ever could have dreamed of, and you did that all on your own. Even if I don’t deserve it, it’s an honor to call you my son.” 

Shoto’s throat bobbed as it grew a little tight. 

“Thanks, Father…” 

“I know you’ll go on to do amazing things,” Enji said, seeming to relax as Shoto didn't outright reject his sentiments. He laid a large hand on Shoto’s shoulders. “You’ve made a promising career for yourself because of your hard work in school. Japan couldn’t ask for a finer hero.” Enji held onto his shoulder a second before he coughed uncomfortably and retracted. “I, um… I had better go now. Sorry if I interrupted anything.” It looked like he wanted to embrace Shoto, but he merely offered him a handshake. Shoto shook his hand, still slightly dazed from his father’s emotional speech, and then watched him head towards the entryway. 

Enji paused and looked back at him with knitted eyebrows. 

“Are you… Are you all right, Shoto? You seem tense. You aren’t having any second thoughts, are you?” 

There it is again… Why was everyone asking that? Was that just a thing people asked the groom on their wedding day? Was it really that common for grooms to leave their brides? 

“Of course not, Father. I couldn’t be happier.” 

Enji nodded thoughtfully, staring at him a moment, before uttering a terse, “Good.” Then he was gone, and Shoto was alone again. 

Japan couldn’t ask for a finer hero.

Well, Shoto certainly didn’t feel very fine right now. Shoto had to crawl his way up to the top alongside his classmates. He thought of Fuyumi, of how she’d cried and begged Shoto not to leave them. Maybe he was devoting too much energy to his career. What would the adoring public think if they learned that Shoto was forsaking all the important things in his life to be the best? They’d call him an egotist, for sure. Was that what he was? 

Once again, he thought about how easily everything seemed to be falling into place. Could that be because Shoto was sacrificing other things in the process? Or worse, was this “vision” of his easy life all an illusion? 

What if all of this isn’t as it seems, and I really don’t deserve any of it? 

Just as panic began to pump through his system, he was jolted out of his thoughts by the door to the adjoining room slamming open. He whirled around to see Katsuki stomping into the room, his face nearly as red as the wine red of his boutonniere. The volatile blond was dragging Shoto’s best man in by the collar, clearly to complain about something he didn’t approve of. 

Shoto raised his eyebrows as Katsuki slung a very frightened Izuku to the ground in front of him. 

“K-Kacchan! It’s not that serious!” the green-haired boy whined as he rolled over to sit cross-legged on the floor and pout. Katsuki snorted haughtily and craned up his head, nose upturned so far that he was nearly looking at the ceiling. 

“Idiot! I’ll never understand why this Icy-Hot bastard chose you as his best man! Do you know what this loser just suggested?” Katsuki accused with a sharp point at the sulking Izuku while he rounded on Shoto. Nonplussed, Shoto just shook his head. “‘Hey, why don’t we send Shoto to check and see if the girls are ready’?” Katsuki mocked in a high-pitched, squeaky rendition of Izuku’s voice. “Moron!” Katsuki yelled and leaned down over Izuku, hands on his hips while Izuku blushed and rubbed at the side of his face. “Don’t you know it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride? A best man would know that!” 

“I just wanted to make sure everything was coming along well,” Izuku explained meekly. “If there was a problem, I wanted to make sure we knew about it and could plan accordingly…” 

“Then send one of the other extras, not the fucking groom!” 

As the two began to bicker back and forth, Shoto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head. Honestly, he should have known better than to stick the two in a room together, but their venue didn’t really give them a choice. It was an antiquated millhouse fashioned into a wedding venue; the bridal party dressed in a small suite upstairs from the main floor where the wedding would be held, while the men prepared in a small, two-room shack next door. They’d been charmed by the rustic and quaint nature of the venue, as neither of them wanted a grand affair of their wedding, but Shoto was beginning to wonder if perhaps they should have opted for somewhere with more space and privacy… 

“Enough,” Shoto barked as his frustration reached a boil. Izuku and Katsuki both stopped mid-chatter to look at him with wide eyes. “I appreciate the sentiments, both of you, but I would rather not quibble on my wedding day, thank you.” He sagged a little as the weariness began to take its toll. Arguing was really the least of his problems right now, considering he was shouldering an existential crisis. Izuku and Katsuki both looked at each other before squinting at him suspiciously. 

“Hey, you all right, man?” Katsuki asked. 

“You seem tense, Shoto. Are you okay? You’re not getting second thoughts, are you?” Izuku gasped worriedly. He shot to his feet to grab Shoto by the shoulders. “Please don’t tell me you’re considering calling off the wedding! Don’t worry! Lots of guys get nervous with this kind of commitment! But please, remember that you love—” 

“Izuku,” Shoto interrupted with a weary smile and gently pushed his friend in the chest. “I’m not having second thoughts. Please don’t worry about that.” As Izuku deflated in relief, Shoto wondered if he should tell his friends about his real doubts. After a microsecond of consideration, he decided not to. Katsuki would probably just tell him to man up, and Izuku would go on an entire blabbering speech, and that’s not really what Shoto needed right now. Smiling thinly, Shoto placed his hand on Izuku’s shoulder. “I’m all right, really. There’s just been a lot of planning and preparation today, so I just want things to go well.” 

“Right! Of course! As your best man, that’s my job! I’ll go right now and make sure everything is in order, okay? Don’t you worry, Shoto, I’ll make sure this goes off without a hitch!” 

Before Shoto could insist that it really wasn’t necessary, the green-haired boy had zoomed off, untied dress shoe laces flapping behind him. Shoto looked after him with a small chuckle. Izuku had always been a bit flighty, but he really was an invaluable friend to him, so that’s why he had been the obvious choice for Shoto’s best man. He couldn’t imagine anyone else standing next to him when he greeted his bride at the altar. 

The doubt crept up into his mind with its poisonous whispers. Izuku was a good friend, but did Shoto deserve a friend like that? Had he even come close to repaying all the things that Izuku had done for him? The smile fell from his lips as the cold guilt flushed through him once more. 

“Oi.” 

Shoto looked at Katsuki with unfocused eyes, still half-brooding. Katsuki’s crimson eyes thinned into small slivers as he squinted suspiciously. “Seriously, Icy-Hot, are you okay? You don’t… seem like yourself,” the blond asked slowly. 

Shoto’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. Katsuki was as prickly as his wild hair, so to have him so readily show concern and inquire about Shoto’s wellbeing definitely dragged him out of his stupor. Again, Shoto debated whether or not to come clean about the disordered mess that was currently his mind. 

Shoto had never been much of a fibber, but for some reason, the lies rolled so easily off his tongue today. 

“As I told Izuku, I’m fine,” he said smoothly, feigning a grateful smile. “I think all the wedding planning just caught up to me at once, that’s all. I’m sure if I just take a moment to relax and gather my thoughts, I’ll be alright. We still have plenty of time before the main event.” 

Katsuki continued to eye him with his lips parted in a skeptical pout, but instead of prying, he just slowly nodded his head a few times. 

“All right. If you say so. I’m gonna go make sure that loser doesn’t mess anything up,” he decided, brushing past Shoto to walk to the door. He paused on the threshold to toss a blank stare over his shoulder. “Don’t think too much. You’ve always been the type to get too in your head,” he advised before continuing after Izuku. Shoto went to step after him, hand raised, but Katsuki was already gone. His arm flopped back down to his side as he released a shaky breath. 

“Maybe I am thinking too much…” he murmured to himself.

He’d like to convince himself of that, but that little beast inside him just snickered. Are you sure that’s not just another one of your lies? it taunted. He rubbed his neck as that ash-choking feeling returned, his body trembling with a few tight coughs. Izuku and Katsuki both seemed so concerned for him… Did he really deserve that concern? Maybe they weren’t really even concerned about him, but were more worried he’d take off and leave his fiancé a shattered, sobbing mess at the altar. Had Shoto been selfish in his friendships? 

Had he been selfish in his relationship? Everyone kept asking the same question… What if they could see that selfishness and were on edge because they all kept thinking that he couldn’t stick it out, that he was too self-absorbed? Shoto’s breaths began to come in terse, ragged gasps as he spiraled into a self-esteem crash. 

What was wrong with him? Why was he thinking like this? He pawed at his head with a small groan. Nothing made sense; everything was swirling around in his head like a whirlwind. He stumbled out of the doorway and slammed it shut in front of him before collapsing against it. The painted wood was cool against his flushing face. 

Breathe. Breathe, he tried to calm himself, gulping down air.

It burned; his throat felt like it was drying up into a desert. Just as he stumbled into the center of the room, blearily looking for water, there was a soft knock at the door. It rang in his pounding head like a death knell. He clenched his teeth as he struggled to come down to earth instead of rocketing himself into the stratosphere. 

I need… I need to calm down… 

“Shoto?” his mother’s voice timidly called. Her soft-spoken tone sliced through the layer of anxiety clouding his mind, allowing him to descend back to reality. He closed his eyes as he composed himself, steadying his ragged breaths and slowing his heart rate. That’s right… I can’t… I can’t let her know I’m like this. 

After he was confident he was presentable, Shoto crossed the floor in a few quick strides to open the door for her. Rei smiled sweetly up at him before her slate-gray eyes dropped to admire the way the tuxedo accented his muscular form. She ran her small hands down his sleeves before linking her fingers with his and giving them a gentle squeeze. He hoped she didn’t notice that they were trembling. “You look so handsome,” she praised, looking back up at him lovingly. 

“Thank you, Mother,” Shoto smiled. He walked backward into the room, tugging on his mother’s fingers so she would follow, and Rei gently shut the door behind her. She walked to the floor-length mirror to inspect her own look— a baby-blue dress patterned with white flowers tied together with white flats and a baby-blue headband. “You also look lovely,” he added while retrieving another bottle of water from the mini-fridge in the corner. Rei hummed gratefully at his appraisal, watching him guzzle half of the plastic bottle through her reflection. 

“Are you nervous, dear?” she asked abruptly. Shoto flinched in surprise, which made him lurch forward and spill water down his windpipe. He spluttered and coughed, eyes watering at the burning sensation overtaking his throat, while Rei turned around to look at him in concern. As he wiped the stream of water and spit from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, he debated lying to her. However, all notions of that flew out the window when he caught her soft, motherly gaze. “It’s natural, dear,” she reassured as she walked over to him. 

Lie. She doesn’t need to know, chimed that anxious beast. It was tempting; Shoto could feel the excuse forming on his tongue. Except… no words came out. He looked helplessly at her, causing her expression to morph into one of intense concern. Shoto didn’t want to lie. He didn’t want to feel this way— selfish and egotistical and undeserving of his life. 

His life with her. 

“Shoto. Tell me what’s wrong,” she ordered, her voice just firm enough to abolish any remaining ideas of lying to her. 

Shoto exhaled deeply and sagged down onto the small sofa next to the fridge. His mother could read him with scary precision, so there really was no use lying, anyway. She stopped in front of him to weave her slim fingers into his two-toned hair, and he responded by leaning forward to press his forehead into her belly. Rei softly scratched along his scalp in rhythmic, soothing strokes, and though she really hadn’t said anything, even the action alone made Shoto relax just the tiniest bit. 

“What’s bothering you?”

He expected her to ask him if he was having second thoughts, just like the rest of them—but she didn’t. Shoto swallowed thickly before answering in a tiny voice. “I just realized how lucky I am, and I’m not quite sure I’m deserving of it.” 

“What makes you say that, my love?” she questioned. Shoto pushed himself further into her stomach, comforted by her soft, soothing presence. Yet all the while, something nickered in the back of his mind. You abandoned her for years. You don’t deserve her comfort. Sickened by the thought, Shoto pushed himself away, grabbing a throw pillow to bury his face in it instead. He heard Rei softly gasp; then, the couch cushion dipped beside him as she tentatively sat down. He curled around the throw pillow, stomach whirling as all his anxieties came to a boil. 

“Shoto,” she whispered and laid a gentle hand on the small of his back. “Talk to me, Shoto.” 

Even though he had rejected her in favor of the pillow, he found himself falling against her. She held him close as he curled against her side. He was so much bigger than her now, but he still felt like he fit naturally into her petite frame. Slowly, he pried his face away from the pillow to reveal that the fabric had darkened with tears. He looked at her brokenly, the salty droplets rolling down his cheeks. 

“Am I selfish, Mother?” he asked hoarsely, horrifiedly. Surely he must be, if everyone kept asking him if he would turn tail and run. “If I’m selfish, and am turning everyone away, then won’t… won’t I end up pushing her away and breaking her heart?” Just the thought of it broke Shoto’s, shattered it into a million little pieces. The love of his life, his dream, his salvation—the thought of doing that to her made him want to die, and the thought that he was already well on his way there made him want to die right now. 

“Shoto, sweetheart,” Rei breathed and pulled him into a crushing hug. Shoto squeezed his eyes shut and buried himself into her, breathing in her scent of floral perfume and ice water. She kissed the top of his head before resting her cheek against it. “You are not selfish. What on Earth has gotten that into your head?” 

“I just… Everyone keeps asking if I’m having second thoughts. Fuyumi was really upset thinking that I won’t be around anymore, and then Father came to talk to me about how far I’ve come as a hero, and then Izuku and Katsuki were worried about me, and—” he sucked in a breath after everything came tumbling out, trying to sort his disordered thoughts. “I just… Everything seems like it’s falling into place, and I just can’t help but think that it shouldn’t be. That it’s too easy, and because of that, I must be messing up somewhere, right?” As he looked at her, conflicted, Rei smiled reassuringly and brushed a strand of his red-and-white hair out of his face. 

“Shoto, honey, you deserve everything you’re being given. If I can’t convince you of that, though,” she smiled mischievously and gestured at the door with her chin, “maybe she can.” 

A blush exploded up from Shoto’s neck to flush all the way to the crown of his head. He grabbed the pillow and smashed his face into it, flopping across Rei’s lap to smoosh down into the couch for good measure. His mother laughed at his overreaction, barely masking the click of heels over the wood. 

“Shoto?” came the tentative voice. What is she doing here? He thought, heart pounding in his throat. 

“Sorry,” he heard Izuku say meekly. “Shoto was just so out of sorts… I thought the only one who could snap him out of it was her…” 

“Idiot! Didn’t I say it was bad luck?” Katsuki scolded. Shoto heard him huff and the creak of the pressed fabric of his tuxedo as he crossed his arms. “But, Icy-Hot is acting pretty weird today… All right, do your stuff.” 

Shoto just squirmed uncomfortably, listening to the ruffles of the lace and the soft click of heels as the woman he would be meeting at the aisle in another hour or two stopped beside him. 

“Shoto,” Momo said, the laughter evident in her voice. God, he loved her voice. It was like a song, high and sweet. “Honey, what’s the matter?” 

“Can’t look,” he mumbled evasively. “Bad luck.” 

“You don’t have to look at me, then,” she chuckled, reaching down to soothingly run a hand over his back. He found himself arching a little into her touch, calm spreading through his nerves. “Just talk to me, sweetie.” Her white gown ruffled as she kneeled down on the floor beside him. Shoto dug his fingers into the pillow, wondering if there was a way out of this mortifying situation. There wasn’t, and he really didn’t want an out, anyway. She continued to stroke down the length of his spine. “Shoto, honey, you know you’re not selfish, right?” 

The silence told Momo all she needed to know. She exhaled deeply, and he didn’t have to look at her to know she was wearing that sweet, loving smile she always wore when she comforted him. “Let me tell you something. Not for a single second have I felt neglected, nor have I had any inclination that you were sacrificing your personal life for the sake of your career,” she iterated slowly. Shoto squirmed as her reassurance battled with the poisonous beast inside him. 

“Maybe I haven’t done it to you yet, but… What about my friends and family?” 

“Boys?” Momo asked, presumably looking at Katsuki and Izuku. “Have you ever felt like Shoto hasn’t been a good friend?”

“What? No! Of course not!” Izuku blurted. “You’re an amazing friend! I can always count on you to be there when I need it, no matter what we’re doing.” 

“Yeah. If anything, he can shove off, the Icy-Hot bastard.” 

“Kacchan!” 

“What? He’s up our asses all the time!” 

“That’s because we’re partners, Kacchan! We’re gonna open up our own agency, remember?”

“That doesn’t mean he has to show up at my house for some stupid soba party he decided to have without telling anyone!” 

Shoto found his lips curling into a tiny smile into the pillow. It was a shame that bickering was so familiar, and so comforting. Momo giggled sweetly and patted him on the back. 

“See, honey? Your friends certainly don’t think you’re selfish and pushing them away.” 

Although it was a start, Shoto couldn’t help but think of his sobbing sister. 

“But… Fuyumi…” 

“Shoto, that isn’t what Fuyumi meant at all,” Rei chortled and rubbed the back of his head. “Fuyumi just felt like a mother bird watching her chick leave the nest… Women get emotional over things like that. Your sister—and the rest of us, for that matter—all know you love us very much and want to stay an active part of our lives. I’ve enjoyed every minute of watching you grow into a man, and have never felt like you were abandoning me. You’re growing up. That is a reality we must face, and sometimes… It’s a little tough for us, that’s all.” 

“That’s right,” Momo seconded. “See? We all love you, Shoto, so much. Please don’t ever think that you’re selfish, because you’re far from it.” He felt his eyes water as the emotions caused her voice to crack, indicating she was on the border of tears. Though he couldn’t look at her like he wanted to, he groped blindly in the air, searching for her hand. Momo caught it in both of hers to give it a tight squeeze, then pressed a lingering kiss to his knuckles. “Every day I’m thankful that you’ve chosen to love me,” she murmured against his skin, and he felt her tears drip down onto his hand. “My selfless hero.” 

“Momo,” he groaned. When she hummed against his hand, he smiled weakly. “I appreciate you coming to cheer me up, but if you don’t leave now, I’m going to have to commit some wedding taboo.” 

Momo laughed heartily, uttering small “okay’s” between her giggles, and slowly stood up. His fingers skimmed against the soft fabric of her lace skirt, and he found himself extraordinarily tempted to peek; but he didn’t. He knew that it would be a feeling like no other when he saw her walking down the aisle, so he just had to wait a little bit longer. 

“Thank you both for looking out for him,” Momo said to Katsuki and Izuku as she left. “I’ll see you soon!” 

Shoto waited until the clacks of her heels faded before he slowly sat up, rubbing at his tear-sticky face. Rei looked at him with a loving smile. 

“Do you feel better, sweetie?” 

“Mhmm,” he nodded with a sleepy smile. Having an existential crisis sure was exhausting. Still, his nerves soon began to buzz with the anticipation of what was yet to come. “How long until the ceremony?” he asked, looking expectantly at Izuku and Katsuki. 

“About forty-five minutes, but it doesn’t matter, because there’s no way in Hell I’m letting you walk out like that. Get your ass in here!” Katsuki growled as he marched over and snatched him up by the collar. Shoto could only stumble after him as he was dragged into the groomsmens’ room, while Rei and Izuku both looked on laughing. 

Forty-four minutes later, Katsuki had combed his messy hair back to submission and managed to erase almost all evidence of his puffy eyes and teary cheeks.

Now, Shoto stood rocking on his heels in front of the steel altar woven with ivy, wine-red roses, and white dahlias. Momo’s bridesmaids— Ochako, Mina, Tooru, and Tsuyu—were across the altar on the left, while Shoto’s groomsmen—Katsuki, Tenya, Inasa, Kirishima—and his best man Izuku were behind him to his right. Stretching out before him were rows of chairs, each one filled by someone special in his and Momo’s lives. Their families sat in the front row with bated breath. The ceremony was held in the main room while the reception would be held in an adjoining one—and in between them was a winding spiral staircase that Momo would be walking down any moment. 

Shoto straightened up as the pianist began to play. His heterochromatic eyes were fixated on the staircase and his breath stilled in his chest. He caught the flash of her heel first, then the ruffles of her lace skirt as she slowly began to descend from upstairs. Shoto’s mouth gradually fell open as she came down from the heavens like an angel, here to grace his undeserving mortal self with her rapturous love. She was chuckling quietly to her father, who held her arm as he guided her down the steps. Kyoka came down last, carrying the long train of Momo’s dress. 

He had been right to wait. It was a gorgeous sleeveless mermaid gown that hugged her beautiful figure in all the right ways. A swathe of wine red cut the skirt in half and adorned the bodice of her dress in thin, swirling threads that looked like roses. Her soft tresses of black hair were piled above her head before falling down in luscious curls to frame her face. A tiara was tucked into her hair, securing the sheer white veil cascading over her. She held a bouquet of white and red flowers as she slowly walked down the aisle, which had been laden with rose and dahlia petals by the flower girl. Even through the veil, Shoto could see her brimming with joy just by the aura radiating off her. 

When she stopped next to him, giving her father a kiss on the cheek before he left to sit with the rest of the audience, Shoto could only gape in pure awe. He didn’t even register the priest speaking. 

“Honey,” Momo laughed quietly. “You might want to pay attention.” 

“Right,” he said and snapped his mouth shut, blushing as a few of the wedding party snickered and elbowed one another. His gaze snuck back to his beautiful bride, the love of his life, who stood so patiently waiting to read her vows. When she felt him staring, she smirked and looked at him out of the corners of her eyes. 

“What?” 

“I’m just realizing how lucky I am,” he explained softly. She looked at him with a confused smile. “I get to share this life I’ve made with the most wonderful woman on the planet. I thought at first I wasn’t worthy of it, but now… I’ve realized.” 

“Realized what, Shoto?” 

“Why I worked so hard for a life like this to begin with. I wanted to become a man deserving of your love, Momo,” he explained, reaching out to gently ghost his fingers over hers. “I’m just really glad to hear that you think I’m worthy.” 

“Silly,” she laughed, tears slipping down her cheeks and clinging to the sheer lace of the veil. “You’ve always been worthy.” 

Maybe that’s the way she felt. It was just a testament to how beautiful she was, right down to her soul. But now, after this whirlwind of a day, Shoto could rest easy knowing that he really was. Because she was his angel, his goddess, his salvation, and his life, and she was worthy of everything he had to give her and more—and he would work tirelessly every day to live up to that, to keep himself worthy.

Enjoy this oneshot? Feel free to peruse my Table of Contents!

[all-might-can-smash-me]

Homestay 3

@ayumiinuzuka @the-wholocked-blog

College got me fucked and I’m in the middle of trying to get everything set for me to go to Cosmetology school by the end of the semester and I finally noticed you two requested a part three! Hopefully this will satisfy your hunger for a cute, domestic, fluffy Fatgum 🥺🥺🥺

Taishiro Toyomitsu / Fatgum x Reader

Summary: With it all starting with Fatgum and his two young students shadowing him for their hero work studies having to stay on the downlow in your humble countryside home, you and Taishiro of course hit it off and spring a long distance relationship, but will it just end there????

Part 1

Part 2

You are on Part 3

Masterlist / request info in masterlist

The chirping of the summer crickets and bugs sounded out along the rhythm of the heat waves that radiated back from the lush, green grass that swayed in the gentle breeze that cascaded over the lands. Birds flocked to and fro from the large camphor trees that loomed in their patches along the many crops and created their small little forestry where the many spirits reside with their humble hidden homes, temples, and shrines. You however raised a dirty hand to your brow as you crouch lowly to the ground, hands tentively pushing back the foliage of your plants to relive them of their heavy, ripe produce. Your bare fingertips also went to relieve them of any weeds that had tried to grow too close for their comfort. Life was as plain and simple as it had ever been for the many past years of your life in the humble country side. Tenants who would stay came and went, either staying their month or even their simple two week. Usually you would get the occasional tenant who would stay for their year as they worked as a teacher or something of the sorts, but no. You stayed weary of that since now you had Taishiro in your life. It had been a year, looming on two, of being with him. You would reside weeks to go and visit him when you didn’t have a homestay guest or he would come to stay with you for a couple of days.

Those times spent together gifted you with a small slice of domestic happiness. Whenever you were visiting him, you would be the doting wife like figure that fixed him breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The wonderful ray of light that ironed out his hero uniform or suits. That always sent a wave of relief through him, he was horrible at ironing and starching, but you were a wiz at it. You thanked your grandmother and her strict ways of doing the laundry though for that perfect skill that always impressed him. You were the cutie that would arrive at his work with that familiar, worn straw hat that would come to visit him and of course cast a little side eye at the secretary who wouldn’t let you in to see Taishiro the very first time you come to the big city to surprise him.

But when Taishiro came to visit you? It was so peaceful. No busy streets or people coming in and out quicker then the speed of light. No nosy streets of a city that seemed to never sleep. It was just you, him, the summer bugs that made humble dwellings upon your land, and the soft coos of the chickens that lived out their lives in their humble coop. Not to mention that he would help you hang the laundry filled with jokes, teases, and giggles. Help you with the heavy handwork around your seemingly ancient home, and glisten with sweat alongside you when relieving your garden of their produce. Both lives spent together filled the both of your with immense joy and satisfaction.

Just imagining those moments spent together as a couple or a married pair that seemingly lived together sent a blush and smile crawl upon your face. It even did so now as your tired legs pushed you up to a standing position, basket filled with your harvest now upon your back as you stepped up to a nearby pump, lifting and pushing down the handle to sputter out the cool water from the pipes and ground below to rinse your hands and fingernails of dirt before continuing forward, humming a soft tune under your breath as you stepped up to one of the small shrines that sat off to the side on your property, sparing a small cucumber and a prayer before making your way back to your home, hand tugging the edge of your shirt to wipe at the sweat upon your brow.

“Hey there! You probably should have waited for me!” Called out an all too familiar voice. There he stood with that iconic grin upon his face, hands upon his hips as he stood upon the porch of your home. There stood Taishiro with his hair showing off it’s beautiful blonde perfectly thanks to the summer sun. He also looked to be in the middle of bulking back up, but either way you didn’t care. He seemed to radiate handsomeness to you whether he be muscular, that cute bulky in between, or that strong fluffy form that was just absolutely perfect for cuddling away in the colder months. With a grin stretching upon your face, you let your tired feet quicken their pace, hands skillfully and carefully swing the basket off your back to abandon upon the ground as you used the last of your leg’s strength to hop up and onto the wooden planks of the porch, Taishiro’s hands moving to grab ahold of yours to help you do so and pull you close for a tight embrace. He pressed you close to his body, not minding the dampness of your sweaty shirt or the smell of dirt and soil that lingered on you with your time out in the garden.

“I missed you! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” You giggled out excitedly as you back away, hands pushing away the frizzy strands of hair that curled about your face due to the summer’s humid air. “I would have at least prepared myself!” You teasingly scolded him as you stepped back down from the porch, though he was quick to follow and grab ahold of the basket for you with ease, already leading you back to the house where he slid the door open with an sense of ease and familiarity and stepped in.

“Oh come on, it’s not like you need to prepare yourself before I see you.” He said with a roll of his eyes as he sat the basket down upon the tiles of your kitchen, shoes slid off and left by the back door alongside yours, his silly, fuzzy, pink slippers that were left behind at your home now upon his feet. “I like you sweat, dirt, and all” he said with a grin as he turned to look at you, though was bombarded with yet another hug, a sigh of content exhaling from your lungs.

“I know, I know, but still, would be nice to not be all nasty.” You said as you pressed your ear upon his chest to listen to the soothing drum of his heart, his check pressed away upon the top of your head as the two of you swayed gently to a soundless song. “But....I would still like to have a bath..” you said with a giggle as you pulled back a bit to look up at him.

The two of you now relaxed back within the tub of the bathroom, the two of you slouched lowly within the steamy water up to your chins in relaxation as the hot water began its process of melting away the stress of today’s work from your body. Music played too from a little speaker set off to the side, the two of you enjoying each other’s quiet company as the two of you relaxed. Though you cleared your throat as you removed the damp towel from your face to look at him.

“What happened this time....” you asked, though it came out more of just a simple demand for an answer, though of course not rudely or pressingly. He shrugged his shoulders as he reached a hand up, the water dripping from his arms as he removed the small cloth that sat over her own face, looking at you now. “The usual....a guy does something petty, sees the only way out is fighting back and I’m the shield of the whole situation.” He said with a dry chuckle as his arms rested upon the lip of the tub, you only giving a sigh and a small shake of you head.

“You know....you better be careful, your body must be worn down by all this breaking down and rebuilding.” You muttered out, which he only shook his head that was accompanied with a little smile at your worried gaze.

“Eh, don’t worry about me, it doesn’t do much to my body, only annoying thing is the rebuilding period.” He hummed out as he lifted his arms to take a look at them. They were bulkier, fuller than his lean mascular state that would appear right after all his fat energy was used, but those muscles peeled through and flexed with each of his movements. Now sitting up and causing ripples to break through the calm surface of the water, a bit of his upper torso was now on display. It was muscular too, but a bit fluffier now? Was that a good way to describe it within your mind? It puzzled you to find the correct words, but the one thing you were sure about was that you admired it and adored it.

“I like those period, it gives you a break from the grueling work of a hero.” You commented with a shrug of a shoulder, your head leaned back onto the rim of the tub, hair roughly over the side with those frizzy strands curled by the humidity within the steamy bathroom framed your face. “Plus whenever you are with me when that happens, I enjoy cooking you the things you like with you, it’s nice...” you hummed out as your head moved to look over at him, a small soft, flirtatious grin upon his face as he looked back to you, one of his damp fingers going to caress the side of your head, those water droplets that once sat upon his fingers now dampening your hair.

That loving look that he casted upon you always sent your heart fluttering and your eyes moving else where as it always got you flustered, no matter how many times he casted that same heart melting look in your direction. It would forever be a weakness against your love frenzied heart.

The two of you now stood, the sound of water being moved and dripped sounding out as towels were now used to rid of the stubborn droplets of water, hair ruffled to dry it, and clothes now tossed back on the two of you now resting out open the porch, mosquito net slightly billowing in the soft, refreshing evening breeze as the two of you sat upon the futon, cards now with your hands as the two of you mindless played away with the game at hand. Though the two of you mostly aimlessly talked about random things. Such as movies, shows, old childhood memories, moments of anger and sadness or triumph and courage. It was things that the two of you knew inside and out, but even if the two of you knew each other from cover to cover, those conversations always led on and on with giggles and grins and a feeling of fulfillment as the two of you would reluctantly curl up together upon the futon with the breeze tickling any part of your body opened to it’s touch.

“You know...I hate the filling when I have to leave...” Taishiro soon hummed out as he looked quizzically to the cards in his hand, finally grabbing one and tossing it down and grabbing another, you soon moving to educate you’re own turn with a sad sigh.

“It’s like my other half is missing. Of course I’m fine without you here, you know? I trust you and blah blah blah.” You said as you sprawled yourself out on your side, hand propping up your head, the other holding onto your hand of cards as you looked to him. “But still, I miss you and whenever you are here with me it’s like I’m uplifted? Refreashed? It nice to be able to just live side by side.” You continued on though reached out your door to nudge his side. “Your turn Tai...” you pointed out, which he silently looked down to his cards, brows scrunched together as he strummed his fingers upon his bare knee before finally discarding a card and picking another up. Though with your words something seemed to shift. Something....shifted within him. He seemed tense, fidgety, nervous even? You didn’t point it out, but you gave him a raise of your brow as you had done your turn once more, tossing down the cards to reveal you victory, but he only silently scooped up the cards, beginning to shuffle them again.

“You like living along side me, correct?” He asked, almost to reassure himself as his hands that clutched onto the deck of cards now sat limply upon his lap, you letting out a scoff in bewilderment as you looked to him.

“Are you kidding? Yes I do!” You said with a little giggle and a grin that just sent a soft smile upon his lips as he looked to you. It almost seemed to wash away the jitters that had strangely overcome them, but not quite as he fiddled with the deck in his hands. Though they were soon set aside as he dragged over his bag packed with clothes, hands shakily pulling out a cube shaped object wrapped with a silk handerkerchief. Those nervous fingers delicately unwrapped to reveal the velvet box that sent your heart racing in your ears as he set it before you silently. “Taishiro...?” You quietly managed out in your quivering voice, he still bashfully fidgeting with his hands as he looked to you.

“Now I know we’ve only been dating for almost two years and some people would think it be crazy for us to just jump right in....but the thing is....why not?” He said with a little laugh as he watched you gently sit back up, eyes boring down to the velvet box before you. “I mean, I can picture myself living with you for the rest of my life, having children, growing old together...the stuff that I would want from a partner for the rest of my life.” He continued on, that handkerchief now being rung and twisted by his strong hands. “And about your house, we can still keep it, I know how much it means to you if you were to move to the city with me, but really I would love to move out here with you! The commute to the city and back isn’t that bad.” The hero continued to ramble on as your wide eyes finally looked up to him and his nervous appearance. Your hands finally nervously moved to open the box set before you, the orange of the late setting sun hitting the ring that sat tucked away in it’s safe bed.

The tears had finally pooled to your eyes and had began to cascade over and down your cheeks due to their heavy weight. Your hand shook as you lifted the box up, fingers going to grab the piece of jewelry, but Taishiro finally let his ever so larger and steadier hands reach for the ring to gently tug it out and slip it upon your finger, those large fingers of his wiping away the tears upon your cheeks as you let a shaky smile stretch across your lips as you stiffled back your sniffles from your tears of joy. The hug that you had dumped upon him allowed him to release a breath of relief as his arms went to tightly embrace you, hands buried within the tangles of your hair as you let out your pleas of tearful and emotional yes to the question that loomed over head with the presence of the ring now upon your finger.

“Hopefully you like the ring, Kirishima and Tamaki helped me...” he said with a boom of laughter, the lingering jitters still seeming to flutter within his chest as he looked down at you, which you now reached out your hand to look to the engagement ring admiringly.

“I absolutely love it!” You said with your giggles as your puffy eyes looked back to his, a lovesick grin now upon both of your lips as the two of you once again entangled in a tight embrace.

[atlafan]

Take it Slow - Part Seventeen

a/n: okay this is my first shot at a harry:y/n fic, and it will be multiple parts. y/n had a bad experience with an ex over a year ago, and finally accepts her coworker and good friend Niall’s invitation to go on a blind date with his friend Harry.

(All I have to say is, please don’t be mad at me.)

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven Part Eight Part Nine Part Ten Part Eleven Part Twelve Part Thirteen Part Fourteen Part Fifteen Part Sixteen

Masterpost

Sunday night you realized why you were so tired, you had caught a nasty cold somehow. You shewed Harry away in fear of getting him sick. With your day off Monday, you made a big pot of vegetable soup that would help you through the week. On top of that Monday night you got your period. You wondered why you didn’t just go on the type of birth control that made it so you didn’t get it at all. Being on the pill, it wasn’t even a real period. You insisted to Harry that you didn’t need him to take care of you while you were sick, as sweet as you thought it was.

Tuesday morning you contemplated calling out of work, but you somehow managed to make it in. You wanted to gossip with Niall about the weekend you had. You decided to wear your loosest pair of slacks with a blouse and a blazer to dress it up. You both had busy mornings crammed with meetings. At lunch you both decided to get out for a walk and fresh air.

“So, tell me all about New Hampshire.”

“It was perfect.” You sniffle. He hands you a tissue. “Thanks.”

“Other than catching a cold.” He chuckles.

“Yeah, other than that. The drive up was gorgeous, the foliage was incredible. We had a lazy night the first night. The next morning we got up and explored the property. There were a ton of walking trails.”

“Your pictures looked great. I especially liked the one of the two of you.” He nudged you with his elbow. “Can’t believe you got him to do that.”

“I know, he was a great sport. Then we had the most relaxing massages, followed by a mani/pedi.” Niall starts laughing. “What?”

“Nothing, it’s like he’s your girlfriend.”

“I think it’s incredibly sexy and manly that he takes care of his nails the way he does.”

“Sexy, huh?”

“Oh stop.” You nudge him. “Then we had dinner at the restaurant attached to the inn, it was so fancy. Oh! And our room had this giant tub Jacuzzi, it was amazing.”

“What did you guys do after dinner?” Niall is grinning at you.

“What did you hear?”

“Nothin’, believe it or not I haven’t had time to speak with him about your little weekend. Sarah and I took advantage of the long weekend ourselves.” He winks at you and you roll your eyes. “I’m seein’ him tonight actually.”

“Oh good!” You were happy they were still making time for each other.

“Give me the tea, let’s go.”

“Okay, okay. Well, I bought this like sexy nightgown to surprise him with.” He gasps sarcastically, making you giggle. “Then, um, well…” You blush.

“Oh just tell me, would you?”

“We did what we usually do, you know, he, um, used his mouth.”

“Mhm.”

“I told him I was ready to do a little more.”

“You let him.” Niall makes a hand gesture with his fingers.

“Jesus, Niall.” You look around to make sure no one on the street saw him. “Yes, but not like full on.”

“What do you mean?”

“I only let him use one finger. Well, even if I wanted him to use more, he wouldn’t have been able to it was so embarrassing.” Your face is beat red. “But, just him doing that on top of everything else, it was incredible, he made me feel so good.”

“That’s great, so you didn’t like feel scared or anything?”

“I was a nervous wreck, but he managed to relax me enough so I could enjoy it. And then I, um, returned the favor. For the first time, in a long time, I felt like my old self.” Niall nods along as you talk. “It’s still going to take me some time before I’m ready for more of him, but I think this was a really good step for me, for us.”

“When do you see Dr. Mara next?”

“Um, tonight actually. Is it weird that I’m excited to tell her what happened?”

“Not at all. You should be proud of the progress you’re making. You seem like yourself again, which I’m happy to see. Is Harry goin’ home with you next week?”

“Yup, just doing a day trip, but I’m glad he’s coming with.”

“Me too, I know how anxious you get.”

“I’m worried my dad is going to grill him.”

“He’ll be able to handle it, he’s great with parents.”

“You know how my dad is though.”

“True…it’ll be an interesting day for sure.”

//

Harry brings a case of beer over to Niall’s for their little guy’s night. Niall ordered Thai food for the two of them, and handed him a video game controller. It had been a while since they played FIFA.

“So, (y/n) said you two had a nice weekend.” Niall says giving the game a pause an hour after playing.

“Yeah, it was amazing.” Harry cracks open another beer. “She let me finger her.” He said bluntly, maybe a little buzzed from his third beer.

“You don’t say?” Niall was trying to be coy.

“Mhm, well, only with one finger, but she seemed to enjoy it. And then she gave me the best head I think I’ve ever had.” Niall nearly chokes on his beer. Harry starts laughing. “Sorry mate.”

“It’s fine, what did she do?”

“I don’t know, it was like, okay I was expecting her to basically curl up and be shy right after I did it to her, but it was like, I can’t even describe it. She became this really confident person and took complete control.”

“Sounds about right.”

“How would you know?”

“I’m dating her best friend, I’ve heard a thing or two. Please, continue.”

“She just took it, better than any other time, and when I came, she kept suckin’ on me.”

“Oh, I love when they do that.”

“Right? She had told me she was gonna do it too, she was like I’m gonna suck ya dry, and she fuckin’ did. I couldn’t believe it.”

“She said that to you!? Jesus, Sarah like refuses to talk dirty.”

“I’m surprised by that.”

“She’s great in bed, believe me, but she just won’t do it. I’ve tried to get her to, but I think it makes her nervous or something.”

“What does she like?”

“Well, she certainly likes when I talk to her, that’s for sure.” Niall laughs. “She likes that I take good care of her.” He clinks his bottle with Harry’s. “Thank god for watermelon.”

“Thank god for watermelon.” He takes a swig of his beer. “What can I expect from her family?”

“Her dad’s a bit rough around the edges, and her siblings can be a bit judgy, but once they warm up to ya it’s fine.”

“What do you mean judgy?”

“They like to ask a lot of questions. She’s the youngest by a lot. Her siblings are like a good age difference older than her, so she���s not just their little sister, she’s their baby.”

“But, she’s also my baby.” Niall smiles funny at Harry, and puts his hand on his shoulder.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you speak so fondly of someone before.”

“I think, I think I’m in love with her.”

“What?!”

“Yeah.”

“When did you come to this realization?”

“Over the weekend, when I took this picture of her.” Harry shows Niall his phone’s wall paper.

“Aw, Harry.” He ruffles his hair, and Harry swats his friend’s hand away. “I don’t think you’ve ever said you’re in love before.”

“That’s because I don’t think I’ve ever been in love before.”

“When are you gonna tell her?”

“I have no idea. She just let me do this really big, intense thing with her. I don’t want to make it more intense. Plus, what if she’s not there with me yet?”

“You won’t know unless you talk to her.”

“I think I’ll just love her from afar for now. You know, she caught a cold and wouldn’t even let me take care of her?”

“The nerve.” Niall says sarcastically. “She probably just didn’t want to get ya sick, mate.”

“Enough about me, you’re going to meet Sarah’s family soon?”

“Yup, and I’m staying the whole weekend too. Her family is like three hours from here.”

“Good luck with that. Gonna sleep in her old room?”

“I think we’re getting’ a hotel actually. Thank god, I am too old to be sleepin’ in a little twin bed.”

“At least your feet don’t hang over the edge when you do sleep in one.”

“I’m not that short! You’re just freakishly tall so I look short compared to ya.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Well, we can both agree that we’re not as tiny as Lou.”

“Yeah, he’s a pipsqueak.”

//

You felt great after therapy. Dr. Mara thought you were making excellent progress with yourself. You had a big bowl of soup for dinner, and took some Nyquil to help yourself sleep through the night. You did that pretty much every night that week. Luckily, by Friday you were feeling much better, and your period had ended. Things were looking up.

Niall texted in a group chat to see if you wanted to go bowling that night. Both you and Harry agreed it would be fun. Rachel and the girl she had been seeing were invited as well. You couldn’t wait to see Harry since you hadn’t seen him all week. You decided to leave your hair down in waves. You wore a black pair of skinny jeans, and a light pink crop top. You wore a cardigan over it so you weren’t totally exposed. Sarah and Rachel came over to have a drink with you before heading to the bowling alley to meet your respective dates.

The boys and Rachel’s date (Lora) were waiting by the two lanes they had reserved. Harry looked good enough to eat. He was wearing his dark blue jeans, a black t-shirt, and his beanie. You practically ran into his arms, suddenly realizing just how excited you were to see him. You gave him a deep kiss, deeper than what he was expecting, leaving the others to be surprised at your PDA. You clear your throat when you see everyone staring. You and the girls go up to the counter to get your shoes.

“How should we make teams?” Niall asks.

“Let’s do girls versus…I mean, um, Lora would you pair up with the boys, and the three of us could be a team?” Sarah asks.

“Works for me.” Lora shrugs.

You and your friends were good bowlers. You often went bowling on Thursday nights in school.

“Let’s order some food and drinks before we get started.” You suggest. “Harry, wanna help me?”

“You got it.” You both walk up to the snack bar. He leans down to whisper into your ear. “You look so fucking hot tonight, feeling better?” It sends a shiver up your spine.

“Much.” You order a couple pitchers of beer and some pizza. He gives your bum a quick pinch as you walk back over. “Hey.” You give him a fake annoyed look.

“Sorry, but those jeans really suit you.”

You get into your teams, and start bowling. You, Sarah, and Rachel all get strikes off the bat, leaving the boys and Lora speechless. The bowling had strobe lights come on after a certain hour and started playing club hits. You and your friends dance while you wait your turns. The beer definitely hits your head quickly. Your pizza is brought over, so the six of you take a break. Rachel puts an arm around Lora, and you smile at them.

“So, Lora, what do you do for work?” You ask, taking a big bite of pizza.

“Right now I’m in grad school, I’m a GA. I’m trying to become a Biology teacher.”

“Wow! That’s so cool.”

“Thanks.” She smiles at you. You wanted to be as welcome as possible. She seemed to already know Sarah pretty decently.

After a while, you and your friends were more interested in dancing than bowling. You were at Pinz, so it’s not like you had to drive anywhere to go dancing.

“So, we think we’re gonna over to the dance floor is that’s cool with you guys.” Sarah says to the boys.

“Sure thing, I think we’re gonna bowl a bit more and then we’ll meet ya.” Niall kisses her on the cheek.

Rachel grabs Lora, and the four of you head over to the dance floor on the other side of the building.

“I really don’t want to dance.” Harry says, sucking his teeth.

“You danced with her fine at Halloween.” He throws the ball, knocking six pins down.

“I was hammered that night, big difference.” Harry throws his, knocking eight pins down. “We’re really not very good at this, are we?” He laughs.

“Look, girls like it when you dance up on them. So, we’re gonna put our shoes on, and go dance with our girlfriends, and you’re gonna like it.”

“Is that so?”

“Yep.”

Harry and Niall put their shoes back on, and make their way to the dance floor. The DJ had just put on The Hills by the Weeknd. Harry knew you’d be freaking out, you loved The Weeknd. They spotted your group, Harry stopped to just watch you dance for minute. You had this specific way you liked to move your hips to the beat. He noticed the way you’d flip your hair around and close your eyes while you sang along.

You were starting to sweat, so you took your cardigan off, and tied it around your waist, revealing your full crop top. Harry wasn’t thrilled that just anyone could see your stomach, but he could either stand there and pout, or go over, dance with you, and show anyone around you that you were his. He sighed and walked over to you while Niall was just wrapping his arms around Sarah. Rachel and Lora were lost in each other, not paying attention to anyone else. Harry grips your hips from behind and pulls your butt to his pelvis, you squeak out a giggle.

“Hey baby.” You lean back into him as you move together.

“This would be easier if this wasn’t in the way.” He says into your ear, referring to your cardigan. You turn around to grind against him front to front.

“How’s this?” Before he can even answer your mouth is on his. He pulls you closer to him so your breasts are pressed against him. You swipe your tongue across his bottom lip, and he opens up for you. You mold your tongue to his, sucking on him slightly. You feel the strain in his pants become more evident against your leg. You moan into his mouth, and that was enough for him.

“Okay, we’re leaving, yeah?” He says to you. Your cheeks were rosy, and your eyes hazy.

“Your place.” Is all you say. He looks over at Niall and nods towards you. You wave goodbye to your friends, and walk out holding hands with him.

Luckily he drove, and was sober enough to drive. He didn’t drink that much while you were bowling, and you had drank way more than you thought. You kept a hand on his thigh the entire drive. You really were acting like your old self, and it felt great.

Harry keyed into his place, and you slipped your tennis shoes off. He looked at you and untied the cardigan around your waist, letting it drop to the floor. You wrapped your arms around his neck while he picks you up. You wrapped your legs around his waist, and he walked you over to the bed. He sits down, letting you straddle him. Your lips go right for his neck while your hips roll down on him. His hands slip inside the back of your jeans to squeeze your ass.

“I missed you this week.” He says into your ear. You bite down just under his earlobe, causing a groan to leave his mouth. “Don’t make me wait an entire week to see you again.” You suck harder on him. “Please.” You lift your head to look at him, your lips now swollen.

“Show me.”

“Show you what?”

“Show me how much you missed me, Harry.” Your eyes were hooded, pupils fully blown. You wanted him, bad. A devious smile grows on his face.

“Is that what you want?”

“Yes.”

He lifts you up, and sits you near the headboard. He moves to hover over you, he runs his thumb over your bottom lip.

“I missed these lips, pressed against me.” He says taking your bottom lip between his teeth. A hand slides down to cup your breast. “I missed these pressed against me with the way the cool from your piercings sends a shiver up my spine.” He says into your ear. You can’t help but let out a moan at the way he’s teasing you. His hand moved down to your crotch, pressing his palm against your center. “And I especially missed this, the way you’re always so wet for me.” He nips at your earlobe.

“Harry, please.” You say with a heavy breath.

He moves between your legs and undoes your button and zipper, pulling your pants down. You lift your hips to assist him. He tosses them to the other side of the bed. You’re wearing a cute pair of red lace panties. You sit up and tug at the hem of his shirt. He lifts his arms so you can take it off of him. You run your hands up and down his torso. You take his beanie off and run your hands through his soft curls. He tugs at your crop top. When it comes off his jaw drops.

“You weren’t wearing a bra this whole time?”

“No, why would I wear a bra with that shirt? It’s practically already a bra.”

His face goes right for your chest as he wraps his arms around your back. He pulls you to sit on his lap. He kisses between each breast, your head rolling back at the way he takes the time to suck on each nipple equally. You don’t know what is it is tonight, but you feel really sexy. However, your eyes start to feel droopy.

“Harry, I think, um…” You try to open your eyes back up. “I think I feel sleepy.” You say, passing out

“Oh, shit.” Harry sighs, and lays you down. He grabs a glass of water and puts it on the night stand for you. He rolls you onto your stomach, and sticks a small trash can on the floor, just in case you throw up. He didn’t realize just how much you had drank. The combination of beer, and drinking a lot of tequila at the bar with your friends must have did you in. He takes his pants off, and climbs in next to you.

//

You wake up the next morning with your hair a mess, and your face smooshed into the pillow. Your head is killing you and it hurts to look into the light creeping through the blinds. You turn over to reach for Harry, but he wasn’t in the bed. You don’t remember much from last night. You remember him picking you up and bringing you to the bed, then nothing. You still had your underwear on, but your other clothes were missing. You sit up slowly, wondering where he could be. You hear a flush from down the hall, and sigh. He was just in the bathroom. He smirks when he sees you sitting up, covering yourself with the blanket.

“Hey you.” He says, sitting on the edge of the bed next to you, only in his boxers. “Feelin’ alright?”

“My head hurts.”

“Here.” He has two Tylenol in his hand and drops them into yours. You take the glass of water on the table, and pop the pills into your mouth. “You, uh, scared me last night.”

“Hm? Why, what happened?”

“Well, we were making out and you just sort of passed out. How much did you drink?”

“God, I don’t know. We had tequila at the bar, so between that and the amount of beer I had while bowling.” You nearly gag. “Not a great combo. I’m so sorry if I ruined our evening.”

“You didn’t, it was still a really fun night. Maybe, just, if we go out like that again…not drink so much? You’re not in college anymore, (y/n).”

“What is that supposed to mean?” You say, a little annoyed with his tone.

“Nothing, just you don’t need drink to excess every time you go out with your friends. You don’t see me doing that.”

“Only when Louis is around.”

“One time you saw me like that, and if you noticed, I didn’t pass out. You’re lucky you didn’t have your head in the toilet all night.”

“I don’t appreciate you lecturing me.”

“M’not.”

“Yeah, you are. I don’t see them that much, nor do I get to go out dancing and drinking that much anymore. So if I want to party, I’m going to, Harry.” You see your crop top on the floor. You get up, covering your chest, and put it on. He squints at you, unsure of what to say. “And now you’re all quiet is that it? Is daddy done giving me a stern talking to?” You roll your eyes and walk towards the bathroom. You hear him get up and follow you, he stops you from closing the door. “I have to pee, do you mind?”

“What the fuck did you just say to me?”

“I said, I have to pee.”

“No, before that.”

“You heard what I said, I’m not repeating it. I don’t need you treating me like a baby!”

“That’s not what I was doing! Am I not allowed to be concerned? You literally passed out in my arms. You scared the shit out of me (y/n).”

“Well, I’m sorry for that, really I am. I would never intentionally try to scare you. But sometimes these things happen. I don’t usually drink like that. You make it seem like I’m not allowed to have any fun.”

“You are allowed to have fun, but you’re-“

“Not in college anymore?” He just looks at you, almost defeated. “Trust me, I’m aware.” You sigh. “Look, I know I’m in the wrong here, I get that. But please, do not talk to me like that. I don’t need my boyfriend acting like he’s my father.”

“I wasn’t doing that. So, what, am I not allowed to call you out on shit? That makes me your daddy?”

“You can call me out on shit, call me out on whatever the fuck you want, just don’t talk to me like that!” You slam the bathroom door closed, causing your head to throb. You sit down to go to the bathroom, and start crying. You brush your teeth and wash your face quick, wiping your tears away. You knew you were being childish. He was probably up all night worried about you, and this is how you act? It was your first fight, and you didn’t like how it felt.

You open the door slowly, and walk back down the hall to find him sitting on the bed with his head down, twiddling his thumbs. He doesn’t want to look up at you, even though you’re standing right in front of him.

“Harry, I’m sorry I yelled at you. I’m sorry I got so mad. It was a stupid thing to flip out over. You took care of me last night, and instead of being grateful, I acted like a brat.” He looks up at you, his eyes are red. Did he cry too?

“I’m sorry I set you off. It wasn’t my intention to talk to you with that tone. And honestly, you were actin’ like a brat, I didn’t like it.” You look down at your feet, in fear you may just start sobbing. “Look, next time we go out with them, or if it’s a girl’s night or somethin’, could you maybe just dial it back? All I meant about the college comment was that you can’t just bounce back the next day. I know I can’t. It’s okay that you want to party with your friends, I don’t care about that.”

“No, you just care that you didn’t get to touch me last night.” You wipe a tear from your eyes as he stands up, towering over you.

“Wanna run that by me again?”

“That’s why you’re upset right? Because you didn’t get to diddle me, or that I didn’t get to do it to you? Because, because baby missed me all week?” You were starting to be cruel. You grab your jeans from last night, and put them on. “I had a fucking cold, and you made me feel bad about it. I just needed some alone time to recover, and you didn’t want to give it to me.” Harry blinks over and over, and then pinches the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.

“So which is it?”

“What?”

“Am I baby or daddy?”

“That’s what you’re choosing to focus on here?”

“You’re using pretty derogatory terms, (y/n). Why didn’t you just tell me I was buggin’ you last week, instead of bottling it up?”

“Because I didn’t realize it bothered me until just now.” You cross your arms over your chest. “I was just fine without you. I made myself a big pot of soup, I bought some Nyquil, and I even got myself the good tissues. I feel like you think I’m this helpless little girl sometimes.”

“I don’t think that. I’m sorry I wanted to make sure you were okay and be there for you. Fuck me, right?”

“Don’t turn this around and make me feel bad for being truthful.”

“You’re purposefully saying nasty things to me!”

“I think I should go.” You take your phone out to order an uber, but Harry grabs your wrist. “Let go of me.”

“No.”

“No?”

“No. You don’t get to just walk away while we’re arguing.”

“Why not?”

“Because that’s childish? Let’s just figure this out like adults.”

“There’s nothing to figure out! We’re having a fight, and I don’t want to be around you right now, at the risk of saying more nasty things.” You yank your wrist out of his grasp. “And the next time I tell you to get your hands off me, you better fucking listen.” You scramble to grab all your things, and rush out of his apartment, slamming the door behind you.

“What the fuck just happened?!” He says to himself. Your first fight. Over something completely stupid, all because he called you out on your crap. Did you always act this way when you did something wrong?

Why were you acting like this? Oh, you knew why. It was the hormones from your new pack of birth control that always made you act like a raging bitch. Harry got caught in the crossfire this month. No, you can’t blame all of this on hormones. You knew every word that came out of your mouth was going to cut him, deep. Why did you want to hurt him? Anxiety. Were you pushing him away so he wouldn’t want to go home with you? You could punch yourself in the face for acting the way you did.

You screamed into a pillow the second you got into your apartment. You took a long hot shower, and got into some sweat pants and a sports bra. He hadn’t texted or called, you knew you had to be the one to do it. You picked up your phone and swallowed your pride.

“Hi.” He says after waiting three rings to answer. Your voice breaks and you cry into the phone. “I can’t understand you.”

“I’m, I’m so sorry. I was acting like a child. I said such hurtful things to you. It’s not an excuse, but I think I’m just getting anxious about Thanksgiving, and I think I was trying to push you away. It was so stupid. I was wrong. There I was telling you not to speak to me a certain way, and I spoke to you like an asshole. You didn’t deserve that, especially not from me.” You wipe your eyes. “I love you so much, Harry, please I’m sorry.”

“What, what did you just say?” What did you just say? You admitted that you loved him.

“I, I said I love you.”

“I love you too, (y/n).”

“Really?”

“Yes….I’m coming over there.”

“Okay.” He hangs up, and practically races to his car. He couldn’t believe this is how you said this to each other. How cliché, during a fight.

[nataliedanovelist]

GF - Where the Crop Circles Grow ch.6

Summary: When things get out of hand at the Pines’ family farm, Ford asks an old college buddy to assist investigating anomalies and Stan hires a farmhand. Who knew asking for help would actually get you somewhere?

For @lemonfodrizzleart. Part of her Farmer AU and featuring her OC, Jackie Asante.

Ao3 link here.

ch.5 - ch.7

~~~~~~~~~~

Jackie was wide awake a good hour before the sun would rise, before Clock would wake the whole house, and yet she didn’t have the strength to get out of bed. Her mind was swimming with so many thought she felt like she was drowning.

Last night she had sex with Stanley Pines, her employer and friend. What the hell was she thinking?! She was thinking he was beautiful and smart and kind and everything she had ever wanted she just wanted to hold him forever, and thus it resorted to her losing her white dress to hay and walking out of a barn in Stan’s shirt and being caught red-handed by Ford and Fiddleford. (Thank God Tate was asleep and didn’t ask questions; if he had been awake Jackie probably would’ve killed herself.)

Her mind replayed what Stan had said to her before they got busy. He seemed to have meant those nice things he said to her, not just saying it to get her to undress. Jackie was a pretty decent reader of character, so okay, at the absolute very least Stan liked her. He wasn’t going to kick her out or dump her. But did he want to do it again? She knew she wanted to at some point, but…

Jackie groaned and laid on her stomach as she buried her face in her pillow. Really, would it be the end of the world if they were together? Probably not, but did Stan even want that? Jackie wanted to think so, but a small voice in the back of her mind told her he only saw her as an employee with benefits and to not get her hopes up. And of course there were the other men in the house. Ford was mortified when he discovered what they had done, but Jackie considered that it was only because he did not want to think about his twin having sex. Fiddleford, who had been married and even had a son, seemed a little too understanding and supportive. Jackie didn’t think she could stand to see their faces today, so she made up her mind to get up now, do her chores quickly before anyone else woke up, and lock herself in her room until dinner.

While the coffee pot brewed, Jackie quickly mixed together some simple blueberry muffins. While they baked in the oven, she quickly fed the chickens and watered the sheep and let them out onto the field. By the time she re-entered the kitchen the muffins were perfect and she let them cool while she tidied the sheep’s barn and gave them fresh hay. Jackie had just fixed her mug of coffee and plated herself two muffins when she heard footsteps and she hurried into her bedroom to indulge in a book.

It took a hot shower and a few sips of coffee for Stan to realize what Jackie had done. He laughed at himself to find the morning chores done and an easy breakfast laid out on the table. Shaking his head, he happily munched on a muffin on his way to the big barn to milk Luna and brush Truffles and he decided that he would check on her later.

~~~~~~~~~~

As the day wore on, as the sun crept higher and higher up the sky, dark clouds drifted into the scenery and hid the sun. Ford and Fiddleford had just enough time to retrieve their cameras so they could spend the rainy afternoon developing the photos in the thinking parlor before it started pouring down. It never escalated into thunder and lightning, but it was a merciless rain that kept the animals sleeping inside their barns and nests, but thankfully the lack of wind made it okay to sit on the porch and watch the rain, and that’s what Stan did until he fell asleep in his chair.

That left the four-year-old to snuggle up with a blanket on the couch and watch TV, but nothing good was on. Tate huffed and turned it off to try to think of what to do so he wouldn’t be bored no more. He could read a book, but he had done that yesterday. He could play with his toys in his room, but he didn’t feel like it. He wanted to get up and move, but it was raining too hard to play outside, Daddy said so when he came back with Uncle Ford with the cameras, so Tate decided he would do exploring.

He liked this house. It was big but not too big and it felt like home. He really liked it here, and though he knew it wasn’t good to be a sneaky peaky spy, Daddy and Uncle Ford and Uncle Stan and Auntie Jackie never got mad. Tate knew what most of the room were and where most doors led to, but there was one in the hallway that he didn’t know where it led to, so Tate opened it and he beamed to find raincoats, a vacuum, and a box of board games on the floor so Tate could reach.

Tate grinned and decided to pick a game to play. Maybe Daddy would wanna play, or when Uncle Stan wakes up he would wanna play. There was a small box of cards on the top of the stack; Tate thought it would be a good idea to play Go Fish. Tate saw Connect Forty-Four, Don’t Wake Stalin, Battle Chutes and Ladder Ships, but the game on top of the stack and right below the cards a game caught Tate’s eye. He liked the big red dragon behind the funny looking wizard, some kinda monster with big lips, and the pretty elf with the unicorn, all above a table of people playing the game.

Take picked up the green box and smiled. He was only four, but Daddy taught him how to read, so he could read the game and the rules. It looked like fun!

Meanwhile, Ford stretched his arms over his head and left the thinking parlor for a drink of water and possibly a snack. He looked down the hall and smiled when he found Tate in front of the closet where they kept the board games, holding a box he found intriguing. “Hello, Tate,” Ford said and walked up to him.

“Hi, Uncle Ford!” Tate piped and looked up at him and showed him the box in his hands. “Lookie what I found!”

Ford instantly recognized the well-used fantasy-talking, level-counting, statistics and graph-paper involved game from college and grinned. “Dungeons, Dungeons and More Dungeons! That’s my favorite game in the whole Multiverse! I used to play with your father and some other fans of the game back in Backupsmore.”

“Can we play it now?” Tate asked.

Ford held his cleft chin in thought and smiled down at his best friend’s son. Dungeons, Dungeons and More Dungeons was usually a complex and thoughtful game; you had to have a prepared Quest Master for starters, create a character and fill out a character-sheet, and use math and statistics a bit too advanced for the average four-year-old, but Tate wasn’t the average four-year-old. Ford knew he wasn’t good with kids and so he had somewhat kept his distance, but Fiddleford had often said the two were very similar and Ford was quicker to notice the similarities between the father and son, so Ford shrugged and got on one knee to be eye-level with the boy. He might not know much about kids, but he did know a lot about this. “Yes, I suppose we can play. This game involves both math and imagination, so I’m sure someone was intelligent as you will love it.”

Tate grinned at the compliment and watched Ford grab a black backpack from the closet’s shelf and then followed him to the living room to play on the card table. Luckily Ford had what he needed to be a Quest Master and knew the game well enough for the job, so he let Tate use a basic character to learn how to play and to see if he would like it. Ford looked out for any sign that the boy wasn’t having fun, but Tate took to it like a fish to water. The minute he learned he had to fill out a character sheet to play for real, he begged to fill one out and Ford happily showed him how to roll the dice and earn his character’s traits and skill-set.

Soon Ford had Tate the elf go on a magical quest. Tate found a dungeon by a river when he used his sword to cut away some plants, and Tate now had to battle boody-traps and devious gremlins to win the game. Ford started to roll dice in a normal manner, but after a while he reverted to his unique way: weaving the dice in between his fingers and picking it back up with his thumb, starting the cycle all over again. Tate nearly lost his mind and demanded to see it again. With hot cheeks, Ford happily showed the boy his little trick and Tate instantly tried to do it, too, but Ford chuckled and explained that it took lots of practice, and then it was back to the game.

“Alright, you enter the chamber.” Ford narrated, in his element, with the models in front of him and his guide for what to do, determined on what Tate rolled. Tate decided that he liked the way Uncle Ford told stories. “Princess Unattainable beckons you, but wait! It’s a trap!” Tate gasped in horror as Ford wiggled his twelve fingers and imitated an evil grin. “An illusion cast by Probabilitor the Annoying!”

“Oh no!” Tate yelled and shook the dice in his combined fists. “I’ll get him with my sword!”

“Hold on, he only has one weakness.” Ford chuckled. “Prime statistical anomalies over 37 but exceeding 51.”

“Oh. Isn’t an anomaly a weird thingy in the woods?”

Ford laughed; of course this kid would first associate the word with Ford and Fiddleford’s field research. “Yes, but… okay, okay, here’s what you do. You see the dice with 38 sides? Roll that with these two, and then I’ll roll these three, and then we get to do some math to see who wins.”

“Yay! Math!” Tate quickly rolled his three dice and Ford rolled his. Ford even took the time to show Tate on his notepad why you should add certain numbers together, and it looked like Tate barely beat Probabilator’s illusion. “Yes! I did it!”

“Good job!” Ford said and ruffled Tate’s hat. “You’ve Probabilitor on the ropes! Now…”

“Oh ho, so this is where you disappeared to.”

“Hi Daddy!” Tate said happily as Fiddleford stood at the doorway, smiling and amused by the scene before him. “Uncle Ford’s teachin’ me how t’play Dungeons, Dungeons n’ More Dungeons n’ be an elf n’ kick Probabilitor’s butt!”

Fiddleford raised an eyebrow at his old college roommate, his smile still standing. “You dug out that old game, then?”

“More like your son was nosy and I couldn’t resist teaching him a trick or two.” Ford answered with a chuckle and ruffled Tate’s hat to show there were no hard feelings.

“Ugh, are you serious?” Tate and Ford looked over to find that Stan had returned, rubbing his eyes with his fists, awoken by the sounds of dorks. “You’re teaching squirt that nerd game?”

“It’s not a nerd game, Stanley, you would like it if you gave it a chance.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. I prefer to do my dice rolling in Vegas.”

“C’mon, Uncle Stan, don’tcha wanna play?” Tate asked and smiled up at him. “You’re always a lot of fun to play with! You can even pick the weapon I get Probabilitor with!”

Stan couldn’t hide the blush in his face. Before he could answer, Jackie walked behind Stan swiftly for a drink of water, but Tate saw her and quickly said, “Auntie Jackie’ll play, won’t you?”

Jackie jumped and darted her eyes all over the room. She ignored Stan and Fiddleford’s smug looks and tried to piece together what the boy wanted. “Um… what?”

“Dungeons, Dungeons, n’ More Dungeons.” Tate explained and even held up the box’s lid for her. “Can’t we all play together, pwease pwease pwease?” He begged, and even puckered his bottom lip out a little bit to sweeten the deal.

Jackie smiled sympathetically as she exchanged facial expressions with the adults. It wasn’t fair to Tate that there was no one his age to play with or to keep him company. While he had never once complained, it meant a lot of his free time was spent playing alone or helping with chores just so he had somebody to talk to. Just for one afternoon, it couldn’t hurt to give in and do this one thing the child clearly desperately wanted.

“I don’t see why not.” She said with a shrug. “Never played, but I’ve heard good things about it. Why don’t I pop some popcorn and make hot chocolate for a snack?”

“Great idea!” Fiddleford backed up. “I’ll go get my old character sheet!”

“Alright, Stanley come here and I’ll help you create your character.”

“Ugh, do I gotta be some sparkly elf or something?”

“No, you can be whatever you want to be. An ogre, a fairy, a centaur…”

“You had me at ogre! I’m gonna have my own swamp and kick out any annoying fairytale creatures!”

Later that evening, after all the characters had been set and the game was ready to begin, the card table became too filled to function, so everything was laid out on the floor and everyone sat in pajamas and snacked on bowls of popcorn, pretzels, chipackcerz, and mugs of hot chocolate. Clipboards for the players’ character sheets, colorful dice, and notepads also littered the living room, and as the room was lit with candles and the wood-burning fireplace to give it a spooky feel, Ford happily narrated his players through the game. “After your victory against the clan of goblins, you rest at a pub…”

“I’m gonna flirt with the barmaid to get some free drinks!” Stan declared and rolled a 38 sided die; once he understood that this game involved more risk and imagination than math, he started to warm up to it, and though he would never admit it, he had fun playing pretend.

Ford chuckled and looked down at the die. “You’re successful! The barmaid is charmed by your smooth words and strong stature, and slides you a free drink, but unfortunately your score isn’t high enough to earn everyone else a drink. Your players need to recharge from battle, so everyone needs to pay one gold coin for fuel.”

“Imma get chocolate milk!” Tate cheered as he changed the amount of gold he had in his bag on his character sheet.

“Okay, everyone roll your 12 sided die.” Once all the dice were still, Ford winced at the score and said with a devilish smile, “Your cheerfulness over your victory has caught the attention of your worst, and most annoying, enemy: Probabilitor the Annoying!”

“Dang it!” Stan yelled as he popped a piece of gum into his mouth.

“He’s accompanied by his trusty eagle, perfect for capturing victims, a hot elf, and his head ogre. Seeking revenge for taking down his army of goblins, Probabilitor attacks the pub with…” Ford rolled his dice. “... a math ray! Everyone roll your D-38.”

While Stan rolled a 32 and Tate rolled a 28, Fiddleford rolled a 17 and Jackie rolled a 2. “What!?” She shrieked, having been earning low numbers the entire game. “Stan, did you load my dice!?”

“Aw, c’mon, missy,” Stan laughed. “I wouldn’t cheat… okay, but not at a nerd game. It ain’t worth my best tricks.”

“While Goldie and Tate dodged the math ray in time, Hadron and Drizzle are hit, Drizzle left weak while Hadron almost made it to safety. The eagle takes advantage and takes them in his talons, following Probabilitor into the sky as the ogre and hot elf ride on the large bird’s back. Goldie, Tate, what do you do?”

“We go after them!” Tate declared.

“What happens if we don’t?” Stan asked.

“Probabilitor will eat their brains. It’s his thing.” Ford answered.

“Fine, guess we’ll go on another quest.” Stan ruffled Tate’s hat, the two paired into a team, and Ford had them set off into the woods for their team members.

“Alright, meanwhile at the campsite,” Ford went on. “Hadron and Drizzle are tied to a tree while the hot elf readies the brain-cooking pot.”

“Hold on, ain’t there a way we can escape?” Fiddleford asked. “It’s only rope, n’ I got my dagger, remember. If it’s in my belt by my hip…”

“Good ingenuity, let’s give it a try.” Ford cleared his throat and reread the rules to make sure it was fair. “Probabilitor, distracted by picking garnishes for your brains, doesn’t notice that Hadron has a weapon he can use without his hands. Roll your D-12, you have to get a 10 or higher to be successful.”

Fiddleford blew into his fists for good luck and let his D-12 go, but then slapped his forehead and winced at the 8.

“You managed to cut some of the binding holding you and Drizzle captive, but your dagger falls from your belt and lands on the grass and out of reach. Before Drizzle can even try to get it back with her foot, Probabilitor returns to do some more annoying dragging about how he’s going to eat you.”

“If I get my eight-year-old character killed over this, Imma lose it.” Fiddleford joked; there was no way he was going to die like this, right? Right?!

“Ugh, if my hands were free I’d break every part of his face.” Jackie growled.

“Oh ho, Probabilitor is so annoying he has even invoked the wrath of the peaceful druid elf.” Ford chuckled. “Helpless for the time being, it’s up to Goldie and Tate to save them, but first they must travel through the woods and reach the campsite.”

“Okay!” Tate cheered and punched the air, ready to beat up some bad guys.

“You two are getting close to your destination, you can tell by the frequent fairy bites. When suddenly your path is blocked by a huge ogre, armed with an axe!”

“Aw, come on, Manly Dave, I thought we were cool.” Stan said sarcastically and the whole room laughed.

“‘Halt!’ Dave the Ogre says.” Ford was using a deeper, gritter voice for the ogre, making Tate grin as the narrator had a way of making the story come to life. “‘You interlopers are trespassing on the ancient forest of Probabilitor the Wizard! If ye wish to pass, first ye must complete seven unworldly quests, each more difficult than the last…’”

“I bonk him over the head with my bat!” Stan interrupted.

“Okay, one, you have a club, not a bat, Stanley,” Ford explained for the uptheenth time. “And second, you can’t…”

“Sure I can! Our team members are gonna be dead soon, we don’t have time for seven stupid quests! So I use nature’s snooze button and bonk him over the head!” Stan argued and shook his dice in his fist.

“Fine, roll your D-38…” The room gasped as Stan rolled a 36. Ford, chuckling with disbelief, said, “You bonk your club on the ogre’s head and it knocks him out cold. He’s not dead, but he won’t be walking for a long time.”

“There’s no cops in the forest.” Stan hissed to Tate. “We take this to our graves.”

The boy actually pushed his hat and bangs back to show Uncle Stan his trusty wink, making the whole room laugh.

“Very well! You are approaching the campsite!” Ford narrated with wiggling fingers. “As Goldie and Tate hide in the bushes, Probabilitor tackles.” Ford cleared his throat and made the wheeziest, annoying voice he could muster, causing Jackie to snort and cover her mouth to keep from spitting out soda. “‘And now, a little math problem! When I subtract your brains from your skulls, add salt, and divide your team, what’s the remainder?’”

“YOUR BUTT!” Tate cried out.

“‘What?!’” Ford wheezed. “‘My butt isn’t part of this particular equation!’” The whole room laughed loudly and Ford had to wait for everyone to calm down before continuing. “Though your insult may have been funny, your cover is blown. Goldie and Tate now have no choice but to battle Probabilitor for the lives of Hadron and Drizzle!”

“Yup, we’re dead.” Fiddleford said and pulled out a clean character sheet. “Better start creatin’ a new character.”

“Hey! We’ve got this, right squirt?” Stan asked as he wrapped an arm around Tate.

“Yeah!”

“Let the battle begin!” Ford placed two small figures of ogres and said, “The ogres swing first! Roll your D-38s to dodge!” Ford rolled a 13 while Stan rolled a 14.

“Goldie uses a… Shield of Shielding to, you know, shield Goldie and Tate!” Stan made up.

“Probabilitor casts a reversal spell, and…” Ford rolled a 15. “... is successful. The shield disintegrates. The ogres attack! Now you can choose to attack or…”

“Oh! Giggle time bouncy boots!” Tate yelled out. “To jump over the meanie’s heads!” Both Ford and Tate rolled, but Tate’s was higher.

“The boots work!” Ford said. “Goldie and Tate bounce to safety, missing the axes and clubs by the skin of their noses.”

“Now they use flamey swords… no! SUPER hot flamey swords!” Tate declared, getting really excited. The boy rolled a 21, Stan rolled an 18, and Ford rolled a 2.

“Incredible luck!” Ford gasp. “Your swords are so powerful they destroy the ogres in an instant!” And he swiped up the little figures. “‘Drat you!’ Probabilitor screeches. ‘You’ll never outrun my Ogre-nado!’” And Ford rolled a 30.

“Yes we will!” Tate said and hopped up on his feet, shaking the die hard. “Centaur-taur will swoop in and save Tate and Goldie!” And Tate rolled a 32.

“A what?” Fiddleford chuckled.

“A Centaur-taur.” Tate repeated and showed a drawing he had made last night when thinking of weapons and characters. It was both horrifying and impressive.

“Tate, I am so confused n’ so proud right now.” Fiddleford said thickly with shiny blue eyes.

“The Centaur-taur dashes just in time and carries Goldie and Tate to the thick of the trees, where the ogre-nado is broken and destroyed. Goldie and Tate rush back to try to free Hadron and Drizzle, but Probabilitor’s score is still too high to be defeated.” Ford rolls his D-4, D-12, and D-38 to determine which of Probabilitor’s spells or minions to use; the Quest Master’s eyes widened as this specific combination of numbers meant he had to use the most powerful monster is all of Dungeons, Dungeons, and More Dungeons.

Ford grinned sheepishly, and narrates slowly for suspense, “You think all is well and good, but Probabilitor was saving the worst for last. Just before Goldie and Tate reach their team members, they’re grabbed by a huge claw with three fingers and are faced with a mouth inside of a mouth and a fiery red eye.” And Ford slammed down the biggest statue they had.

Fiddleford gasped. “The Impossi-Beast! I thought they banned this character!” He argued.

Ford shrugged. “Sorry, but this is the original 1972 version. They didn’t ban the Impossi-Beast until the second version, released in 1975.”

“It’s okay, we’ll just think of some cool weapons…”

“Ya don’t understand, son.” Fiddleford said as he gripped the boy’s shoulder. “He’s so powerful that he can only be defeated by rolling a perfect 38! If not, then we all lose our characters!”

“Rollin’ a 38?!” Tate gasped. “The odds are…”

“Hey, long odds are what you want when you’re a world-class gambler!” Stan said and took up his D-38. “C’mon, c’mon… Papa needs a new pair of… elves!” And he let go of the D-38.

Tate held onto Stan’s arm as it rolled across the floor. Fiddleford’s knees were bouncing despite being criss-cross. Jackie had her hands in her hair. Ford bit his lip, wanting his first quest with the team to be a success. The little blue die looked like it might fall on 1, but at the last second it balanced perfectly on that beautiful 38.

“WHAT?!”

Tate jumped up and down as he cheered and punched the air. “YES! Yes, yes, yes! We won! We won!”

“What do you say, buddy?” Stan asked.

“DEATH BY MUFFINS!”

“Goldie and Tate then throw magical Death Muffins into the Impossi-Beast’s mouth!” Ford narrated. “The monster explodes and Probabilitor is powerless and pathetic as always. But keeping true to his name, he annoyingly disappears into a cloud of math, promising to be back for another journey, but for now Drizzle and Hardon are free, and Goldie and Tate are upgraded to level 2 and earn twenty pieces of gold.”

“YAY!” Tate quickly scribbled down the changes on his character! “Can we go on another adventure?! Maybe we’ll find a dragon this time! I wanna try to get a Trust Arrow!”

“Unfortunately that’s all I had plan for now.” Ford held his chin and gave it some more thought. “I suppose I could…”

“Not so fast, Sixer, that’s enough nerd-game for me.” Stan stretched his arms over his head. “Ole Goldie over here’s ready for some mindless fun.”

“How about a movie?” Jackie asked and looked under the TV for the box of VCR tapes. “We’ve got The Voyages of Lionclothiclese: Clash of the Genres.”

“Oo! Put it in!”

“I haven’t seen that movie in years!” Fiddleford said excitedly as his son sat in his lap up on the couch.

Ford moved up to the couch and allowed Jackie to put the tape in the machine and soon the TV lit up with the lights and sounds of the old film. Stan had collapsed into his armchair and Jackie held her knees by her chest, sitting between the couch and the chair. Stan noticed this and shook his head discreetly. No way such a pretty woman was going to sit on the floor, even if it was carpet. 

Jackie couldn’t help but feel someone’s eyes on her, and when they looked at each other Stan gave his lap a little pat so no one else would notice. The farm-woman hesitated, but being in his hold sounded amazing, and really what did she have to lose, so she slipped up into his arms and curled up in his lap, the gang allowing the old movie to fill the atmosphere and happily distract them from the real world.

[markleetrashh]

The melody we composed;Johnny

Genre: fluff

Summary: A relationship is like composing a melody, there are ups and downs, and there are moments that shine more brightly than the rest. Yet, the whole piece put together creates an everlasting masterpiece.

A/N: a mini johnny college (kinda) au that i had the sudden idea for and the end result was much more beautiful than i expected! enjoy reading hehe

Word Count: 2,110

------

"My soul is tired, but one look at you and the flowers bloom once more."

------

The first time you saw him there was a spark of familiarity, laced together with a tint of serenity, and you couldn't take your eyes off him.

His long and thin fingers pressed gently against the white keys of the piano as his body moved slightly to the tune of the melody, his eyes fully focused on the sheet of paper in front of him.

He wore a peach coloured cardigan drooped over a simple white tee, matched together with a pair of black skinny jeans which enhanced his long legs even more.

His slightly ruffled & fluffy hair covered his eyes a little, as he'd occasionally lift his hand up to pull them back.

His fingers seemed to dance on their own, and with every key he pressed, the melody only got better.

You found yourself lost in the soft tunes he was playing, as your eyes couldn't help but admire this beautiful man that was sitting in front of you, his side profile looking like a whole masterpiece.

Then, as your arms suddenly fell weak while your mind was distracted by the sounds of the piano, you had accidentally dropped the file you were holding onto to the ground. In an instance, the man stopped playing as he turned to look at the sound that disrupted him, only to have met your eyes.

You bowed slightly, apologising for disrupting him, as you cursed at yourself for embarrassing yourself in front of him.

But he simply shook his head, as a small smile started to form on his face, his eyebrows lifting up, "No it's alright, you don't have to apologise"

You smiled sheepishly at his words, as your fingers fumbled with each other before you nervously blurted out a few words to him, "You play the piano.. really well"

He turned his head slightly at your words, before letting out a small chuckle, a big gummy smile appearing on his face as his eyes formed small crescent moons; a sight that made your heart melt for some reason.

"Thank you," he called out to you, before walking towards you and holding out his hand, "I'm Johnny,"

You immediately shook his hand and introduced yourself, before he continued speaking, "nice to meet you Y/N"

His eyes then lit up, as he gave you another smile, "Oh do you need to use the room? I'm sorry that i didn't book it beforehand but you can use it now."

Slowly gaining back your senses, you pointed to the file in your hand as you gave him a pitiful smile, "O-Oh yeah, I have some pieces i need to practice on before catching up on my theory classes."

Johnny tilted his head to you, his eyes lighting up once again, "Piano major?"

His sudden question took you by surprise, but you immediately nodded your head, before letting out a shy laughter.

"What about you?"

"Only a piano minor. My major's international business."

"Woah"

Johnny laughed at your reaction, before nodding his head, "I get that reaction a lot. I know, huge difference between the two right?"

You widened your eyes, then shook your head, not wanting him to misunderstand, "N-No, i mean yes, but it just seems so cool to me."

His smile grew even bigger, his eyes fixed onto yours, as he lifted his hand to hide a giggle from escaping, "You're cute."

Your body froze at his words, as you slowly felt heat rising up to your cheeks.

Seeing that you were unable to reply, Johnny let out a small laugh, before snapping his fingers in front of you, "Good luck on practising! See you again i guess?"

And with that he walked towards the door with his hand in his pocket, a bright smile on his face. Right before he stepped out of the room he gave you another small wave, and for some reason it didn't calm you down at all, instead, it made your cheeks burn up even more as the image of him and his smile remained in your head.

------

You entered your own world of melody as your head danced to the rhythm of the song your fingers were playing. Your eyes were only focused on the musical notes on the paper in front of you, to the white and black tiles that each held a different sound to them.

"As expected from a piano major; Wonderful"

The familiar voice of a man startled you, your body jerking up as you let out a small shout.

Johnny let a giggle slip from his mouth, then while trying to contain his laughter, both his hands cupped your shoulders, "I'm sorry i scared you"

You placed a hand on your chest as you let out a deep breath, "I almost got a heart attack oh my goodness"

Johnny gave you an apologetic smile, then followed by a thumbs up, "That piece was superb"

You found yourself blushing from the sudden compliment, and thanked him before glancing up at him, "Oh what are you here for? I checked and nobody booked the room so..."

Johnny gave you a subtle smile, before looking brightly at you, "Lectures ended early today and i happened to pass by so i thought why not admire your playing for a few minutes."

His words, once again, sent your cheeks burning up, as you bit your lip in nervousness. Trying not to give yourself away, you gave a small, but awkward laugh.

He must have caught on, for he broke the awkward few seconds, "By the way, i was about to grab dinner and i was wondering if you've had yours yet?"

You shook your head in response, your heart thumping against your chest as you anticipated his next question.

"Do you want to go together then? I mean.. if you don't mind, that is" Johnny asked again, with a spark in his eyes. The excitement in his tone was almost begging you to say yes, his hands clasped together like an eager child.

You hummed for a few seconds, before you nodded your head, which was followed by Johnny's bright smile immediately. Swiftly putting your files neatly into the tote bag you carried, you closed the lid of the piano before heading out with Johnny, the small awkward and shy talks slowly becoming more intriguing and interesting as the both of you got more and more absorbed into each other's worlds.

------

"Where were you yesterday? I was so worried" you said to Johnny in the calmest tone, although the anxiety and anger was slowly overflowing. Johnny's face showed no expression other than that of a tired look, as he gave no response to your words, his eyes focused on his fingers that he was fumbling with in front of him.

You let out another breath, before asking him again, "Are you okay? What happened?"

Johnny simply shook his head, before burying his face into his hands, his fingers pulling on his strands of hair out of frustration. 

You tried to pull his hands away, but he resisted, as you start to hear a stifled cry, his breath growing heavier and faster. Immediately, your hands softened as your arms tightened around him, your head resting on his shoulder as you rubbed his arm in circles, trying your best to calm him down.

He had not returned any of your calls or messages the day before, which was unlike the Johnny you knew. At first you thought he was just busy, but as soon as you heard from his friends that he wasn't in any of his classes yesterday, you got even more worried. It was until today morning where you heard from his roommate that he was back in the campus that you immediately went to find him.

Here you were, sitting on his bed with him as you could barely comprehend anything that was happening. Johnny wasn't happy or lively like his usual self, it was the first time you have ever seen him break down in front of you.

"I-I'm sorry, something serious cropped up at home and i'm just so overwhelmed now i don't know what to say or do, i'm sorry i didn't mean to ignore you-"

Johnny finally said out to you in between cries before you hugged him at the sound of his words, your heart slowly breaking as you could hear the pain in his voice.

Johnny's arms wrapped around you like they always did, as he buried his face into your shoulder, his tears slowly soaking up the sleeve of your shirt.

"I didn't want to burden you with my problems and make you worry so i-"

You immediately cut him off, your tears threatening to fall as you hugged him even closer to you, "We made the decision to go through everything together, and you shouldn't feel like this at all. I'm more than willing to help you out Johnny, i love you and if it means having to solve your problems with you too, i'll gladly do it"

Johnny's breath quickened at your words, his arms wrapping around you so tightly you could barely even move.

The both of you sat in silence as you sat there trying your best not to cry too, as Johnny found comfort in your pair of arms wrapped around him, thankful to have you in his life.

You hummed a small tune from one his favourite pieces, your fingers tapping lightly on his back as though it were the piano tiles. Johnny couldn't help but let out a small smile escape his mouth, his sadness now being masked by the happy melody that was coming out from your mouth.

------

The spotlight shone onto you as you kept your eyes on the keys in front of you, your head and body slowly flowing to the sweet tune. The many eyes that were staring at you made you nervous, but you tried to keep a calm expression, your main focus to only play the piece well.

You played the last few keys before you stopped, your eyes glancing over to the other spotlight that has just been shone in front of you. The audience clapped for a few seconds, before stopping after hearing the familiar keys of the piano again.

There sat the man you loved most, his soft eyes and expression following his fingers as he played elegantly. Naturally, a smile formed on your face as you admired his looks, the way his eyes would lift up a little to look at the sheet, then slowly returning back to a soft gaze, as his gelled hair still looked so soft as they bounced with his every move.

It reminded you of your first meeting with him - how stunning he looked then, and how he still is in your eyes now.

The spotlight was shone onto you again, and as soon as your eyes met his, the both of you played in harmony as the sweet tunes of yours matched well with his strong and fast melody.

And with ease, like how the both of you had practiced for this for a few months, the beautiful piece ended with a sharp and strong finish, as the audience stood up to applaud the both of you. The both of you stood up and walked into the middle of the stage, holding your hands together before bowing to them. Johnny's arms slid across your waist and without a warning, he pulled you close to give you a small peck on your lips, which garnered even more claps from the audience.

You couldn't help but smile and blush at his sudden move, as you hid your face in your hand before holding him close to you too, thankful that your recital had all gone well.

But it wasn't the pieces that you performed at the recital that was important to you. What was more important was that Johnny was part of it all too, be it helping you out or even agreeing to perform with you.

After all, your relationship with him was like composing a melody - it was not always sweet sailing, neither was it easy to achieve. It was the mistakes that were made that made the melody better, and it was the moments that you cherished that made it stand out. Yet, the overall piece put together was something words could never explain, as a blank sheet still waits to be filled with the beautiful memories of you two.

[bisexualskeletonsinmycloset]

Chewtoy

Chapter 3- Birthday

X wrapped up the brand new Littmann stethoscope she had bought for her brother’s birthday. “He’s going to be twenty-one Chewtoy!” she said excitedly. “My baby brother’s growing up.” Chewtoy smacked his lips contently in reply and gazed lovingly into X’s eyes. “Aw I love you too Chewtoy!” she gushed and squashed the capuchin in a hug. She relaxed her hold when he squawked in protest. I’ll miss you when you’re gone Chewtoy, she thought. At fourteen, her capuchin was getting old.

She felt her phone vibrating in her pocket and fished it out. “Hi Dad!” “Yeah, I’m starting out now. When’s Addy reaching?” She checked her appearance in her mirror one last time before heading for the door. She ran her fingers messily through her cropped hair, her undercut peeking out. She was wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and the top half sexily unbuttoned, putting her black bra on display. It was tucked into a pair of black skinny jeans, showing off her legs.

***

X pulled up at the place they were supposed to meet up. She leaned against her car, checking her phone. Hearing a squeal of delight, she looked up. Addy bounded up to X, a huge grin plastered on his face. Enveloping him in a bear hug, she smiled. “I missed you too kiddo. Happy birthday!” “You’re always so busy now. You barely visit home anymore,” he pouted. “That’ll be you when you leave home too,” their dad walked up to them. “You’ll forget all about your dad,” he joked.

X raised her eyebrow at the club Addy had picked. “So we’re letting him drink?” she asked dad. “Looks like it,” he replied. “He hasn’t shut up about it all week.”

“Like you waited till you were twenty-one,” Addy scoffed. “Never mind what I did, you’re my baby brother,” she teased. They had settled into a cosy corner when a waitress bustled up to them. Her pixie cut hair was streaked with blue and a silver septal ring gleamed in her nose. Cute, X thought. She handed out menus to them, her eyes lingering on X for a second too long. X caught her eye and smiled. She blushed and hurried away flustered.

“Do you have to flirt with anything that walks on two legs?” Addy rolled his eyes at his sister. “No, I flirt with half of everything that walks on two legs,” she smirked. “Speaking of which, do you have a girlfriend yet?”

“No. Not that I’ll tell you if I do,” he huffed. “You don’t still hold that against me, do you? That was back in high school and I didn’t know you two were dating. Which is why you ought to tell me!” X laughed. “Not that she seemed to mind,” she added, eyes twinkling. “Spare me the details,” he grumbled.

The waitress returned to take their order. “A pina colada for him and a Long Island iced tea. Dad?” X asked. “Nope. I’ve got work tomorrow,” he smiled and ordered the food. The waitress left after flashing a quick smile at X.

“Tell me about college. How’s the budding doctor?” X handed her gift to Addy. “What did you get me?” he asked eagerly. “A stethoscope? Not sure if you’ll like it,” X said uncertainly. Addy ripped open the packaging and said delightedly, “Aw thanks! It’s one of the best you can get!” X sighed in relief, “I’m glad you like it.”

“College is fine. Not as exciting as what you do. Or even what dad does for that matter.” Their father was a sous chef at a Michelin star restaurant. “I don’t save lives kid,” dad chuckled. “I don’t save lives either,” Addy replied. “Not yet at least.”

The waitress returned with their drinks. She set X’s drink down and shot her a sweet smile. X responded with a wink making her turn red. She quickly darted away from the table, shyly glancing back at X when she was a safe distance away. X followed her with her eyes. She wouldn’t mind a hook-up, she thought. Addy watched the whole exchange in awe, "Just how do you do it? It takes me so long to muster up the courage to ask a girl out! And here you are doing… whatever it was you just did.” “Girls love a butch,” she answered simply.

Addy sniffed at his pina colada suspiciously, “I don’t smell the booze.” Cautiously, he took a little sip. His eyes widened in delight. “It’s so good!” “I know,” X replied amused. “Just take it easy.” Addy began slurping down his drink while X leisurely sipped at her Long Island. “Slow down Addy!” “But it’s so good!” he giggled. “Don’t tell me you’re drunk already!” X laughed.

“Mmm,” Addy slurped down the last of his drink and closed his eyes in bliss. “Another one! Please!” he said, making adorable puppy eyes at X. “Um… dad?” X began. “Let him at it. It’s his day,” dad replied indulgently. The waitress came over, giving X a sultry look. Someone’s getting feisty, X thought and returned a smouldering look. “Another pina colada, please.” The waitress nodded, her cheeks colouring.

“Someone’s getting laid tonight,” Addy chirped a little too loudly. “Addy,” X began embarrassed. “Dad?” Dad just chuckled in reply. “You deal with him, kid. It’s almost eleven and I’ve got a busy day tomorrow,” he said getting up. “You’re leaving?” X panicked. “Yeah. He doesn’t get much time with you so you two catch up.” Dad kissed X on the cheek and left.

X held the second drink out of Addy’s reach and enunciated slowly, “Addy, you gotta drink this slowly, Ok?” Addy eyed the drink and nodded eagerly. X gently set it in front of him. “Ok, slowly now.” Addy pounced on it, sucking the delicious drink through the glass straw. X sighed resignedly. “Oh well, you only live once,” she said chugging down the rest of her drink.

Addy finished his drink and put his head on the table. Gazing up at X he said, “I love you. Have I told you that? You’re the bestest big sister in the whole world.” “Aw Addy,” X ruffled his hair affectionately. “I know that’s the booze talking but you’re adorable. I love you too.” “No it’s not the booze. I really do love you,” he said louder this time, drawing some attention. X shushed him. “No but really,” he continued undeterred. “Do you remember when you fought off my bullies?” he asked getting all misty-eyed. “I fought off bullies?” asked X incredulously.

“Yep. When we were kids. Those two boys took my toy truck and you threatened to bash their brains in,” he said admiringly. “Addy that was when I was eight!” she laughed. “And they were ten. You were very brave. I love you,” he gushed. “I love you too Addy,” she smiled fondly. The alcohol was starting to get to her too.

“Would you like anything else?” asked the waitress as she came up to their table. “Another pina colada!” piped up Addy. “A sex on the beach,” X slurred. The waitress winked at X, “Of course. I’ll be right back.” X watched her sashay away from the table, taking her in from top to bottom. Someone was getting laid tonight.

“Sex on the beach, huh? Naughty,” Addy chirped. “Have you had sex on the beach?” he narrowed his eyes at X. “Addy keep it down. You’re being too loud,” X hushed him as his face crumpled. “I didn’t mean to upset you!” X said hurriedly. “Just keep it down. And no, I haven’t had sex on the beach.”

“What’s the most exciting place you’ve done it, then?” Addy asked in a stage whisper. “Am I being quiet enough?” “Yes Addy,” X said affectionately. “I’d say a cave.” “A cave?! How?” X sighed, as The Enchantress came to her mind. “It was on one of my jobs,” she smirked. “Fucking on duty, huh? Who else other than my big sister,” Addy said admiringly. “Now you don’t go following in my footsteps ok? You be good,” X said, a wave of affection washing over her.

The waitress popped back with their drinks. She leaned in when she gave X her sex on the beach and said, “I go off duty at 12”. With a sly wink, she cleared the table and left. “Can I taste?” asked Addy, eying X’s drink. “Just a sip,” X warned, her eyes glued to the waitress.

Addy glanced at his watch and then squinted at it, looking puzzled. He shook his wrist and shoved it under X’s nose. “Why’s my watch all weird? I can’t read the time. What time is it?” he slurred. “Time to go home,” X decided and helped him out of his chair. She hailed a cab for him outside and made sure the driver got the right address. “What about you? You’re too drunk to drive too,” Addy said concerned.

“I’ve got to…” X began, her face flushing. “Do the waitress!” Addy finished with a grin. “I’ll leave you to it.” X made her way back into the club. It was almost twelve. The waitress caught her eye and jerked her head in the direction of the wait staff’s room. X walked in and clumsily crashed into a table. A pitcher of water balanced precariously on the edge tottered and fell to the floor, drenching her. She moved to catch it but instead slipped and landed sprawled out on the floor, her back slumped against the wall. The waitress chose to walk in that very second and followed X’s suit in slipping. She tried to regain her balance but her high-heel clad ankles gave out and she landed on top of X, straddling her.

“That’s one way to get to it,” X smirked, running her hands up the waitress’s legs which were draped on either side of her. The waitress moved her hands to X’s shirt, smirking at her nipples poking through it. “Let’s get you out of this. Don’t want you catching a cold.” “Of course,” X’s eyes glinted mischievously. The waitress leaned forward, trailing kisses from X’s jawline down to her neck. X moaned and roughly tugged the waitress’s hair, bringing her lips crashing down to hers. The waitress nibbled on her bottom lip, her hands working X out of her bra.

“Someone’s happy,” she teased as her nipples came into view. “Or cold,” X said. “Oh that’s explains it,” the waitress replied in mock seriousness. X undid the waitress’s shirt while she grinded against her, her short skirt riding up. The waitress circled X’s nipples with her tongue as her breathing quickened. X moaned in pleasure, arching her back. She took off the waitress’s bra and pawed at her breasts.

X let her hands rest on her naked thighs, teasing their way higher while her tongue continued to toy with her nipples. “Mmm get on with it,” said the waitress, grinding on X. X bit her nipple as she stuck her fingers inside her panties. The waitress unbuttoned X’s pants and let her fingers do the exploring.

“Let’s… go back to my place?” panted X as the fog of pleasure cleared. The waitress pressed her lips to X’s and whispered pityingly, “I’ve got a boyfriend.”

[gallivantingheart]

House of Murderers

Something I did last year for uni. The prompt/s being:  A stranger knocks on the door; there is a gun on the table; a dead body.

(Oh, uhm all characters written are my own. Yeah.)

Word count: Approx. 2010

The doorbell rings. Not his problem.

The doorbell rings. He curses. His hand jolts and popcorn scatters over his lap and the scratchy sofa.

Callum can’t make out the figure disrupting his night in. The light is off outside and the rain has dulled to a shower. He wrenches the heavy door open, feeling the door spring back off his arm. The car explosion from the movie illuminates her face. Oval in shape, set with dark eyes – black or brown, he isn’t sure. She stands his height, the edges of her mouth thin. She seems to have walked at least some of the way here, her coat wet but not soaked. Her shoes are black, the suede wet and damaged.

 He scowls, idly swiping popcorn crumbs off his pants. “Yes? Can I help you?”

“Callum, yes? Callum Yates?” Her voice is low, but not quiet or rough.

She tucks a damp clump of short hair behind an ear, simple studs bouncing off the lone source of light. It’s shorter at the back than the front, matching the angle of her chin in large waves. Bright turquoise paints the ends, the only colour other than the grey of her scarf he had seen.

“Yeah? What do you want?”

She sucks in a breath and stares him dead in the eye. “I know who killed your sister.”

 He steps back, stunned. It had been four months. Four months since Ellie had been found mangled on the rocks, washed up from the south. The police thought she’d been shot and tossed – yes, they affirmed crudely, tossed, as if she were some toy – over the pier. Two and a half since his father Stephen, older brother Matthew and himself had been told there had been no new leads, but promised they would keep looking. Nothing. No one knew if it had been an accident or random or on purpose. Nothing.

 He crosses his arms, squinting his bottle green eyes at the girl no older than himself – or maybe Elinore. She barely moves, shifting like willow on a calm day.

“What makes you think you know who it was? The police have no clue and I don’t think they’d like some girl nosing about in their business. I certainly don’t.” He snarls.

She straightens up, clearly insulted. She takes a smooth but wet step past the threshold, invading his space in a dangerous fashion. “Some girl is better than no one. Don’t you want to know who did it?”

“What if you’re wrong?”

“I’m never wrong.” Her voice is a feather, brushing through his thoughts. She pulls a handgun from her pocket and places it on the hall table, her long fingers over it. “I know who it is. And you seem like the one in the family who wants blood – I caught bits of your police statement. I can give it to you. If you leave with me right now.”

 Callum looks back to his house, empty for the night. His adoptive father is the owner of a small phone company and dabbles in inventions on the side. Stephen had been invited to some high society function but was unable to convince his youngest son to come. Matthew was over in Dubai for his job in IT – training in…something. He’s in a t-shirt he suspects should have been in the wash a few days ago and track pants that smell like warm butter and salt. And Ellie wasn’t here. Never again.

“Give me two minutes.”

 He sprints up the stairs. If Ellie was here she would have smiled, minty green eyes crinkling. Said the girl looked pretty. That maybe she was his type. He grabs jeans, but keeps the t-shirt – she didn’t know how long he’d been wearing it. Yanking sneakers on, he thunders down and finds a hoodie from the jumble of coats hanging up by the garage. He spots an emerald green one – Elinore’s favourite. After fumbling in the dark for the house keys, he slams the door behind him. The girl has buried a smile in her knitted scarf, tugging it up to her nose. But she still holds the gun.

 “What’s that for?” He points, flicking up his hood as they walk down the drive. He can see the shine of a car at the gate.

“For the culprit. A little of his own medicine.”

Her walk is brisk and light – if he could put it down to anything, Callum would call her a business fairy. He slides in the passenger side. It’s a sports car, black and sleek. It fits her well. Jumping in next to him, she drops her hood and knocks it into gear. They tear down the weaving road, lined with the housing of the elite. He grips the seat – Matthew always drove like a grandma.

“Who is it anyway? Who killed Ellie?” He’s dying to know the monster that did it. The thing that murdered his dear sister.

“Jared Farrow.”

 He nods in recognition. Jared Farrow was That Kid. The one who was good at everything, but someone you couldn’t seem to hate. Flawless. He remembers him from school – mousey brown hair, happy eyes and too much limbs for his own good. When he sat, his arms seemed lanky and endless and made him look like a cramped insect.

“He wants your money,” She continues, mouth pink and glittering with the streetlights, “you don’t have much, but it’s seems enough for him. Ellie- Elinore had been seeing him for a while, but was keeping it quiet. He had the opportunity – they talked online under fake names and organised a date – and the murder weapon. I found the same gun used to kill her in his office draw.” She presses her foot down on the gas and he jolts.

“How do you know?” He can’t seem to stop asking questions, because she doesn’t give answers.

“Because I live with him. I know this guy to a T. And…” Her voice dwindles. “I thought he loved me. I used his computer the other week and found everything – he hadn’t logged off. Did some digging. Put two and two together.”

 She’s young; beautiful. No one would have believed her if she decided to tell them. No one could hate Jared. But she does. From the way her eyes bare down on the slick road to the tight clench of her hands on the steering wheel. She seems thirsty for the kill. Broken hearts might do that to you, he assumes. Wasn’t like he knew though.

She seems to have gauged him well, choosing the right Yates to recruit for her mission. Matthew was avoiding it, going overseas and hoping to forget. His father had mourned the death of his only daughter hard and long. But Callum? Callum wanted to get rid of the sick guy who did this to her. To his family.

 They are driving down the boulevard that lines the sea. Even through the car’s structure Callum can hear the ebb and flow of the waves, the sound they make as they breach then crash into themselves. But the moon doesn’t light them tonight. Instead it waits behind a stretch of cloud, waiting for their work to be done. He leans against his seatbelt and runs a hand through his wet sand hair. His knees jiggle. He wants to be so sure this man they’re about to kill is the right one. He just has to trust her.

It is far too easy to though – irrational on his part. But this is the best lead he’s heard since Ellie was murdered. He glances to the inside of his wrist, the tattoo peeking out of the sleeve. He rolls it back. A pair of round swirly cartoon wings, line in black and accented with orange. He and Ellie had gotten matching ones together when he graduated. The only other truly impulsive thing he had done. Funny how stuff like that seemed to involve her. The girl flicks her sight to the image, but says nothing.

 Callum doesn’t even know her name. He asks.

She tries to smother a smile. “Why do you want to know? So you can rat me out afterwards?”

“No! No. I just…it’s weird, okay? What do I call you?”

He realises his question sounds blunt, but she doesn’t comment. She ponders it for a moment, stopping at a set of traffic lights. “V. Call me V.”

Before he can say anything else, she pulls up outside a tight apartment made of old red brick. The rain has stopped. Lights are on, warm and inviting. A home. The door is old and white, stark against the brickwork, even in the dark.

“Come on. Down to business.”

V makes it so simple. Acts so business-like and detached. He shifts on the doorstep as she unlocks the door. She’s turning the handle when his hand drops on hers, gripping tightly. She looks over her shoulder and frowns.

 “Are you sure it’s him? Like, 100%?” He hisses.

She scowls. “Of course I’m sure! I’m never wrong. About anything – well, nothing like this!”

“A-and killing him? Is this really necessary?” He tries to swallow a girly squeak threatening to catch his voice.

She relaxes her grip on the doorhandle, keys jingling softly. “You’re the one who wanted him dead – I read the article. And watched the interviews. I’ve watched you. Do you think that if we tell the cops that they’ll believe us? What will happen if they do? He won’t get the full sentence!” She looks away, a sad sneer resting on her mouth. “He’s too good a person.”

 V sweeps in the door, leaving it open for him to follow. She kicks her boots off, letting them bang the wall. “Hey! I’m back.”

It’s as if someone has flicked a switch – truly a Janus. She shrugs off her coat and Callum sees she wasn’t really dressed for killing, or the weather. From the fake leather miniskirt to the strappy burgundy crop top. He’s surprised she isn’t shivering. He shifts again on the spot, uneasiness creeping into his shoulders.

Her dark sight locks onto him and she leans back. “Don’t touch anything. We don’t want you implicated. I live here. It fits.”

“Whoa, you’re back early.” A low voice carried down the cream hallway, the lighting making the walls faintly yellow. “How was clubbing?”

 She says something vague, rolling her shoulders and sliding the weapon into her hands. They walk quietly down the hall, Callum’s shoes making wet prints in the Arabian rug. The further in he walks, the worse he feels. He eyes the ceramic pot in the corner, considering his stomach and the turning feeling that refuses to go away, no matter how much he convinces himself that this is right. V’s socks are pink and green. Jared has his back to them, facing a computer. His hair is ruffled, the tan he once had faded – the summer was long gone.

 Then, suddenly he can’t do it. He can’t face the man who threw his sister off the side of the pier. The rolling in his torso is too much and he backs away.

“I-I can’t do this. I won’t. V, put the gun down.” He murmurs. “This isn’t right.”

Her shoulders tighten and she whirls on him. Her eyes are alight but dead. It’s as if she’s already done it. No longer is she the pretty girl Ellie would have pushed him into at a club. Now she’s…a murderer.

“But it’s not wrong either!” She hisses. He shakes his head and she huffs. “Fine. If you won’t, I will. Someone needs to pay – and it’s going to be him.”

She strides the rest of the way down the warm hallway. He runs to the door. Covering his hands with his sleeves, he turns the handle and tumbles outside. Callum falls against the door and he hears the mute bang – she would have masked the noise with something like a pillow, he’s sure. Then he runs. Runs as far as he can from the house of murderers.