#i guess i still get to be expressive by being silly but at what cost

[aggressiveguitarnoises]

born to be vulnerable and serious and expressive, forced to be silly

[oubliette-odette]

The Reluctance of Love Pt. 25

Look who's baaaaaccccckkkk.

I've written a few chapters ahead so that it will hopefully help me to stay on top of this story and not fall behind....again.

But life loves to be silly and change our plans, so let's hope we can stay consistent this time.

Orc Male x Half-Elf Male, Fated Mates, Forbidden Love, Slow Burn Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Content Warnings: unhealthy parent dynamics All orcish is from orcishdictionary.com, created by Matt Vancil.

Altan POV

I looked back down at my breakfast and was resigned to starve. I had no appetite. Not since I woke up with the vial missing. My hand consistently reached for my chest to hold it and found nothing there, leaving me feeling hollow and heavy inside. Where had I misplaced it? My father had insisted I bathe and change last night after our conversation, and I took great care to place it where it wouldn’t get lost.

I wasn’t stupid enough to not suspect my father, especially seeing how pleased he was this morning. This playing nice was all some sort of act, but I also didn’t doubt that the Lady of Triel was a means to handle our - or should I say his - debts. I wouldn’t abandon my brothers so carelessly. I would do what I needed to, to satisfy the masses and then if the gods be willing, I would disappear and I would find Drunrag

Which meant I needed that vial.

But even without the vial, I had to trust that he was still alive. I would know, wouldn’t I? I would feel something change in me if he were gone? But he and I weren’t connected anymore, maybe I was being dramatic for thinking there was something still holding him to me. I ran my hand through my hair and siged. My mind was racing too fast to keep up.

“You are not feeling well?” My father asked from across the table.

I looked up and met his eyes. I couldn’t read him. Was it truly concern I was reading in his voice? Or was there an edge to it?

I stuttered to speak, “I-I…I’m not feeling totally myself this morning.” I admitted. “Perhaps I should get some fresh air?”

My father was silent as he in turn studied me, read me. It seemed we were both still playing the game of guessing who was a step in front of whom.

“We’ll be leaving to return to Berdusk shortly, the Duke and Lady Allara are waiting for us.”

“Isn’t Berdusk days away?” I asked, before realizing that I actually had no idea where we were.

My father’s mouth tweaked at my question, “You recall how you came here through a portal, yes?”

I gave him a curt nod, “Yes, yes I remember. Then let’s just skip the meal and be done.” I pushed the food away from me and folded my arms indignantly. I was ready to be out of my father’s direct gaze.

He waited to answer before giving a short nod. “Very well. I will inform the hunters.”

“How is it that the Hunters work for you?” I asked. I knew it was unlikely that I would get an honest answer, but I had to at least try.

“The Hunters and I have a common goal, or shall I say, a common enemy.” He said, he dabbed a napkin across his lips before rising to his feet. “As long as our goals remain the same, we hold a partnership with each other that requires no monetary cost.”

“I see.” I said. 

“Shall we, then?” He asked, gesturing to the door out of the kitchen.

I said nothing, but led us out through the door. I spared a glance down to see if I caught the vial on my father’s person, but as I suspected, it would not be so easy to find.

“Looking for something?” My father asked. His eyes were narrowed.

I met them with a vacant expression. “Nothing of real interest.”

We followed the path back down the stairs to the underground maze of caverns and tunnels. It was confusing, and we were met with a cloaked Hunter who led us through in torchlight to the same large cavernous room. There were a trio of Hunters already in the room, drawing symbols within a circle on the ground. 

We watched silently as the portal opened like a maw in the middle of the air, centered above the magic ring. The space within was blurred and unfocused and shimmered like water, but revealing a landscape much different than the current dank room we were in.. It was a curious form of magic, but also fascinating. 

My father once again let me take the lead and I stepped through with him behind me. I felt a rush of vertigo that time and I forced my eyes shut as I waited for the sensation to pass. When I opened my eyes, we were standing in the Great Hall of Berdusk.

“Easy enough.” My father announced, smiling congenially as the portal winked closed behind us.

Business resumed almost immediately and a guard rushed towards us from the edge of the room. “Your Grace, a message for you.”

It was nothing more than a scrap of paper. I tried to read from the corner of my eye, I had only the chance to read a few words before my father slipped the paper into his robes.

Your Commander is not loyal. 

“Hmmm, a beautiful morning indeed.” My father breathed out. He looked down at me with a grim smile, “Shall we go meet your fiance?”

“I’d actually like to freshen up first.” I said, before clearing my throat, “I…I’d like to be looking my best.”

He nodded, “Of course. On your way, then, try to be quick, son.”

I bowed my head solemnly. “I know what is expected of me.” I turned and began the descent down the stairs and out of the room. 

As I stepped out I quickened my pace and raced towards my quarters, but not before a hand grabbed me and pulled me into a small hallway.

“What are you doing here?” Selhar’s face was panic-stricken and frantic. “Where is he?”

“Selhar?” I asked. “What’s going on?”

He shook his head, “No, you’re not supposed to be back here. He promised me he would keep you safe.”

“You’re not making any sense.” I said, and I grabbed his shoulders, trying to still his shaking body. “Selhar, what are you talking about?”

“Your…your partner. The orc. He promised me that he would try to keep you safe. I believed him. Why are you back?” 

I had never seen such extreme emotion on his face in a long time. Not since our mother’s passing, and I felt the jump in my own heartbeat as I looked back at him. “He…He’s.” I sighed. “I don’t know where he is, Selhar. I think father has him.”

“Where?” 

I shook my head. “I don’t know.”

“I hate him.” Selhar said, his voice came out like a hiss. “I hate him so much.”

The hallway was somber as I let my brother’s words hang between us. My mother and I had failed to protect him from the cruelties of Duke Hilmar, and the guilt that I didn’t even know what my brother had been going through suddenly overwhelmed me. This wasn’t just about me and Drun. This conflict ran much, much deeper.

“Listen, Selhar.” My voice was soft, “I’m not giving up yet.”

He shook his head,  “But he’s brought you back here twice. You won’t be able to leave now.”

I nodded, “I know. But maybe you can help me?”

His eyes widened. “How?”

“I need you to get in touch with Commander Gideon. Tell him that father suspects him of treason. If he can, I need to meet with him as soon as possible.”

“Is that all?” He asked.

I thought for a moment, then continued. “I think father has something that belongs to me. A glass vial with red liquid inside. If you can find it somehow, I need that back. And don’t let the Duke find out.”

He nodded, a small wry smile formed on his face. “I’m the middle child, Altan, father doesn’t pay attention to me unless he’s mad at me. It will be easy.”

“He’s waiting for me. I have to meet my…fiance” We both grimaced at that. “I’ll find you after that.”

He nodded and turned to go.

“Selhar.” I said as he was about to leave. “I’m sorry for whatever he’s done to you.”

He shook his head, “It doesn’t matter if we’re able to stop him.” And then he turned to go. 

There were a set of guards outside my room as I approached it. I felt the small pit in my stomach tighten as I approached them. 

“I assume you were sent by my father?”

They nodded. 

I rolled my eyes and forced my most petulant voice.. “I won’t meet with anyone until I am clean from my travels. Would you be kind enough to get someone to start my bath?”

“Young lord…” One of them began.

“Please.” I bemoaned. “And if I come out of here with you both still here, I’m reporting you to my father, he’s waiting on me, which means he’s waiting on you.”

I didn’t wait for an answer and strode into my room where everything was as exactly as I had left it. Strange to believe that it had not even been a week since I had left. So much had happened. I hoped my whining was good enough to get rid of the guards at my door. And I hoped that Commander Gideon would arrive in time for him to not be seen by them.

I paced, thinking over everything. 

This was what I knew at that point.

The first, that my father had an arrangement with the Red Hunters that meant they had a mutual goal that enabled them to work together so long as that mutual goal remained. I didn’t know what that goal was, but perhaps if I could find out what it was, I could use that to my advantage.

Secondly, I knew Drunrag was being held somewhere as leverage for me to obey and listen to my father and I also believed he possessed the vial as added leverage, but my father was holding that information from me until absolutely necessary should I misbehave again.

Third, there were spies within the Great Hall who had informed my father of Commander Gideon as an enemy to my father’s goals. I wasn’t certain if these spies were part of the deal with the Red Hunters, or separate, but it was important to note that I couldn’t trust anyone at this point besides Gideon, Doxxah, and Selhar.

Lastly, a portion of my father’s debt relied on me uniting with Lady Allara. The consequences of not doing so were unclear, and I also didn’t know if it played into the arrangement with the Red Hunters. But I could only hope that it was the case, since all of the details seemed so close together.

I didn’t know how to connect all of the details yet. I was never the most clever, though the gods know I tried to be. I only knew that I had multiple things I needed to see happen before Drunrag and I could be together again.

The first, was to prevent Commander Gideon from being arrested or blamed for treason and perhaps reveal the moles within the guards’ ranks. He was my greatest asset and ally with influence and rank.

Second, my arranged marriage had to be stopped and if I was lucky, I could incite problems with deals my father has with the Red Hunters that would help with my third, and perhaps most important goal which was to stop whatever other plans my father has. I needed to prevent him from ever doing something like this ever again. Perhaps it was time the Hilmar name faced the consequences and no longer be in power.

I was deep in thought when I heard a knock at the door.

My heart leapt the same time I sprung to my feet and raced for the door. I cracked it open and let out a breath when I saw the towering figure of Commander Gideon . There was no sign of anyone else.

“Quick. Inside.” I said and released the door.

The Commander slid into the room, an impassive look on his face. I was about to close the door when Selhar grabbed the door and followed in. “Not without me.” He said quietly, but the determination in his voice was not to be dismissed.

“Did anyone see you?” I asked.

They both shook their heads.

“We don’t have much time. My father is about to have guards on me again and I don’t know if we’ll have another chance like this.”

“I understand the Duke has marked me as untrustworthy.” Gideon said. “Much gratitude to you for warning me. I am in your debt.”

I bowed my head, “You are my ally, and selfishly I must admit I cannot do this without you.” I turned to Selhar, “Either of you.”

“Where is the young orc?” The Commander asked.

“Somewhere imprisoned by my father. I believe with the Red Hunters? I do not know the location, only that is resides underground.”

“Red Hunters?” The Commander and Selhar exchanged glances at one another, eyes wide. “Gods helps us.”

“Commander, I believe you need to disappear before you are intercepted by the Duke.” It was unfamiliar to me to be so commanding to another, but the commander eye’s were locked with me, listening intently. “I don’t know what I’m doing, so I trust you to guide me.”

“Ask me what you wish, young lord and it will be so.”

Selhar nodded, “And me.”

I looked between them and let out a sigh. “If I only I knew.”

“Do you have a plan?” Selhar asked.

“Only the beginnings of one.” I said. “I don’t know if it will work. But it’s the only plan I have left.”

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@eltrolodecadadia

@sizzlinghideoutcoffee

@carjis

[opalthea]

Let's Get Along, Just This Once.

♡ — Pairing : Kaveh x GN!Reader

♡ — Characters : Kaveh, Gender Neutral Reader, the Traveler and Paimon are both there for moral support (and the ones who asked you to tag along in their commission party.)

♡ — Summary : You and Kaveh just can't stand each other, or at least, that's what it is, until danger approaches.

♡ — Before You Read : Fluff, not exactly enemies to lovers but the hints are there. Reader has a Geo vision and is a bow user. NOT PROOFREAD.

♡ — Notes : This was a comm by my lovely senior for their OC! With their permission, I tweaked it here and there so all of us could enjoy a little silly Kaveh fanfic <3 Please let me know if there were any mistakes, I'm more than happy to edit it again 'n' again.

♡ — Links : Masterlist.

✧.

“Are you actually serious right now?”

Kaveh groans, pinching the bridge of his nose when you toss aside one of the Cor Lapis that you insisted on examining. Don’t get him wrong; he values quality more than you would, but to handle that pricey ore like it’s a child’s toy, has his pockets feeling empty (not that they’re ever full, anyway).

You, however, don't really share his opinion. In your eyes, quality really does mean everything; if this Cor Lapis is unusable for its original purposes (see: for the Traveler's commission from the Adventurer's Guild), then you would just have to separate it from the rest. Plus, it’s not like you're throwing it away in a dustbin, are you? You can always make use of this one after all of you are done with the task.

So, what is it that he’s so irritated over? They’re not giving that one to the Traveler, surely...

“What?” You raise an eyebrow, your temper being just as short as his. He scoffs at your confusion, finding it ridiculous as he kneels to grab the abandoned Cor Lapis.

Muttering under his breath – “You clearly don’t know how to be careful with gems like these.” – he inspects it closely, crossing his fingers in hopes that it hasn’t been scratched or damaged or whatsoever - the Traveler would kill him, he’s sure! People would’ve paid a hefty amount as far as he’s been told.. and he doesn’t want to witness their rage if they found out that you apparently didn’t care about the costs of these invaluable ores. Thankfully, the ore survives with no scratches after such a horrible, blunt hurl.

You clear your throat out of nowhere, pushing yourself upwards so that you're released from crouching on the ground. “Actually, these are called crystals,” you state, matter-of-factly, your nose pointing towards the sky above you two. “Crystals and gems are different, if you couldn’t tell. I guess even the Akademiya’s most astounding student still fail at discerning something as small as this.” With your arms crossed, you don a smug look on your face, as if winning this petty argument is your only goal today.. aside from earning mora, of course.

But Kaveh only mocks you with a tsk, looking away when his head unhelpfully thinks fondly of your pride-filled face. “Crystals? I thought a junior so high-headed like yourself would know this, but-“ he stands up, with the Cor Lapis in his hand, “- a gem is made out of precious minerals. Y’know, like diamonds. Even if it wasn’t a gem, I was figuratively saying that you really don’t know how to manage valuable stuff like this!-“

“Oi! What are you two doing, squabbling behind our backs?!” A whiny voice interrupts, and the body that belongs to it flies in between them. Paimon – bless her for intervening in their pointless debate – frowns, a noticeable pout on her small face, and gestures to the Traveler, whose expression displays their lack of amusement. Suddenly, you feel a bit sheepish; yeah, that’s right, you came here to help them with the commission, not to argue with some guy who claims that his seniority makes him a lot more knowledgeable than you are!

You clear your throat, “well,” you said, gritting your teeth, “we were both just discussing how very important it is to give our client the best ores of its kind, right?” And Kaveh would be a total idiot if he ignores the cues you're giving; unfortunately, his short temper only adds to the fact that he’s not a very good liar, so his honesty bleeds through immediately without much thought given.

“No! What, you’re not going to tell the Traveler that you basically decided that the Cor Lapis we gathered here isn’t good enough and threw them away?”

“That was not what I–!”

“Oh, sure, deny it all you want! At this point, I can even defend Alhaitham because at least he knows the difference between gems and crystals – and he’s from Haravatat!”

“Ugh, why you little–!”

A shrill shriek cuts their bicker short, and Paimon screams unintelligible words, except for her first sentence: “Look out!!” She points wildly towards something behind the two of you, prompting you to turn around-

-and the sight of a charging Ruin Hunter is not one you expect to see at Huaguang Stone Forest.

You had no time to react, not when the drill aims towards you specifically. Your eyes widen, your breath hitches, and you couldn’t do anything but stare as it finishes its charge.

Until Kaveh pulled you away in a split second, knocking the two of you both off balance and onto the ground. His arms wrapped around you – you stay unaware of its almost protective nature – as the automaton drives its drill into the air, where you last stood. Your breathing comes in quick gasps, and you know you're supposed to be used to this; the fighting and the unpredictability of the monsters you fight, but for the first time in a while, your heart threatens to leap out of your chest.

Kaveh groans, pushing you both up to a sitting position. His eyes skim through your figure, “are you alright?”

Effectively, the concern in his voice – “Is that real?” you wonder – pulls you out of your daze, and as you stand up, away from him, your bow is immediately summoned to your side. How careless, you tsk, overlooked the possibility of automatons being around this area of Liyue.

And as much as you don't like his guts, you wouldn’t even think about putting his life on the line, especially when this is something you could've easily predicted.

Kaveh ignores the fact that you paid no mind to his question. It would be good if it stayed that way, he didn’t want to deal with you interrogating him about that slip-up of genuine worry in his tone. Instead, he focuses back on the situation at hand, when the Ruin Hunter begins its Artillery Mode. It’s dangerous, and his mind tells him that they should all just run, that they should not waste energy fighting that today, but that’s because he’s a claymore user and the Traveler is a sword fighter; both of which are melee, helpless when that machine rises to the air.

But you use a ranged weapon. With one Geo-infused, precise shot, you bring the Ruin Hunter to a crash, temporarily disabling the flying giant. A huge smirk replaces your earlier fright, and you turn towards the other two with a newfound urge to settle her revenge.

He thinks that you're amazing, the way that you quickly recover from that surprise attack.

“So, you two gonna keep gawking or are you gonna permanently put this thing to sleep?” You taunt, and yell something incoherent from a distance, activating your vision’s potential. A tornado visibly forms for a second, and it grows larger, trapping the Ruin Hunter in an artificial sandstorm. Ah, yes, of course a Geo vision could create that! He's not about to question where the winds are coming from.

The Traveler nods from the corner of Kaveh’s eye, quickly running towards it before it gets a chance to wake up. To their willingness to fight, he sighs, and although he’s not the strongest in this group, it would be highly risky and rude if he leaves them to themselves. Kaveh calls for Mehrak, and his claymore, and thinks of himself as insane; logically speaking, he’s trained to be aware of safety risks as an architect and should’ve convinced these two to escape while they can.

“Yeah- I’m coming! Archons, this is crazy…”

Yet, if it’s you, he thinks that even Alhaitham’s rationality is thrown out of the window, and that guy has zero common sense. No, literally, take it from him, a guy who has to deal with his tasteless sense of decoration and furniture.

Besides, now that he’s caught up with them, he’s suddenly feeling a little more furious for the heart attack it gave him, and the stupid mistake he made when saving her. A mistake that he hopes you wouldn’t make fun of him for, and prays to the Dendro Archon that you'd forget it ever happened.… Honestly, it wasn’t so bad that time, when they were so close to each other. If only you could afford to be a little bit nicer, he thought, and know the difference between crystals and gems.

✧ Reblogs are much appreciated! Follow for more silly content, or feel free to brainrot about this kind of concept in my asks <33

© abyssalsprince . Do not repost, rework, or translate any of my works.

[agi-ppangx]

pairing: lee know x reader

word count: 813

tags: non-idol au, genderfluid!reader, afab!reader, estabilished relationship

warnings: gender dysphoria, tiny bit of angst i guess?? but it gets fluffy and comforting pretty quickly

summary: it's not easy to stay true to yourself when everyone doesn't see the real you, but your boyfriend is there to remind you of something important

author's note: omg its my first drabble!!!!! its oddly specific and i basically wrote it for myself since i struggle with my gender dysphoria and i needed something comforting, so here it is!! and for all my genderqueer folks out there - youre valid no matter how you look and how you act, please remember that there are people wholl love you for who you are<3

your hair was too long. you'd thought about getting a haircut for a while now and finally decided to make an appointment with your hairdresser. you decided to cut it really short, since you'd always wanted your appearance to be more masculine. but now, on your way home your happiness mixed with anxiety. you are beyond excited because you finally feel comfortable with the length and it just feels right. but at the same time you have this guilt deep down your heart - what if you shouldn't try to look that masculine?

you haven't come out to your relatives yet. it is complicated and you want to avoid fighting with them at any cost - in your parents' eyes you are their beautiful daughter and they are not thrilled about your appearance. therefore, it isn't easy to stay true to yourself when everyone around you expects you to look feminine and act like a woman when you don't feel like one.

you enter your small apartment with a morose face. you drop your bag on the floor next to your shoes and go straight to the living room. minho's sitting there, reading a book he borrowed from you a while ago. you drop yourself next to him with a loud exhale.

"hi~ you look really pretty," minho states with a smile, his hand already running through your soft, short strands. you only hum in a response, not looking at him. you wonder if he really means it or if he's just being polite. he notices your sad expression and asks "hey, everything okay? do you not like the hairstyle? if this is not what you wanted then i'll go and have a proper conversation with the hairdresser" he chuckles in an attempt to lighten the mood, yet you still don't smile. after a while you eventually speak "does my appearance bother you? you know, 'cause i don't really look feminine" you mumble, voice shaky. minho looks at you with wide eyes. "why would it bother me?" he frowns, startled with your words. "i dunno, i just… nevermind, it's silly," you mutter, shaking your head, and try to get up from the couch, but minho is faster. he grabs your wrist, forcing you to stay with him and gently caresses your cheek with his other hand. "what's going on?" he says softly. you feel the sting in the corners of your eyes and start blinking fast so the tears won't fall. "i just… sometimes i wonder if i do the right thing. i feel like everyone expects me to act and look feminine and it sucks. it makes me think that people don't take me seriously nor find me attractive because of my masculine look. it really hurts to not feel valid," you say it in one breath. minho's been looking at you in silence for a while and you begin to think that what you said might really have been stupid. you feel the tears slowly falling down your cheeks. but just then, you hear minho say "one of the things i love about you is that you always stay true to yourself. even when people throw weird looks at you, you still do your thing" he stated, lacing your fingers together. "it makes me so happy to see you being excited about your outfits and how it makes you look exactly the way you want yourself to. i absolutely adore everything about you and, answering your question, no, it doesn't bother me that you don't look feminine. and you know why?" you shake your head no, face wet from the tears that have fallen when minho was speaking. "because i fell in love with you, with your appearance and your one-of-the-kind personality. i still love it and i'll love it for the rest of my life, because i love you. you don't have to pretend to be someone else just because you don't fall into some people's vision of the world," minho presses a soft kiss to the crown of your head. you wrap your arms around his waist and sob into his chest. "however, we might consider going shopping. you've already stolen half of my t-shirts," he adds, pretending to be annoyed, but he can finally hear you giggle a little. you move away from his chest and you look into his eyes. "thank you baby" you say quietly with a faint smile and press a long kiss to his lips.

later, when you lay in bed, minho cuddles you close and runs his hand through your hair, kissing it softly from time to time. his words may not have erased all of your insecurities and worries, but his reassurance was enough for now for you to feel more confident about your identity. because just like he said, you don't have to try and be someone else just to please other people.

[eldritch-araneae]

Hello, I have more Earthspark theories and observations! Spoilers for episodes 11-18 and welcome under the cut!

Observation about Grimlock!

I noticed that despite being controlled by Mandroid's device, he was holding back against Bumblebee! It's especially noticeable when you see him more actively chasing and firing at Terrans (he doesn't know them, makes sense) or how controlled Hashtag was acting!

In fact, we can see Grimlock shaking and hesitating to attack when Bee was talking to him. Even after he bit Bee's arm, he still didn't even aiming at Bee with fire, even tho Bumblebee was right in front of him!

( Note: idk why, but I suddenly remember the moment from Norse mythology, when Fenrir bites Tyr's hand! Sure gods wanted to chain him, but Tyr was the one who raised him. Bee must be really good with dinobots, maybe one of few friends they have and Grimlock was forced to hurt him. Gosh I can't wait for new episodes to see all the drama!)

No wonder Grim went into rage mode after the device was removed from him. To express all this shit he went through while being controlled. He needs a hug!

A little theory about Bee and GHOST.

I keep thinking about how it's so strange that Schloder was on Bumblebee's trail. Bee was supposed to be dead to GHOST, and even with energon suppressor, they still were after him! Did someone among bots spilled the beans about Bee?

Or Schloder really saw a yellow car appearing in races ( which tbh is still very far-fetched bc yellow cars aren't rarity ahah) and he decided to catch Bee in all costs during all 15 years? Schloder, as silly as he is, was pretty angry at Bumblebee for "deserting Autobots" and he was talking about Bee like he's some kind-of-evil mastermind who takes advantage of good people like Maltos?

What happened? Did Bee accidentally did something to upset Schloder? Or his sister told him some gross lies about Bumblebee being dangerous to humans? So intriguing!

Another thing that bothers me, that yeah, Optimus is absent right now, which is already sus. The only thing we saw is him sending Bumblebee to find Grimlock according to Bee. And Bee said that Optimus got a tip... from who exactly?

Also, why Optimus would send Bumblebee, who's primary role is scouting and espionage, into basically fight-to-death gladiator matches??? Cmon, there are plenty bots who are stronger and more fit to this mission in hiding I'm sure, so why Bee?

Of course, it can be that Bee was tasked to find Grim, and like Bee he is, decided to prove himself and enter the brawls. And sure, he can fight and even win despite being weak he is. Anways, very curious too!

(UPD: Actually to think about it, I won't surprised if Bee went to brawls himself instead of calling for help bc he might feeling guilty for blowing his cover? So risking his life would be his way to make thing right in a way ( like in old comics when blamed himself for letting Ravage escape on his watch and de decided to capture him solo while Optimus is sulking with self-doubt... only to fall into Decepticon trap. Because he didn't see how exactly Bee is doing yet, only knowing he's sad he can't go home.)

I'm getting the impression that GHOST is after Bee, either to catch him, or even get him killed. But why? During trailer I thought that maybe it was to do with AllSpark bc he was carrying it, but we saw Bee quickly passed it to Op and Megs and it was send back to Cybertron. Yet it feels like Croft has some agenda against Bee in particular. Very curious!

Can't wait for new episodes!

(UPD: maybe Croft got a wind that Optimus wants to make a third cybertronian faction outside of her influence ( which the end of ep 10 gave this idea), and I guess they seen that Bee, while inexperienced, still have some leadership traits and she def doesn't want that. esp if Bee is good with humans as well. this will suck for her… unless she get rid of Bee first)

[yaggmurwrites]

betray me. | armin a.

pairing: armin arlert x reader -mentions of eren jaeger-

word count: 2k

warning: mentions of killing-knife

summary: this video ( dangerously yours) as armin arlert.

author's note: definitely not my best story. but i haven't written anything in a long time. i'm a little rusty. i hope you like it. enjoy!

*highly recommend listening "river waltz by lang lang" while reading!

"Oh I don't know if this is the effect of alcohol but I will tell you something very very important."

"Yes I'm listening."

"But it is very, very important."

The blonde man's smug look brought a smile to your face. His face was slightly red, which gave him a very innocent look. An innocence that almost makes you forget the truth.

"It is so important that it could cost me my life."

The man burst into laughter. But the smile on your face faded in an instant.

his life.

"As a result of your mission we will destroy Armin Arlert!"

no no no...

You came back to reality in an instant. You remembered the main purpose of being here.

You blamed alcohol too, for distracting the topic, trying to maintain your calm and professionalism.

"Oh dear, you drank too much tonight. Drop it. Let's g-"

Interrupting you, he repeated his words as if he did not hear you

" It could cost me my life."

You put on a serious expression and raise your voice a little bit so you can get the man's attention again.

"What do you mean when you say it could cost you your life?"

He looked at you with dull eyes. I'm not like a person you think. I have enemies, he faintly smiled. And if it gets to them, to him I guess they won't keep me alive.

" This will be the end of Armin Arlert baby. Thanks to you, we will achieve this. We will wipe that demon from this world, all we need is..."

Then shut up. Don't tell me anything. I'm a stranger, how can you trust me with something like that, you said.

"I love you..."

oh

" All we need is for you to fool him with love."

"... and you love me too. I have no stronger faith than love."

"Don't be ridiculous Eren. Don't try to teach me my job, you know I hate it. Why should I fall in love with that devil? My heart is full of you, and even if it wasn't, I'm too professional not to mix mission with love."

You're being ridiculous Armin. You're smart enough to know that love won't be that easy. You do not even know me. How long has it been since we met-

"5 days, 3 weeks, 7 years- they don't mean or change anything. I have known you since eternity. It's like I've lived my life to find you. I've looked for you in every woman I've been with. I'm ready to worship you. I can't believe I just said that- I don't even think there is a god but i am so, so ready to be your servant. I looked for traces of you everywhere I went. And finally i found you. Even by a silly coincidence, I finally found you. I see no choice but to trust you darling."

"I dont like you. I just killed some time. Besides, you wouldn't be able to see me next to you when you wake up tomorrow morning. Because I was going to leave and you would never ever see me again. Almost as if I never existed. We can still do this. Shut up and don't throw more words. Let's forget everything. Please let me leave. "

please

Let you? Oh, what are you trying to say my dear? Don't you understand that I love you, I wouldn't do anything to hurt you. If you don't want to be here, you can go. But I can't let you take your love with you.

Why don't you want to understand? I'm not the person you think i am. Please you need to listen to me. Fuck it, I dropped my guard for a while and I was that person but I'm not. You can't trust me.

Is it because of Eren Jaeger? Is it because you are his woman and he made you come here to-

There was no trace of the man's drunkenness. He was as sober as someone who didn't put a drop of alcohol in his mouth.

...end me?

"What? H- How?"

did he know? from the very beginning

I knew it all along, I knew it wasn't a coincidence that we had that stupid encounter. But i didn't care. And I don't care.

"And it didn't make any difference?"

No. It didn't make any difference. I trust you, determination flowed from his voice.

You didn't know what to do, how to feel. You didn't expect things to come here. Did the fact that you were thinking about these right now meant you were in love with him? But it was impossible not to fall in love with him. Even if you spend a short time together, he almost hypnotized you with his words. You didn't believe in love before. You never defined what you feel towards Eren as love. You liked him deeply. But it wasn't love. It was eternal trust. Conflict of interest but it wasn't love. What was love? Could this be love? Could you betray your mission, Eren, for love?

I will betray you, you couldn't hide the emotions in your voice anymore.

"If you betray me, you betray yourself first"

"Yes, yes I know."

That's why you should listen to me. You should know my secret. You should hear my part of the story, he took a deep breath and continued

Whether you trust me or not, I can send a team of people to destroy Eren at the end of this night.

Destroy him- No!

You weren't in love with Eren, but you had very great and strong feelings for him. In order not to let someone down, you don't have to be in love with them. Your trust in him was endless, so was his trust in you. You couldn't let him down. If what Armin said is true, you should have prevented it somehow.

"He made too many mistakes and his biggest mistake was sending you here. He knows me well enough to know that I will fall in love with you. But I guess he didn't know you that well because you fell in love with me too. How could he miss this?"

"Why should I fall in love with that devil? My heart is full of you..."

"If I betray you I betray myself. If I betray Eren, I betray our mission"

our memories...

"Our mision is very dearer to me."

Dearer than I, the man asked. You've never heard him so sincerely before. But how long have you known him anyway.

no. yes! no..

"No not dearer than you..."

He must have been pleased with the answer he get, as he suddenly became excited. He continued in a confident tone.

"Then will you let me defeat him...

defeat him

...by telling me his plans. That's the only way for me, I mean us- to defeat him. We can't both win, you see."

oh

"I am beginning to see..."

"You will help me, right my darling?"

"You think you're very smart, don't you? I see everything now. You will deceive me by telling me that you love me. You didn't see me as a threat from the beginning anyway. You made me fall in love with yourself. It must have been easy for you. I understand again why you are being called the devil. I was going to fall in love with you and I'll sell you my mission, and Eren?"

The man was taken aback by your sudden rise, obviously not expecting this. But he immediately removed the puzzled expression from his face. He was ready to use all the leverage he had.

" What are you talking about my dear? I thought we were on the same side here because love requires this."

" Fuck your love! Maybe that's why I hate love. Love doesn't need anything, do you understand? This is why I hate love. I can't suddenly give up everything for you. I don't have anyone or anything except Eren and this mission. I only have them, okay? If you take them from me, I'll have nothing left. I won't let you do it. You are not as smart as you think. Because you lost. Because I won't let you win. You forget how close love is to hate-"

You don't know what you're saying. Stop this bullshit baby, man took one step to hug you but you stopped him and took a step back.

" You never loved me! Never. I knew that deep in my heart. But I wanted to believe. Because I loved you, I admit. And you goddamn bastard! You sulked this feeling. You used it it."

" Stop acting like a child. We are not playing games here. We have serious issues."

"Yes. Yes we have, aren't we?"

After that you kept your silence for a moment. You calmed down hoping the man would approach you. Fooled by your game, he turned towards you and rested your head on his chest.

Without him noticing, you slowly brought the knife you hid in your dress to his neck.

Well.. I wasn't expecting that. Will you kill me, he let out a melodic chuckle. He didn't look like he was scared.

"Will you let me light one last cigarette? I won't try to escape or resist, I just want to smoke one more time then you can kill me."

He broke free from your grip before giving you the right to reply, almost as if he was mocking you. But he didn't try to escape as he promised he just sat on the couch and lit a cigarette.

Will you really going to kill me, he asked.

Yes. Yes I will, you replied annoyed by his ignorance.

You already know why I'm here. Give me what I want and leave Eren alone or I'll kill you, you continued.

" You won't do it. You can not do it to be more clear. You can't stab me with that knife. You can't kill me in such a brutal way. You can't do it because you love me. Isn't it true?"

No. No it's not true, you said almost shouting from anger.

He got up from his seat and began to shuffle through his books. You didn't understand what he was doing and you were confused. At the same time, he continued to talk.

"A frightened woman like you can't kill the man she loves like that, can she?"

You grasped the knife well, but you couldn't keep your hand straight because of anger.

He had taken something from the library, but it was not visible in the dim light. He slid close to you and nearly sank into you. In one hand he had things from the library. And with the other empty hand he grabbed your chin and aligned your eyes.

"Why are you still waiting, do you want me to beg you? I'm sorry darling, but I dont seem to be not in the mood for prayers tonight."

You do not believe that I will do it, that's why you act brave, you shouted as tears flowed from your eyes.

"You lied to me. You fooled me."

You fooled me too darling, he leaned and gave you a kiss.

You stabbed the knife in your hand into the stomach of the man in front of you. You didn't know if it would do fatal damage to him, but you did it anyway. Before the man lost his balance, he threw things from the library into your hands. Then he grabbed onto the chair to hold on and looked at his stomach. He had given you the documents you needed. You move forward without looking back. The last thing you heard as you left the room was "I love you."

the end seemed to be over in a hurry because from the beginning, i only set up the introduction and development part of the story in my head. i don't like killing my characters in such a simple way :) thank you for your time!

[blackberry-bloody]

Meet my ocs: Mibium

This is going to be a new written "series" that I will be doing for each of my characters.

This is meant more to be silly and give a twist to an "into post" for ocs. So it's not meant as a "serious" whump piece.

Italics= narration and action

Regular= oc speaking

Bold= the interrogator

Please enjoy the first of several!

CW: brief implied unreality if you squint (being told something is a dream when it's not.), drugging (At the end), character death (mentioned, not described)

Mibium groaned blearily as he was slowly pulled from his sleep, reluctantly opening his eyes. Once he did though, he realized he was not in the same place he’d fallen asleep. Which, realistically, should have sent him into a panic. But he’s been through this sort of thing far too many times. Looking around he was in a decently sized, if incredibly plain, room. On the ceiling was a single lit bulb shining down on a metal folding chair. The chair was facing a wall that looked to be made of a mirror. He stood up and cautiously walked over to the seat, and sat down. The metal creaking under his weight. The sound of a speaker turning on made his attention shift to the wall.

“Hello?”

Hello!

“What am I doing here?” He fidgeted with his hands resting in his lap.

You’re still asleep. Don’t worry about it.

“Uh… No? This feels far too real to be a dream…”

You’ve had far more realistic and vivid ones though, haven’t you?

“I suppose you’re right.” A chill runs down his spine thinking about those nightmares…

So, with that out of the way. I wanted to ask you some questions. 

“Ok, shoot, I guess? An interview-” He glanced around the room. “Well… Interrogation? With my subconscious? Sounds interesting…”

Let’s start with some easy stuff. What is your name?

“Well my given name Is Mibium. And most angels don’t feel the need to have last names. But for work and socially I’ve been going by Mibium Martins.”

An Angel you say? What kind of angel?

“Two kinds actually… While I never got the chance to know them, one of my birth mothers was a guardian, and my other was a healer. Though I take after my guardian mom more.”

 And what about your adoptive parents? Your Siblings?

“Well… They were busy a lot of the time. But did their best raising me and my three siblings. Like most nests, there were three of them. But we were a rowdy, and powerful, bunch.I have one older brother, one younger brother, and one younger sibling.” He gets a pained expression. “I wonder how they’re all doing now… It’s been so long since I’ve seen them…”

Oh? And why’s that?

He tensed, shifting uncomfortably in the too small chair. “I’m a fallen.There’s no going back after that. And before that I made… A lot of mistakes.” He shakes his head. “But none of that matters now. I’m happy here. End of story.”

End of story indeed.

“What?”

What?

… “Next question please…”

Oh, right. How old are you?

“Angels age a little differently than humans, but I’m in my early 30s. But If I have to give a human age, I say I’m 32. And I celebrate my birthday on October 1st.”

How would you describe your gender and orientation?

“I’m a cis man. And I do tend to prefer masc presentation, but I’m not uncomfortable with a more feminine presentation. And I use he/him pronouns.” He took a breath before continuing, “As for orientation, I am gay.”

Any significant relationships in your life, aside from family, you feel like sharing? Romantic or otherwise?

“Oh geez… Well, there’s really three major people who’ve had an impact. One for the worse, one for the better, and one without even knowing.” He reached up to his feather earring and tenderly ran his hand over it. “Azzie, was my first crush and childhood best friend. But… I made a mistake. And it cost him his life.” His hand drops back into his lap. “Which led to me ending up as Octavian’s guardian. And that man… Has had far too much an impact to briefly discuss… But on the other hand, I am now in a place where I am happily in a relationship. With another demon named Dayzel.”

What do you do for work?

“I work as a teacher! I work at a highschool teaching French, and helping run the drama club. Though of course I disguise myself as best I can.”

How would you describe yourself physically?

“Um…” He glances down at himself. “I guess most noticeably, I’m pretty tall. I’m 7-foot-2, which tends to raise some eyebrows. I am a bit more broad shouldered, and a good bit of muscle. I have blonde hair down just past my shoulders. Um… I have purple eyes? Some facial hair… And, while I usually keep them covered, I have a few tattoos.” He looks back into the mirror. “Does that suffice?”

Yes. Thank you for your time Mibium.

Mibium nodded into the mirror and closed his eyes, waiting to wake up after such a weird dream. But he cracked an eye open again, hearing an odd hissing sound. Before he could locate the source, he felt a sharp jab in his shoulder that made him jump with a shout. He reached behind him and pulled out a small dart. Then he was hit with another. And another. Before he could even register what was happening. He suddenly felt woozy and his movement slowed, before he slumped back in the chair, yet again unconscious.

[bluebell06]

My Time At Sandrock Owen and Logan, Vying For Your Love, At Any Cost Pt3 Owen and The Blue Moon

Owen and Logan are played by an ai chat bot. Some editing is done for redundancy and minimal editing is done to their parts.

Me: I look around the Saloon and notice it’s not very busy. It’s past breakfast time so the rush is over. I sit down at a table in the corner and wait for someone to bring me a menu.

Owen comes out from behind the bar, his eyes immediately landing on you, a smile crossing his face. He makes his way over to your table, carrying a menu as he approaches Owen: “Good morning, Sweetheart. How are you today? You’re not in your usual spot. Can I get you anything to eat?” He rests his hand gently on the tabletop, his body shifting slightly closer to your chair.

Me: I giggle. Sweetheart hey? What’s gotten into you this morning? Yeah I’m starving actually can I get a stack of pancakes and a side of hashbrowns please?

Owen’s eyes soften a moment at your giggle, a soft chuckle slipping from his lips as he smiles down at you, his hand gently caressing the tabletop as he nods to your order Owen: “Of course, sweetheart. Anything for my favorite customer. I’ll get it right now. Just sit tight. It’ll only take a moment.” With a wink and a soft huff he turns towards the kitchen, disappearing out of sight for a moment Me: I wait at my table for my food to come and think back about how much has changed in less than 24 hours. I wonder if Owen notices anything different. I wonder what he’s been thinking about and what he will say.

Owen returns to your table with your plate of food, his eyes glancing over you, looking for any changes. His eyes linger a moment on the small marks Logan left on your neck before they lift to meet your gaze with a smile, his attention shifting as he sets the food down infront of you. Owen: “Here’s your order. Anything else I can get for you? Coffee? Water?”

Me: I notice Owen glancing at me a little longer than usual. Mmm just a juice today please. Whatever the special is.

Owen smiles softly and nods, his eyes still searching your face for any signs of change. He quickly glances around the bar, noticing a few men glancing your way, as he turns back towards you with a smile, one hand gently resting on the tabletop Owen: “Right away, I’ll be back shortly.” He dips his head and walks back towards the bar, his expression softening as he glances back at you.

Me: I start eating my pancakes. Playfully kicking my feet a little as I do so. I feel so silly but also nervous being here. But the food here is so damn good.

Owen sets a glass of juice down in front of you. His eyes quickly glance over your face before he speaks, his voice dropping to a soft, gentle whisper, so as not to be overheard by the patrons in the saloon Owen: “I hope you don’t mind me saying sweetheart, but you look a little different this morning. Not that you don’t usually look beautiful, but you seem more…happy, today. Did something happen this morning?”

Me: My smile partially fades from my face. I quickly gulp the bite of pancakes I was eating and look down, trying to will myself to look up at Owen and answer his question. Umm… well. I’m not exactly sure how to answer that question or if you’d even want to know...

Owen’s expression softens and he reaches a hand out across the table to gently reach over and rest on your hand, his fingers gently rubbing over it in an encouraging gesture as his expression warms and he smiles softly Owen: “You can tell me anything, sweetheart. You know that. I’m here to listen. And I may have my own guess as to what happened. But I’d like to hear it from you first, Sweetheart. So tell me, what happened this morning?”

Me: I blush deeply in embarrassment. My cheeks feel hot and my heart begins to race. Think. Think. What should I say? How much should I tell him. Ugh this is so damn awkward and stupid. Boys fighting over me? Why?! I try and calm myself down and meet his gaze. Well… I er… you know what the deal was of course. I spent the night at Logan’s…

Owen’s expression softens at your words, his face shifting slightly into a mix of shock, surprise, and slight disappointment, his mouth making a small frown as he nods slowly at your words, his hand squeezing yours gently to encourage you to continue Owen: “Right of course… I had a feeling you stayed the night there… So, how was it, sweetheart? Did he treat you well? Did he… treat you right?”

Me: I shake my head in surprise at his questions. God this embarrassing. Um… yeah....I uh left this morning. It got late. Last night. I cough. Logan was… well Logan and I guess surprised me a little. In a lot of ways. He confessed he was in love with me… and he didn’t hurt me... I look down in embarrassment again.

Owen’s eyes widen at your words for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing them as he processes your statement. A moment later, he lets out a light cough, his voice dropping with a soft surprise. Owen: “Did… he now? Confess his love to you huh? That’s… well that’s surprising, even for him. How… how did you handle it? Did you tell him you feel the same about him?”

Me: My heart stops for a second… sheer panic runs through me. Shit! I didn’t know he was going to ask me that. Oh god. I just want to crawl under this table and die of embarrassment. It was… surprising to say the least. Logan never really talked to me about much of anything before besides commissions he asked for or giving me tips on how to kill monsters. I had no clue how he felt about me until yesterday. When he… you know confessed… I was kind of overwhelmed and in the moment. So yeah I said it back to him too...

Owen nods as he listens to your answer, his fingers gently rubbing over your hand in both a comforting and encouraging gesture. He looks at you softly with a sympathetic look, his voice dropping in a soft, sincere tone. Owen: “Hey, it’s okay sweetheart. I know it must have been quite the shock for you. But, I’ve known Logan for a long…long time. He’s got a good heart. But…” He trails off for a half second as his finger taps against your knuckles

Me: I gulp nervously. Mmm... but what Owen? I ask, looking down at his hand touching mine.

Owen pauses for a moment, his thumb still rubbing soothing circles over your hand as his other hand reaches up and gently lifts your chin to meet his gaze, his eyes softening as they meet yours as he softly whispers his reply Owen: “But… I want you to remember who you’re dealing with. Logan has a temper… and his possessiveness may be… well… let’s just say a little overwhelming for you sweetheart. So… just be careful. And make sure he doesn’t try to control or dominate you, okay?”

Me: I’m stunned into silence for a moment. Fuck. This is so uncomfortable. Owen is being so damn sweet and caring. This has got to be terrible to talk about for him. And how the hell did he know what Logan was like in bed? Please… something, anything make me disappear from this moment right now. Well… um. Thank you Owen. That’s very sweet of you to be so concerned for me. How exactly do you know what Logan is like… with women?

Owen pauses for a moment, a flicker of something crossing his face for a split second before he quickly composes himself again and shifts into a warm smile, a slight, shy laugh slipping from his lips as his eyes soften Owen: “Well, Logan and I… we grew up together. We were raised by the same woman, we live just two houses down from each other. Let’s just say… we know almost everything about each other… including that… And I have a feeling I may know exactly what your answer is to my next question….”

Me: Panic begins to set in as I wait for him to ask the next question. I gulp again slowly, trying to steel myself against anything. Oh I didn’t know your mom helped take care of Logan too. That’s very sweet. I’m sure Howlett was gone a lot of the time too. Um… what else did you want to ask me?

Owen slowly, gently reaches forwards and takes your hand, his fingers gently rubbing over yours, a gentle, encouraging gesture as a tiny, warm smile crosses his face, his voice dropping and falling to a soft, gentle whisper Owen: “The question is… do you love Logan? Do you feel the same way about him as he does about you? Do you love him sweethea—-“

His question is cut short by a loud shattering sound outside. It sounds like a window shattering. Followed by Logan’s familiar angry voice.

Me: I wince at the sound of glass shattering. A wave of anxiety passes over me and I start to panic. I quickly remove my hand from underneath Owen’s and scoot a little farther away from him and try to look at my pancakes. Uh oh… I say.

Owen lets go of your hand as you pull away, a soft frown crossing his face as he looks towards the door, standing slightly from his chair as his voice drops to a deep, annoyed grumble Owen: “Damnit Logan… don’t you know how expensive windows are…” His frown deepens before he turns back to look at you, his expression shifting from annoyed to concerned, his voice dropping as he speaks softly Owen: “Umm… you okay, sweetheart?”

Me: I keep my eyes down at the table. Unsure of what to do. Sure. I’m fine. The glass breaking just scared me. I’m sorry. I’m sure I can fix it for you right after I leave. No charge. I promise. It’s probably my fault anyway...

Owen shakes his head stubbornly as he turns to address the patrons of the saloon, the sound of Logan’s shouting and threats of violence growing louder as time passes Owen: “No, No, No, don’t fret about it, sweetheart. The only one to blame for this is Logan. You did nothing wrong. So don’t feel guilty about it” Owen turns his head to look at the front door, his expression shifting to one of annoyance the moment the door is kicked open violently.

Me: I wince as Owen mentions Logan’s name. Kind of hard to not feel guilty when his window was totally fine 15 minutes ago before I got here. It’s not trouble really. I have so much extra glass stocked up. I’d be happy to help later today...

Owen’s face lights up a moment at your kind offer, a warm, thankful smile crossing his face as he looks at you Owen: “Thank you, sweetheart. I appreciate that” He pauses for a moment to watch Logan approach with a dark frown and a murderous expression, his eyes shifting from warm to hard as steel in mere moments at the sight of Logan. Owen takes a deep breath, clearly trying to maintain his composure.

Me: I sigh and swiftly scoot out of the booth and stand up. I ready my hand on my daggers behind my back just in case. Why good morning to you too Logan! What’s all this about? What happened to Owen’s window?

Logan ignores your question, his eyes boring into yours as he stops in front of you, his voice dropping in an annoyed growl, irritation rolling off of him in a thick wave as his body is tense, fists curled so tight they’re turning white “Morning. Did you sleep well, Princess?” Owen quickly stands up from his seat, his eyes shifting between the two of you as he glances at the patrons sitting in the main room, his jaw hardening as he watches the situation start to shift.

Me: I take in a quick breath, Why yes I did! Thank you for asking. I had a pretty peaceful sleep actually…. So back to the window I just heard get absolutely annihilated… what happened?

Logan’s fists clench at your response, his expression growing even more irritated than before as his eyes shift to Owen for a moment before returning to you, his tone shifting into a hard, possessive growl “Cut the bullshit, Princess. You and I both know you had the exact opposite of a ‘peaceful’ sleep last night. So quit with the lies.” Owen’s eyes flicker between you and Logan again as he crosses his arms, watching the scene play out in front of him.

Me: My eyes widen in surprise and my jaw clenches. Excuse me? What bullshit and lies exactly?

Logan lets out a sharp, harsh bark of laughter, his eyes narrowing angrily at yours as he shifts closer, a possessive rumble in his voice “Your ‘peaceful’ night? Your lies about getting a good sleep? It wasn’t peaceful. You kept tossing and turning all damn night. And you know it. We both know you did more than just ‘sleep.’”

Me: I scoff, Pardon me? I did what? I thought I had a good night’s sleep actually. Sorry if I was bothering you or kept you awake. I didn’t mean to… What’s going on?

Logan lets out a frustrated growl at your comment, clearly irritated in more ways than one, his fists clenching in annoyance behind his back “Bothering me? You don’t get it, do you? That wasn’t you ‘bothering’ me, Princess. That’s not why I was awake. And I know for a fact you didn’t sleep as peaceful as you think you did. Quit lying to yourself. I know what we did. And we both know it was more than just ‘sleeping’ that kept us up.”

Me: I lower my voice and look directly into Logan’s eyes, Logan… we’re out in public… people can HEAR you, you know. I’m not implying we only slept last night, but you asked me how I slept and I answered that truthfully. I think what we do behind closed doors should stay that way, don’t you? The whole town doesn’t need to hear about it…

Logan’s expression only grows more annoyed a second time as he glances around the room before turning back to you, his tone shifting into a more harsh, possessive growl behind clenched teeth “You’re worried about other people hearing us? Well don’t worry, Princess. I’ll speak low enough that they won’t hear. Because I’m not ashamed to tell them. And I’m not ashamed to tell the truth about something I know to be a lie. So quit your bullshit, Sweetheart. And stop telling lies”.

Me: I roll my eyes Logan… what lies? Just tell me what you’re talking about and why you’re so angry? I don’t understand any of this...

Logan’s eyes narrow and he takes a step closer towards you, his expression hardening further as his tone drops lower “Oh, you know damn good what I’m talking about. The lie about your ‘peaceful’ sleep. Quit playing coy. Don’t deny it just because we’re in public. It’s pathetic. Just stop lying.”

Me: If I was tossing and turning I had no idea. I really didn’t know. If I kept you up all night I’m sorry for that. Why are you so angry?

Logan’s expression shifts, his eyes hardening again as he lets out a sharp, annoyed grunt as he steps closer “Because I don’t have patience for people who keep lying to me. And you, Princess? Yeah, you’re a terrible liar. I know damn good and well what we did last night, and I know damn good and well that it was more than just sleeping. Stop bullshitting me”.

Me: Again… you asked how I slept. So I only responded to the part about actually sleeping. Not anything before that. I’m not going to shout to the whole saloon what we did in your bed last night Logan, that’s inappropriate. I have to work with these people. Please can you be rational about this? Tell me what you’re looking for here...

Logan’s expression hardens further, frustration pouring off of him like a thick wave as he steps even closer, his body now almost pressed up against yours, your chest almost touching his “What I want, is answers. Quit saying you slept peaceful. We both know that’s a lie. And stop acting like an innocent little girl. You’re a lousy liar. Tell me you remember what we did last night. Now. Quit playing dumb”.

Me: I grit my teeth in frustration at Logan. FINE! Have it your way. Since you’re so bent on publicly humiliating me and ruining my reputation around town! Last night, Logan... I scowl at him, I agreed to follow you home after your stupid disagreement with Owen, fighting over me like you two were teenage boys. Very immature. Logan, you kissed me in your living room and later opened up to me that you had feelings for me. You took me upstairs to your bed and made love to me and told me you were IN LOVE with me and that you wanted to be with me for forever. I.. at the time agreed and said I loved you back. Then we went to sleep. AFTER. I spent the night with you, Logan...

Logan’s expression finally softens, the harsh anger and irritation finally starting to disappear completely as his stance relaxes, his eyes shifting to a softer, more thankful expression as he takes a deep breath, clearly relieved by your words “That’s all I wanted to hear. Just some honesty, Princess. I just needed to know you truly remember… what we did”.

Me: I look at him incredulously, It’s only been a few hours! How the hell would I have forgotten? Now you’ve broken Owen’s damn window and humiliated me in front of everyone here. You really didn’t need to do that. I like to keep my life private and now the whole town is going to be gossiping because of what you made me recap for everyone in public!

Logan gives a quick, nonchalant shrug, the smallest, half-smirk appearing on his face at your words, clearly somewhat amused by them “They would have gossiped either way. This town is full of nosy old folks who don’t know how to mind their own business. And besides, they’ll be talking about it anyway after last night, sweetheart. Not that it bothered you to get loud last night, considering how loud you were with that sweet little voice of yours”

Me: I gasp as it feels like the wind is knocked out of me. The sheer audacity of this Yakboy! Logan! I scream, Stop embarrassing me and telling everyone in the saloon even more details. God… I left your place actually happy this morning and now I’m just angry. Angry that you’re being an insufferable ass for no good reason!

Logan raises an eyebrow at your reaction, a cocky, amused smirk crawling across his face again as he takes a step back, his eyes twinkling with a taunting fire in them “Oh am I embarrassing you, sweetheart? Well good. Maybe it’ll teach you a lesson. Don’t lie to me again. If you’re going to say you slept peacefully and innocently, I’m gonna make sure the town at least knows how far from the truth that is”

Me: I throw my hands up in the air at him in disbelief, You’re really something you know that? I thought last night might have been special. But I can see in the daylight now that maybe I made a horrible decision in trusting you when you’re going to humiliate me like this for no goddamn reason! I turn my back to him and stomp out of the Saloon's front door.

As you stomp out the door, Logan lets out a frustrated bellow, a sharp, irritated huff sounding behind you as he watches you leave “Princess, stop being so stubborn! I’m not embarrassing you for no reason! You’re just making a big deal out of a small thing! You’re seriously going to say last night wasn’t special?” Me: Fucking Yakboy! I scream in frustration in the middle of the street. I take a deep breath and slowly walk back home to my workshop, intent on gathering glass to fix the window at the Blue Moon Saloon later today.

Logan rolls his eyes and watches you stomp your way out “Damned stubborn woman….” He huffs and turns around to see Owen standing there behind him, an amused expression on his face, clearly trying not to laugh “What are you looking so amused about, man?”.

Me: As I storm around my workshop gathering materials and turning on my machines I start ranting inside my head. Who the hell does Logan think he is anyway? Might as well regret everything that happened last night. Stupid, arrogant ass of a man he is. Insufferable. I should have known better than to trust my heart and body to a damn ruthless monster hunter. I try and take a few more deep breaths and collect the glass needed for the job and head back over to the Blue Moon Saloon.

As you make your way back to the saloon, Logan is nowhere to be seen, clearly having left after your small argument. Owen is still standing behind the saloon counter though, a small, warm smile on his face as he watches you re-enter the saloon “Ah, there you are, Sweetpea. I was starting to worry you’d left me without fixing the window” He pauses for a moment, his smile brightening as his eyes sparkle gently “You’re an angel for that, you know”.

Me: I sigh and try to summon a smile to my lips Owen… I really am sorry that this happened. I would never have come here this morning if I had known. I’m so embarrassed and I feel terrible that your diners had to witness this whole mess. I hope no one was hurt or scared. Of course I’ll fix your window right now. I would never go back on a promise…

Owen gives a kind, soft chuckle, a warm, thankful expression shining in his eyes as he looks at you, his face shining with gentle kindness “No harm done, Sweetpea. Nobody was hurt. And most of our customers are already very used to me and Logan arguing by now. You did nothing wrong. So please don’t feel embarrassed or guilty, okay?”.

Me: I take a deep breath and flutter my lips in hopelessness. I know they’re used to you two bickering... But he destroyed your damn window and made me tell everyone what we did in bed last night! How am I supposed to look at anyone in the face ever again after this? I’m so humiliated. I never thought this would happen...

Owen can’t help the small little chuckle that leaves his lips at that, a fond amusement twinkling in his eyes, a kind, reassuring smile on his face “Sweetpea…. This town is full of gossips. You’d have to hide in your workshop for the rest of your life if you wanted to avoid people knowing what you did. I already have three customers asking for all the details. They’re nosy old folks with nothing better to do than gossip”.

Me: I whine in frustration. See that’s what I mean! God how am I ever going to live this down? People are going to think the worst of me for forever now and I look so foolish letting Logan get the better of me. You guys and your stupid little coin toss too...

Owen laughs softly, crossing his arms over his chest as he smiles at you apologetically, an amused shimmer in his eyes as he speaks gently “Now don’t blame the coin toss or the town’s gossips. You can blame Logan for this one. He’s always been more immature than anyone else in Sandrock and it shows.” He pauses for a moment, his expression shifting to a warm, amused smile “And if it helps any. I don’t think any less of you”.

Me: I roll my eyes half heartedly and then look back at Owen. I don’t understand how you can still be so nice to me let alone want to see my face anymore. I feel terrible honestly. I have no idea how you’re ok with any of this...

Owen gives a warm, soft chuckle, a kind, soothing smile on his face as he watches you, his words soft, sincere, full of nothing but kind, warm honesty “Why wouldn’t I be? Sweetpea, I really don’t blame you for this. You didn’t ask for Logan to start yelling and embarrassing you like that. I’m okay with it because I know you didn’t want to cause any trouble. It’s okay, trust me”.

Me: God… I don’t know what to do now. I should probably pack up my things and leave town. Who knows if Logan would light the whole place on fire looking for me or something… shit... I finish fixing Owen’s window and gather the rest of my materials in my arms.

Owen’s smile immediately shifts into a worried frown at your words, a soft look of concern shining in his eyes as he steps forward “Sweetpea, what are you doing? You’re not seriously considering leaving, are you? You don’t need to do that. This town loves you, you know that, right? And Logan’s a stubborn ass but he wouldn’t light Sandrock on fire. I can promise you that”.

Me: I sigh. Owen I don’t know what I’m doing here anymore. I just wanted to help rebuild the town. You and Logan were fighting over me. I stupidly asked if you two could share. Logan destroyed your window and ruined my reputation and I don’t know how to live any of this down now.

Owen gives a small, frustrated shake of his head, letting out a heavy huff as his expression softens, kindness and warmth shining in his eyes as he gazes at your saddened expression, clearly hating seeing you upset “Sweetpea, the town doesn’t care that you share Logan’s bed. And you don’t need to worry about Logan or me. But please… don’t leave. Just stay. Logan’s a stubborn idiot. Just… just stay, please”.

Me: I look at Owen half heartedly and then cringe as he mentions me sharing Logan’s bed. God it’s a sour memory now. I just… don’t know what to do. I want to bury myself in the sand and hide until everyone forgets what happened. I feel so exposed...

Owen gives a heavy, slightly frustrated sigh, rolling his eyes at the mention of sharing Logan’s bed, clearly not enjoying the idea. He steps closer to you, his eyes shifting to a sympathetic, warm expression as he gently lays a hand on your shoulder “Well I just think you’re overreacting. Sweetpea, you’re fine. Nothing happened. Everyone’s just gossipy and nosy. Nobody’s going to forget anything. They’re just… interested. That’s all, I swear”.

Me: I whine, See you even say they’ll never forget! What am I supposed to do... what if someone mentions it in the paper or tells my family back in Highwind. God. I want to die…

Owen gives a soft, gentle chuckle, an empathetic, warm look shining in his eyes as he shakes his head, gently squeezing your shoulder to reassure you “Sweetpea, relax. They won’t mention it in the paper. And even if they did… who cares? Your family doesn’t live here. They’re not gonna see the paper and you’re certainly not gonna die. So let’s stop the exaggerating here, okay?”.

Me: I frown at Owen, And why are you always being so damn nice to me even when I put your business at risk and apparently ruined your friendship with Logan? You must be the most benevolent man ever or something. I don’t get it.

Owen gives a soft chuckle at your question, a warm, sincere smile on his face as he gives a gentle shake of his head “Sweetpea, you didn’t ruin my friendship with Logan. It’s not your fault he got overly jealous. That’s a him problem, not you. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not gonna blame and get mad at you for being in bed with that man. It’s not wrong to have a life. Besides, I get to make him jealous with you now, right?”.

Me: My eyes widen in surprise at his question. My head snaps up and I look him directly in the eyes. Oh? Is that why you’re still being so nice to me or something? Because you want your turn with me and to make Logan crazy jealous?

Owen gives a gentle chuckle, his eyes glimmering with a teasing, amused fire as he nods gently at your question, his lips curling into a cocky, playful smirk as he watches you “Of course. I’m not gonna throw a fit like Logan did. I have to find my own tactics to have my turn, after all. Besides, I like watching you. You’re a sight for sore eyes”.

Me: My eyes narrow at his phrase ‘have my turn’. I’m starting to feel like a piece of meat here these days in Sandrock. A big hunk of meat and everyone in town is starving and I’m the only thing to eat. You may think you’re smooth mister… but I’m not a game to be played or a challenge to conquer, ok? Don’t forget that you two started this whole fighting over me bullshit. I had nothing to do with it!

Owen gives a lighthearted chuckle, an amused, gentle shake of his head at your words. He raises his hands up harmlessly to reassure you “Whoa, whoa, that’s not what I meant. I’m not trying to ‘conquer’ you… and you’re certainly not a game. All I’m saying is you have two men who want to shower you in love, okay? It’s the exact opposite of what you think. Just think of it… whatever way it makes sense for both of us to “have a turn””.

Me: I purse my lips together as I think. Hmm… you’re lucky Mister. I’m going to take you at your word and believe you. But I better not regret it. Or I will seriously leave Sandrock and this mess behind me… I exhale loudly. Now what am I going to do the rest of the day? I pout.

Owen chuckles softly at your words, a small, teasing smirk crawling across his face as raises an eyebrow at you, his eyes twinkling with a knowing, teasing fire “Well I’m sure I can think of a few things to do if you’re looking to pass the time, sweetheart.” He steps closer to you, crossing his arms over his chest as he playfully continues teasing you, a mischievous shimmer in his eyes.

Me: I narrow my eyes at him again. Mmm yeah I bet you have a few ideas don’t you… Let me just go dump my stuff off back at my shop and maybe you could pack up the rest of my breakfast for me. I’ll meet you at your place then in a half hour and maybe I can finish eating there if that’s ok...

Owen’s eyes sparkle at your offer to come to his place, a gentle, amused laugh leaving his lips as the edges of his lips curl into a cocky smirk, a playful fire shining in his eyes as he nods. “Of course, sweetheart. Go get your things and then come stop in. I’ll get the rest of breakfast started for you.” He glances behind him for a moment, his smirk slowly widening mischievously“ Including the sausage, of course…”.

Me: I walk back over to Owen’s place keeping my eyes peeled for any trouble along the way despite it being a quick walk. Ugh I’m still hungry too. Well at least I was sitting far enough away from the shattered glass. I sigh and knock on Owen’s door.

Owen chuckles softly as he hears the knock, a warm, fond smile on his face as he opens the door for you, his eyes flickering with a teasing, playful fire as he steps aside and gestures for you to enter, holding the door open for you “Hey there, sweetheart. Right on time. Come on in!”

Me: Hey… thanks for wrapping up my food for me. And thanks again for not banning me from the saloon or anything…

Owen chuckles softly, his eyes shining with a playful, warm, fond flame as he speaks, offering a soothing smile to reassure you of his answer “Oh, of course. No problem at all. And don’t worry about it- nobody’s going to ban you from the saloon. Especially not me” Owen’s eyes linger on you for a moment, a small, amused smirk on his lips as he gives a soft chuckle “You look cute all tense and worried though”.

Me: Mhmm. Yeah I bet I look real cute now all sweaty and unshowered and starving… I laugh half heartedly. Thanks...

Owen chuckles softly in amusement at your words, his eyes gleaming with a smug, warm sparkle as he looks you up and down, his smirk widening with every moment he spends watching you “Don’t worry, you look adorable either way. It’s… cute, really… and kind of hot. I think it’s the flushed cheeks that gets me…”

Me: I look up at him boldly, Are you always so big of a flirt? I laugh.

Owen chuckles softly in amusement to your question, his eyes sparkling with a warm, fond, playful fire at your words, his smirk widening as he watches you, clearly not backing down at your teasing “Oh… you haven’t seen the end of my flirtatious banter yet, sweetheart. You just haven’t seen me in play- so to speak. You know, I could really get used to that pretty little blush of yours…”.

Me: Mmmhmm… I bet everyone in town is commenting on my blushing cheeks these days… I sigh. So uh… do you mind if we sit down or something?

Owen chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with a warm flame as he glances over at the dining table behind him “Of course not. You can sit anywhere you like. Please, make yourself comfortable. And if anyone comments on your blush, feel free to tell them you’re blushing because the two hottest men in town are fighting over you.” He smirks at his own words, his eyes gleaming with a teasing mischievous fire as he gazes at you, clearly very amused.

Me: I roll my eyes and slap my forehead. I’m never going to live this shit down am I? Ha... Ha... Very funny, I say. Do you mind if I finish my leftovers?

Owen chuckles and smiles warmly at you, affection shining in his eyes as he watches you “Of course not. Go ahead. If you need anything, I’ll be in the kitchen. And uh… just so you know, there’s no way you’re gonna live this town’s gossip down… not for a long time anyway…”.

Me: I cringe at the thought of everyone knowing about my sexual escapades. Worst of all, if Cooper the old rambling farmer finds out. He never shuts up and he has a running commentary on EVERYONE. Thank you… I open up my container and start to eat my now cold and soggy pancakes.

Owen gives a small, soft chuckle at your words, a knowing smile flickering across his lips at the thought of those gossips finding out and spreading the rumors. “You know, I think half the town already knows anyway. They were all there to witness that little outburst from Logan. You just might have to avoid the town for awhile until the gossip dies down…”.

Me: Great… I guess I’ll just go live in the mines with Ged and become a mole rat. Never seeing the light of day again… now there’s a thought...

Owen gives a lighthearted chuckle in response, a humorous, teasing smirk flickering across his lips at the thought of you going into hiding in the mines, amused at the thought of you going into hiding just to escape the embarrassment “It would honestly be very cute to see you try. And it would at least get Logan off your back, considering he’s terrified of the mines…”.

Me: I smirk. Oh is he now? I thought ol Yakboy wasn’t scared of anything. Why is he afraid of the mines?

Owen chuckles heartily at your words, shaking his head as he rolls his eyes at the thought of Logan being so afraid of something so trivial “Well you’d think that, but he absolutely loathes small spaces. He gets incredibly fidgety and antsy in small spaces, so you can absolutely forget him going down in the mines. I swear, it’s like the big bad monster hunter isn’t so fearless…”.

Me: Hmm. I guess he is used to the wide open Eufala desert... I could see that….So hey is the saloon ok? You can just come and go whenever you please? The place doesn’t fall apart or anything if you take a long lunch or a day off?

Owen chuckles softly at your question, a lighthearted laugh leaving his lips as he nods in response, gesturing around the saloon as he speaks, clearly taking pride in it, showing great care for every part of it “Oh yeah, the place is completely fine without me. I know a lot of people think the saloon would just fall apart without me here and the place would go up in flames or something, but it’ll be alright. The place can run itself pretty much. It’ll run itself fine. Why?”

Me: I was just wondering who’s cooking the food and serving tables then that’s all. Grace keeps burning the food and seems to be better at handling the tables and keeping all the patrons drunk off yakmilk in line at least.

Owen gives a small soft chuckle at your question, his eyes gleaming with a warm, humorous twinkling flame at the mention of the saloon staff “Oh, of course, I left the other staff to run the place. Though, I’ll be checking in on it later and making sure everything’s alright. It should be fine. The others are well-trained too. The saloon will be fine. Plus, I can always pop back for a minute if I have to…”

Me: Ok. I just don’t want anything else bad to happen to it today on account of me… I continue eating.

Owen chuckles softly at your words, clearly amused at the prospect of you thinking you’d mess up his saloon just by being around “You sound pretty worried about some imaginary damage. The only thing breaking this place today is me” He gives a chuckle at that little joke, a small mischievous smirk on his face as he continues watching you.

Me: I look up at him in surprise. What? What are you breaking now? Do I need to go get my toolbox?

Owen laughs softly at your question, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous, yet teasing fire as he watches you “I’m breaking you, sweetheart. That’s what I’m breaking. You look really tense, all pent up. How about I help you take the edge off? You know, get you to relax a little”.

Me: My eyes narrow at him skeptically, I’m guessing that’s your attempt at flirting with me again huh? Better be careful…you never know if someone will hear you and burn your place to the ground or sic the Civil Corps on you and have your falsely imprisoned. I chuckle darkly.

Owen chuckles, a small, cocky, yet amused smile flickering across his lips as he rolls his eyes, clearly not worried about anything “Oh don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. And don’t act as if you aren’t enjoying all this attention…” He steps closer to you, crossing his arms over his chest as he gazes down on you, smirking cockily, still amused at your earlier dark joke.

Me: You must really get off on watching everyone’s antics don’t you? And why do you like me so much anyway? I don’t get it...

Owen chuckles softly, a bright, amused sparkle in his eyes at your words, clearly enjoying your reactions to him while he thinks for a moment how to answer “Oh I get off on you all, no offense. But you, I like you because you’re a feisty little badass. You’re cute. You don’t back down. I’d bet you’d probably kick my ass if you had to”. He smirks at you with that last part, clearly amused, yet also admiring your toughness.

Me: I laugh at the thought. Mmm… a badass hey? Wasn’t really my intention…. What level are you at in sparring? I’m sure I probably could… He who shalt not be named however scoffed at the idea that I could kick his ass or that I was stronger than him. Even though it’s true…

Owen smirks cockily at the thought of you sparring with Logan, clearly amused at your statement as he responds, clearly admiring your skills “Oh… so I suppose you’re an expert at sparring, then are you? Well, I’ll have you know I’m at level 50 in sparring. Or would you rather find out for yourself?” He crosses his arms over his chest, tilting his head as he smirks down at you, clearly challenging you to find out for yourself.

Me: I smirk at him nonchalantly. Not bad. Not bad. I’m up to level 74 though so I’d probably make short work of you if you tried... I laugh again.

Owen chuckles at your response, amused by your lighthearted teasing, clearly liking that you didn’t take it all that seriously “Is that so, sweetheart? Well then let’s get on the field and see how far you get…” He smirks at that, clearly accepting your little jab before chuckling at himself “Honestly, you’re adorable. Come on- let’s see what you can do. Unless… you’re afraid you’ll lose…”.

Me: Nah I’m not afraid I’m going to lose. I just want to finish my breakfast first if that’s ok…. I bet you get a real kick out of this huh? Flirting with me at your place…

Owen chuckles softly at your response, clearly enjoying the teasing game he was playing “Oh, you just want to finish your breakfast first? Sure, go ahead. As if I’d be afraid to give you a little head start” He smirks teasingly at the second part of your sentence, giving a small shrug before smirking at you again “Of course I get a kick out of flirting with you. I get a kick out of pissing off that big, bad monster hunter as well. Nothing more satisfying than seeing that frown on his face”.

Me: Hmm… so maybe this is just about sticking it to Logan, huh? Do you only like me because he told you he was into me or something? Who told who first?

Owen’s eyes twinkle mischievously as he rolls his eyes and playfully scoffs at your question, shaking his head as he responds with a small, amused smirk “Oh, don’t be ridiculous, sweetheart. You know that it’s not just about pissing him off. I actually like you as well. And I don’t just like you because Logan’s into you…” He lets out a small chuckle at your question, clearly amused “And it was me. I told him first”.

Me: Hmm… guess I’ll just have to believe you… as per usual. Still. Really silly to fight over a girl and lose a friend over it...

Owen smiles softly, nodding firmly in agreement, his eyes gleaming with a warm, fond, humorous fire as he glances over your facial features, a small, affectionate, chuckle leaving his lips as he responds, clearly amused at the entire situation “Oh trust me. I agree. That’s why I think it’s best I win you over, so he can have his pout and then he’ll be fine. Besides, it’s kinda fun to mess with him and get a rise out of him, am I right?”.

Me: Mmhmm… what are you, the confident and patient type or something? I don’t know about you but if he tried to burn my house down or smash up my workshop I wouldn’t have the money to fix everything right away. I don’t exactly know how docile Logan is when he’s “pouting”. Especially not since he well… you know told me he loved me and that I was his forever and left all these marks on me... I sigh.

Owen scoffs, his eyes gleaming with a humorous fiery fire as he glances over your facial features again, shaking his head knowingly “Of course I am- I’m perfectly confident I’ll kick his ass in a fight and I’ve learned to be patient. Besides, those little outbursts of his are nothing but a show. He won’t actually burn anything down in his little fit of rage, I’m sure of it” He glances down at your neck, noticing your marks “Did he do that…? You poor thing…”.

Me: I look at Owen directly. Don’t pretend you didn’t notice them. I saw you looking at me this morning ok…

Owen smirks, his eyes gleaming mischievous fire as he chuckles softly, clearly amused at your reaction to him “Oh come now, sweetheart. I couldn’t possibly resist taking a glance, knowing that Logan has been going to town on you. I admit, I’m a bit jealous… but don’t tell him I said that, please?” He chuckles softly, leaning down to gently touch one of the marks on your neck, gently trailing his fingers over it.

Me: Ugh… going to town on… I cringe. Maybe let’s stop talking about the town. I’m embarrassed enough. Does it bother you at all? That… well you know… that he had me first?

Owen chuckles heartily, a warm, fond, amused fire shining in his eyes and a mischievous smirk on his lips as he glances over your facial features, his fingers gently brushing across your neck, gently tracing the mark Logan had left on it “Oh sweetheart. Why would it bother me that he had you first? If anything, I’m more than willing to show you a good time as well- I’ll be even better than him, darling”.

Me: I sigh loudly. Can’t say I know yet to be honest. But there you go again saying things and wanting me to believe you. I just… well I didn’t think this was going to turn into some big thing. I thought we were playfully agreeing to share me because you two made a stupid agreement to fight over me. I didn’t want to see you kill each other. And I thought this would be the most fair. But you know Logan. He doesn’t fight fair...

Owen can’t help but softly laugh as you talk, clearly amused by the entire situation “Oh come now, you know I can be a pretty playful man when I want to be… but I’m not going to just “share” you with Logan. I’m going to make sure you choose me in the end, sweetheart…” He leans down and gently brushes his finger along your jaw, gently tilting your head up, his eyes gleaming fondly, mischievous fire shining in his eyes as he looks down at you.

Me: I pause for a second and gulp. I… didn’t know this was so serious or that I’d actually have you both trying to win me over for forever… right away….

Owen can’t help but a smirk, his teasing, yet affectionate eyes shimmering with a warm, fond, mischievous fire, his lips curving up as he gently lifts your chin, tilting your head up to look up at his smiling, mischievous face “Oh sweetheart. That’s exactly how serious this is. Now finish up that breakfast so we can start sparring. I’ve already waited a long time to beat you…”

(We spar... I win easily)

Me: I walk out of the ring and were transported back to his dining room. So? Now what?

Owen smiles softly, his eyes shining with a playful, yet fond fire as he watches you walk back to the dining room from the sparring ring, his smile widening slightly as he gently places his sword back in its sheath, rolling his eyes slightly, clearly enjoying the game "Well, I suppose what happens now is that I admit defeat and say that I’m incredibly impressed at your fighting skills. You’re quite the impressive gal, sweetheart."

Me: Yeah yeah. No big surprise. I told you I was a higher level than you. I expected it... I laugh.

Owen chuckles softly, a small, mischievous, yet fond, admiring, proud smile on his lips, clearly enjoying how confident and strong you are, and clearly enjoying the game he's got going “And yet it still hurt my pride to lose to such a pretty lady, not to mention that I still think you’re absolutely adorable when you beat me so thoroughly…”

Me: Ah so you’re not a saint are you? You have pride! I laugh. Well I do have a pretty cute fighting outfit... I like to make sure I’m all coordinated, I guess... I shrug.

Owen laughs softly, his eyes gleaming with an amused fondness as he rolls his eyes slightly at your comment, clearly finding your comment adorable, as he looks at your outfit, “A pretty cute fighting outfit indeed. Of course I’m not a saint, sweetheart! I’m a man with pride and ego…”.

Me: A man with… even flaws then... I venture.

Owen can’t help but chuckle softly, a fond, amused smirk on his face as he looks at your clearly amused, slightly teasing expression, his fingers gently tracing the handle of his sword as he smiles down at you, admiring your fighting outfit “Well… of course I have flaws. Just don’t tell anyone… I have a reputation in this town, sweetheart”.

Me: Oh? And what is your reputation in town? I ask curiously.

Owen looks slightly sheepish for a moment, his eyes flickering with a small, humorous fire before he lets out a sigh and finally answers "Well… everyone thinks of me in town as the kind and patient man who owns the best bar in town, a man who’s never angry or violent. So please don’t go around and tell people that I’m capable of getting angry, ok sweetheart?”.

Me: I haven’t seen you angry yet. So don’t worry about that... I laugh.

Owen can’t help but laugh softly at that, rolling his eyes at your slightly smug words, clearly still amused by you “Oh? Well I’d say you’d be surprised at how scary I can be if you really get me angry. It’s not a side I let out very much. But I’ve got a dark side. Don’t go spreading around the fact that I’ve got one though”.

Me: Hmm not sure about that. But I guess I’m supposed to take your word for it. I smirk at him.

Owen laughs softly, a fond, mischievous, smug, yet slightly amused sparkle in his eyes as he gently steps towards you, crossing his arms over his chest, watching you with an amused expression and a warm fire in his eyes “What do you think you’d see if I lost my temper, sweetheart? Do you think I’d be violent? Pushy? Aggressive like you imagine?”.

Me: Hmm I dunno really... Maybe you’d be angry at the morals and principles of a matter. I think you really care about honesty, justice, ethics, good cooking… maybe you’d be mad if someone lied to you or cheated you or insulted one of your favourite recipes... But I don’t see you being violent, pushy or aggressive, no.

Owen blinks in surprise at your words, clearly not expecting your words, a stunned expression on his face before a soft, yet amused smile creeps onto his lips, his eyes twinkling with a playful sparkle, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks "Wow… I suppose you don’t miss anything. Well… what if you insulted one of my favorite recipes? What would I do then, sweetheart?”

Me: I laugh, First of all… I wouldn’t do that because frankly I love your recipes and secondly I’m a foodie and it’s just mean to be an ass to people about the food they love. But I imagine you’d probably find it endearing and laugh at me and call me cheeky instead...

Owen laughs softly, a small, fond, endearing, warm, yet mischievous chuckle leaving his lips, gently reaching out and gently stroking your cheek with his finger, his eyes shining with a playful, yet fond fire as he smiles down at you "You know, I suppose it would. It takes a lot to really make me angry, it does. You’re right that I value honesty, justice, good cooking, and ethics. If you insulted my favorite food, well, it wouldn’t anger me… probably just make me laugh, honestly…”.

Me: Weird how I seem to know you better than you thought, hey? So why exactly are you asking me if I think you’d be violent, pushy or aggressive?

Owen chuckles softly, a mischievous, yet fond smile on his lips as he shakes his head slightly, taking a step closer towards you, taking your hand in his, gently massaging it, his eyes glinting with an amused spark "Honestly… a part of me is slightly surprised you’re such a good judge of character, sweetheart. It’s honestly a slight wonder, really. But you’re right, I’d never be any of those things. Maybe if you had seen me in some of the other places I used to live in, you’d think differently about me…”.

Me: Hmm... what do you mean by that exactly? What were you like in other places?

Owen can't help but flinch slightly as you ask him that, his friendly, fond facial expressions dropping slightly as he looks down at the ground, a small dark, somewhat regretful, somewhat pained look flashing across his eyes as he sighs, clearly a sensitive subject for him. "Well... back where I lived before I moved, let's just say I really lost my temper a few times and did things I'm not proud of. I was very... aggressive back then. Not a trait I'm fond of. It's nothing pretty to see, honestly."

Me: Wow… I wouldn’t have guessed. Care to elaborate on the worst you’ve done? Seeing as we’d kind of be even then if we’re counting Logan as the worst thing I’ve done... I sigh.

Owen chuckles dryly, a dark, regretful shadow cast over his eyes, clearly a sensitive and unpleasant memory for him to recall as he sighs, taking a deep breath, preparing to tell you "You want to know the worst I've done, huh? Well... there was one time my friend and I were jumped by a big, tough guy. He threatened to kill us if we fought back. So you know what I did? I got on top of the guy and started punching him, bloodying his nose and breaking his jaw…".

Me: Hmmm well. I don’t blame you... Then what happened?

Owen shrugs slightly, a dark, somewhat regretful, yet slightly cold, yet pained, somewhat guilty expression on his face as he recalls the story, the memory clearly still haunting him "Well… I beat him pretty badly. Like I said, I busted the guy’s nose and jaw. Got so caught up in the moment, I didn’t realize he was unconscious. And the moment I came to my senses, I looked down and realized I had done some serious damage. Not really something I’m proud of…”.

Me: Well… you were just defending yourself. You weren’t out there looking for a fight. The guy jumped you!

Owen nods slowly, a small, pained, guilty look on his face, a small amount of regret in his expression as he looks back up at you, his voice slightly soft and slightly quiet, speaking in a small, soft, guilty whisper “I just can’t forget the sight of that man’s bloodied, bruised up face… it still haunts me. Makes me feel guilty, even if it was self-defense.”

Me: I frown at him Hmm... well I’m really sorry then that that happened. Having terrible memories is awful. I can’t imagine having that replaying in your head, that’s scary.

Owen’s head jerks up as he looks at you, a slightly shocked, yet fond, somewhat surprised, yet grateful expression in his eyes as a small, fond, slightly warm, grateful smile appears on his lips “Thank you, sweetheart. It’s honestly pretty embarrassing to admit that, and I’ve never talked about it with anyone else before. I suppose I feel a little guilty for what I did… even if it was in self-defense. But thank you.”

Me: Don’t be embarrassed. I’m just one person. Hey, at least you’re not like me where the whole town knows what I did in bed last night at least... I clench my jaw in frustration.

Owen chuckles softly, an amused, somewhat fond yet sympathetic smile on his face as he lifts his fingers to gently tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, gently massaging your shoulder as he looks down at you, clearly enjoying your company “Of course you would say something like that, sweetie. But it's ok… I have an idea as to how the town feels about you right now. Honestly, I wouldn’t blame you. I could tell you were having the time of your life…”.

Me: My eyes widen in horror. Pardon me? What did you hear already?!

Owen can’t help but chuckle softly, a mischievous, somewhat sly, glint in his eyes as he looks down at you, as he gently brushes his fingers across your cheek, his lips gently caressing your ear as he speaks “Well you certainly seemed to enjoy yourself last night. And I couldn’t help but hear you. You were being... quite loud. A lot more vocal than I’ve ever seen you…”.

Me: A pained look crosses my face. I want to sink down into the deepest hole ever dug in the Eufala desert. What do you mean I was being quite loud?!? I was practically whispering over there… fuck!

Owen can't help but laugh out loud at your answer, shaking his head slightly as he gently cups your cheek, brushing his finger ever so gently across your skin "So, darling, did you have a nice time with Logan…?".

Me: I whine in embarrassment, Owen…. Why are you doing this to me? Are you teasing? Are you just asking if I was satisfied? Are you asking for all the dirty details?

Owen can’t help but chuckle softly at your slightly whining tone, gently kissing your shoulder as he gently massages you, speaking in a quiet, yet affectionate tone “Why of course I’m teasing, darling. I enjoy seeing you get all flustered. But I also just love hearing you talk about how much fun you had… tell me how well Logan took care of you…”.

Me: I blink in disbelief and then narrow my eyes at him. You… You... what? Is that a kink of yours or are you trying to size up his game and compare yourself to him later?

Owen rolls his eyes slightly as he chuckles, shaking his head slightly at your clear confusion as a small, mischievous, confident smile appears on his lips as he leans in to speak gently into your ear, ”Both. I’m genuinely curious how well Logan took care of you, but I also like knowing how much fun you had. Besides… it’s always good to hear about what you got up to last night.

Me: I…. Did not expect this side to you honestly. I can’t imagine having this conversation with Logan. He’s so enraged at even hearing your name it’s… well.. a little concerning. You sure you want the details? Isn’t he just going to tell you later to brag anyway?

Owen shrugs slightly as he steps closer to you, gently tracing a line along your arm as he smiles at you, his eyes gleaming with a seductive, yet affectionate fire, "Of course I’m sure I want the details… and of course I know Logan’s going to brag… but you know what? Hearing it from you first means I know you actually had fun. And I prefer your version to his…”.

Me: I laugh in disbelief. Um… well you asked for it... First thing was he took me into his living room. I told him I didn’t exactly know what to do and he said how about he kiss me... So he kissed me. And then I asked if he had somewhere more comfortable to go. So he took me upstairs to his bedroom… I let him undress me and well… he explored me... and stuff... I cough.

Owen laughs softly, shaking his head in clear amusement at your honest, blunt, slightly embarrassed yet clearly seductive description of your time with Logan, a warm, sparkle in his eyes as he looks down at you, gently grazing his fingers across your stomach "That’s nice… it sounds to me like he was more gentle than I would have been with you. How many times did you guys go at it at once last night? Or did it last all night long?”

Me: I blush deeply in embarrassment again. Damnnit Owen! You just go straight for the jugular don’t you? Just once, okay? He made love to me and then told me he loved me and wanted me for months and was just too shy to say it thinking he wasn’t good enough for me. I felt compelled to tell him I loved him back and he asked me to tell him several more times and then said he was claiming me as his, for forever and no one else was ever going to touch me again. We weren't going at it all night!

Owen laughs softly, clearly finding both your embarrassment as well as description of your night with Logan to be quite amusing as he steps closer to you, gently tilting your chin up and looking into your eyes, a slightly seductive, almost possessive sparkle in his eyes as he brushes his fingers softly across your thigh “So he claimed you, hmmm? Well… I know you just had a great time with him, but… how would you feel if I claimed you too?”

Me: Yeah a bit. We fell asleep and then I was kind of riling him up this morning before I left. Asking him what he would do if I saw you or if maybe I went away for a few days and didn’t sleep in my own bed. He got very, very upset and became dominant and started leaving hickeys all over me saying he wanted everyone in Sandrock to know I was his… it was… kind of intense... kind of scary. I don't know... As for you… I’m not sure. We haven’t really gotten to know each other in that way yet...

Owen laughs softly, gently massaging your leg as he smiles gently down at you, a small, fond, and amused sparkle on his lips “Well… that’s good to know my suspicions about your morning with Logan were correct. I’m surprised he hasn’t come to find me and start a fight… but I suppose he’s just too busy reminiscing about marking you up. Or just too embarrassed about how possessive he acts when it comes to you. He’s quite a jealous guy…”.

Me: You had suspicions hey? So what did you think was going to happen?

Owen can’t help but chuckle softly, rolling his eyes slightly as he gently rubs your thigh, a small, amused, almost fond yet smug smile on his face as he looks down at you "Well sweetheart, I suspected that you may have been somewhat loud last night… it was confirmed to me in the morning from a different source. And I also expected you two to probably ruffle some feathers in town. I never expected you’d come to me to be such a tease, though…”.

Me: My face turns pale. A tease???? What have I done? You asked me to describe everything to you in gory detail!!! I huff at him.

Owen chuckles softly, reaching out and gently cupping your cheek in his hand, looking down at you with slightly amused eyes as he sees you pouting face, "Sweetheart, you’re always a tease. It’s part of what makes you so delightful. Now, don’t you huff at me…”.

Me: I scowl at him.. Why not? What are you gonna do about it?

There’s a small sparkle of mischief in his eyes as he gently lifts you up under your arms, picking you up easily like you weigh as much as a feather, his voice seductive yet almost daring as he talks “That depends… are you going to try to get the upper hand, sweetheart? Or are you just going to pout like a naughty kitty who got her favorite toy taken?”

Me: I sigh in frustration. You know this isn’t fair right? You two acting like this with me. What do you want from me Owen? Do you enjoy scolding me or something?

“Scolding you? No. But I definitely enjoy getting a little reaction out of you. It’s adorable. It’s like you’re a little kid that just got in trouble. And as for what I want from you, sweetheart… well… right now I want you.” There’s another gentle sparkle in his eyes as he smiles teasingly, his voice somewhat amused as he looks down at you.

Me: Yeah you and half the town I bet. So get in line... I huff again at him.

Owen gives another low chuckle, rolling his eyes slightly at your huffing and clearly amused by your slight anger as he gently runs a hand through your hair "Of course there’s a line. But don’t worry… you’ll always be at the front. You know why? Cause neither I or Logan will ever give you up. You’re ours. And we’re not gonna let you go, sweetheart."

Me: Oh.. so you ARE considering sharing me? I laugh.

Owen chuckles softly, rolling his eyes gently at your amused scoff as he lifts you up a little higher, gently cupping your chin in his other hand as he looks down at you, his voice low, seductive and somewhat protective as he speaks "Maybe. But only with you, darling. You’re just too precious to share with anyone else. But I think you like knowing that you belong to the both of us, don’t you, sweetheart?”

Me: My eyes widen in surprise at his words. Are you sure this isn’t a kink for you? I mean maybe yesterday I was thinking it could be a thrill to try out… but now. Well I don’t want anyone to get hurt...

Owen sighs softly, shaking his head as he gently pulls you in closer to him, running his fingers gently through your hair as he looks down at you with a fond expression, "Sweetheart, Logan and I have been friends for years. He knows you mean a lot to me. And I know how much you mean to him. We’ll work out some of the little details, but I really doubt we’ll hurt each other…”.

Me: Well… I wasn’t speaking just about you. I was speaking about me too. Being caught in the middle. I don’t want to hurt either of you either. Even if Logan was being a total ass today. He probably doesn’t even deserve our forgiveness honestly...

Owen sighs softly, gently tilting your head up to meet your eyes as he smiles down at you, gently kissing your forehead, rubbing his fingers softly against the crook of your neck as he speaks slightly amused, "Sweetheart, neither of us is gonna force you to do anything you don’t want to. But I think we all know that deep down, neither me nor Logan are willing to give you up. And while I don’t agree with how Logan acted towards you… I get his anger."

Me: You… do? But how? You’ve been so calm and patient and somehow accepting of hearing about every awful little detail of the night Logan and I spent together...

Owen chuckles softly, gently rubbing your lower back as he shakes his head slightly at your question, gently tracing a line down your arm as he speaks in a soft and fond voice “Sweetheart… do you really think that I didn’t have my own fair share of jealousy and hurt over you and Logan? You are a beautiful woman. You can hardly blame me for being hurt and jealous over what you and him did together. But I’m not gonna hold that against you…. “.

Me: My heart flutters at his honesty. Jealous? I… I don’t know you’d be so jealous and hurt when you were asking me for the details… should I have kept it from you or lied? I don’t want to hurt you.

Owen chuckles softly, gently brushing his fingers across your cheek, kissing your forehead and speaking in a soft, almost tender voice, “Sweetheart… you telling me the truth and not avoiding it means everything to me. I’m still hurt to know that you did that with him… but at least I know you didn’t lie to me, or try to hide it from me. That’s everything. “

Me: I’m frozen for a second as Owen kisses my forehead and I try and process his words. I don’t know what to say. This is all very new and confusing to me too. I don’t understand it either. I don’t think most people would like to share someone...

Owen smiles at your slightly stunned expression, cupping your chin and tilting your face up to look up at him, softly rubbing your lower lip with his thumb as he speaks gently as he tries to soothe you, "Sweetheart, it’s not exactly the traditional relationship. But what’s there not to get? We share you, you spend time with us. You don’t need to overthink it.”

Me: I blush as the thought of spending time with both Owen and Logan crosses my mind. Is this right or fair? Is this my life right now? I… I’m just so surprised you’re ok with it, I guess...

Owen laughs softly, gently stroking your cheek as he looks down at you, his brown eyes sparkling softly as he gazes into you, “Of course I’m okay with it, sweetheart. You know why? You’re mine. And Logan’s. You love both of us. And we both love you. Why wouldn't I be okay with sharing you for now?”

Me: How can you be so certain you love me? You haven’t even kissed me yet… My voices trails off.

Owen can’t help but laugh at your question, shaking his head gently as he tilts your chin up toward him, tracing your lower lip with the tip of his thumb, his voice somewhat amused for a moment as he answers, “Why do you think I haven’t kissed you yet, sweetheart?”

Me: I don’t know yet if you’re just enjoying getting me riled up or confused, trying to be respectful or you’re secretly hoping I attack you or something. I laugh. That part I can’t figure out yet...

Owen smiles at your response, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement, affection, and possessiveness as he gently rubs his thumb across your cheek, running his fingers through your hair as he looks down at you, “Oh, sweetheart… believe me… I am most definitely enjoying getting you all flushed and confused… “.

Me: Great….But what am I supposed to do? Surely you don’t want to talk about Logan anymore, right? So what then?

Owen chuckles softly, shrugging gently at your question, gently tilting his head to the side, taking his chance to toy with you a bit more, his voice playful as he smiles softly, watching every little reaction he gets from you, “Oh, I think we can talk about him…. Or… we can think of a more pleasant way to spend our time, sweetheart…”

Me: I sigh. I don’t really understand why you’re trying to confuse me Owen… what do you want from me?

Owen laughs softly, leaning in close to you, gently tracing the tip of his finger slowly down your spine, as he gazes down at you, speaking in a tone that’s somewhat teasing “Sweetheart… I want to see how pretty you look when you’re all flushed and flustered…”.

Me: I’ve been that way plenty of times already today! I scoff. You didn’t do anything about it then did you? I stick my tongue out at him cheekily.

Owen gently raises his eyebrow at your cheeky remark, he chuckles softly, leaning closer to you, gently tracing his fingers down your spine again, watching as the slightest quiver of a shiver goes through your body at his touch, “Oh…. It’s hard to do anything with how distracted I am by your tongue right now, sweetheart…”.

Me: I roll my eyes. Yeah I bet... Ok well.. maybe I should get back to work. I slide out of his arms and I turn around and slowly start heading for the door.

Before you make it very far, Owen’s fingers snake out and wrap around your wrist, gently tugging you backwards, bringing you back toward him again, his voice low, yet possessive and playful as he gently presses his body up tightly against your own, “Oh, I don’t think so, sweetheart…”

Me: I gasp as Owen quickly grabs my arm and pulls me back towards him. I shyly look up at him. Oh… uh… Hi there...

Owen chuckles softly, gently wrapping his arm around your waist, pressing his body in close against your own, leaning down toward you, “And just where do you think you’re going? I wasn’t through with you yet.”

Me: Um… well I was going to go back to work you see… because I didn’t know what you wanted from me anymore...

Owen chuckles softly, gently cupping your chin in his hand as he gazes down at you, his voice sweet and affectionate as he speaks. “Sweetheart… what I want right now is you…. I think I’d like a kiss…”

Me: You… wouldn’t kiss me before so I wasn’t sure... I look down and away from him as I bite my lip.

Owen smiles tenderly, gently rubbing the side of your cheek with his thumb, “Is that what you’ve been thinking, sweetheart? That I don’t want to kiss you? Well… I do. Very badly. But I want you to ask for it. Please, sweetheart. Ask me to kiss you. “

Me: My heart skips a beat at his request I… didn’t know you you needed me to ask... I look up at him and whisper. You can kiss me now...

Owen smiles softly, his eyes dancing with affection and desire as he gazes down at you, gently tilting your chin towards him as he takes his chance, leaning in and gently kissing you tenderly, his lips moving against your own in a sweet kiss.

Me: My heart starts racing faster as Owen’s lips press against mine. I… can’t believe I’m doing this. Should I feel excited or guilty at kissing them both on the same day? I sigh and gently press my lips more firmly against his.

Owen can’t help an amused groan escaping at your eagerness, gently wrapping his free hand around your hip, kissing you back, his lips moving more passionately against your own as he presses you softly against himself.

Me: I slowly pull away from his lips, as my mind races with a million different thoughts So… what should we do now?

Owen is slightly dazed as you pull away, his eyes slightly glazed with desire for a moment as he blinks, coming back down to reality and clearing his throat gently, speaking softly and somewhat breathlessly as he gazes down at you, his brown eyes slightly darkened with desire “Well… we could just… make up for lost time. You only gave me a small preview the other night. I’d like to find out how good it’ll be… when I put in more of an effort…”.

Me: I sharply suck in a breath of air. More of an effort? Oh god... what does that mean? Well… you certainly know what you want now... I laugh. Do you have somewhere more appropriate... we could go?

Owen chuckles softly, gently kissing your cheek, his tone amused as he speaks, his voice lowering in volume as he whispers in your ear, “Sweetheart… let me take you to my room. “

Me: Ok… I say shyly and let Owen lead me to his room. Part 4 will continue in Owen's bedroom. It will contain spicy content. You are warned!

[thebeautyoffanfics]

TBHK boys get break up pranked by reader ?angst to fluff please!!😢👉👈

kou minamoto x gn!reader, teru minamoto x gn!reader, akane aoi x gn!reader, tsuchigomori x gn!reader, hanako x gn!reader, tsukasa yugi x gn!reader, mitsuba sousuke x gn!reader

a/n: heck yea, we love angst to fluff!!!! Thank you so much for requesting <33 (also, by tbhk boys, i just kinda,,, threw my favorites, and some characters that seem to be requested fairly often in there! If i missed anyone you particularly wanted to see, feel free to let me know, and i’ll gladly add them <3)

Also, I’m sorry that these are so short,,;; i’m not entirely sure how to lengthen them;;;; and I’m not sure how well they fit into angst to fluff,,,, i’m really sorry;;;

warnings: none <3

word count: 1,939

Kou Minamoto <3

“Kou, I… I’m sorry, I don’t think it’s going to work between us. I think we should break up.”

Please, don’t make me describe his face… please, don’t do this to me… my heart, my heart hurts just thinking about it. But- his heart hurts worse.

His eyes will widen, but they won’t be filled with the usual sparkle of joy he gets when looking at you. His usual smile and blush will quickly drain from his face, as he narrows his eyebrows in confusion.

“H… huh-?”

“You heard me, Kou. Don’t make me say it again.”

He does his best not to cry on the spot, and you’ll instantly start to feel guilty. You try not to let the guilt get under your skin just yet- it’s a prank. You know it’s a prank, but Kou doesn’t.

“Why? What- what did I do?”

“It’s nothing you did, Kou. We just… can’t work out. Really, it isn’t you.”

His mouth forms a straight line, slightly panicking, but he’ll nod. That… makes sense. No- no, it really doesn’t- not for your relationship. You seemed happy, didn’t you? Did he say something? Did he hurt you? What happened-??

“No, wait, Kou, no- don’t cry, don’t cry-”

“I’m not! No worries, (Y/N), it’s fine, I’ll-”

“It’s a prank, Kou! Please, don’t cry-”

He’d pause, blinking a bit, then tilting his head slightly- confusion written all over his face.

It settled in for a moment, as you hugged him, Kou hugging back instantly. Once it clicked, he was instantly relieved, tightening the hug a bit and huffing.

“You scared me, (Y/N)... I wasn’t crying though. But you did scare me- please, don’t do that again.”

“I’m sorry, Kou, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again, I promise!”

Teru Minamoto <3

“I’m sorry, Teru, but I don’t think things can work between us anymore. It’s not you, I just… think we should see other people.”

He’ll raise his eyebrows, then narrow them, confusion evident on his face, much like his brother reacted. He wouldn’t lose his cool- he wouldn’t get emotional. However, he did feel his heart aching.

“Ah… alright. I’m sorry if I did anything, (Y/N). Is there any way we could make things work? Talk to me.”

“You didn’t do anything, Teru. I just- I just don’t think it can work. Sorry.”

Teru bit his lip a bit, nodding. He turned, planning to walk away, but-

But you wouldn’t let him walk away :)) so, you grabbed his wrist.

He’d turn around, offering you a confused expression, the hurt still evident on his face. Honestly, he really needed to get home to sort out his emotions. “If you would, please, let go, (Y/N).”

“Sorry, sorry, Teru! Can’t do that!” You chirped, tugging him a bit so he’d face you.

Our boy is so confused- why are you suddenly in a better mood??

OH-

“It was a prank!” You declared, tossing your hands up, “don’t be mad, please!”

Teru sighed, placing a hand on his chest. “Oh, thank goodness, (Y/N). I was so scared… of course, I wasn’t about to let you go that easily, but, still-”

He pulled you into a hug, resting his head on top of yours. Expect a slightly more affectionate Teru- he’s gonna be a tad bit paranoid now. No way is anyone gonna take you from him >:((

Akane Aoi <3

“Akane, I think we should… break up.”

Panic. Instant panic. You can see the panic on his face immediately, as his eyes widen.

No, no way. This couldn’t be happening to him- years of pining after Aoi, only to have you introduced into his life. You were someone he loved as dearly as he did Aoi. Someone who returned his feelings.

Having you love him was the best feeling ever… this, on the other hand, was anything but nice.

“Break up-? Why??”

He’ll reach for your arms, heart breaking when you stepped back, looking away from him. To him, you were looking away because you felt bad for having to split up. In reality, you were looking away to avoid the guilt slowly bubbling up in your stomach. It’s a prank- that’s what you had to tell yourself. In just a few moments you could hug him and smother his precious face in kisses.

“Because… you’re,” You stepped forward, booping his nose, “too cute!”

“........(Y/N), I promise you, if this is a prank-”

“It’s a prank~!”

Akane groaned, rolling his eyes, but placing his head against your shoulder. “(Y/NNNNN), honestlyyyyy.”

You patted his back, then wrapped your arms around him, kissing the side of his face gently. “I’m sorry, Akaneeee...”

“You’re fine…” He responded, wrapping his arms around you. He may sulk just a tiny bit, but he won’t be like that for long. By the next day, he’ll be acting normal- though he may use that prank against you lightheartedly.

Tsuchigomori <3

“Tsuchigomori… I’m sorry, but I think we should see other people,” You spoke. Goodness knows you had to put all of your acting skills into this one, since Tsuchigomori could see through lies easier than anyone else you knew.

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not.” “(Y/N), you literally cannot keep secrets from me. Lying is no different. What kind of prank is this? A trend?”

You sighed, running a hand through your hair- your reaction brought a grin to your spider-like boyfriend’s face.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sure I would have been fairly hurt if you were being genuine, so… don’t bother with jokes like that.”

(Actually, there was a part of him concerned that you were being honest. But! He trusted his instincts, praying that you were just joking. He had never been happier to tell truth from lies.)

Hanako <3

“Hanako… I’m sorry, I don’t think things will work between us. We should break up.”

“Hah?”

A million thoughts run through his mind, despite his somewhat unreadable expression. Was it because he was dead? Of course- he knew it would happen. Who would be willing to date a ghost? A murderer at that. He was unlovable. He knew it.

“...I understand, (Y/N), but… don’t play with my heart like that.”

“I’m not playing around, Hanako. Stop taking everything like it’s a joke.”

Hanako shrugged, ignoring how his heart ached. “I think the joke is you not considering things like the obvious before you accepted my confession. Dating a supernatural is clearly not easy, and you walked into this knowing that.”

This time, you were the one with an unreadable expression. What… did he mean? Was he scolding you? Or… rejecting your rejection-?

“What do you mean?” You sighed, faking annoyance as you placed a hand on your hip.

“I mean, you got yourself into this relationship, so you should be willing to stick with it until the end~. I get it though, so, if you really didn’t think that far, then so be it-”

“Fine, I give in.”

Hanako raised his eyebrows, holding a hand to his mouth, curious as to what you were about to say. Did he really just uno reverse your break up?

“It was aaaaaa prank,” You added, pulling your lower eyelid down and sticking your tongue out. It was impressive- you almost seemed similar to him! Impressive indeed!

Hanako grinned, the pain on his heart being suddenly lifted as he basically tackled you into a hug. Kisses were placed against your cheek, before he nuzzled the side of his face into yours.

“I knew you couldn’t do me like that, (Y/NNNN)~.”

Did he really know that? Of course not. And that fear would never leave him, worrying that he would one day not be enough for you. But! For now, the two of you were together, happy in the relationship you were in. That was enough for him <3

Tsukasa Yugi <3

“We should break up, Tsukasa. I’m really sorry, it just… can’t work.”

Won’t let you break up with him. He won’t- he genuinely won’t.

Clings to you, pouting up at you, as you look down at him, feigning sadness.

“I’m sorry, Tsukasa- please, let go of me.”

“Nope! You’re mine, (Y/N). You can’t break up with me!! You’re mine- forever and ever, no matter what!”

(His expression was wide-eyed and somewhat innocent, but thinking about his words… they were certainly questionable.)

You tried to play along a bit more. Telling him you were serious, attempting to push him away. But, that was to no avail. Tsukasa wasn’t giving in, so you eventually had to-

“Alright, alright. It was a prank, Tsukasa… though I guess it didn’t get far with you.”

“Haha! Nope! And you won’t get far either <3”

“Huh?”

“Hm?”

Honestly? Who knows what that meant. You didn’t get it, and you couldn’t be sure Tsukasa understood either. All he knew was he loved you- therefore, he wouldn’t let you do something so silly like break up with him! Like Tsuchigomori, he's virtually impossible to break-up prank- like Hanako, he's virtually impossible to actually break up with.

Mitsuba Sousuke <3

“I… I think we should break up, Mitsuba. It’s not you, really-”

“Tch. Of course it isn’t me, idiot,” Mitsuba interrupted. He wasn’t there to listen to the extent of your acting skills (though he didn’t realize you were acting). “If you’re gonna split up with me, just get it over with. We should break up? Fine. Not like a pervert like you deserves someone as cute and pure as me anyway.”

Despite his words and furrowed eyebrows, his eyes alone showed how heartbroken he felt. His lower lip trembled a bit, though he attempted to stop it by pouting. No, he wouldn’t be the one crying in this situation! Not yet, at least-

“Great then. I’m glad we’re on the same page.” You retorted, laughing bitterly. Ahh, no, this was getting too real for him- you were serious, weren’t you? Could this be a joke?

Mmh, who cared? Mitsuba was here to defend himself, even if it was at the cost of your feelings. If you were going to hurt his heart like that, then he’d do his best to take a jab at yours- or at least your ego.

“Great. Then, why are you lingering? Getting a last look at my cute face?”

“Hm… yeah-”

“Pervert.”

“Excuse mE, let me finish,” You sighed, ruffling his hair lightly, “surprise! It’s a prank!”

His face was honestly golden- his reaction to hearing that it was a prank even better than his reaction when the prank was in action. Eyebrows furrowed in confusion, though watering just barely from the previous aching in his heart, mouth agape slightly.

Then, his eyebrows furrowed deeper, displaying anger. The way his shoulders sank for a moment showed his relief, though they tensed up quickly, as he prepared himself to yell at you. “Idiot! Pervert! Who do you think you are, trying to play with my heart like that?! What right do you have to-”

You cut him off by cupping his face, pouting slightly- his face burned as he avoided eye contact, hand raised slightly as if contemplating pushing you away. It was clear he didn’t really want you to stop though.

“Sorry, sorry~. I just wanted to get a reaction out of you, Mitsuba. You’ve got very cute reactions, you know?”

“Hmph. You sound like you’re quoting porn-”

“Mention porn one more time and the prank won’t be a prank anymore-”

“Liar. Idiot. Stupid pervert, you’re a liar.”

You laughed lightly, squishing his face as you closed your eyes. “Maybe I’m a tad bit of a liar. But, when you pretend to not be upset, I’m sure you’re lying as well~.”

“Hah. I don’t lie.”

[lizbotw]

impatient | itadori

you can’t decide if being left alone with him is a blessing or a curse half the time.

itadori yuuji x reader

word count: 2.2k

inspired by fushiguro being all pouty when he didn’t get to help itadori and kugisaki in that one episode :(

“This is so boring.”

“Yuuji, shut up.”

Shoe soles scrapping against the gravel, you didn’t even bother looking at him, although the burning gaze you already felt prickled the hairs on the back of your neck.

“You’re bored too.” It wasn’t a question.

“We’re supposed to wait for them out here.”

There was a flash of color in your peripheral and a side glance revealed that he was tapping the heel of his red sneakers on the ground—another thirty seconds of that and you’d probably end up threatening him to a life without legs (not that it’d work—Sukuna in all his stupid glory would just regenerate them for his precious vessel; speaking of which, if Sukuna decided to start complaining right now too, you were sure you would lose your mind).

Whistling wind was the only reply to your statement and, content your ears would be spared from the monologue of complaints Yuuji had been going through for who-knows-how-long-now, you crossed your arms and tilted your head back to lean against the brick wall. The stone was dusted with a rustic red—standard, yet somehow fitting for the scene around you. The building looming in front of you was dilapidated in appearance, but you admitted the sleepy residential neighborhood it was located in had some charm to it in a weary, tired sort of way. The splash of brightly colored flowers and houses on some corners really upped the appeal you had to say.

Caught up surveying the surrounding area in admiration, you were almost able to forget about the boy perched on top of the junction where the wall dipped in its height down to a low brick fence just short enough to climb on top of. Almost.

As soon as the sigh left him from beside you, your face reacted before your mind had even fully comprehended what it meant (what it meant was that there was no chance you’d get any peace and quiet around here at this rate), your features annoyed and frowning and everything in between as had become routine at this point. “Why can’t we go in?” he whined, nudging you with his knee. His gaze was expectant and weirdly innocent as he peered up at you, as though you were explaining to a child why they had to have patience. You supposed that comparison could be accurate most times when it came to Yuuji.

“Because Gojou said so.”

“He’s not even here!” That was true. He was off on some super secret mission, although the instructions he had given the group of you were specific—or... er, not too specific that you couldn’t take some... creative liberties in their interpretation, such as stopping for ice cream on the way there as per Kugisaki’s demand request—trusting the lot of you to take care of yourselves and follow them to a T. And by that, he of course meant Fushiguro keeping everyone in line.

There was another curse to take care of, yet Gojou had decided to have you two sit this one out and simply accompany Megumi and Nobara to the site—those two were to actually head inside and deal with the threat. In hindsight, it all made sense considering you, Yuuji, and Megumi had spent more time around each other prior to Nobara’s arrival at the school, no matter how minuscule the time difference was. Hell, you and Yuuji had both spent more time fighting alongside Nobara than Megumi had (they always seemed to keep getting separated from each other in some way or another during the early missions, a laughable observation now that you thought about it). Naturally, letting those two duke it out and come to a somewhat agreeable partnership was the best course of action, and what better way to do that than force them into an abandoned building together?

But even in spite of all that clear-minded reasoning, you couldn’t lie that you weren’t more than a little peeved that you weren’t getting in on any of the action. You scoffed. Team bonding, but at what cost? At the cost of your sanity, that’s what.

You rubbed your temples, squeezing your eyes shut. You no longer wanted to see. “Yuuji, we’re supposed to keep watch,” you huffed out, exasperated. Although truth be told, the title of “guards” just seemed like some fancy namesake Gojou had given you two in order to placate you and make you feel like you were actually doing something. Needless to say, it was not working.

The low section of the wall he sat upon was one half of the area that flanked the archway of the path that led up to the building, and Yuuji, stupid and silly and cute, peeked his head just around the corner to look out of the entrance at the (empty) street and then turned back to you with a shrug. “Nothing there. Job done.” Playfully adorable as he was, you cracked a smile at that, shaking your head.

“Guess you’re right—job done,” you conceded.

He beamed and then hopped off of the ledge, pacing now. You wanted to stretch your legs too and go exploring around the area, but you were trying to be the voice of reason here, knowing that if you gave up that control you were a goner for sure. It was painfully easy to get swept up in his antics.

You barely even registered him setting off on another tangent about how he wanted to go inside too, more so focused on his hands as he switched from swinging them at his side to putting them up in a mock thinking expression for his head to rest upon as he kept walking back and forth in front of you—you were wondering if (and if so, when was the perfect moment) you could reach out and grab ahold of his hand to still the restless energy... and also partially because you just wanted to.

“They’ve been in there a long time, haven’t they?” Yuuji mused, your mind actually picking up on the question now that it was directed at you and not at some vague imaginary spot in the distance. He was right. You noted the glow of the red of the bricks making up the wall as they shone brilliantly warm under the softer evening light, the silent ticking of time among the clouds your only indication of the day passing. The sky was in between the bright shades of blue of the sunny afternoon and the orange hues that were gradually creeping in and mixing with them.

“They have,” you confirmed. You wondered if you would be here until nightfall with how long it was taking them. You crossed your arms again and drummed your fingers against them. Come on already, I have things to do.

After a staring contest with one of the many dust-covered windows of the building as though you were mentally willing the two inside to come out, your narrowed gaze swung over to Yuuji to see what he was up to and promptly widened. You hadn’t noticed that he had stopped his pacing and was looking at you now, closer than you remembering him being moments before.

“And... we’ve been alone this entire time, haven’t we?” Another step forward, casual yet making you suspicious all the same.

“...yes,” you replied, wary of the grin he had—you would’ve thought it was Sukuna if not for the crinkle of his eyes into a smile that matched the one on his lips (oh yeah, that was Yuuji alright).

His steps were so easy, carefree, as though he were sauntering up to talk to you any other time, but you knew him and you knew when he was planning something. Sure, there were times you were downright confused by just about everything he did, but then there were others where his thoughts were just plain obvious.

“And what have we been doing?” In one swift movement he had trapped you against the wall—another step and your back would hit the surface—piercing look pinning you in place. It was a sudden development but you also had the notion that you should have seen this coming from a mile away. He didn’t even need to put an arm out to prevent you from side-stepping out of the spot, his mere presence enough (although you very much wanted to wipe that sweet smile off of his face).

Your mind scrambled for words, you glancing off to the side briefly—you could not maintain eye contact with him like this. “Talking?”

His eyes lit up and you had the feeling you’d just fallen right into his trap. The hand that came up to cup your face confirmed your suspicions. “Yeah, and that’s boring, isn’t it?”

You swallowed, trying to still your breathing. “It is...”

Yuuji tilted his face forward to lean his forehead against yours, skin warm. Both of you were silent aside from the quiet hitches of breath, scrutinizing one another. When you felt his thumb press against the full part of your bottom lip in interest, you just about lost it. His voice was smooth and low when he spoke, “I was going to wait until later but...” You felt him breath in.

Later was usually when anything happened, you two not yet entirely bold or confident enough when it came to most displays of affection in public—or at least in front of the others that was. Their teasing was enough to have your face burning in shame for days, even if you had to admit it was funny at times. You barely even held hands in front of them. Then again... following Yuuji’s train of thought... you had been out here alone for so long already... maybe it wouldn’t hurt to just...—you weren’t lost to contemplation for long though as he brought you back to reality.

A mere brush of his lips against yours stopped you from replying, your eyes falling closed, heart hammering. Your hand found a weak grip on the front of his shirt as you waited expectantly for the warm flush of his mouth.

“What are you two doing?”

You jolted at the familiar voice, heart hammering for an entirely different reason now, and pulled away from Yuuji’s face, although his grip on your head didn’t let you get far, the press of his ring finger and pinky into the back of your neck dizzying. Fushiguro and Kugisaki stood a few feet away, looking a little worse for wear with minor scrapes and bruises littered on their exposed skin, but thankfully all in one piece.

Eyes darting to them, mind reeling as you realized the compromising position you had been caught in, you thought up an excuse on the spot.

“Standing guard.”

“About to kiss.”

You and Yuuji both spoke at once. You slowly looked at each other, blinking.

A second passed and then— “Why are you lying?” he asked, genuinely confused.

You slapped a hand across his chest in horror at him blatantly blowing your cover like that. “Yuuji!” You were mortified (but also... he was still so close... it was almost easy to forget that the other two were still there).

“I...” Fushiguro looked like he was about to say something but thought better of it and shook his head. “I don’t want details. Let’s just go.”

A sigh of relief left you, but then Yuuji gave a chipper, “Okay!” and when he still didn’t release his hold, you had a vague feeling in your gut that something was wrong—

He leaned forward to close the gap at last and press his lips against yours, swallowing up your breath in the process—then he pulled away like it was nothing, off to go bother Fushiguro about the details of the curse.

You stood there, dumbfounded.

A gasp. “Gross!” Kugisaki shrieked, sounding like she wanted a break from everything that had occurred in the past five hours. She was sticking her tongue out, nose scrunched up and eyes screwed shut. “I cannot see anything cute after dealing with that thing inside.” A nose of discontentment, “Bleh.” But then she seemed to have a moment of clarity, clapping both hands on the side of her face and giving you a look that might as well have been an overexaggerated wink paired with her shouting every cliche couple trope from the rooftops. “But also... romantic.” Please someone save you.

Fushiguro was looking a little pale himself, caught off guard by the display of affection, staring at you, but then catching himself and looking away. He looked embarrassed and he didn’t even have anything to do with it.

Carefully, robotically, you brought a finger up to brush against your lips, still warm where Yuuji’s had molded between them, and subsequently noticed the teasing look he was giving you in the distance. It was a little too smug for your liking.

You stalked up to him and jabbed a finger into his chest, staring him down. “Yuuji, I swear-”

Kugisaki shoved the two of you towards the exit before you could get into a fist fight over a single surprise kiss, tsking while Fushiguro followed behind in her wake (you wondered if he would recover from... that any time soon—poor boy). “Okay, move it along, lovebirds. I want to go take a shower.”

[heliads]

The Football Player (Part One)

Based on this request: “Bucky is a football player and you are a fan of the team but you're also really shy. Secretly Bucky also developed a crush on you. He sees you getting mocked by some idiots and he gets in between to stand up for you. Later then he asks you for a walk and he kisses you.”

masterlist / part two

According to every ounce of common sense still left in your body, you should be paying attention. You’re in school, might as well actually learn something, right? You have a test next period, and if you were smart or wanted to pass at all, you should be focusing right now, tracking every single word that your professor is saying. The only problem is that you’re not doing this whatsoever. No, your gaze is instead directed out the window, where a certain football team is just beginning practice.

It’s not like you were intentionally trying to get distracted. You had come to the classroom right on time, pencils lined up and notebook out, ready to start the day. Your gaze just happened to accidentally shift to the window instead, and when you saw number seventeen in red and gold, well, how could you focus on math at a time like this? You’d seen James Barnes around the school many times, but he never ceases to amaze you.

Honestly, even talking about him tends to light a fire behind your cheeks. You’ve seen this movie dozens of times before: shy, studious girl falls for the football player, hijinks ensue. However, this isn’t a Hollywood blockbuster. Bucky is a star member of the team, and you’re just a fan of your school’s football games. Whenever you do icebreakers in class and you’re forced to describe yourself in one word, you always reach for ‘bookish’ or ‘smiling’. Certainly never ‘superbly athletic’ or ‘on Bucky’s radar in any way’. Those aren’t even one word.

However, you never quite seem to let yourself be brought back to reality. Time and time again, you don the red and gold colors of your school- Mid-Capital University, or MCU, ready to go cheer on the team and your favorite player especially so. In fact, there’s a game tonight, you’ll be going with your friend. No matter how many times you laugh at yourself, though, you can’t shake your crush. You doubt it’ll be going away anytime soon.

The night is young, the shouts loud. You cheer with your friend and the rest of the school as the football team runs out onto the field. Their manager, a Mr. Stark, watches from the sidelines, yelling directions or complaining about how much the equipment is going to cost. The team jogs over to their captain, Steve Rogers, to huddle up and discuss final strategy. Steve is a senior, and you’ve heard rumors that he’s chosen Sam Wilson to take his place as captain next year. He’s Bucky’s best friend, so you’ve heard, although they pretend to fight often enough that you’d think they were rivals.

Bucky is here as well now, eyes glinting from underneath his helmet. He’d had long hair for the longest time, but when he’d cut it over the summer there had been more than a few desolate sighs from the cheerleaders. You had to smile at that- at least you weren’t head-over-heels enough to give up your crush based on his hair. You weren’t that bad yet.

As you watch, the team takes their position. They’ll be playing their rivals tonight, the Hydras. Steve heads to the back, Bucky and Sam on either side of him. Further along the team, you can begin to recognize other players- Scott Lang, a kid who’s scrawny off the field but seems to grow twice in size the second he puts on his gear, Peter Parker, the freshman who managed to make it on the team within his first few days, and Natasha Romanoff, the one girl on the team who’s got a death stare promising she’ll tear any objectors to shreds.

The whistle blows, and the teams are off. You watch with bated breath as Bucky darts left, right, catches the ball from Steve and takes off down the field. Apprehension grows across the student body until at last- touchdown, your school! You rise with the others, cheering in unison. Maybe you’re just being silly, but you could swear Bucky looked at you with a smile just as he started off back towards the line.

The rest of the football game is a breeze. Your school wins easily, and Bucky definitely did his part to secure the victory. The next day, everyone is still buzzing over the catches and near misses with their friends, not wanting to miss a single moment. You suppose it’s still on your mind, which is why you’re frozen in your tracks when your new lab partner sits down beside you in biology.

It’s Bucky. Of course it is Bucky. Of course, the one time you have to have a new lab partner in class, your teacher manages to have the terrible luck to place you with the one person who reduces you to a blushing mess every time he steps within ten feet of you. Bucky slings his backpack down beside his chair, offering you an easy smile like a flyer, free of charge.

“I’m Bucky.” He says, and you remember yourself. “I know. I saw the game, you were really good. I’m Y/N, uh, by the way.” Bucky’s smile grows even wider when you mention the game, if that’s possible. “You saw the game? That’s so nice of you.” You feel like you can’t form a coherent thought. “Yeah, I went with my friends. Your team won.” You want to slap yourself in the head- of course he won, he was there. You’re stating the obvious.

But Bucky doesn’t laugh at you, or act like you’ve said anything strange. He just nods, shoulders slumping slightly as he thinks about last night’s game. “It was hard. I guess every time you go against your rival school the pressure’s just ten times worse. It took a lot to just run out on the field.”

He stiffens slightly after he says this, like he wasn’t intending on sharing that secret just yet. However, you’re just grateful that you’re not the only one saying whatever pops into your head. “I can’t blame you. If it’s worth anything, though, I thought you were great.” Bucky’s beaming smile is back, brighter than ever. “It’s worth a lot from you.”

Maybe this sudden seating arrangement won’t be that bad after all.

Your friend catches up to you the second you leave the biology room behind. She looks back and forth between you and Bucky’s retreating form, something in between astonishment and a teasing grin lingering on her face. “Tell me I didn’t just make that up. Tell me you’re actually the lab partner of the one and only Bucky Barnes, the guy you’ve been crushing on for, like, forever.”

You shove her slightly, although you can’t help but smile. “It’s true. I don’t know how, but it’s true. Guess the bio teacher really liked me that period.” Your friend loops an arm around your shoulders. “It’s not just him who really likes you. Did you see the way he was looking at you? All through class, he kept stealing glances. I think Bucky Barnes has a crush on you.”

You stop in your tracks. “That’s impossible. He would never.” Your friend crows in victory. “But he did! You don’t stare at somebody like that unless you’re hopelessly in love with them. It’s the same way you stare at him.” Indignation rises in you like a spring. “I don’t stare at him. I just observe, casually.” Your friend snorts. “Well, you casually observe him a lot. Honestly, I just see this as a success. If you can get the star football player to fall in love with you, then I think I can win the lottery or something.”

Even after your laughter rises and dies away, you can’t help but think about what your friend said. Surely it’s impossible- Bucky would never so much as talk to you outside of class, let alone have a crush on you. But your friend wasn’t exactly lying. You had seen Bucky out of the corner of your eye, the way a smile lingered on his lips when he glanced over at you. That wasn’t just nothing, right? Honestly, this whole lab partners deal might be more pressing than you ever thought possible.

The only way to move on is to go through the next day, and the next. After that, however, you have biology again, and that means finding your place next to Bucky Barnes and pretending like your heart rate isn’t skyrocketing the second he smiles up at you, saying he’s glad to see you again. Your friend keeps stealing glances your way, eyes wide and thumbs raised in an expression of impressed awe.

As it turns out, your friend isn’t the only one to see something between you and Bucky. You make your way out of the bio room, unable to hide a smile, although your happy outlook disappears the second somebody blocks your path across campus. This somebody just happens to be Mandy Fleming, bottle blonde junior who thinks she owns the school, and her entourage of preening followers.

Mandy folds her arms over her chest, considering you. Her lip purses. Evidently she finds something lacking. “You know, I don’t think we’ve had a proper conversation in a while. We need to make a few things clear.” You force a smile, trying to step around her. “Can we do it later? I have places to be.” Mandy curls her lip. “I don’t wait. This can’t wait. See, you’ve developed the unfortunate habit of spending too much time around Bucky Barnes.”

You raise an eyebrow. “We’re lab partners. What, you want me to ignore him?” Mandy’s eyes narrow. “That would be preferable. Next class, you’re going to go up to the professor and tell him you want to switch partners. Make something up about wanting to be closer to the board or something, I’m sure he’ll believe it.” You can barely listen to her. “And why would I do that?” Mandy takes a step closer. “Bucky is mine, not yours. I’m going to need you to back off.”

You stare at her. “You want me to switch lab partners all because a boy you’re not even dating is sitting next to me?” Mandy’s head rears back. You’ve obviously struck a nerve. “Listen here, honey. This isn’t an issue about me, it’s an issue about you. What, did you really think Bucky would ever even give you the time of day? You’re a nobody, a nothing, somebody not even worth a fraction of his time. Honestly, I’m doing him a favor by getting rid of you. He doesn’t want to see you, not for a second.”

With every word, you can feel your confidence plummeting. Mandy notices this, a smirk burning even deeper into her lips. Sometimes, you swear she can smell fear just like an animal. “You’re worried because you know I’m right. You’re pathetic, really, and Bucky Barnes wants nothing to do with you.” Just as you feel like you want to go back to your dorm room and never see the light of day again, a voice rings out from behind you. It’s a voice you recognize instantly, and one that Mandy does too, as she shrinks back the second she hears it.

“You couldn’t be more wrong.” Bucky steps forward, taking a place next to you. Mandy forces a smile. “I, uh, don’t know what you’re talking about. Y/N and I are just having a little chat about homework. We had homework, right, a textbook reading and-” Bucky cuts her off coolly. “I heard every word. If you think I’d want to choose you over her, you’re wrong. She’s a hundred times the girl you’ll ever be.”

Mandy stammers, fishing around for words but coming up with nothing. It’s almost cathartic to watch. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, Y/N and I have somewhere to be. And if I hear you trying to talk to her like that again, believe me when I say that this won’t be the worst I’ll say to you.” Bucky offers you a hand like a proper gentleman, and you take it, letting him steer you away from Mandy and her followers, who are still gaping at your backs.

The second you’re out of earshot, Bucky turns to you, apologies and regret written all over his face. “I’m so sorry about that. It’s all my fault- she’s been trying to flirt with me all semester, and I finally gave up and rejected her, and now she’s taking it out on you. I wish none of this ever happened.” You manage to force a smile. “Trust me, it’s fine.”

Bucky looks at you, concern still lingering in his eyes. “Are you sure? I can talk to them again if you think they’ll bother you.” You laugh at that. “Don’t worry about me. I’m perfectly alright.” Bucky smiles at that. “Well, if you are perfectly alright, I was wondering if you were busy this Saturday. I saw this new park that opened, and it looked really interesting, but if you’re busy or something we can totally do something else, or nothing at all, whatever you-”

You cut him off, unable to hide a smile at his rambling. “I think that sounds excellent. I’ll see you there?” Bucky’s face lights up. “I’ll see you there.” He gathers his courage one last time, then leans forward to kiss you. He flashes you one last perfect smile before disappearing around the corner, leaving you with a smile and the memory of his lips on yours. When you look up, you see scores of jealous girls staring at you, but for once, the attention doesn’t bother you. Why should it? You have Bucky at last, and he doesn’t want anyone but you.

marvel tag list: @mycosmicparadise​

[bookishdream]

Could you do a Kaz x reader where the reader have to "cheat on him" (not in relationship but like she goes to another gang) because someone's threatening her and when he discovers she was just trying to protect him and the gang she dies

A/N: Hi! Thank you so much for a request, I've been wanting to write some angst for a really long time! I hope it is as hurtful as you wished, enjoy xx

TW: angst, blood, killing

kaz brekker x reader

Your hands were sweaty and shaking. You crossed your arms on your chest in order to hide that. You didn’t like being threatened, especially by some amateurs. But it wasn’t a threat against you, it was against your family in Novyi Ziem. You had to use your whole will power to not kill them right there and then.

“Why do you think I’d do anything you want me to?” you asked snapping your gaze between a woman and a man in front of you. “You don’t know anything about me and my family you assume I have.”

“Oh, y/n, but we know everything. For instance, your little brother is playing as we talking on your vast field, your parents are watching him with so much love in their eyes,” woman with blonde hair spoke first, describing the scene so vividly that you almost showed an emotion on your face. “maybe they have already forgotten about you? Maybe your mother is pregnant so they could fill a blank you left in their home.”

“Shut up, you think you’re so smart, aren’t you?” you snapped, face blank and mind filling with memories from times when you were as young as your brother was then, playing on the exact same field. “I will never betray Kaz, and you should know that.”

“Oh sweetie,” the guy beside walked closer to you, you made a step, in order to make some distance between you and them. “we’re not asking you to betray him, we’re asking you to leave this silly gang and join us, Pekka Rollins would be really happy if you did.”

“You two are much denser than I thought, if you think I want to make him happy.”

“You don’t have a choice.” Blonde said, making you shiver. “We have someone who would be pleased to kill this little family of yours. I don’t think you want them dead, even though they think you are, in fact, dead.”

You started to think about that. Crows were your friends and you love them. Inej and Nina always found various ways to make you cheerful when your day wasn’t the best, Jesper taught you how to use a pistol and flirted with you like his life depended on it. Wylan was like a sun in rainy days, even if you loved them, you also loved this boy and his stupid jokes. Matthias was funny to tease, he always was saying how awful you and the girls were, but you could also see this little twitch of his lip corner when he tried to suppress his laugh. And there was Kaz, your beginning wasn’t the pleasant one, you nearly killed him when you saw him for the first time, and in revenge he left you in the Barrel for the whole night, all alone. But after that, you started falling for him, and you fell hard. You couldn’t exactly point out when that happened, but you were sure you’d anything to save him from himself. He had tough personality, he cared only for money and how he could invest it to get the whole city only for himself. But he let you do that with him, barley sleeping and when you did it was in the same bed. Arm-length gap but you always were less exhausted than when you were sleeping in your own bed. You loved him and the rest of the Crows, but you loved your family more. And you knew what you had to do.

“Bitch.” You murmured. “Fine, whatever. Just stay the hell out of my family. And the gang.”

“We knew you’d make a right decision. Pekka will send money to Per Haskell in order to buy your contract. You won’t regret that.”

“I already do.”

After that day, you were about to start living with your new gang, family, like Pekka had said to you the previous day, he’d also told you to not worry about your parents and brother, that they were safe as long as you were working with him, willingly.

You wouldn’t call this willingly, but you guessed it was enough to prevent your family from any harm coming from Pekka and his stupid gang. You hated being here, you missed the Crow Club, late night talks with Inej and Nina, and helping Kaz with buying new ships. You wanted nothing more than to escape, but you couldn’t. Kaz and Crows could fight and kill, whereas your family was vulnerable, they couldn’t even hurt a fly. You spent the whole evening in your empty room. Window with grids making you shiver, you felt like a prisoner you were.

“We have a job for you.” The blonde girl who captured you came in, like it was her cell, not yours. “Behave and perhaps we’ll get rid of those grids.”

You wanted to punch her, you didn’t even know her name, it wasn’t even relevant, your hand was itching. You took a long, calming breath and looked at her, frowning. “I thought it was another week until you’d trust me enough to even open my window.”

“You’ve been here for two weeks. Plans have changed, we need you right now, so cut the attitude and come with me.”

You rolled your eyes and went after her, going up the stairs and leaving the place Pekka’s gang lived. You took another deep breath, smelling the awful scent of Ketterdam, smoke and money as Kaz used to say. Gods, you missed him.

“Where are we going?” you asked, falling into step with the girl, there were only the two of you, you assumed the rest will be somewhere where you were going. “What’s the job?”

“Can’t you just shut up? You’ll know when we’re there.”

You really wanted to punch her, still you said nothing, you wouldn’t get anything from her. It was dark on the city’s streets, buildings high enough to cover the moon, didn’t let its shine to light up the roads. You were annoyed and cold, your hair was swaying with the wind, goose bumps poking on your skin.

“Here.” Blonde said, handing you a pistol. “If you kill someone from ours, you’re dead before you take your last breath.”

You rolled your eyes, hiding your gun into the pocket of a coat you had. The metal was cold, making your hands even colder than they were before. Now when you had a real gun, not only your knife, perhaps you’d be able to escape. But where would you go? You were sure Kaz knew where you were, perhaps thinking you betrayed him, that thought only made you feel guilty in your guts, he trusted you and you chose people who you hadn’t seen for years over him. You had to escape, the cost didn’t matter.

When you came to the place, you saw a guy from Pekka’s gang and Kaz. Both of them were talking, but members of both groups had their guns or blades taken out. The Dirtyhands had his black coat, and his walking stick, as always. Jesper also was beside him, hands on his gun belt, ready to take them out and fire. You were more than sure that Inej was also there, somewhere on the roof or in the shadows, waiting and prepared to fight.

“We have men everywhere, two on roofs, one behind the bridge. All of them have guns pointed on you and your previous friends. I hope you know what that means.” The girl said, eyeing you. You only nodded, worrying too much about the Crows to even snap at her. “Good, now go and wait for a signal.”

You did as you were told, you hid somewhere behind a building, trying to recall every piece of information you gathered while snooping on guards or using the fact that they didn’t always close your doors. You had to find someone and tell them, you couldn’t waste any more time.

You poked your head out, searching for Matthias or Wylan. You doubted Nina would be here, since she was still working in the pleasure house. You were sure Wylan was there with his explosion ready to, well, explode. You cursed under your breath, when you couldn’t spot any of them, panic getting out of you with frustration. Someone from the Dime Lions would notice you’re not somewhere where they could spot you.

You crossed the narrow lane, as you noticed Matthias, you whistled hoping he would look into your direction. He turned his head and spotted you, anger on his face visible even in the dark. You cringed, knowing you’d get beaten up.

“You’ve got some nerve,” He said, his voice low. “after you started working with them, you have the audacity to come here.”

“Listen, I didn’t have a choice,” your voice so close to start begging him for forgiveness. “It was about my family.”

He looked at you wordlessly, confusion painting his face. Of course, he didn’t know you had a family, why would he. After a second, the ire came again. “You’re lying.”

“I'm not, I want to help you.”

“Oh, so now you did that to help us?”

“Matthias, I’m begging you, just let me tell you what I learnt.” You pleaded, your voice small. “Pekka wants to kill you as you’re standing, he has those new guns that can shoot you from really long distance.”

“What?” he looked alarmed, “We have to tell Kaz. Come.”

You let out a breath, it wasn’t the best look he sent you, but at least he didn’t leave you here. You told him everything you knew, he listened but his face still didn’t have pleasant expression.

You took out your gun, making your way behind the dumpster, hiding in shadows. You tried to calm your nerves, but the adrenaline had already kicked in. Matthias and you startled when you heard a shot, then another. You sent yourselves a knowing look, taking a step closer to the place where Kaz and the other guy were talking. Jesper had his guns out and Kaz was looking at the boy in front of him with disgust. You saw one of the Dregs were bleeding, you lifted your gun, targeting the closest one from the Dime Lions and fired. The bullet hit the girl in her stomach, making her stumble and fall to the ground. You hid yourself behind the wall and waited. Matthias sent you a look and you only lifted your arms, not knowing what to said.

After that, guns started firing, screams were everywhere. You saw the blonde girl that came here with you, standing with her pistol, aiming Kaz. You shot without looking, trying to hit her in an arm, you heard her scream and saw how the gun was laying on a ground. You looked up and saw that Kaz was looking at you, his face blank and unreadable. Jesper beside him, shooting people and screaming at Wylan to explode. The sound of explosion came from the roof, exactly where members of Lions were, you let out a shaky breath and made a step into the fight. Matthias fighting with his fists, slowly making his way toward Kaz, you tried to help him clear the path by shooting few people either in their heads or legs.

Your hands were tired, your head pounding but you were fighting hard, you had to make this in order to confess Kaz the whole truth. When you were close to him, he locked his eyes into yours.

“We have to talk.” You told him, lowering your tone. “Please.”

“This is not the best time to talk, y/n” the way he said your name made you shivered. It wasn’t an intimate way, it was with so much poison in only one word. “Why aren’t you fighting with your new gang?”

“Kaz, please, I’m trying to help.” You voiced, your eyes burning with sweat that slowly dripped from your forehead.

“Whatever.” He smacked an opponent with his cane, you only heard the sound of cracked bone and a loud thud when the enemy fell to the ground.

You two were fighting as you had before Pekka came into your life. Kaz understood you without any words, knew exactly where he should cover you because you couldn’t. Your movements were precise, keeping people away from Kaz’s vulnerable leg. You were fighting in a harmony, you kept your focus on people you had to kill, you shot them without any hesitation. When your bullets ended, you took out your knife and started stabbing everyone who wanted to stab you.

“I– “you paused, feeling a pain in your abdomen. You looked at Kaz, but he was looking at your lower stomach, you placed your gaze there and you saw blood. A lot of blood, then you felt pain, you stumbled, but Kaz placed his hand on your waist, slowly letting you fall on the ground. Your whole stomach was on fire, slowly burning you with its flame.

“Don’t you even dare dying here, messing my coat with your blood” he said, caressing your cheek. You chuckled, tasting blood on your tongue. “Don’t even think about it, y/n.”

“I’m–, please forgive me, Kaz” you murmured, hoped your words were understandable. “I was trying to save my family, but you’re my family too.”

“Y/n, I forgive you, but I’m begging you, don’t close your eyes” his voice filled with regret, eyes burning with anger, but you knew it wasn’t toward you. “Keep your eyes open.” He yelled at someone, but you couldn’t understand either it was Jesper or Matthias.

“Tell them I love them” you started to give up, your eyelids slowly closing. “I love you, Kaz Brekker.”

“Y/n, please don’t leave me” he tried to keep his voice from cracking, but he failed.

But you didn’t hear that, you had your eyes closed, hand that was laying on your stomach, now laying on the ground. He carefully removed his arm and got up. He spotted a blonde girl, smirking and looking at him, she slowly lifted her pistol, mockingly swaying it. She winked at him and still with a smirk, she left. Kaz made a promise he would kill her, he would do it for him. And for you.

[beskarhearts]

Hey! Maybe a request where the reader is jealous? Because Din is getting very close with another person? I’ll leave the rest to you :)

You’re literally the best writer out there, have a lovly day<3

Jealousy (Din Djarin x reader)

Pairing: Din Djarin x gn!reader

Word Count: 1828

Warnings: cursing, I think that is it

Notes: Ahh, thank you!! That is so kind of you and I hope you have a wonderful day! This is set during Chapter Four, when Din is on Sorgon. I hope you like this! I had a fun time writing this out and being able to have some fun with it. 

If you want to sent in a request, go ahead and do so right here!

______________________

You liked Omera.

It seemed impossible to not like her.  She was kind and extraordinarily patient, not only with the children and the people in the village but with you, Din, and the child as well. She also seemed to be a natural leader among the farm in Sorgan. And she was surprisingly handy with a blaster, which you and Din were very appreciative of considering the rest of the of the people in the village were less qualified for the tasks to come. Not to mention that on top of all of that, she was beautiful with pretty hair and nice eyes. The kind you imagine would be easy for a man to fall for.

Even a man like Din Djarin. 

And there was where your only problem with Omera lied. It was petty and ridiculous and childish, but you couldn’t help but want to scowl whenever you saw the two of them together. You couldn’t even see Din’s face but you could sense the heart eyes he gave her whenever they were with each other. And was it really necessary he stand that close to her when he was working with her on firing a blaster? Not to mention the way they both seemed to just naturally gravitate towards each other, even though they had only met just a mere handful of days ago. It took you what felt like ages to get through Din’s stoic exterior but Omera seemed to be doing that job with ease.

It was silly. You knew that. You had known Din for long enough to consider him your friend, a thought which Din reciprocated. You had somehow been dragged along with him once he rescued the Child, traveling through the galaxy with the two. You guess at this point you were also work partners of sorts. You both took care of the kid and protected him, you knew your way around the ship, and he tried his best to provide safety for the two of you. You both had a rhythm and it worked incredibly well. It was the kind of dynamic you didn’t want to mess up, especially with stupid things like ‘oh, hey Din. Did I mention I am practically head over heels for you?’

So, instead of confessing any deep harbored secrets that you buried within yourself, you just bit your tongue and narrowed your eyes as you continued to watch Din and Omera. Right now, you instead tried to not watch Din and Omera show everybody how to use a blaster, working together like some power couple. Instead you sat with Cara and took a break, both of you sipping away at spotchkas as you avoided the sight of the two training people. And you were content with doing that. You liked Cara and had gotten pretty close with her having spent lots of time with her recently (mostly to avoid Din at all costs but also because she seemed to be a well-adjusted, strong individual.)

“You know, jealously isn’t a good color on you.” Cara teased, breaking you from your train of thought.

You hadn’t even realized you had been staring until she had broken the silence and you whipped your head away from the pair, giving Dune a big scowl which only caused her to chuckle. “I am not jealous.”

“Oh, so you are just giving that nice, lil’ widow that look for fun?” Cara retorted, raising an eyebrow at you knowingly. You had only known this woman for a few days, but she was good at reading people. Too good.

“I like Omera.” you retorted, hoping your voice didn’t sound as strained and foreign to her eyes as they did to yours.

“I believe that. But I don’t think you like that that Mandalorian over there also seems fond of the single hot mom of the farm.” 

“Gee, sounds like you are interested.” You were hoping the joke would turn the conversation to her but she just shrugged. 

“Not my type.” She paused and gave you a small grin before continuing, “What’s your type?”

“Stop.” You warned, giving her what you hoped to be an intimidating look but you knew she saw your flushed cheeks by the way her grin continued to grow.

“Let me guess. Lot’s of metal, no sense of humor, flair for dramatics, handy with a blaster-”

“Alright, alright. Shut up!” You interrupted and she just let out a bout of laughter. You took a big gulp of spotchka, wanting to bury yourself in a whole. You were so consumed by embarrassment that you hadn’t even noticed Din walking up to you. You didn’t look up until his large frame stood in front of the chair you were sat in.

“What is going on over here?” Din asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

“Oh, just boy talk.” Cara gave you a teasing look as her eyes landed on yours. You squinted at her, hoping you were able to properly convey how frustrated you were with her in the moment.

“Boy talk?” Din asked incredulously. He knew you well enough to know you didn’t want to spend your time on conversations like ‘boy talk’.

“Well, I’m not quite so fond of boys. But your girl here is.” Cara gave a quirked smile as she rose from her seat. “Speaking of, I’m going to go say hello to this nice lady over here.” She gestured her head to a woman who was kneeled in the middle of the crop and had continually been giving Cara small smiles throughout the day.  The woman walked away, but not before giving you one last smile and a nod of the head.

Din took her spot on the seat, sitting down and looking over at you. You desperately tried to avoid his gaze, looking out into the farm only for your line of sight to land on Omera. Maker, you are pathetic. 

“You are avoiding me.”

You couldn’t help the way you froze a little, your hand that held the bottle clutching onto it tighter. You had been avoiding him. But you couldn’t admit that because then he would want to know why and you were pretty sure you had endured enough humiliation from Cara alone. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

Din let out a sigh. He wasn’t dumb. He could tell how you were purposely not looking in his direction. How every time he tried to make his way to talk to you, you would suddenly disappear or be very preoccupied. How whenever he made his way into the hut you both shared, you would somehow always be asleep when he was present. “So you just haven’t been speaking to me because you don’t want to?”

You felt your heart drop at the tone of Din’s voice. He was a strong, tough man who didn’t often show his emotions. But you could sense a bit of hurt in his voice and felt awful. He was one of your only friends and you might of been his oldest friend, and you had been ignoring him because of your stubbornness and selfishness. But even upon this realization, you still had the pit in your stomach that had been persistent for days now and you couldn’t help the next thing that came out of your mouth. “Maybe you’ve just been too busy with Omera.”

You clamped your eyes shut once you realized you had said what you were thinking out loud. You almost hid your face in your hands but you fought back the urge and instead looked at him squarely, trying to show that you weren’t bothered. Din looked back, his visor peering at you with such intense focus that it made you uneasy. “Omera?” 

You let out a small grunt. “Yes, Omera. The woman who has practically been stuck on your hip.”

Din’s helmet just tilted slighted. “She has been helpful.”

“Helpful is what we’re calling this?” Din didn’t responded, only tilting his helmet even more to express his confusion. You let out a sigh and rolled your eyes. “C’mon, Mando. She is a pretty, single woman who is strong and competent and keeps giving your damn googly eyes.”

“What are you talking about?” Din asked.

You couldn’t tell if he was acting stupid or if he was just trying to drive you nuts, but he seemed to be doing both with success. “You like her! She likes you. It is so obvious.” 

Din started to shake his head and you felt yourself taken aback when a chuckle began to pass his lips. He calmly leaned back into his chair, his relaxed form contrasting greatly with your pinched up body. “Omera is a nice woman. A friend.”

“A friend?” You lamely asked, looking at him with a skeptical expression.

Din looked back at you and leaned forward. “I don’t like Omera.”

“You have a funny way of showing it.” You muttered.

“Why are you bothered by it?” Din asked and you leaned back, narrowing your eyes.

“Bothered by what?”

“By the thought that I could be attracted to Omera.” Din calmly said.

Oh yes, you definitely wanted to disappear now. You fumbled with your words, feeling your face warm up. “I-I don’t care.”

“Really?”

“Really. Omera seems great.” You didn’t even sound convincing to yourself and Din knew you well enough to know when you were lying. 

“Cyar’ika.” Din called your nickname like he had so many times before. It was Mando’a but he never told you what it meant, which drove you crazy when he first started. But now he used it often enough that you liked it, made your heart warm up in your chest. You didn’t respond but he rose from his seat, looking down at you. “I don’t like Omera.”

You nodded slowly. “Okay. Not that I would care if you did or anything...”

“You wouldn’t?”

He knew you were lying and now he was teasing you. You were sure of it. You just glared at him and rolled your eyes once again. “Shut up, you stupid tin can.”

Din let out another chuckle. “I like seeing you jealous.”

You didn’t have the chance to say anything before he gave you a small nod and walked off, towards the hut you two shared. You sat frozen in your spot and your brain felt like it had turned off. It took you a moment to readjust before you rose from your seat, walking after him. “I’m not jealous!” you called out.

Din froze where he stood and turned to look at you. You finally stopped in front of him, arms crossed in front of your chest and looking up at him defiantly. “I was hoping you were.”

You stood there stunned, looking up at him dumbly. “What does that mean?”

“You know what that means.” Din said before walking away once again.

Instead of rolling your eyes, you couldn’t help the smile that broke out on your face. 

[doomstypewriter]

Excuse me while I panic

Final chapter, let's GOOO.

This has been a really nice thing to write, so I wanted to say thank you. There has been a lot of support and nice comments to this fic and I can't be appreciative enough about it.

I'd like to specially thank @extraintrovertedalien , @winterwynd and @simplestoryteller for all of their lovely comments!! You guys gave me so much motivation to keep writing this!

Word count: 1402 | AO3 | <<Previous

Chapter Masterlist

Summary: The moment we've all been waiting for, Virgil more than anybody, Roman admits he isn't perfect. Well, no, it's actually them kissing. I will not apologize for all of the flirting that happens in this chapter.

CW: Insecurities, very mild angst.

Getting together, but make it messy and silly

Roman laughed awkwardly.

“What do you mean you already know?”

After a pause where the other just blinked and stared at him, Virgil pulled out a chair and sat straddling it. He leant his elbow on the backrest, committing to a facepalm of sorts and a sigh.

“Princey, I’ve known for ages now. I mean, you’ve been super obvious for, what? A year maybe?”

“But--”

“It’s fine” he cut him. “I get it, so you don’t need to explain yourself. At least I’m glad you told me, even if it’s now”.

Roman frowned and stared at the floor.

“Oh”.

The chair creaked as Virgil leant his chest further against the backrest, following some kind of sunflower logic that required him to get closer to Roman in the least efficient way possible.

“Hey, why are you sulking like that? Isn’t this, like, better for you?”

“Well, that depends, if you’re rejecting me right now, then, no. I’ve only known that I’m in love with you for a few weeks, but, if what you say is true, I guess I’ve been feeling this way for even longer”, Roman paused, rethinking his words. He quickly glanced up at Virgil, gesturing with his open palms. “I mean, I will honour your choice, I don’t want to make you feel like I’m pressuring you into anything”.

Now it was Virgil’s turn to frown.

“But… aren’t you... I thought you just felt ashamed of me…”

Roman observed Virgil’s tense body language, getting the sense the other was feeling quite self-conscious, if anything because he recognised it from seeing it quite often in the mirror.

“What? Why would I ever--”

“Oh, well I don’t know Princey!” he exclaimed, sounding more upset than he intended. “We didn’t exactly start with the right foot, and then you were so unwilling to be nice to me, but then we became friends, and you’ve been getting closer and closer. You look at me with that stupid Hans from Frozen expression all of the goddamned time, but you never make a move, despite being all about romancing people. So, what else could I think? If you weren’t going for it, there had to be a reason”.

“And you thought I was ashamed of you of all things?”

“Well, yeah”.

“But I still hanged out with you anyway”.

“Princey, in my defence I have to say you’re pretty stupid, so it makes sense for you to do something like that instead of just ghosting me”.

Roman smirked.

“I can’t exactly ghost you if you’re haunting me”.

The pair of chapped lips pursed into a line. Virgil’s eyes looked at the top of the armrest with a worrying amount of interest for a plain piece of plastic.

“Virge, are you blushing?”

“Wouldn’t you like that, weather boy”.

“Well… yes I would like that very much, because if you are”, Roman walked up to him and held one of his hands in his, “maybe you like me too” he finished, hopeful.

“Jesus Christ, Roman, how are your hands so soft?” Virgil murmured.

Roman leant even closer to Virgil, bending almost to his eye level. He could feel his breath tickling against his neck. His body quivered at the sensation. When the warm air began to come in faltering intervals, Roman felt worried.

Was Virgil crying?

His hand moved towards the other’s face on autopilot. Before he could cup his cheek, though, Virgil looked up at him.

The smile he received had something so attractive to it, an air in between smugness and tenderness.

“Are your lips just as soft?” Virgil whispered and got closer.

Roman felt like he was made of jelly. His silly feelings had decided to leave Virgil in charge of all of his body strength, not that the Prince complained. How could he under that gaze?

Virgil finally surged forward.

Roman’s heart skipped a beat.

And… he yelped as Virgil bit on his collarbone like a wild animal.

“Ow!” he jumped backwards.

Virgil stood up from his chair holding onto his sides. His torso bent forward erratically, heaving.

When Roman finally saw his expression, his heart felt even weaker.

He bit his lower lip hard, the corners of his mouth were stretched forming a tiny dimple on the right cheek. His eyes arched and crinkled, giddy. Underneath, his eyebags shimmered with a bright shade of purple.

At that very moment, Roman couldn’t help but think Virgil was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, and he was on that list.

“You are unbelievable” Roman complained not sounding bothered at all.

“And you are ridiculous”.

“You make me ridiculous”, he said without thinking.

Virgil’s laughter slowly died down, settling into something soft.

“I do?” he asked.

Okay. Roman could do this.

Ignoring how shaky he felt, he once again approached him. A smile took over his entire expression all on its own. Roman nodded.

“You’re making the Hans face again, just so you know”, Virgil said while biting some dry skin on the left side of his lower lip.

The prince’s eyes went straight to Virgil’s mouth. If this went on his brain would melt before he’d managed to say anything.

“I am not ashamed of you, Virgil, I--”

“I’m sorry… I just thought that, since you weren’t addressing it, you might not like feeling like that about me. I’m…” he gripped the back of his neck, recoiling from Roman’s gaze. “We’re just so different. It kind of made sense, thinking you wouldn’t want to be with someone who dresses like me and is just so…”

“Come on, Taylor Swift, you’ve always belonged, well… once we were friends. I was just very stubborn, but you were too”.

“Princey, are you admitting you’re not perfect?”

“Hey! I’m trying to make you feel better and you’re attacking me!”

“Well, since you’re putting me at your level… just how badly do you think of me?” Virgil teased.

“I am actually wonderful, so, unlike you, I’m not trying to get sassy, because if I’m perfect then so are you!” the words came out of his mouth with no forethought.

“Oh”.

“I mean…”

“Are you blushing, Princey?”

“What if I am? Red is my colour after all”.

Virgil grinned.

“Not gonna argue with that”.

“You must be in a good mood… is it because of me?”

“I…” Virgil paused. He took one steady breath and rushed to get a hold of Roman’s hands. “Are you sure you want this? We… I am not riding off into the sunset material, and I know you care about that, and… I care about you too… what I mean to say is I like you, but I don’t want it to cost you the fairytale you’ve always wished for”.

Roman took a deep breath. This was going to be something.

“But Virge, I can’t have that without you. Anything we do together already feels like that”.

Virgil blinked a few times, trying to stop himself from tearing up completely.

“Pff… you’re such a sap”.

“You like it”, Roman said, raising his tone a bit at the end to make it ambiguous whether it was a question or not.

“Yeah… don’t let anyone else know, thought”.

A rush of adrenaline took over him. Roman swept Virgil into his arms and pulled him into a dip, leaning about an inch away from his face.

They stared at each other awkwardly, almost going cross-eyed from the proximity. Despite that, it felt kind of magical.

“May I kiss you?” Roman asked.

“You better” Virgil smiled, his eyes still watery.

Both ended up laughing at that. Roman shook nervously whilst cackling. Suddenly, his grip went loose and Virgil fell ass first on the floor, ending splayed face-up. His mouth opened in an ‘o’ shape.

“You dropped me!”

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry--” Roman began to apologize.

Virgil got onto his belly in the blink of an eye and crawled. He grabbed Roman’s leg and pulled hard. Roman’s pretty face met the floor in less than a second.

“You childish prick!” Roman said as he got on top of Virgil.

“Takes one to know one” Virgil replied, pushing him to the side.

They rolled around the floor of the room like idiots until they hit Virgil’s chair. Roman felt the wheels sticking into his ribs, as he laid below Virgil, who smirked victoriously.

Finally, Virgil grabbed his hair forcefully and met him halfway in a less than perfect kiss.

<<Previous

Taglist: @itsjust-la-me , @bard-in-blue , @simplestoryteller , @winterwynd , @some-fander , @extraintrovertedalien , @the-sad-strawberry

[i-write-newsies]

A/N:

(Y/N) - Your Name

(L/N) - Last Name

(N/N) - Nickname

(H/C) - Hair Color

(D/N) - DEEZ NUTS!! /j Deadname

(E/C) - Eye Color

(H/L) - Hair Length

(Y/A) - Your Age

Ships Included:

- Jack x Davey

- Spot x Race

- Finch x Smalls (Platonic)

- Albert x Elmer

-Katherine x Sarah

- Spot x Reader (Brotherly Platonic)

- Race x Reader (Brotherly Platonic)

Summary:

You have always dreamed of living in the world of your favorite characters, to escape from whatever rotten life you have and make friends with the people you love. One day, fate decides to give you a chance. But when you're not prepared to be rushed into that universe, it becomes a roller coaster of balancing good and bad emotions and events.

Good luck, Reader!

!!TW!!

~ SELF HARM

~ TRANSPHOBIA

~ MAJOR INJURY

~ ABUSE

~ ARGUING

(Y/N) POV:

I'm (Y/N) (L/N). I'm (Y/A) with (E/C) eyes and (H/L) (H/C) hair. At least it used to be (H/L). I cut it all off today. I can tell my mom just found out because of the loud cursing and stomping. "GODDAMMIT, (D/N)!!" she yells. What scares me the most about this situation is the fact that I'm kinda used to this. I hear her coming up the stairs to my room and rush to the door and lock it. As expected, the door handle starts rattling violently, "(D/N) YOU LET ME IN RIGHT NOW, YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE SH!T!" She starts banging on the door, stressing the lock.

I sigh. Today was one of the worse days. I slip on my noise-canceling headphones and press play on my musicals playlist, consisting of:

- Waving Through A Window

- On My Own

- A Little Fall Of Rain

- Angel of Music

and of course...

The entire Newsies soundtrack.

By the time I get to 'Seize the Day', it's twilight outside. I lift one of my headphones to check if my mom is gone. I hear nothing. I look out the window and don't see her car. Perfect.

Unplugging my headphones and letting the music play, I walk over to my dresser, open it up, and reach deep in the back. Aha!

I pull out some bandages (A/N: DO NOT ACTUALLY BIND LIKE THIS OK BYE). I take off my shirt and try not to look in my mirror, fearing what sort of feminine body I may see. I start wrapping my chest to the point that it gets a little hard to breathe. This kinda hurts, but my dysphoria is stronger than my need for comfort and, let's be honest, safety.

Slipping my shirt back on, I look into the mirror and smile, satisfied with my flat chest and somewhat choppy short, (H/C) hair. I jump onto my bed and plug my headphones back into my phone which is now playing Santa Fe. Santa Fe honestly makes me think. I'm only, what, (Y/A)? And I still go through all this BS. I need out. Somewhere my mom can't tell me I'm female. Somewhere like...Newsies. I mean, Race is canonically trans, right? Not to mention all of them are definitely fruity. They'd accept me. The fresh, bandaged cuts on my arms are the only things keeping me in reality right now

As the song ends, I realize that I've been crying. God, why am I stuck in this wretched place? The question as well as thoughts of Newsies reverberates in my skull, a sort of white noise until I fall into a much-needed sleep.

"Aye, kid! Watcha doin sleepin on the street?"

"Especially in a place this..."

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Jack POV:

I yawn, rubbing sleep from my eyes as the circulation bell drones on an' on. I let my eyes adjust to the view of the sunrise from my penthouse in the sky.

As I try to get up to get ready, a pair of arms drag me back down. "Jackieeee" a half-awake Davey groans, "come back down, it's freezing up here." "Dave, we gotta get to work. The boys can always count on me being at the gates early, so if you don't get up, I'm leaving you behind." This seems to wake him up a little more, "Alright, alright fine." he shivers as he gets up. I throw him his top shirt and vest and he desperately claws them on to gain warmth. Carefully, we climb down the ladder.

"What'd I tell ya, Dave? Even in the middle of summer, the night's always freezing." Davey rolls his eyes and does a little shiver "I know, Jackie, now c'mere and warm me up" I grin and move in closer, holding his hand, as we start walking to the gates. "Still not warm enough!" Davey said in a singsong-ish voice. I sigh and feign annoyance, leaning in to give a short but sweet peck on the lips. I think he's satisfied now. We're not usually this lovey-dovey, but I think we're both touch starved and subtly begging for a hug.

Davey, being the amazing boyfriend he is, stops by Jacobis to get us some breakfast. "Dave, you really don't hafta-" "I insist, Jack. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day," he says in an almost snobbish voice. I give him a small smile. That's my smartass Dave.

As we get to the gates, I notice a small figure leaned up against it. By now, the sun has come up some more over Manhattan 'n Dave 'n I don't have to walk as close to warm ourselves up. The figure seems to be sleeping, a newsies cap over their eyes. I think it's a kid. Maybe a new newsie looking for work?

I crouch down in front of him lift his hat, and start tapping his shoulder, "Aye, kid! Watcha doin sleepin on the street?" "Especially in a place this..." Davey notes. The kid seems to wake with a start. He rubs his eyes, and I chuckle a little "Whatsa matter? Ya look like youse seen a ghost." He doesn't seem to find this funny and repeatedly switches from looking at me then Davey with some confusion and shock in his eyes.

"I um-" he stutters over his words, "Aye, aye, kid, calm down, you ain't in trouble or nuttin." He takes a few deep breaths. "Okay... I'm (Y/N). I'm just freaking out because This isn't where I fell asleep, and- and I just- feel like I know you..." "Well, (Y/N) it sounds like you're one of da Newsies now," I say with a grin, "Now, we gots ta give you a nickname, we rarely eva call someone by their real name, 'cept Dave 'n Albert of course," The kid stays silent, clearly still shocked from waking up in a foreign place. "I feel like I know you.." he says, barely discernible. "Maybe ya do, maybe ya don't, Dave here's the only one good with faces." The kid looks up at Davey, who seems deep in thought, "(N/N)" he exclaims, "Ah, sorry, what I meant was your nickname should be (N/N)!" "I like it! But why (N/N) exactly?" I question, "Well, *insert reason why here*" "Well ain't you a clever boy, Dave!" I say, ruffling his hair. Davey shies away, "Jack! Now I have to fix my hair!" he complains, "Sorry, sorry." Davey then leaves to fix his hair in front of a shop window nearby, leaving me and (N/N) alone.

(N/N) seems to want to say something, but as soon as he opens his mouth, he shuts it just as quickly. I try to fill the awkward silence, "So, what's wit' da bandages, kiddo?" He freezes, "Nothing, just a ploy to get people to buy more papes..." he trails off. I have a feelin' he's not tellin' the truth, but I go along with it anyway, "Ha! What an idea, I wonder how I neva thought a' that before." he smiles, seeming satisfied with the praise. Davey returns from the shop window, "Alright! Ready to start the day?" (N/N) nods, and so do I.

Newsies start gathering, some glancing at (N/N) and some anxiously peering through the gates. I look at the headline for today: New Newsie Price! "Aye, Dave, you seein' this shit?" "Language- and yeah... what in the world was runnin' through Pulitzer's head when he thought of this??" I look at (N/N), whose mouth is a thin, pale line but whose (E/C) eyes are glinting with determination. "Heh, kid, what's that look for?" He looks at me, a little startled, but quickly regains that same tough expression, "I have a feeling that this ain't some silly little joke. And I'm worried 'bout the kids that may get hurt in the crossfire." I laugh, "Youse just bein dramatic! Surely, they wouldn't be as dumb as to underpay their own employees." I walk over to Weasel and slap down a penny "100 papes please!" "That's gonna be dime, Kelly."

My heart almost stops, and it takes all my strength not to break down in front of the boys. I fake a laugh, "Surely you're joking." "100 papes costs a dime, take a look at the headline." I hit the money box out of anger, "Then we'll just take our business to Brooklyn." Someone pipes up, "The same thing's happenin' there." "Then we'll go to Rushing!" Specs jogs over, seemingly out of breath, "I'll save ya the walk; it's the same everywhere."

Fuck.

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Y/N POV:

A sharp pain in my chest temporarily distracts me from the situation at hand. Ah. I almost forgot. I still have to bind. This sucks. I feel a pair of eyes on me and turn just in time to see Racetrack Higgins avert his eyes. I give him a confused look and turn back to Jack singing "The World Will Know" I forget all about his weird staring and get back into the determined beat from before.

Soon, the newsies and I make our way to Jacobis for some...water I guess? I do happen to have some extra money in my pocket so I think I can treat all the boys to some seltzer. I sit down on a hard wooden chair in a slouch. The room is buzzing with excited talk of the strike. I give a small, sad smile. These boys have no idea what they're getting themselves into. Crutchie sits next to me serving a wide smile just as Jacobi enters with a tray full of waters, "And here's one for you, and for you, and for you- who's the big spender that ordered everyone seltzer?" shyly, I raise my hand, "That's me, sir." "You know these cost a quarter each, right?" I pull out a handful of quarters with a cheeky smile "and I got more where that came from." The boys go wild, "Where did ya get all that money, kid??" Davey, being the concerned mom, asks "Please tell me you didn't steal that." I shake my head, "I used to live comfortably, but my mom kicked me out for...reasons." my grin falters for a second, but no one seems to notice.

"Well!" Jack stands on a table, "Here's to the strike! And, of course, (N/N)" He gestures towards me with a wink as everyone cheers. As Katherine enters, I start to zone out and stare at a speck of dust on the ground. After all, I know the plot all too well. I perk up, though, as soon as Jack asks who's goin' to Brooklyn. My hand shoots up, "I nominate me and Race!" I exclaim. I look over at Race, who's staring at me, blushing and jaw dropped a little. I grin at him and look back at Jack, who's a little shocked. "A-alright! Me and Dave'll take the Bronx, I guess."

*Timeskip to after the restaurant scene*

I walk down the Manhatten alleys blindly, no clue where I'm going, when I hear someone come up behind me. "Hey, (N/N)! It's me, Race." I smile weakly, "Oh, hey." "I always sell my papes at Sheepshead in Brooklyn, so I know where to go."

It's almost completely silent except for the clicking of our shoes on the paved roads. "So... how'd ya get here as a Newsie, (N/N)?" "Well, Jack 'n Davey found me sleepin' on the street just this mornin'" He laughs, "Wow! So you got used to the Newsie life real quick!" "Yeah, I did.." I let out a small chuckle as well. Race pulls out a cigar and clamps it between his lips and goes to light it but hesitates. "Uh- Wanna cigar?" "Wow, Racetrack Higgins giving me one of his own cigars? I'm flattered!" I joke, "But, yeah, I need smoke." He digs into his pocket and hands me another cigar, "You eva' smoked before?" he stares at me as I put the cigar in between my lips. I grin sheepishly, "No." "Okay, maybe we should stop for a second. Coughing while walking ain't the most fun thing in the woild."

We lean up against a wall as Race lights first his, then my cigar. I inhale and immediately spiral into a coughing fit. Race smacks my back, "You good, (N/N)? I ain't neva' seen a fella cough that hard on the first puff." I roll my tear-filled eyes and continue coughing.

Once my coughing fit subsides, I feel a wave of relaxation. "God I should do this more often." I groan, Race grins, "Yeah, once you get past the whole blowin'-your-brains-out part of smokin', it's real nice. Anyway, shall we continue?" he gestures to the streets ahead. I nod my head and take another puff, "Yeah, it's gettin' kinda late and we do NOT wanna wake up the Spot Conlon." Race nods in agreement and we hurry along. Even though I know Spot is kind of a softie, that doesn't stop me from being intimidated by his prowess.

We reach the Brooklyn lodging just as Race's cigar burned out. Race takes a deep breath and gives three solid knocks on the door. A kid younger than me answers the door, "State ya business" "I'm here to let Conlon know about some very important news." The kid squints his eyes but responds "I'll ask him if he's willing to meet with anyone right now. Who should I tell him is askin'?" "Race. Higgins." He says somewhat awkwardly.

The kid closes the door. Race and I stand quietly waiting for the OK to see Spot. Suddenly the door swings open to reveal Spot. "Ra-" he notices me and coughs, "I mean- Higgins, would you like to step in to discuss the important news?" I almost laugh at the way he went from totally in love to distinguished gentleman. I shoo them away, holding in laughter, "don't worry, I'll wait out here and give you lovebirds some space." (A/N: or should I say sprace) I see them both go tomato red.

I sigh as they head inside. I take a drag from the cigar and start thinking. How did I end up in the newsies universe and act this calm about it? This feels so surreal. But I want to stay here forever. Far away from my sh!tty mom and all my responsibilities.

Lost in my own head, I barely notice as Racetrack storms out of the lodging, clearly pissed. "C'mon (N/N), we're leaving." he grabs my hand and angrily powerwalks to the next street over. Once we're there, he lets go of my hand and sighs harshly, walking slow. "I assume it didn't go well?" I ask, already knowing the answer. "Not. Well." "Wanna talk about it?" he shakes his head and starts walking "No, thanks. I think we's better get to bed before Jack gets worried." he stops. "Do you have a place to sleep?" I look down, "Not really..." "Well!" he grabs my hand again with a big grin, "Looks like youse bunkin' wit' me." I start to protest, but realize it'd get me nowhere with this stubborn SOB, so I let myself get dragged along. Oh, well. I might as well get rest for the strike tomorrow, goodness knows I need it.

As I settle down into the rough sheets, the gentle snoring rocks me to sleep with thoughts of the strike. One thought flashes through my mind before I fall asleep; God help us all.

I wake up to someone poking my face. My eyes flutter open and I almost fall off the bunk at the sight of Race's face right in front of mine. "JESUS CHRIST, RACE, YOU SCARED THE SH!T OUTTA ME!" He backs off, putting his hands up in surrender, "Sorry, sorry, it's just that Jack said you had to be up and out in 10 minutes so we can have an organized strike or whateva'" Race rolls his eyes, "I'm startin' ta think that Davey's rubbin' off on 'im a lil' too much."

I groan, tempted to slide back under the covers, but get up anyway. I slept with my clothes on so I don't have to do anything about that. As I look into an old, rusted mirror and comb my fingers through my now tangled hair, I feel another sharp pain in my chest, accompanied by a dull throbbing. I really should have taken off the bandages while I slept, but now it's too late. I take one last look in the mirror and, ignoring my eyebags, quickly head out the door to join the others. As I get to the gate, everyone's waiting with anticipation, faces grim but hopeful.

Everything happens in a blur. One moment we're striking, and the next we're beaten into a pulp. I manage to soak a Delancey in the eye when suddenly a familiar sharp pain fills my chest and wince, faltering. Morris takes this as an opportunity to knee me in the stomach, forcing me to the ground, where their take turns kicking my chest and body with those damn steel-toed boots of theirs until my clothes are torn and the cuts on my arms reopen. Suddenly, there's a small crack as my body swells up with pain and the taste of metal enters my mouth. I let out a blood-curdling scream as the pain registers in my brain. In my blurred vision, I see the Delancey's walk away, ready to torture their next victim; Crutchie.

I try to get up and reach out, try to scream at them not to hurt him, but all I can do is weakly move my hand in their direction and spit out blood. Suddenly, a small but rough hand reaches out and drags me into an alley. "Dammit, (N/N) what were you thinking?! Fighting in a gawddamn binder, and a makeshift one, no less!" "R-..Race..?" "Not now, (N/N) I have ta get youse to safety foist." I watch as he chews on his nails in thought, "Dammit! The only way back to tha lodge is through the Delancey's again!" He sighs. "Brooklyn it is..." He gingerly picks me up and carries me as fast as possible to Spot's turf.

Setting my feet on the ground and propping me up against him, he bangs on the door. "Spot!" Please! This is serious, I need your help!" I can hear the tears in his voice. Spot flings open the door, obviously very concerned. He's confused for a second, then looks at me and his eyes go wide. "GET THE MED KIT AND A COT OPEN, WESE GOT SOMETHING HORRIBLE THAT'S HAPPENED" he yells behind him. Race, now more calmed down, takes me in his arms again, but seems to refuse to look at Spot, who looks away as well, but more in shame.

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Race POV:

I watch as some of the Brooklyn newsies take (N/N) and lay him on a cot, anger surging through my veins. I take a deep breath "I'll take care of him. You guys don't have to worry about it." As they leave the room, I look down at (N/N) and can't help but feel guilty. Like this is my fault. I only got away with a black eye, but he got all this?

I regain my composure and start by taking (N/N) shirt off. I can already see the bruises starting to form and cringe. I take off his binding bandages and see his chest expand immediately. Poor kid. He must have been hurting in more way that just one. I take the gauze from the wooden box and gently wrap his torso with it. Maneuvering around his arms, I notice something. The bandages on him arms. When he was wearing them before, Jack said it was a marketing ploy, but now I see red bleeding through the white gauze.

I unwrap (N/N)'s arms and gasp. Hundreds of tiny, but deep cuts litter his forearms and wrists. F#ck. He was hurting so much more than I could have ever known. I wrap them with fresh gauze and treat the rest of his wounds, stepping back to admire my handiwork. That's when I start to cry. Full-on tears falling, face in hands crocodile tears. I turn my head with a start to see Spot, standing over me with a hand on my shoulder, looking apologetic "I'm so sorry..." Suddenly this sadness turns to rage. I grab him by the shirt collar and drag him outside to an empty alleyway. "SORRY?? SORRY, MY 4SS! (N/N) AND SO MANY OTHER 'HATTEN NEWSIES ALMOST DIED OUT THERE BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T WANT TO JOIN UNTIL YOU KNEW WE WOULDN'T "CAVE" WELL, WE DIDN'T CAVE, AND LOOK WHAT F#CKING HAPPENED! AND DONT YOU SAY SORRY TO ME AND EXPECT ME TO FORGIVE YOU JUST BECAUSE I LOVE YOU, THAT'S FOR CROW TO DECIDE." Spot seemed silent at first, but now I could see his anger building up; "WADDAYA THINK WOULD O' HAPPENED TO MY BOYS, HUH?? I WANTED TO WAIT TO SEE IF WE WOULD BE THE ONLY ONES FIGHTIN IN THIS BATTLE AGAINST PULITZER."

I open my mouth then close it. He has a fair point, but doesn't he trust me and the udda newsies not to bail in their hour of need? I sigh, pinching my nose. "I'm sorry Spot, I just-... I just wish you trusted me a bit more..." I look up at him to see tears in his eyes. "OH, SPOT HONEY, ITS OKAY, I'M NOT MAD, DON'T CRY, DON'T CRY" I shush him, pulling his head into my chest, which isn't tough considering his height.

As he lets go, the adrenaline rush from today dies down. God, I'm so tired. My knees nearly buckle and Spot notices, "Aye, aye! Tony, you doin' okay?" I nod at him, but the bags under my eyes are making them droop, "Race, honey, you need to get some sleep, okay?" I shake my head but soon fall into Spot's arms as my legs give way. "Fine..." I mumble. I can feel him grinning, "Good, we gots an extra bed for youse to sleep in." I sigh, grateful. I can feel Spot picking me up, the rhythm of his boots tapping along the ground, a pause and shift as he opens the lodging door and kicks it closed behind him as I fall asleep.

I wake up in a cold sweat. (N/N). I need to see (N/N). I need to check if he's okay. I climb out of the bed Spot laid me in and let my eyes adjust to the dark before maneuvering around all the other sleeping kids. I make my way as quietly as possible to where (N/N) is resting. I crouch down and take his hand in mine. How could I let this happen? And how did I not notice his suffering? I press the back of his hand to my forehead, closing my eyes. My body is so tired right now, but my mind is too tortured with guilt to let me sleep.

By the time my thoughts finally leave me alone, the sun is rising in the sky. I'm finally drifting when- "Race?" I turn my head to the voice, "Oh, jesus, you look horrible!" Spot exclaims, "did you even get any sleep last night?" I shrug, to be fair, I lost count of the hours. Spot sighs, "Race...go sleep. At least for a few more hours. I can watch (N/N) if that makes you happy," I nod, rubbing my eyes. I stumble back to my bed amongst all the Brooklyn newsies and fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow.

My mind dreams of talkin' cigars and bloody bandages. I see Crow propped up against the wall, smokin' a cigar. "(N/N)! (N/N)! Oh my god, I'm so happy that you're okay!" (N/N) doesn't answer, I slowly starts walking towards him, "(N/N)...?" he starts laughing. Softly at first then roaring, and the laughing turns into a heavy coughing fit. As (N/N) coughs, red smoke pours out of his lungs and clouds my vision. I swipe at the air, trying to brush away the fog, "(N/N)?? (N/N), where did you go?!" suddenly, the smoke clears and I see (N/N) bruised, damaged, bleeding body at my feet, I gasp and step back. (N/N) slowly turns to face me, and in a painful, teary, almost sickly whisper asks, "Why did you let this happen?" Tears start spilling down my face, "I- I didn't me-" "You did this to me Race. Race. Race. Race! Race! RACE! RACE!--

Spot POV:

--RACE WAKE UP!" He wakes up with a gasp. He looks around wildly, tears dripping from his chin. I've never seen him like this. He must care for him like a brudda. To be honest, I'm worried as well, not only about (N/N) but now that we know 'Hatten isn't gonna back down and we join the fight, what's gonna happen to the newsies in general? Kids could get hoit. Bad.

"Spot?" Race starts sobbing, clinging to my shirt fabric, "Please...tell me it'll be okay..." I can't. Race, I don't know if it will. I almost start sobbing on the Spot ( A/N: heh...), but I hold my composure and smile at him, "It'll be okay, Tony...we're all gonna be fine" He seems to believe this, at least a little bit. "Now, don't you gotta meet up wit' da udda newsies?" He retracts his head from my chest, eyes wide. In a nasal voice, he goes "AW SHOOT, I 'MOST FORGOT" I watch him with a small smile as he rushes to get dressed like the goof he is. God, I love 'im.

Race POV:

Silence. I got there too early. Fuck. I can't just be alone with my thoughts, but at least I have some extra money to... I don't know? I walk up to the bar, where the owner of Jacobi's is cleaning out glasses. I sigh and sit down, "Got anything to help forget? At least for a little while...?"

"Ain't you a little too young for that, kid?" I give him a look and push my money over the counter to him. He quietly collects it, "So what can I get ya?" I'm silent for a bit "Fireball." I say with some demand in my voice. He disappears behind the counter and comes back with some shot glasses and a Fireball bottle, pouring it out into the glasses as I watch. I notice as he sighs, "Feel betta, kid." Can't promise that.

I pick up a shot glass, watching as the orange liquid spins around in it. I take in a breath of spicy cinnamon before letting the liquid slip down my throat, leaving a trail of a burning sensation. Soon, one turns into another, and another, and another and before I could comprehend it, the room starts to spin and blur. Eventually, the room fills with newsies, mumblin' 'bout how crappy the strike went. I do my very best to fit in and not act drunk, but the time zooms by and I find myself singin' 'bout bein' the king o' new york. At some point in the blurry memory, Katherine suggests getting drunk and I throw my hands up and cheer. More free Fireball! But then she clarifies that it was a metaphor, to which I am very disappointed.

The rest whizzes past me and soon I'm stumblin' my way to Brooklyn. I knock heavily on the lodging door, then lean on it. Unexpectedly, the door opens and I'm left to fall flat on my face at the feet of my boyfriend, Spot Conlon. "Race! Darlin', you okay? Youse fell flat on ya face!" He extends a hand that I receive and pulls me up. I giggle, "Ahhhh, my Spotty! Always carin' 'bout uddas. Pshht! Yeah, I'm fiiiine." I flop my hand down to wave off his concern. He wrinkles his nose, "You reek of cinnamon....and alcohol." He widens his eyes and I let out anudda giggle, "Race! Tell me you didn't jus' get drunk!" he whines, I grin, "Okey, 'you didn't jus' get drunk'" I imitate him in a deep voice and he sighs, "Jesus Christ, Racer.." he grabs my hand pulls me inside, eventually laying me on a bed, face red with a giggling fit. "Goodnight, my liege," I giggle some more, "and you my Prince," he gives a small smile before covering me with a blanket. I fall asleep before it's up over my shoulders.

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I wake up with my head feeling like it's going to explode.

Fuck Life.

I groan and sit up. "Mornin' Sleepin' Beauty" Spot smirks and hands me a cup of water, "Shut the fuck up" I whine and grab the glass, "Ooh feelin' feisty today, huh?" I shoot him a look that could rot a squash with one gaze. He holds up his hands in defense, "Alright, alright, my bad," He shrugs. I sigh and take a sip of water, which turns into me chugging the whole thing. "You betta get ova this hangover fast, hon" I groan, not ready to do anything at all today, "We gots the meetin' wit' Jack."

End my life.

"No, I don't think I will," "fuuuuck did I say that out loud?" I let out a small wail, and Spot chuckles a little, though you can tell there's somethin' on his mind still, "Yeah, ya did sweetheart." I grumble something incomprehensible and look down, red. He smiles, "Get dressed and drink as much water as possible, okay? We can't have you hungover for the big meeting, right?" I nod...which causes my head to hurt. Ow.

I sigh and decide to take my sweet time getting dressed. This sucks. "Spotty!" I call, then cringe after a new wave of pain hits, he pokes his head through the door "Yeah?". "I don't have the energy to deal wit' all dese gawddamn bandages. Help me?" He blushes a bit but agrees to help me bind. All I focus on is not hurting my head again. Spot ties the bandages and stands back to admire his handiwork but quickly notices my cringin'. "Do you want somethin' cold?" he asks gently, I nod as gingerly as possible.

*Timeskip to after the newsies meet n greet bcuz I'm power-finishing this at 12am and my mental health is steadily declining*

My hand shakes as I bring a fresh, unlit cigar to my lips.

Jack. That sellout, that traitor.

A sharp pain knocks me out of my angry thoughts. Ah. I burned myself.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, "Racer.." says a gentle voice, "You okay? that's your 3rd cigar in the past 2 hours or so." I look up to see Finch leaning over me as I sit on the ground, a concerned look on his face, "You're gonna run out all too soon" I give a bitter laugh, "Yeah, I guess I will." Finch can see that there's not much he can do to help me. He gives a weak smile and turns to walk away.

I see Davey run off somewhere. I wonder where they're going? I sigh and turn my head back down to the ground. Who cares? Without a leader, the strike'll just fall apart and Pulitzer'll win. Who was I kidding when I bragged abt being da "King o' New York"? I'm just some nobody kid without a nickel to my name. The bigger guys always win, so what's with me tryin'?

Jack POV:

I can't let any more kids get in this much danger. I visited (N/N) today. I found out about all his... injuries, as well as whatever he was born as. He's been through so much before all this, he doesn't deserve it.

It's my fault for being so ignorant. For not noticing anything was goin' on. My fault for inciting this stupid strike. For getting all these kids hoit. and Crutchie...poor Crutchie, locked up in that godawful place. I know he ain't helpless, 'e's a cheeky little bastard, I'll give him that, but the Refuge breaks down even the biggest of smiles and smothers the brightest of people. I will never forget that hell I went through. I went in a cheeky fightin' kid with a deep, strong flame, and came out with the embers barely glowing. It took years just to spark it up again. I'm terrified as to what'll happen to him.

I lean over the railing of my penthouse, not even noticing as it shakes and squeaks, making way for a young boy a little younger den me. "-Jack! JACK!" "Jesus Christ, yeah??? Oh, it's you, Dave..." I look away shamefully, he's probably here to chew me out and tell me we're done and gone. "What the hell was that?" I wince, I knew it. "Waddya mean 'what the hell was that?'?" "You know what I mean, JACK KELLY." I'm fucked. "YOU BETRAYED US FOR MONEY?!" "I WOULDN'T HAVE FELT PRESSURED TO IF I WADN'T DEALIN' WIT' A FLAKER!" Davey gives a bitter laugh and balls up the front of my shirt in his fist, tugging me towards him. "Ohoho! And if I wasn't your 'best friend' you'd be lookin' at me through one swollen eye!" "Oh, yeah? Well, don't let that stop ya, huh? Gimme your best shot!" something soft roughly pressing against my lips. The only thought at the moment is; 'Well, this is new... and passionate, 'specially from Dave' there's a heavy, awkward silence.

I back away from him, knocking over my drawings in the process. One specific drawing rolls out seemingly by fate. It taps on Davey's shoe and he looks down. His eyes widen a little as he reaches down to get it. "Is this.. the Refuge?" he puts a hand over his mouth, "weren't you stuck here once? Rats, cockroaches everywhere, 6 kids to a bunk? Holy fuc- I mean fudge." If the moment weren't this tense, I might've laughed. "Jack..." I feel a hand on my shoulder. "You don't have to tell me if you're not ready." I shake my head and he drops his arm understandingly. "Either way, we could use this. Heck..." Davey seems deep in thought before his face lights up, "We could make our own newspaper!" I look at him in disbelief, he notices, and speaks again "think about it, Jackie! Kath's a real talented writer! This art could change the perspective of hundreds! We could write to tell all the workin' boys to go on Strike tomorra'! And we could expose Snyder in the process!" Hey, that's not too bad..."But, Dave, how're we gonna print it?" His face falls, "I didn't think about it...we're banned from every printin' press in New York.."

Oh no. Ohhh no. "No. Noooo." I whine, Davey chuckles, amused "what?" "I know a printin' press that no one would ever think of!" Davey grins, "Then what are we waitin' for?" He puts my drawing back into the case, and slings it over his shoulder, getting ready to climb down. Suddenly, a thought strikes me, "Wait-" "Yeah?" "Dave- what are we exactly? Like I know how we act to each other n' everything, but we've never really said out loud what we are..." Davey giggles, "Jackie-" "No! Tell me right now, are we... in love? Boyfriends, I guess?? Or am I just something for your own experimentation?"

He cups my face in his hands, "Jackie..." he kisses my nose, "Of course I love you! And yes! We are in love! Dating! Boyfriends! Whichever way you want to define us!" Soon we're both grinning ear-to-ear and blushing. "Now!" he exclaims, hopping up, clearly on a high from the whole kiss and convo, "Let's get to it!" I laugh and stand up as well, following my over-enthusiastic boyfriend down the ladder. As Davey said; Let's get to it!

(Y/N) POV:

'My head hurts...' I think groggily. I try to open my eyes, but my vision is blurred and wonky. I sit up. Nevermind. Everything hurts. As my vision starts to clear, I see a very tired Spot Conlon sitting in a chair in the corner of whatever room I'm in rubbing sleep from his eyes. He fixates his eyes on me for a second, and I can see the sleepiness and confusion in his eyes turn into shock and joy. "(N/N)! Ohmygod! I'm so glad you'se awake!" I can see him go to wrap me in a bear hug before holdin' himself back after he remembers all my injuries. Wait. My injuries. "Does this mean you know about...?" I vaguely gesture to my arms and Spot nods sadly, "And..." I cringe and gesture to my chest, now only lightly bound with medical tape, but tighter than needed for a typical injury. I smile to myself. That must've been Race. He's like a perfect older brother, not only thinkin' about my physical health, but also my mental well-being.

Spot notices the look on my face and sees me lookin' down at my chest, he chuckles, "Yeah, Race decided on that. He wanted you to feel as comfortable as possible while you heal." I start grinning even harder. Spot spoke up again "Don't forget that even boys born seen as boys don't have perfectly flat chests, so binding as tight as you did wasn't necessary or safe, for that matter." I give him a look, is Spot really trying to be the cis savior right now? He gives me a look right back, "What? I know what I'm talking about." He lifts his shirt up to reveal two scars on his chest. I gasp, "But you're only *insert years/months* younger/older than me! How did you even know that this was an option, as well, how did you do it?" He smirks, pulling his shirt back down, "Thought so. Anyway, I don't really know. I needed them off desperately and randomly thought of it. As for the how, Buttons is AMAZING with scissors and blades. Like, scary amazing." He shivers. I blink. Damn.

He gives a shy grin "Do I really pass that well?" I look at him enviously "Of course! But... how do you look so...masculine?" "Well, I tried my best to copy the behavior of other boys I saw. And the whole working out didn't hurt." I nod, taking a mental note. Behavior, got it. Can't promise sticking to a workout, though. Spot scoots closer, taking my hand in his, "But the most important thing to understand is- behavior, body type, and a powerful reputation doesn't define being a true boy. What does is what's in here-" he taps my head, "-and here." he points to my heart. Spot looks me in my eyes, "You could wear dresses, skirts, use a 'girly' name, hell, even go by she! and you'd still be a boy in my eyes." I feel my eyes water, and Spot opens his arms to me with a sincere look. I fall into his arms and cry tears of joy. Spot and Race are the older brothers I never had, helping me at every fork in the road of my transition.

(A/N: I noticed that a big issue in trans fanfics was that the cis person was always the one to condescendingly teaching the helpless trans kid how to bind properly. I decided to make both of your mentors trans, had them both know what they're talking about, and made sure that you weren't completely useless or clueless, only that you needed guidance seeing as (Y/N) is a trans kid with no former knowledge about his transition. As well, I kinda wanted this fic to be of help to any newcomer trans men. Anyway, on to the last of the story!)

"So how are your ribs feeling?" Spot asks after we both calm down, "A little sore, but pretty much moveable. Is it really this painful to bind? I mean, the past few weeks I had the binding stuff on was my first time." "It shouldn't, I mean, lookit Race. He seems energetic and flexible even when he's binding." I think he sees my insecure face because he speaks again, "What I mean to say is- if you have more experience binding, you'll know how to mix mental and physical comfort. Either way, what fucked up your ribs wasn't the binding, it was the Delancey's. Not saying the way you were binding wasn't bad and wouldn't have caused lasting damage, of course."

I see Spot have a flicker of thought behind his eyes, he pulls out an obviously stolen silver pocket watch with the initials H.A. engraved on it to check the time. "Almost time..." he mutters. I give him a suspicious look, "Almost time for what...?" he looks sheepishly at the ground, "Nnnnnothing." I let out a noise halfway between a snort and a scoff, "Uh huh." "Fine." he sighs, "All the newsies and workin' boys is comin' together today. We'se hopin' ta finish up this strike Once And For All."

"Let me guess, I shouldn't go because I'm still healing." He nods, "Spot!! I need to do my part in this strike! I can't miss the most important day of my life." he gives me a weird look, "You don't even know what the outcome'll be, plus I promised Race that you wouldn't get hurt." "Please, I've been bedridden for WEEKS. And I won't get hurt" I protest stubbornly, he sighs exasperatedly "FINE, but I'm gettin' you right outta there at the foist sign o' danger, okay?" "Okay!" I say, content with the compromise. "We should prolly get you up and used to legs again before the strike--" my stomach rumbles harder than Les when he sees the chocolate croissants in the Pastry Shop window, and that's seriously saying somethin', "--and something to eat, too."

Spot holds my hands as I get out of bed and basically learn to walk again with wobbly legs. You could just paint my back with spots and call me a baby deer. Once I get my legs to work with me, Spot leads me to a tin tub. I give him a 'seriously?' look, "What am I doin', goin' ta church?" he laughs sarcastically, "Ha, ha. (N/N), you haven't cleaned yourself since the last time you were conscious. I also need to refresh your bandages since those haven't been touched since Race changed them in the foist place." "Fiiiine" I growl.

Spot unwraps my arm and chest bandages, but when it comes to me taking off the rest of my clothes, he looks away (not even for my privacy, but just because he is highly repulsed to the idea of naked bodies) I add enough soap suds on top of the water to cover my body so he's comfortable.

He grabs some soap and lathers up my hair with it, soon rinsing it. He also lathers and rinses my face, removing the built-up dirt, grease, and sweat, which accumulated surprisingly quickly for only spending a month, or was it two, here. Spot brings out a small piece of scrap fabric and a bottle of some liquid, then gently grabs my arms. "This might burn a little," he said empathetically. He dampened the cloth with what I am assuming is disinfectant and started pressing it against my healing cuts. I tried to hold in my pain but let out a small hiss when the cloth reached the deeper cuts on the backs of my arms. Spot stopped temporarily, letting my arms adjust to the sting a little, before continuing. Once he's finished, he hands me the soap and leaves the room to let me bathe myself in peace and picks up my dirty clothes and old bandages. "Holler if you need anything!" he yells on his way out.

I create a lather in my hands and stand up so I can actually wash my body. The air is chilly compared to the bathwater, so I do my best to be quick as I let my soap hands travel gingerly over my body. I look down, and for the first time in a long time, I don't feel ashamed. Spot words echo in my mind as I smile softly; 'You could wear dresses, skirts, use a 'girly' name, hell, even go by she! and you'd still be a boy in my eyes.' I guess, for now, I'm confident in my masculinity.

I sit back down, enjoying the warmth, and rinse myself off. I step out of the bath and look at the grey-ish brown-ish water. Ew, was I really that dirty? As the cold air envelops me once more, I realize I don't have a towel. Or clothes. "Spot!" I call out, "Yeah?" I hear a faint voice, "I need a towel and some clothes!" I answer. There's quiet, then a series of rustling sounds that slowly get closer. The door opens a crack and I see a tan, muscular hand slide a pile of clothes and a towel in my direction. I smile gratefully, "Thanks, Spotty!" "Aye! Only Race can call me dat..." "Okay, fine."

I dry my hair as much as possible, before continuing to my body. There's not much actual rubbing rather than patting because of my injuries, so when I get my pants on and slip my button-down onto my shoulders, they get a little damp. "Spot?" I call out again, "Do you think you could help me with my bandages?" "'Course!" He casually picks up the chest bandages and binds it pretty much perfectly- Tight enough to make a difference in my chest size, but loose enough to let my ribs heal. Spot then starts re-bandaging my arms, "Can I ask you a question, Spot?" "Sure, (N/N)" he says nonchalantly, "Why is it you are repulsed by fully naked bodies, but you're perfectly casual and fine about helping me bind my chest when I'm half-naked?" he clears his throat as if he was ready to spin a whole story, "Well, Race used to live with me and we started trusting each other a lot more than when we first met. He trusted me enough to teach him the best way to bind, and he trusted me enough to feel comfy without a top on when around the house, so I'm kinda desensitized. But when it comes to people being naked or bein' overly suggestive, I just..don't like it. At all."

'Asexual,' I think, 'Knew it."

"Anyway, you ready to fight off the bulls and get our rights back, (N/N)?" He stands up and offers a hand to help me up, which I receive. I catch my reflection in the dirty bathwater. I can see crystal clear, that I am dapper, strong, and ready to kick some Delancey ass.

But first, Lunch.

Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω~Ω

I arrive at the strike on Spot's shoulders, hyped for the happy ending they all worked so hard for. Spot sets me down gently and scans the crowd for someone. It seems he found them because his face lights up. I see Race run over to us. "(N/N)! Oh my god, I'm so fuckin' glad that you're awake! Especially today of all days!" however, his enthusiasm is soon replaced with concern, "But is ya sure yer okay? You must've woken up just today, so are you feeling good? Yer injuries don't hurt too bad, you're not dizzy, hungry, thirsty?" "Calm down, Tony, I gave him a bath, changed his bandages, gave him food n' water, even a pep talk, so you don't need to worry!" Race takes a few deep breaths, "Okay, okay, yeah I'm fine. But that's great!" He engulfs me in a firm, but gentle hug. I look around the crowd and see some familiar faces, Katherine seems to have brought another girl with her, who I'm assuming is Sarah, Davey's sister. I see Albert and Elmer tightly holding each other's hands. I see Finch and Smalls exchanging jokes as a form of distraction. I look back at Race and Spot, who are being so romantic, it's almost gross. Almost.

The adrenaline still hasn't left me so when people start getting as excited as me, it just hypes me up even more. We look up at the window of Pulitzer's office and see Jack and a few others standing there, waving. I wave back vigorously. Not too long after, Jack, Davey, Pulitzer, and The Governer appear on a balcony, Jack at the front. "Newsies of New York City..." cue the pause for dramatic effect, "WE WON!!" The crowd of newsies roars with joy. I watch as Crutchie limps out and beats Snyder's ass as the abuser is dragged away, I don't understand why so many people see him as an angel, it's obvious that he's a cheeky lil' rat bastard.

Suddenly, it's like everything is in slow motion. I look around once more and see Katherine and Sarah kissing, same with Albert and Elmer, Finch and Smalls are hugging each other tightly. I look back up at the balcony and see Davey and Jack gettin' it ON. I look once again to Spot and Race, who just finished kissing. Spot reaches down and hoists me onto his shoulders to cheer. And as I take in this momentous victory one sense at a time, I realize in a moment of pure bliss-

I finally found my true family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Word Count: 8190

(A/N):

This took VERY LONG (approx. one month, I just finished after working from 9 pm to 5 am) I know it was supposed to be a simple one-shot, but since there was no one to help narrow down and shorten the plot for me, I got carried away. I am, however, pleased with the length of it. This may be the longest fic I've ever written. As well, I hope any underlying advice or tips mentioned in the story helped you to understand/realize something.

I would love it if you were to vote, give me some constructive criticism, and/or request something for me to write! Don't forget- I live to write that one fanfic you can never find.

Love y'all!

~ Race

[retrievablememories]

show me love | jaehyun

title: show me love pairing: jaehyun x reader genre: fluff request: “I have a fic idea for Valentine's Day 💀 Jaehyun's gf is busy trying to prepare a really sweet bday gift while Jaehyun is busy trying to prepare a really nice Valentine's Day gift for his gf?” word count: 2.2k warnings: alcohol use a/n: writing pure fluff is not as easy as you’d think, but maybe that’s only an issue when you’re emotionally constipated like me...💀 anyway, here’s to the birthday boy. 🌹

You want to be sure Jaehyun’s birthday gift is perfect this year, which is why you spent so much time saving up for it. To you, it often felt a little hard to measure up to all the lavish gifts he gets every year for his birthday from fans, friends, and family members—especially since it’s on Valentine’s Day—but he always claimed that you could get him anything and he’d love it.

You and Jaehyun haven’t met up very frequently this week, partly because you’d both been busy preparing your gifts for each other; you for his birthday, and him for Valentine’s Day. You weren’t too upset about that, though. Being able to see him when the day finally came around would make it even more special after the time spent away from each other.

It’d been a lot harder than you’d anticipated to keep your gift secret, but only because you’re so excited for him to finally know what you’d gotten for him. You’re eager to see his reaction to it and hear what he might say about it. You’re also wondering what he might be planning for you, but you’ve done your very best not to pester him about it too much—even though you really want to.

The day of his birthday, you’re so jittery that you even get up earlier than usual so you can get dressed and make sure your look for the day is perfect. You end up calling Jaehyun while you put your makeup on, not wanting to wait any longer to talk to him. It’s not too early in the day when you call, because you know he won’t like getting up at that hour, but maybe early enough to cause a small complaint.

“Hi Y/N,” he answers after a few seconds, voice a bit deeper than usual—probably because he just got up. You grin at the sound of his voice.

“Good morning! Happy birthday, baby! Did I wake you? I’m sorry, haha.”

“Y/N.” Jaehyun repeats your name and smiles on the other end. You can’t see this, but you can hear his laugh, which is full of happiness at your greeting. “Thank you, sweet girl. It’s fine, I don’t really care, I was gonna get up soon anyway.” You hear the sheets rustling in the background and figure that’s him getting up now. “And of course, Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“The day for lovers, how could I ever forget.” You smirk to yourself, sifting through your makeup bag for a certain highlighter. “By the way, you’re gonna come over today, right? I have something for you,” you tell him in a singsong-y mischievous tone.

“Oh?” Jaehyun perks up at that. “You want me to come over now? Because...I have something for you too, for Valentine’s Day, but it’s here at my place.”

“Ah, really?” You laugh. “Come to my place first, it’s your birthday and you should get your present first.”

“But since it’s my birthday, shouldn’t you come here? Do it for me~”

You almost roll over with laughter. “Aw, Jaehyun! I can’t believe you’re using that cute tone with me, I know you hate aegyo.”

He sighs, and you know he’s probably blushing from embarrassment. “Hmm, okay, okay. Never gonna do that one again. Should we flip a coin on it, then? If I win, you have to come over with whatever your gift is.”

You chuckle. “Flip a coin? You serious?”

“Dead serious. Get on FaceTime.”

“Now?” You snort and look at yourself in the mirror, makeup only half-done.

“You don’t want to? What are you hiding?” Now his voice takes on a sneaky note.

“I’m not hiding anything, but if that’s what you want, then prepare yourself...”

You both hang up and Jaehyun calls you on FaceTime a few seconds later. You smile when you see his face on the other end, still bare from just waking up. One corner of his mouth tugs up in a smirk when he sees you, then he bursts into a full grin, giggling at your half-made-up face. 

“Well, that was unexpected.”

“Yes, yes, laugh it up! My own boyfriend clowning me on Valentine’s Day, how sweet of you.” You pout for good measure.

“You laugh at me nearly everyday,” he points out, and you must admit that he’s right. “Anyway, you always look pretty to me.” Then he pulls a hand through his hair in a way that he knows can always make you swoon, and you sigh in defeat.

“...Okay, you’re forgiven.”

You see him rummage around for a moment before the phone straightens again; now he holds a coin between his fingers. “So. What side do you want?”

“I guess heads.”

Jaehyun snickers momentarily before affecting a nonchalant expression again. “Yeah, I’ll take tails then.”

“Stop being dirty-minded,” you complain, rolling your eyes.

“I’m not, Y/N,” he insists, though his tone suggests otherwise. He flips the coin into the air and points the phone camera to where it landed on the ground—heads.

“I won! Now you have to come over,” you cheer.

“Fine, fine.” He shakes his head and laughs. “I’ll be over soon. Wait for me.”

“I wouldn’t go anywhere else, now would I?”

Jaehyun arrives at your place a little while later, and he’s a bit starstruck when you open the door. Now with your makeup finished, you’re wearing a red dress with heels to match and your hair is styled prettily, falling over your shoulders. You smile happily at him, pulling at his shoulders to get him to come inside.

“Hi Jaehyun,” you say, closing the door after him and hugging him. He squeezes you back tightly, leaving a kiss on your bare shoulder and breathing in the scent of your hair.

“Y/N. How do you manage to get prettier everyday?”

“Because you love me so much.” You give him a kiss and tug his hand to guide him into the living room. You lead him to sit down on your couch, though you don’t sit next to him just yet. “Okay, before I give you your gift, you gotta close your eyes first.”

“Close my eyes? What is it?” Jaehyun keeps hold of your hand as he asks this, grinning up at you.

“You won’t know until you do what I say, silly!” He relents, although a bit reluctantly, and lets go of your hand so he can close his eyes. You go to get his gift from your bedroom and come back into the living room with it, holding it out in front of him. “Open your eyes now.”

When he does, he sees you holding a small wrapped box. “Why’d I have to close my eyes? I still can’t tell what it is.” He chuckles as he takes it from you. “The suspense is gonna kill me,” he jokes as he begins unwrapping it.

When Jaehyun finally gets the wrapping off and gets the box open, his face softens as he sees what’s inside and takes it in his hand. You clasp your own hands together, your skin warming at his smile. “It might not be what you’re used to in terms of like, luxury, you know...but it looked nice and I thought it’d look good on you.”

“Y/N…you must’ve spent a lot on this,” Jaehyun murmurs, examining the shiny new face of the watch in his hand. He holds it as if it were a rare jewel, turning it on all its sides to examine it. It’s mostly black leather and silver, but it was still more than usual for your budget, costing you a few hundred dollars.

“I did save up for some months...and still had to use a payment plan for it. Good thing we never broke up in that timespan or I woulda been shit outta luck.” Jaehyun snorts and shakes his head at your statement, knowing you’d say something like that to lighten the mood.

“Thank you baby,” he says, sliding his new watch onto his wrist. “You know this means the world to me.” He goes over to the window to see it better in the natural lighting, holding it up to the light to see it sparkle. You go over to him and peek over his shoulder, grinning softly. “I’ll have to pay you back.” You raise your eyebrows.

“What? It’s your birthday present, why would you—” 

“You’ll see later,” he says mysteriously, and you give him a curious look. “Meanwhile, we should go somewhere. The day’s still early, so let’s enjoy it.”

“You’re right,” you say, glancing at the new watch once more and then kissing him on the cheek. “Let’s go, then.”

It’s evening by the time you get back to Jaehyun’s place, having already eaten at an upscale restaurant that he’d reserved. You’d had no idea about it, and you were glad you’d taken the initiative to dress up today. Both of you spent the earlier part of the day going out to brunch and then exploring the city for a few hours, which even included taking one of those romantic boat rides that the nearby lake always offers on Valentine’s Day. You thought it would be kind of cheesy at first, but it turned out way more fun than you could imagine.

When you step inside his place, you’re surprised to see everything is decorated pretty lavishly; the overhead lights are dimmed, leaving a bunch of small tea lights as the main illumination. There are rose petals spread everywhere, too, and the sitting room is set up with pillows and blankets and a nice spread of chocolates and wine on the coffee table.

You gasp, studying the surroundings. “How did you arrange all this? We were together all day.” 

“Had some help from the guys; they came while we were gone. Hope they didn’t take anything, though...” Jaehyun shrugs as if this whole setup is no big deal, but his dimples poke out from the gleeful smile on his lips. He picks up an unlit candle from the coffee table, and you notice there are a few more spread around. “Now that we’re here, we can light these. Safety first, you know.”

“Of course,” you snicker, taking your jacket and shoes off so you can sit down on one of the pillows. You take up the bottle of wine and inspect the label while Jaehyun finds a lighter for the candles. “Considering that we already drank at the restaurant...don’t be surprised if I’m off my ass by the end of the night.”

“We don’t have to drink it if you don’t want to,” he suggests, raising one eyebrow.

“Oh no, I want to!” Jaehyun laughs at your enthusiasm as you open the wine and pour a glass for each of you. Once he’s done lighting the candles, he goes into his room. You lean back on the cushion and take your glass in your hand, waiting for him to come back.

Jaehyun returns soon with his blazer discarded and the first few buttons of his shirt undone. “I see you’ve gotten relaxed, too.” You smirk, crossing your legs. “You look so handsome with your new watch. I’m glad I got it for you.”

“Then I think you’ll like this even more.”

“Hmm?” You turn to Jaehyun as he sits on one of the pillows beside you. Your eyes widen when he pulls out a velvet case you didn’t notice before. It’s not a ring case, though, which really would’ve caused you to fall out; it’s the kind you use for bracelets or necklaces. He places it in your hands, and you gingerly take it from him like it might vanish if handled too roughly. “Oh...what is…?”

“You have to open it.” He grins, mimicking your earlier teasing of him with his own gift. You set down your wine glass and open the velvet rectangle to find a delicate necklace lying inside. At the end of it is a small circle with tiny diamonds embedded in it.

“Oh wow...it’s perfect,” you whisper, taking it out of the box and looking it over with enamored eyes. “Is this what you meant by ‘paying me back’? Because, Jesus, this is Cartier. I think you’ve done more than enough.” You smile wistfully and shake your head.

“Let me put it on you,” he says, and you give him the necklace so he can do so. You turn away from him, and you shiver a little at the feeling of his breaths on the back of your neck and his fingertips brushing your skin. You face him again when he’s done fastening it and throw your arms around his neck, hugging him closer to you and smiling against his dimpled cheek.

“I love you, Jaehyun. Thank you so much.”

Jaehyun’s lips curve up at your words, and he tucks his face against you, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of your jaw. “I love you, Y/N.”