#i had tokyo sunrise in my head while writing this i think that is why there is so Much | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

autistic-beshelar · 4 years ago

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'm loving everyone venting about Molly! Thanks! And I want to ask you how you imagined the finale was gonna be? I have this whole fanfic in my head about Molly realising he had a four leaf clover stuck in his hair and upon noticing it he would give it to Yasha. Then the M9 would deal with Trent and Molly would finally know how terrible of a person the dude was. And then the M9 would introduce Molly to everyone else they met and visit every place they left better than they found it.

that's so sweet!

it's weird, because while like every other molly fan, i've had thoughts on his resurrection and a fic series i'm working on, but i'd never really... thought about the end of the campaign, or what it might be like?

(ETA this ended up so long im so sorry i have a lot to say apparently and this isn't even all of it)

my biggest and most important thing: they are a family. they belong together. maybe they'll go off on their own for a while, or stay with their families, but the nein belong together.

for fjord... he spent so long trying to be someone else, and while he's learning how to be his own person now, he deserves closure on that part of himself. he deserves a last conversation with vandren, and then to move on, to explore new places, to find new goals for himself. there is so much for him now, the open sea with so much life and promise. he buys a ship, a new ship, all his own, not one borrowed or stolen from another, and jester paints its name, decorates its quarters, makes it a home. he wrangles the nein (yes, even veth, yes, even essek) into joining him, and they set sail, all nine of them, the way it couldn't be the first time. he shows molly the ropes, teaches essek how to navigate, and watches his crew, his friends, his family, learning from him, placing so much trust in him, letting him guide them, and sees how truly happy they are to be here with him. usually, the crew is him, jester, beau, and often molly and yasha, but sometimes he will leave for a time, entrusting the boat to orly. sailing isn't all he has now, there is more to see, to do, there are things for him on land now too, but the sea will always be home to him.

for jester... she deserves her happy fairytale ending. i think for a while she stays with her family, seeing her parents happily together, finally properly introducing her boyfriend, and just spending time with her mum in a way that she didn't get to so much when she was young. and then i think she travels, just for the sake of exploring, with no defined goal other than to sow the seeds of joy and chaos everywhere she walks. and as she travels, she begins to write. stories were homes to her as a child, and they're homes even now, for someone with such a powerful imagination. she writes of her adventures, of her friends, she writes of mystical and fantastical things, half of them real. she writes and writes, words and illustrations filling so many books, she gives them to beau, to yasha, passes them off as silly little things, as though they aren't brilliant works of art. all of the nein read her stories - yasha out loud to molly as she plays with his hair, caduceus and calliope in the quiet of their garden, caleb and essek by the light of their bedside table. and in time the stories reach others, scattered journals are copied and bound into books, and one day jester wanders a quiet, nameless town, and in the window of a bookshop she's never seen, embossed on the cover of a novel, there is a brilliant green door.

for caleb... oh man, he is a teacher. that is so perfect for him, and i've been thinking about it ever since his talk with luc. i think there's something so powerful about being the person he deserved when he was younger, about stepping into that position of power and authority and being so kind with it. he's so passionate about magic, and i think it's beautiful to see him come so far - from someone burned and traumatised and so convinced he was irredeemable, to someone who can take comfort in soft things, someone who some days, almost, almost believes he can be good. i think out of everyone, except perhaps veth, he stays home the most. he still adventures with the nein of course, and if there is ever a whisper of artefacts or hidden knowledge or some expedition or other, the nein are with him in an instant to investigate it. but more often than not he is home, making the empire a better place, keeping the fire warm for them.

for veth... i want her to learn that she is enough as she is. i want her to learn that she doesn't have to choose between wife, adventurer, mother. she is all of these things. i want her to accept that her transformation was not a return to her old self but becoming someone new. i think she goes home, as she promised, and i do think she stays there for a long while, a few years perhaps, making up for lost time. and she'll pretend that she's fine with that life, with staying home, with being a wife and a mother. but that isn't all she is, and eventually, with yeza's help, with the nein's help, she will accept that. she'll no longer see it as two lives, two identities. she'll be able to kill fearsome beasts and explore strange new lands with her friends without guilt or fear, and at the end of the day she'll go home and regale her husband and son with extraordinary tales of her and her friends' heroics (that may or may not be exaggerated).

for yasha... i want her to be happy and loved. she's come SO far, from someone running from her past, drowning in guilt and so unsure of herself, to someone strong and bold. i love that ashley said she would do little odd jobs - i think she would do that, go around helping people as they explore. like most of the others, i don't think she would truly settle down. i like to imagine she does have a house somewhere - maybe inspired by the clays, she has a home somewhere green, surrounded by flowers, somewhere quiet and calm and peaceful. a little cottage maybe, for her and beau, just somewhere to return to and feel safe, somewhere she can rest. but i think most of her time would be spent travelling, seeing all the wonderful beautiful things the world has to offer, being with her friends who love her for exactly who she is, who showed her that she was someone worthy of being loved, who taught her that it's possible for her to love herself.

for caduceus... i think, for a time, he rests. he's tired. not done, far from done, but tired. i think he stays with his family at the grove, tending to all the things that are now so vibrant and alive, feeling the walls he was so sure would crumble. but after a time, he would feel that he is supposed to leave. the grove is wonderful, and will always be his home, somewhere he will always return to, and i think throughout his life - throughout the nein's life, and of course they will come to rest there, after everything - he will come home, to tend to the garden, to watch over the temple while his siblings roam. i think he travels, too, but not so much to adventure. after everything he's been through i think he deserves some peace, and quiet. he travels all the lonely winding roads, all the quiet humming spaces, sees all the life in all the hidden corners. while several members of the nein travel with him, it's yasha that walks with him the most, happy to go at his pace, eager to share in that peace and wonder.

for molly... there is so much for him now. he is no longer covered in eyes, no longer has that weight on him, even if he does hold memories of it, in darker moments. he is him but brand new, able to forge himself into whoever he wants to be, and the nein give him so much space and so much time for that. i think he stays with the clays for a little while - while the others deal with trent, yasha, so so scared to lose him again, places all her trust in caduceus to take care of him. and when they return (to find him with freshly cut hair the same colours as his coat, and a particularly proud looking clarabelle), they just spend time with him, all the time they missed and more. fjord tells him of their journey, jester showing him her journal, giving him meaning for it all, and all the time yasha holds his hand, unwilling to ever let him go. it's hard, being gone for so long, and while he is so, so (embarrassingly) proud of his friends for all that they've gone through, and how much they've grown, it's also glaringly obvious that he can't keep up. he almost has it in mind to leave - he doesn't want to hold them back, and he can't help but wonder if he's really the molly they want - it's hard to live up to a memory, after all. and there is so much he's missed. they tell him he's a moron, obviously. he is their friend, and there is nothing they won't do for friends, and waiting, staying, is such a small thing to ask. beau trains him, at his insistence - she thinks it's a joke at first, tells him that she'd be a terrible teacher, just as she was a terrible student. she's wrong, of course, and molly grows stronger by the day. he has so many adventures with them, sailing the seas on fjord's ship, sowing chaos with jester, fighting side by side with beau. there is not a single day that he isn't with his friends, yasha most of all. they are with him through everything, though good days, so many good days, and through bad ones too. molly has so much time - time the nein have given him, as he once gave to them - to live, to love, to wander, to form new memories and experiences. to be everything he never had the chance to the first time, and so much more.

for beau... she is so, so scared at first. they saved the world. they stopped trent. they've done... everything they've set out to do. what's left? what's keeping them together? when molly tries to run it reminds her so much of how she felt before, how she thought to run, to leave them before they could leave her. he returns the favour, reminds her that they are family, reminds her that she has worth, and the nein want her to stay, that they keep her, just as they kept him. (she almost believes him, and definitely doesn't cry). she does so many things - she goes home with yasha once in a while, somewhere tranquil, somewhere to study and research, she travels with caduceus, learning to appreciate a slower pace and all the quiet contemplation and companionship it can offer, she travels with fjord, his first mate, his best mate, allowing someone she trusts to take the helm and lead her on adventures. and she studies - long gone are the days of pretending to turn her nose up at books - she is one of professor widogast's best (and most irritating) students, learning magic not to weave it herself but just to understand it, just learning for the sake of learning. when she confronts her father, fjord and caleb are there as they should be - fjord to talk, to use his words and his charm to help, caleb in quiet solidarity, a hand on her shoulder, just standing with her as she tears down her mentor, her abuser, and comes out stronger for it, just as she had been there for him. finally, she can put that behind her, and she stays with the soul, as their greatest expositor (though maybe one who never does their paperwork), rooting out corruption, seeking the truth, exploring new horizons.

for essek... he spends a long time waiting for the past to catch up to him. it doesn't. it already has, in a way, if only in his own mind, the once unfamiliar guilt that weighs heavily on his shoulders. it never goes away, not entirely, but time heals, and so does the presence of the rest of the nein, always in his life, for as long as they can be. though he and caleb have different goals, they overlap so neatly, and though essek has a place in his own homeland, he spends far, far more time living with caleb. he continues with his research, caleb and beau poring over his notes, sharing his excitement and passion. he doesn't go on adventures near as much as the others, preferring to stay home, but he visits them, in all their different homes scattered across the land - jester in nicodranas, the clays at the blooming grove, veth and her family on the outskirts of zadash, beau and yasha's cottage in a little forest near felderwin. he has homes scattered across the land, so many places he is always welcome, and while guilt never entirely leaves, nor does the knowledge that one day, of course, all this will end, he finds peace.

i guess the reason i've never thought about the campaign ending is because for me.. it doesn't, not really. the mighty nein are family, chosen family. they stay together, they find homes in each other, and they leave every place better than they found it.

#yes i did this by seat position bc otherwise every single time i forget someone #though in my mind it used to be fjord beau caleb nott jester molly/cad yasha #then they MOVED #i had tokyo sunrise in my head while writing this i think that is why there is so Much #idk where jester being a writer came from i was just trying to think about what she would do for herself and it just #snapped into place i guess #anyway writing this devastated me. thank you anon #critical role #mighty nein

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leia505 · 4 years ago

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The Sunrise and Your Sins | Tetsurou Kuroo x Reader (street racing AU)

This fic takes place in the same universe as “deciphered” by @hoeneymilktea! Here is the link to the car visuals and spotify playlist, as well as AO3 where the fic is also posted if you prefer to read on there.

Huge shoutout to @aikk00 for creating the fan art that inspired both this story and “deciphered”.

And another shoutout to @hoeneymilktea for pushing me to write this fic, if you’re here from deciphered I hope you enjoy this addition to the deciphered universe!

Pairing: Tetsurou Kuroo x Reader

Rating: Explicit, NSFW(later chapters)

Word Count: 10k

Tags: Street Racing, Alternate Universe - Car Racing, Inspired by Fanart, References to Drugs, Aged-Up Character(s), Original Character(s), Inspired by The Fast and the Furious, Inspired by Tokyo Drift, Alternate Universe - Yakuza, Mystery, Drama & Romance, Other Additional Tags to Be Added

Summary: Being a mob boss’s daughter had always been a dangerous life, but Tetsurou Kuroo—street racer and mob henchman—made it all seem easy. Although the mutual attraction between you two was undeniable, the darkness that encompassed your family took precedence over your love. Surrounded by lies and deception, you and Kuroo must work together to uncover the truth of your brother’s death and your father’s shady business.

“Hey there kitten.”

“Is that really how you want to talk to a yakuza boss’ daughter?”

“It’s not like your old man’s here to listen.” Kuroo says, pulling up a chair to sit close to you. You turned your head to stare him in the eyes as he smirked at you.

“You think a man like my father doesn’t have his own office wired?” You ask, raising an eyebrow at him.

Kuroo chuckles nervously, looking around your dad’s office. Just some harmless flirting boss. Nothing to worry about here.” He says loudly, turning to you with a wink. You can’t help but smile, you’ve always enjoyed the times Kuroo came to see your father. You weren’t going to try to deny the fact you found him attractive, but there’s no way your father would allow it. A mafia princess and a drug smuggler? What a cliché.

Your father’s sudden entrance startles you both, and Kuroo instinctively stands up to bow. You remain seated, knowing that the power he held over this city applied to everyone but you.

“Hello father.” You greet your dad as he sits in his office chair at the front of the room. He definitely has a demanding presence, which is to be expected from the man who has the Tokyo underground in his pocket. Kuroo had power, and definitely had some authority, but he was a guppy compared to your father.

“Sit, Tetsurou.” Your father says, motioning for Kuroo to take a seat. He quickly sits down in his chair, attentively looking at the mafia boss for further instructions.

“So, as you could probably guess, I have another job for you.” He says, pulling a file out from the locked cabinet of his desk. He laid the file open in front of him and turned to Kuroo. “There will be a shipping container coming in this Friday from Cuba. I’m going to need a team of your best racers to get it from point A, the ports, to point B, headquarters.” He explains, motioning for Kuroo to stand next to him to look over the details.

“Seems easy enough, standard job.” Kuroo says, studying the papers in front of him. At this moment, you can’t help but wonder to yourself why exactly you’re there.

“Exactly. Nothing new, just the same old.” Your dad agrees. “However, this is a bigger job. And we do have some eyes watching us nowadays. So what I need from you is to take the lead and choose your team. Approved by me, of course.” He says, motioning for Kuroo to take his seat again.

“How many people are we talking?” Kuroo asks.

“You, maybe two others. And your colleague, Snake Eyes, taking the lead on logistics.” Your father explains, leaning back in his chair. “Snake Eyes will be essential to this one, we need eyes and ears on the route. The less run-ins with the authorities, the better.”

‘Snake Eyes.’ You thought to yourself. ‘Isn’t that Kenma? The nerdy looking mechanic?’

“I’ll let Kozume know.” Kuroo says, nodding. “I think Oikawa and Shinsuke would be a good fit for this one. Fast, experienced, trustworthy.”

“Oikawa…he’s the one that calls himself Cypher correct?” You father questions.

“Yes sir, head of Seijoh Brawlers. Shinsuke goes by Sly Fox, head of Inarizaki Bois.”

Your dad let out a hearty chuckle, startling both of you. “You kids and your code names. You would think you’re playing spy.” Kuroo nervously chuckled in agreement.

“No playing here sir, we’re all in.” Kuroo says, giving him a confident grin.

“That’s what I like to hear, Tetsurou. With that attitude, you’ll fit right in at the grown-up table.” Your father says, getting up from his chair. You roll your eyes, bored of the conversation between the two criminals.

“Why am I here?” You ask, causing both of them to turn to you as if they just realized you were there. You rarely sat in on your father’s meetings, so you were confused from the start as to what your purpose was.

“Oh sweetheart! I almost forgot, Kuroo has a present for you.” Your father says brightly, waving his arms at you, motioning for you to follow Kuroo out the door.

You peered your eyes at Kuroo suspiciously as he smirked at you. You continued to follow him out the door of your family’s Tokyo home, with your father following behind you.

As the three of you exit the house, your eyes fall on a bright pink car, with a giant white ribbon tied around the hood.

“Is that-“You begin saying, quickening your pace to get closer to this absolute beauty.

“A Honda S2000? Yes, yes, it is.” Kuroo says, leaning against his car, a cherry red Nissan Veilside 350Z. He holds up a pair of car keys, which he tosses to you.

“It’s mine?!” You exclaim. You turn to your dad, who smiles warmly at you.

“A gift, from the Nekoma crew to our family. Me and your mother have enough cars, so I figured you could claim this one.” He explains, chuckling.

“Thank you!” You wrap your arms around him, embracing your father in a hug. He tightly hugs you back, the same way he always has. You turn towards Kuroo. “And thank you, you and the whole Nekoma crew. How’d you know I wanted pink?”

Kuroo shrugs. “I just guessed. Seemed like your color.” He says, winking at you. He slyly opens his car door, climbing in. “Thursday night, I’ll bring the team?” He asks, turning towards your dad.

“Yes, and make sure they bring their cars as well. I need to see for myself what type of speed we’re working with.” Your dad says, switching into business mode seamlessly.

Kuroo lets out a laugh, closing his car door and rolling his window down. “I can promise you sir, the one thing we will surely not be lacking is speed.” He says, revving his engine, speeding out of the driveway and down the dark street. The roar of his engine could be heard long after he disappeared from our sight, breaking the silence of the upper-class neighborhood he sped through.

“Sweetheart, Tetsurou and his boys are here if you’d like to sit in on the meeting.” Your father says, peeking his head into your room.

“I’ll be right down dad.” You reply, getting up from your bed. You heard their cars coming from miles away, so you were already prepared to meet them downstairs. You were curious as to why your father suddenly invited you to sit in on his business meetings, he never really allowed you to take part in your family’s activities. Nevertheless, you were glad you finally had something to keep you entertained while locked away in your home.

As you walked down the stairs, you heard Kuroo’s voice speaking to his friends, and you were caught off guard by how mature he sounded. He must have known you and your father were coming down the stairs, so he put his big boy voice on to impress your father.

“Hi.” you say shortly, causing all of them to turn their heads to you. You finally got a good look at all of them, and they were all exactly what you’d expect street racers to look like. Piercings, tattoos, just a bunch of tough looking guys with skeptical faces as they looked up at you.

“Is this the one you keep bringing up?” a guy with shoulder length bleached blonde hair asks, turning to Kuroo. His voice was soft, almost a whisper. It was a drastic change from Kuroo’s deep, commanding voice.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Kuroo says, awkwardly clearing his throat, tugging at his collar as he avoided your gaze.

“Hola mami.” The brunette one says to you, shooting you a devilish smirk as you descend further down the stairs.

“The fuck is wrong with this one?” You ask Kuroo, opting to stand next to him. You tilt your head towards the brunette guy, who was still staring at you like a luxury car.

“He lived in Argentina for a few years and now he’s just...like that.” Kuroo says. “You kind of get used to it. He also doesn’t care that no one but him knows Spanish.”

“Tetsurou! Glad you all made it here in one piece. Shall we move this to my office?” Your father says, waving his arm down the hall to the large double doors that lead to his office, the space where all meetings, illegal or otherwise, were held.

The five of you made room for your father to lead and followed him down the hall. You were keenly aware of the fact Kuroo stood almost directly behind you, mainly because the smell of his cologne was too strong to ignore. Kuroo was just like that, a presence you couldn’t seem to get out of your head.

Upon entering the office, you choose to take your usual spot on the comfortable sofa chair you put in your dad’s office over a decade ago. When you were younger, more naive to the truth to your father’s business and your family’s wealth, you frequently accompanied your father in his office on long work nights, falling asleep in the chair that was kept out of the way to keep others from taking your special spot. That’s always how your dad was, making sure to accommodate you. Anything for the princess.

“So!” Your father announces, clapping his hands together, causing you and the blonde one to jump slightly. “Don’t be shy, introduce yourselves.” You roll your eyes at him, thinking that he sounded more like a grade school teacher than a yakuza boss with hundreds of skeletons in the closet.

The 4 men stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, not knowing how to start. Everyone except the silver haired guy wore a bomber jacket, with names printed on the back. The brunette wearing a white bomber jacket spoke first. You noticed the teal lettering on his jacket that read ‘CYPHER’.

“Tooru Oikawa, sir. Cypher.” He says, bowing at your dad.

“Uh, Kenma Kozume. People call me Snake Eyes sometimes.” the bleach blonde spoke next, his voice quiet and skeptical.

“Kita Shinsuke, aka Sly Fox.” The silver haired guy in the plain black hoodie says, giving your father a slight head nod.

“And obviously you know me.” Kuroo says. He turns to face you, flashing his signature grin. “Your turn.”

“(y/n).” you introduce yourself, giving them a small wave. “If you haven’t figured out who I am then you’re pretty slow.”

“My daughter, everyone. Excuse the attitude.” your father remarks, shaking his head at you. “So, I assume you filled them in on the details?”

“Yes sir, they’ve all been filled in on the job. Kenma running point on logistics, the control tower of the team. The three of us running the cargo from the ports to the warehouse. Basic rules, don’t be dumb, and don’t get caught.” Kuroo says. The other men looked at him, nodding slightly in agreement.

“Excellent, I knew I could count on you to take the lead here. Keep this up and you may find some more jobs like this in your future.” Your father gets up from his chair, pulling more files from his cabinet. He hands each of the men their own file, which they all take and begin looking over. “You’ll find all the smaller details in there, as well as numbers to contact in case you run into trouble. You’ll also find a receipt, with your pay for this job highlighted. I hope you find it accommodating to your work.” He says, studying each of them as they flip through the files.

“Definitely accommodating.” Kita comments, nodding his head as he peers down at the file. You begin to wonder when you’ll be able to see the fine tuned details, to truly see everything your father does in a day. So much of who he is still remained a mystery to you, and perhaps you found some comfort in your own ignorance.

“Thank you sir, our teams greatly appreciate your contributions.” Kuroo says, bowing once again to your father.

“It’s really no problem, after all, who doesn’t like a good street race.” Your father says with a smile. “And, in a way, I feel as though keeping your teams afloat helps me remember my son.”

“You have a son?” Oikawa asks, looking up.

“Had a son, yes.” Your father replied sadly. You winced, not expecting to have to relive these memories. “He passed in a racing accident. It was a few years ago. I think it was before your kids’ time.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what was his name? Or, what team was he on?” Kenma asks.

“Keishin. He used the last name Ukai when he raced, to get away from our family name. I believe he raced for Karasuno?” Your dad says, bringing up more and more painful memories.

“Karasuno Killers? They’re getting back on the scene nowadays. I remember someone talking about how they stopped coming to races a while back, but they just recently started racing again because they have a whole new team.” Kuroo says.

“Really? Well, I might just have to come watch a race one of these days. For old times sake.”

‘Old times sake my ass.’ you thought to yourself, knowing the truth about your father and your deceased brother’s relationship. Your father hated racing, and resented your brother for choosing Karasuno over the Sakanoshita name. At the time of your brother’s death, you couldn’t help but wonder if your father was truly upset, or if he was putting on another facade, the same way he was now.

“Well, speaking of races, you wanted to see our cars, right?” Oikawa says, clearly trying to redirect this depressing conversation.

“Oh yes, of course! I want to see for myself what you’re all going to be working with tomorrow.” Your father says, walking out of his office towards the front of the home.

Outside, there were 3 cars parked in the driveway. You recognized the models, and you could guess which cars were Oikawa and Kita’s just from the colorways, white and black, just like their outfits.

“Mi amor.” Oikawa says, looking at his car. “Mazda RX-7 Veilside Fortune. ‘97.”

“He would marry his car if he could.” Kuroo comments, tilting his head towards you. You laugh, looking up at him.

“Nissan Silvia. 2002.” Kita says, walking up to his car and opening the door. The smell of smoke was strong, and he grabbed a pack of cigarettes from the middle console. “Mind if I smoke?” Your father nods, and Kita proceeds to light one and take a puff.

“Kenma, no car?” Your father asks, turning towards him. Kenma seems caught off guard by the sound of his own name.

“Uh, no sir, not tonight. I have cars, but I don’t drive all that often. I don’t see the point in risking my investments.” He says, shrugging his shoulders.

“Yeah, he’d rather be in the passenger seat with me driving and risking my car.” Kuroo says, playfully shoving Kenma’s shoulder.

“That reminds me, I have a proposal for you Kuroo.” Your father says, getting everyone's attention. “Would you be willing to let (y/n) ride with you on this job?”

“Excuse me?” You say, interrupting the conversation. “Why am I going? You never let me go anywhere, but suddenly I’m running drugs for you?” You raise an eyebrow at him and cross your arms across your chest.

“Well, sweetheart, I figured it was time.” Your father says, taking a step closer to stand in front of you. “I was around your age when your grandfather started allowing me to learn the ropes of our family’s business. You are the only one who can continue the Sakanoshita name. I think this is a good first job for you.”

“For the record, it's no problem. She can ride with me. I promise she’ll be safe.” Kuroo says, inserting himself into the conversation between you and your father.

“So, does this mean I finally have something to do? I can start leaving the house again?” You ask, hopeful that this decision from your father will mean more freedom. Things haven’t been the same since Keishin died, and your father kept you under a microscope, claiming it was for your safety.

“We can talk about new safety rules after this job. Deal?” He asks, holding his hand out for you to shake.

“Deal.” You say, taking his hand and shaking it firmly.

“Looks like the princess is growing up.” Kuroo comments, smirking at you.

“Hope we don’t scare her too much.” Kita says jokingly.

You scoffed at him, excitement growing inside of you as you realized this will be the start of you growing into a leadership position in the Sakanoshita family, becoming the face of this giant organization that ruled the Tokyo underground. “Nothing scares me.”

You stared at yourself in the mirror, trying to get your head together before the job. ‘What does a person bring to a drug smuggling? What does someone wear? Fucking jeans?’

‘No.’ you thought to yourself, grabbing a pair of leggings. What if you needed to run? Well then you need sneakers too. And a warm jacket, just in case. Do you bring a phone charger? Would it be weird to ask Kuroo to plug your phone in while you’re smuggling drugs together?

“What the fuck am I doing.” You say out loud to yourself, beginning to question your own sanity. You let out a deep sigh, trying to clear your head.

You eventually decide on leggings, sneakers, and a cross body fanny pack to hold your phone and smaller things. Before exiting your room, you hesitate.

You make your way to your bedside table, opening the drawer and reaching to the back, pulling out a small handgun. You take it out, along with a note that was tucked underneath it.

‘Stay safe. -Keishin’

This was a gift from your brother, before he passed. You kept it close by, both as protection and a heavy reminder. Your family name carried a lot of weight, which the both of you felt smothered by. You both understood the dark side of the luxury you lived with, saw the blood that stained your family’s money. But now, with him gone, it all fell on you. Everything depended on you.

You make the decision to take it along with you, holstering it to your thigh. ‘Better safe than sorry’, you thought to yourself. A regular night could turn deadly in an instant, something that you were very familiar with given the way your brother passed.

You exit your room and descend down the stairs, walking out the front door to where everyone was waiting with their cars. Oikawa was busy on his phone, and Kita was further away smoking a cigarette. Your father stood with Kuroo, most likely discussing the job.

“Where’s Kenma?” You question, walking up to stand with Kuroo and your dad.

“He’s back at the garage. Don’t worry, he has eyes and ears at us at all times.” Kuroo says, pointing at the earpiece he wore. “Here, one for you as well.” He hands you an ear piece, which you put in, immediately hearing the sounds of a video game, most likely from Kenma.

“Are you ready?” Your father asks, turning towards you. You nod in response, and he looks over you, stopping and furrowing his eyebrows when he sees your gun. “Is a gun really necessary?”

“Keishin would have wanted me to bring it. Better safe than sorry, like he used to say.” You say, knowing that bringing up your brother was the easiest way to get your father to comply with whatever it was that you were doing.

He nods, giving you a sad smile. “You’re right. He was always the cautious one.”

“The smart one too.” You say, smiling nostalgically. “Are we all ready to go?” You ask, turning to Kuroo.

“Yup, all set.” He replies, swinging the passenger car door open for you. “I’ll have Snake Eyes let you know when we reach the ports, and again at the warehouse.” He says, turning to your father.

“Perfect.” Your father says. He turns to look at you once more, then back at Kuroo. “Bring her back in one piece.” He says, holding out his hand.

“You can count on me, sir.” He says, giving your father a firm handshake. You couldn’t help but roll your eyes, the business your family was involved in was always so masculine, so formal. It was something you would have to adjust to when you begin taking part in it.

Kuroo closed your car door and nodded to the other two racers, who immediately got into their cars, turning their engines one. He climbs into the driver’s seat of his car, turning the key in the ignition, the loud roar of the engine startling you. He chuckles, realizing he made you jump.

“Mic check. Roll call.” You hear Kenma say in your ear.

“Tap once to speak, twice to mute.” Kuroo says, pointing to the earpiece. He taps once, and speaks. “DK here, with Princess in the passenger seat.” He says, grinning at you.

“Ew, keep it PG-13 dude.” Kenma says, making you laugh.

“Cypher, ready to roll.” You hear Oikawa say.

“Sly fox.” Kita says shortly.

“And Snake Eyes. Ready when you guys are. All clear on the short route to the ports, I’ll let you know if that changes. Stay safe everyone.” Kenma says, muting himself.

“Alright, we all know the route, I’ll take the lead, Sly Fox you take rear. You already know the rules, don’t be stupid, and don’t get caught. I’ll check back in when we’re 5 away from the ports.” Kuroo says, taking the parking brake off and switching gears, the car beginning to move.

Everyone mutes themselves and begins driving off, away from your wealthy neighborhood and towards the city’s industrial district. The Tokyo skyline was in your rear view mirror, and your heart beat faster and faster as you went further away from your home, the place that you’ve been stuck in for years now.

“You don’t get out much do you?” Kuroo asks, breaking the silence.

“Not really, no. My father doesn’t allow me to go many places now, ever since my brother died. He says it’s too risky, which I think is bullshit.” You say, shrugging your shoulders.

Kuroo laughs. “I knew you weren’t just some obedient princess. Look at you, all rebellious.”

“I’d be more rebellious if I were able to do anything. This...is my first time out of the house in 6 months. The last time was just for the dentist.” You say, awkwardly laughing at yourself.

“Well, then we better make the most of it, right?” Kuroo says, switching gears, now going 105 km/h on the expressway.

“Kuroo what if we get pulled over?” You ask nervously, knowing the risks he was taking just to show off.

“Relax, (y/n), I know what I’m doing.” Kuroo says, flashing his signature grin at you. Everything about him drew you in, made you want to keep looking, to reach out and know him as more than just your father’s employee.

“Kuroo, stop showing off. Just because there’s a pretty girl in the car doesn’t mean that you get to be cocky.” Kenma says in your ear, catching you both off guard.

“Alright alright, take it easy Snake Eyes.” Kuroo says, tapping his ear piece once, then double tapping again to mute. He begins slowing the car down to 80 km/h.

You let out a small giggle, looking over at him. “You think I’m pretty?” You say in a mocking tone, leaning in closer to him.

“I think you’re beautiful.” He says in a serious tone, catching you completely off guard. You begin to slowly back away from him, retreating back into your seat.

“What?” You ask, not sure if you heard him right.

“You’re beautiful. I’ve always thought so. As a matter of fact, if it wasn’t for my extremely deep fear of your father, I’d want to take you out on a date.” He says, laughing.

You laugh as well, suddenly a little sad about what he said. “Yeah, that’s too bad. I would’ve said yes.” You say, turning your face to give him a sad smile.

He smirks at you, but his eyes drooped, giving them a sad, tired look. “Would’ve been a great first date.”

After that exchange, you both remained quiet, lost in thought of what could have been. Thinking of the undeniable chemistry that drew the two of you together, but also the forces at play that kept you from colliding. What could have been, if circumstances were different, if the two of you were different. Normal.

“Can I ask you something?” You ask him, breaking the silence that had fallen between the two of you.

“Of course.”

“What would you be, if you weren’t racing and working for my dad? Who would you be?” You were genuinely curious, because all you ever knew about Kuroo was that he was dealing before getting pulled into the Sakanoshita business, and that he raced with Nekoma.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” He says, a smile growing on his face.

“Try me.”

“Well, I would be a student. Right before I got recruited by your family, I was in college. Chemistry major.” He says, peering over at you.

“Chemistry?!” You ask, surprised by his answer. “You’re a science nerd?”

“I mean, I wouldn’t say a nerd.” He says, laughing at your reaction. “In my senior year, I ran out of money. So, I started dealing. It wasn’t anything serious, but I guess I was pretty good at it. I ended up on your dad’s radar, and he took me in as a transporter and dealer. And so, here I am. No degree, but hey, I have a nice car.”

“I’m sorry.” You say, almost out of instinct. It felt like the only right thing to say, even if it wasn’t something that was expected.

“Sorry for what? Your dad giving me a job?”

“You never got to graduate.” After saying this, it seems as though Kuroo realizes it as well, that he never got to finish school. “You were so close, but you got stuck with my family. I’m sorry you didn’t get to finish your schooling.” You say, meaning every word. You were sorry, and you couldn’t help the guilt you felt. After all, it was your family that pulled him into this world.

Kuroo stays silent for a few more moments, thinking over what you just said. He appears to snap out of it, switching back to his usual easy going, casual self. “Nothing to be sorry for, princess. Without your dad recruiting me, I would just be a broke bum with a lame car and no money to my name. Besides, I can go back and finish things up someday. But for right now, I’m exactly where I want to be.” He looks over at you and winks, making you laugh. “What about you? Where would the yakuza princess be if she wasn’t a mob boss in training?”

You paused, not knowing how to answer. “I actually don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it, because there really isn’t a future for me outside of the family business.” You say, unable to hide the disappointment in your voice.

Kuroo frowned, thinking of a response. “Well, hypothetically, what would you be doing? Let’s say, in an alternate universe, where we’re just normal people, living normal, legal lives. What would (y/n) be?”

“A teacher.” You say proudly, without hesitation. “Or a professor. Definitely education.”

“A teacher?!” Kuroo asks, laughing. “How do you go from yakuza boss to teacher?”

You laugh, realizing just how ridiculous it sounds. “What, you said normal! If I had a choice to be normal, I’d want to be a teacher, in a small town. I think I’d be a good teacher!” You say, defending your choice.

“Okay, okay. I guess I can see you as a teacher.” Kuroo says, still grinning from ear to ear. “But, the hot teacher. With a gang tattoo.” He says, referencing the giant koi fish tattoo you have on your shoulder.

“No!” you exclaimed, laughing loudly with him. “I want to be the generic teacher, with cardigans and sensible shoes and house cats to come home to. I’d grade papers and mentor kids, and just be free to be as boring as I want to be.”

“Y’know, maybe I can see it.” Kuroo says, smiling at you. You couldn’t ignore the butterflies in your stomach every time he gave you that smile, the kind of smile that made your day so much better by simply existing. “Maybe someday we can be boring together.”

The profound silence that followed that sentence spoke volumes to the both of you, almost as a silent prayer to the universe, begging for a chance to be boring together. However, that silence was broken by Kenma in your ear, bringing you both back to the reality you both began to dread.

“5 minutes out, turn your headlights off.”

“Going dark. Thanks Snake Eyes.” You hear Kita say. Kuroo flicks his lights off, leaving only the street lamps to light the way.

“What container should we be looking for?” Oikawa asks.

Kuroo replies, reading out a series of letters and numbers. “The boss gave me an idea of where to go, I think we’ll have to get out to look around though. Snake Eyes, you got eyes on the port? Any trouble?”

“Nope, all clear. Limited street lamps though, you may need a car for some light.”

“Got it. I’ll let you know when we find the container. Let us know if anything suspicious catches your eye.” Kuroo says, muting himself once again. As you enter the industrial port, Kuroo begins taking a series of turns, leading you deep into the maze of containers. The further you got, the number of street lamps began rapidly decreasing, and you became very familiar with the reason why it’s called shady business.

Kuroo flicked his lights on, and you kept an eye out for the shipping container, or at least one that was close to the number you were looking for.

“I think I got something.” You hear Kita say, flashing his lights behind you, to signal for everyone to stop. Kuroo turns around, putting his car in park and leaving the lights on, pointing at a shipping container with the exact identification numbers you were looking for.

“Nice work Sly Fox.” Kuroo says, patting him on the back. You stood close by the car as the three men approached the container, Kuroo pulling a key out of his pocket and unlocking the giant lock that secured the container.

As he swung open the door to the container, the scent was strong, but familiar. It smelled like…

“Tobacco?” You ask, walking closer to the container.

“Cuban cigars.” Kita says, laughing as he walked further into the container.

“Hey Snake Eyes, let the boss know we’re in the container. 30 bricks right?” Kuroo asks into his ear piece.

“I’ll let him know. And yes, 30 exactly. He left a note in the file that said you may have to look around a bit for the cargo. Also, Sly Fox, don’t take any cigars.” Kenma says, right as Kita was stuffing a handful of cigars into his pocket. Kita reluctantly returns them to the pile they were taken from.

“Got it, 30 pieces of cargo. We’ll make contact again once they’ve been located.” Kuroo says, tapping his ear piece twice. “Okay, 30 bricks. Let’s start from the back and make our way out, whenever you find one, take it straight out to my car. Princess, you’re the look out.”

“Why do I have to be the look out?” You protest.

“You can’t reach the top of the containers, chica.” Oikawa points out, putting his hand on one of the shipping boxes that towered over you. Kuroo snickered, walking up to you.

“Just stay outside, kitten. Let us know if there’s any big bad guys coming?” Kuroo says, putting his arm around you and walking you outside.

You rolled your eyes and shrugged his arm off. “Whatever, just hurry up, it’s freezing out here.”

You stand outside, staring out to the distant city lights, listening to the quiet waves that lapped against the side of the port. Kuroo came and went, bringing cigar boxes filled with cocaine out to his car.

After the 12th box, he noticed you were crouched down with your arms tucked into your jacket, the arms of your jacket swinging in the breeze. He laughs, walking up to you.

“Cold?” He asks, looking down at you.

“Maybe.” You answered through chattering teeth. You stand up, looking up at him. He towered over you, meaning you had to crane your neck in order to meet his gaze.

“Here.” He says, taking the red bomber jacket off his body and wrapping it around you, using it as an opportunity to pull you closer to him. “Your dad might slice my head off if you catch a cold.” He whispers into your ear, making you laugh.

“How’re we doing guys?” Kenma asks through the ear piece.

“A little under halfway done. Anything we should be worried about?” Kuroo says.

“Nope, still all clear. Just let me know when you’re done and heading out.” Kenma says, muting himself.

“Back to work.” Kuroo says, pulling you in tighter for a moment before letting you go. You stood there, warm under his jacket, wrapped up in the lingering scent of his cologne that remained. You wanted to freeze time, to live in this moment of calm, feeling protected just by the residual presence of Kuroo.

They continued on, carrying cigar boxes out of the container and into Kuroo’s trunk. Every once in a while you’d hear hushed conversations from inside the container, too quiet for you to hear.

“This is the last of it.” Oikawa says, walking out of the container with Kuroo. They each had 4 boxes in their hands, which they placed in the back of Kuroo’s car.

“Ready to go?” Kita says, popping up next to you out of nowhere, causing you to jump.

“Jesus, where did you even come from?” You ask, startled by his sudden appearance.

Kita smirks, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “They don’t call me sly fox for nothing.” He says, walking back to his car. Kuroo was busy closing up the container, securing it and making it appear as if we were never there. Oikawa was leaning over the trunk of Kuroo’s car, arranging the boxes of drugs underneath a spare blanket.

“Snake Eyes, you there?” Kuroo asks, walking back to the car.

“Yup, all ready to go?” Kenma responds.

“Ready when you are.” Kuroo says, walking over to your car door and holding it open for you. You climb in, ready to get out of the cold. Kuroo closes the door, and continues to talk to Kenma through his ear piece. You figured out that Kenma had made it so their communications wouldn’t be heard through your ear piece. You couldn’t make out exactly what they’re saying, but you assumed it’s some info about the drive to the warehouse.

You watch as Kuroo leans in to tell Oikawa something, which he nods in agreeance to before walking back to his car and getting in. Kuroo then walks around to his side of the car, turning it on and beginning to pull out of the dark alleyway of the port.

“Ready to roll, princess?” He asks, turning to flash you a grin.

“The faster the better.” You say jokingly. He laughs, revving his engine loudly.

“Careful what you wish for.” He says, speeding up as the three cars leave the port and enter the expressway.

“DK, stop showing off.” You hear Oikawa say through the ear piece.

Kuroo rolls his eyes, taking his foot off the gas to slow down. “Buzzkill.” He mutters under his breath.

You rode in silence together, heading towards the warehouse your father owns. The warehouse was a front, being used as storage for the goods your father exported in his legal business. For the illegal business, it was used as a storage and distribution center for the underground dealings.

“DK, we have a problem.” Kenma says.

“Talk to me Snake Eyes.”

“We’ve got some cops heading your way. The boss texted saying someone may have tipped them off to tonight’s job. Apparently the king of Tokyo has some enemies.”

“That’s one way to put it.” You mutter to yourself. Your father had more enemies than allies, meaning that there was a constant target on the backs of every member of the family. It’s no surprise that something went wrong tonight.

“Which way are they coming from?” Kuroo asks.

“West. I think they’re gonna intercept you soon. At least 2 cars, and I’m pretty sure they’re looking for you.”

“Shit.” Kuroo whispers to himself. “Cypher, Sly Fox, you there?”

“Heard it all, DK. What’s the next move?” Cypher asks.

“Sly Fox, take the lead. Take the back route, go straight to the warehouse, fast as you can. Cypher, take the rear behind Sly Fox, if you run into any trouble you’re the diversion. Got it?” Kuroo says, his voice taking on a new tone of authority.

“Roger that. When should we check in with you?” Sly Fox asks.

“I’ll make contact when we’re free. Just get in touch with Snake Eyes when the delivery is made.”

“And (y/n)?” Kita asks. Kuroo turned toward you with an expression of deep thought on his face.

“She’ll stay with me. We’ll be fine.” Kuroo says firmly, turning his eyes back to the road. You weren’t sure why, but you trusted him. Given the circumstances, you probably shouldn’t, but some part of you just impulsively put all your faith in him, trusting that being in his car was the best place for you to be.

You hear Oikawa chuckle. “Have fun princesa. I hope DK doesn’t scare you away.”

“Shut your mouth, amigo.” Kuroo says mockingly. “I’ll see you both later. Be safe.” He says, muting himself.

You look behind you to see Kita’s car already in front of Oikawa’s, and you see them both exit off of the expressway, their engines revving as they sped off, out of sight.

“Maybe I’m pointing out the obvious, but aren’t you the one with the delivery to make?” You say, growing worried by Kuroo’s plan.

“Don’t worry about it princess. Just trust me.” Kuroo says, revving his engine loudly, rapidly increasing speed.

“You have 20 bricks of cocaine in your trunk and you’re telling me not to worry?!” You exclaim, turning your body to face him.

“Or do I?” He asks, glancing over and smirking at you. This question caught you off guard, making you wonder if this guy was crazy or stupid, or both.

“On your left!” You hear Kenma say, moments before two police cars appeared behind you two, struggling to keep up with Kuroo’s speed.

You slumped back in your seat, trying to find it in yourself to trust Kuroo. The police sirens grew louder and the red and blue flashing lights started to draw closer, but somehow, Kuroo remained calm, not even bothering to increase speed.

Your heart raced as the police cars began getting closer and closer, nearly pulling up right beside you.

“Hey princess, ever wondered what DK stood for?” Kuroo asks calmly.

“Fucking Donkey Kong?!” You yell at him, having no patience for his games.

He laughed at your stressed demeanor, throwing his head back and shaking his head. “Nope. Not even close.” He switches gears, causing the car to slow down quickly and making the cops draw far ahead of you. He veers off to the side, seemingly to take the ramp that curved to exit the freeway. Suddenly, he speeds up yet again, turning his wheel suddenly as the car begins drifting on it’s side.

“Drift King.” He says with a smirk. The car drifted down the ramp, screeching as Kuroo pulled the emergency brake up and maneuvered the steering wheel to keep it steady. You were familiar with drifting, due to the fact your brother was involved in street racing before his death. You knew that it was something that only experienced drivers could do, and it took a certain level of skill and a lot of practice to perfect. You realized that this meant Kuroo was a skilled driver, far more skilled than you realized. No wonder they called him Drift King.

By the time the two of you reached the end of the ramp and began racing down the industrial district street, the cops just began heading down the ramp, trying their hardest to keep up.

The chase continued on for several blocks, Kuroo barely breaking a sweat. It seemed as though this wasn’t his first chase. After some time, Kenma’s voice comes through on the ear piece.

“Hey DK, you may want to end this chase. They’re calling for backup soon.”

“Got it, I’ll pull over now. Thanks Snake Eyes.” Kuroo replies, beginning to slow down.

“Pull over?!” You ask him.

“Just trust me! You think I’d put you in danger?” He asks you, grinning. The car comes to a stop, and the two police cars quickly pull over as well.

“Give me your ear piece.” Kuroo says quickly, the two police officers quickly approaching the car. You quickly hand it to him, which he shoves in the inside pocket of his jacket.

“Sir, please exit the car. You as well, ma’am.” The officer says, shining his light in Kuroo’s car. The two of you exit the car, standing in front of the headlights.

“Now, what in god’s name were you doing?” He asks, as the other officer begins searching the car.

“He was just being a show off.” You say, lying on the spot. Kuroo looks surprised by your sudden statement, but plays it off, acting natural.

“Yeah, sorry about that. Just trying to impress a pretty girl.” He says, putting his arm around you and kissing the side of your forehead. Although it was just an act, your stomach still did somersaults just with that one simple action.

“I see.” The officer says, shining the light at your gun. “You have a license to carry that ma’am?”

“Yes sir. Just a personal protection piece.” You say, pulling your driver’s license as well as gun registration out. You hand it to the officer, who looks it over.

“Sakanoshita?” He asks with fake surprise, looking up at you.

“Yes, my father. I’m sure you know him.” You say, knowing that the name Sakanoshita held a lot of clout in the city.

“We're familiar with him.” He says shortly, handing the papers back to you. “Anything?” He asks, turning towards the other officer who was peering into the car.

“Nothing. Mind popping the trunk?” He asks Kuroo. Your heart begins to race, knowing what they would find. Kuroo however, remained cool as a cucumber, sauntering over to the car to open the trunk. He walks back to you with a grin, standing behind you and draping his arms over your shoulders, pulling you closer to his body. You grab his hands, bracing yourself for the big reveal.

“Now what do we have here?” The officer says, ripping the blanket off of the boxes. You close your eyes, preparing yourself for the worst. The officers pause, opening one of the boxes.

“Cigars?” They ask. You open your eyes, looking up at Kuroo as he continues to grin at you.

“Yes sir, we were on our way back to her place, to deliver them to her dad. You know, the infamous Mr. Sakanoshita.” Kuroo lies with ease.

“They’re gifts, for some associates of his.” You say, joining in on the lie. “He’s hosting a little get together tomorrow. I believe your boss, the police chief, will be there. It’d be a shame if he heard you pulled over a Sakanoshita.” You knew exactly what you were doing, using your name for your own benefit.

“I see.” He says, closing the box of cigars and putting it back down. “Just some Cuban cigars I suppose.” He closes the trunk, walking to where you and Kuroo stood.

“And I suppose the speeding was because the old man is waiting on these cigars, huh?” The other officer says, standing next to his partner.

“Exactly.” Kuroo says. “Not exactly the best idea to get on the bad side of your girlfriend’s father, right?” He jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

Surprisingly, the cops laugh. “You got your work cut out for you kid. Sakanoshita is not an easy man to win over.”

“Yeah, his daughter isn’t any easier.” Kuroo says, pulling you closer. You laugh along, wishing for this interaction to end already.

“I’ll tell you what.” The officer says, taking a few steps closer to the two of you. The headlights from the car streaked behind him, casting a dark shadow over you and Kuroo. “You two can go ahead home, just make sure not to mention this to your dad. Or our boss. Sound good?”

“Perfect. Have a good night you two.” You say, hurriedly pulling Kuroo back to the car.

“Sorry for the trouble!” Kuroo calls out as the two men walk back to their patrol cars.

Once the two of you are back in the car, you breathe deeply, staring into space.

“You alright princess?” Kuroo asks, turning towards you.

You snap out of it, punching him in the arm. He jumps back in pain, looking shocked at your outburst.

“Cigars?!” You question him, unable to form a full sentence. He laughs, throwing his head back.

“Yes, cigars. I told you I didn’t have any drugs back there, didn’t I?” he says, grinning slyly at you.

“Then who the hell has the coke?” You ask sternly, adrenaline still pumping from that run in with the cops.

“Think about it.” Kuroo says, turning his whole body to face you. “Where do you think the drugs are?”

You thought about it, the entire night, all the interactions that occurred. Only one person stood out to you, which was-

“Sly Fox.” You say, realizing the stunt that they had just pulled off. “Kita. I never would have seen him take anything to his car, he’s too sneaky. I had my back turned to his car because it was up against a container, no one could have come from over there. That’s why you had him go straight to the warehouse. It’s all in Kita’s car.”

“Well look who figured it out. Good job princess.” Kuroo says, leaning back in his seat.

“But why take the cigars? And why not tell me the plan?” You question him, not satisfied with the answer you had come up with.

“In case of a situation exactly like this. Insurance, in case everything went wrong. An alibi.” He says peering over at you. “And, well, I wanted to test you. See if you could take the heat.”

“What do you mean?”

“I wanted to see how you’d handle yourself, with your back to the wall. I wanted to see if you trust me.” He says, with a small smile on his face.

“Didn’t really give me much of a choice but whatever.” You grumble quietly.

Kuroo laughs, looking over at you. “You did great, princess. You’ll be a mob boss in no time. I hope you’ll let me keep my job, though.”

You let out a tired scoff, exhausted by the adrenaline rush that had come and gone. “Just- please keep me in the loop about things like this. If you can do that then maybe you can keep working for me.”

“DK, everything good?” You hear Kenma say through the ear pieces that were still in Kuroo’s pocket. He dug them out, handing you one which you placed in your ear.

“Yup, crisis averted. Have you heard from Sly Fox and Cypher?” Kuroo asks.

“We’re right here boss. Delivery has been made, just waiting on your order.” You hear Kita say.

“Meet us back at the boss’s house, me and the princess have one last loose end to tie up and then we’ll head over.” Kuroo says, starting the car.

Kuroo heads back in the direction of the ports, and you assume it’s so that the 20 cigars could be returned to the container. Once again, the two of you ride in comfortable silence, your mind wandering as you gazed at the distant city lights.

“What’s on your mind, princess?” Kuroo asks, bringing you back to reality.

“My brother.” You answer without hesitation. “If things were different, it’d probably be him doing this job with you. Maybe not in the passenger seat, but still. The family legacy would be his.” You felt a pit grow in your stomach, your eyes suddenly tearing up. You always had these lingering feelings of doubt, but you never realized it was because of Keishin, having to be in his shadow. No one ever bet on you, or thought you were going to be the one inheriting the empire. Regardless, you were there, because your brother wasn’t.

“Well, no offense to the great Black Lung but I for one am glad you’re here. No one else I’d rather have in my passenger seat.” He says, giving you a sincere smile, one that you haven’t seen before. It was different from his flirtatious smirk, or his arrogant grin. It was just a simple, kind smile.

Black Lung?” You questioned.

“Your brother’s racing name. Y’know, like DK, Cypher, Sly Fox. He used to smoke like 6 packs a day, even more than Kita. He was kind of a big deal in the racing scene. After he passed, Karasuno didn’t race for a long time because there was no one that could replace him. They’re slowly getting back on the road, but your brother is definitely still a driver people remember.” Kuroo explains, pulling into the port once again.

“He smoked?” You asked, trying to remember a time you saw him with a cigarette. You assumed it was because he only smoked when he was away from the house, because it was something that your father would have never approved of. You were pretty sure Keishin would’ve been disowned if he smoked or drank in front of your father.

“Yeah, all the time. That was his whole thing. Did he not smoke around you?” Kuroo asks, eyebrows furrowed.

“No, I guess he never smoked around our family. I don’t think my dad knew either if he only smoked when he raced.” You pause for a moment. “Do you know anything about it? The accident?” You ask, growing more and more curious about what Kuroo knew. Your brother’s death was always explained to you by members of your family, and you wondered if there was something that they didn’t know that the racers did.

Kuroo paused, an expression of deep thought in his face. He looked as though he was trying to figure out the exact sentences he would say next. “All I’ve heard is that…there was an explosion. I think his girlfriend was near it at the time, and she got injured. That’s all I know though, no one really talks about it much because of how bad it hurt everyone. A lot of people cared about him.”

“He had a girlfriend?” You ask, turning towards Kuroo as he puts the car in park.

He looks at you, eyebrows furrowed. “Yeah, some chick named Saeko. I think she has a younger brother that races nowadays. I’m pretty sure she’s still a mechanic for the team.” Kuroo pauses, looking out towards the port. “Look, I don’t know too much about the accident. And I assume your dad doesn’t want you looking into it too hard. But if you do want to know more, just let me know. I’ll talk to some guys from Karasuno. Sounds good?” He asks you.

You nod in agreeance, knowing that there had to be a reason why Keishin was so secretive, and why your father is still keeping secrets about his death to this day. “Okay. If you end up talking to Saeko, could I come along? I just...I feel like I’m getting to know my brother all over again. I want to know the side of him that he hid from our family.”

“Of course. Now c’mon, let's get these cigars back where they came from.” Kuroo says, getting out of the car and popping the trunk. You follow him, getting out and standing next to him.

The two of you silently put the cigars back, working quickly to get the job completely finished. By the time Kuroo was closing the container door, Oikawa came through in the ear piece.

“Hey love birds, are you heading back to the house soon?” he asks. Kuroo rolls his eyes and unmutes himself.

“We’re heading back now from the port. Snake Eyes, you told the boss the delivery was made already, right?”

“Yup, I let him know. He’s waiting for you guys at the house.” Kenma replies.

“Sounds good, we’ll be there soon. Cypher, Sly Fox, go ahead and start heading over now.”

“Will do. See you soon DK.” Sly Fox says.

“C’mon princess, let’s go home.” Kuroo says, throwing his arm over you as the two of you walk back to the car. You take the hand he had on your shoulder into your own, squeezing tightly. It was strange how natural it felt, being with Kuroo. It was almost as if it was where you belonged, with him, wrapped up in his arms.

You climb back into the car, watching Kuroo as he starts the car and begins driving off once again. Your head was spinning trying to make sense of everything that had occurred that night, as well as processing all the new information Kuroo had told you about your brother. You knew this day had to come, when you would have to jump in head first into the world your family operated within, when you would have to fully take on the Sakanoshita name and all the responsibilities that come with it.

As Kuroo rolls up to the driveway of your home, you see Oikawa and Kita standing outside with your father, smoke billowing from where the three of them were conversing.

“Tetsurou! (y/n)! I was beginning to wonder when you’d be back!” Your father says, cutting another cigar and handing it to Kuroo, motioning for him to join the group.

“Cubans? What’s the occasion?” You ask your father, standing next to Kuroo.

“Your first job, sweetheart. And with no casualties, no arrests, a clean job deserves a little reward.” Your father says, grinning at you, holding out a cigar for you to take.

“Dad, I don’t smoke.” You say, laughing.

“Oh c’mon, the most powerful man in Tokyo offers you a cigar, you take the cigar.” Oikawa says, smirking and letting out another cloud of smoke.

You roll your eyes, taking the cigar and allowing your father to light it. You thought more about the cigar as you drew the smoke in, about what it meant for you to be invited to smoke with your father. It meant that you were finally owning your family name, you were finally a true Sakanoshita.

You stood there silently, listening as Kuroo explained to your father the decision he made to use Kita as the real transport and to make himself the emergency decoy. Your father listened as well, nodding along with an expression of deep thought on his face.

“Great thinking Tetsurou. That is exactly why I keep you on my payroll.” Your father laughs, smacking his hand against Kuroo’s back. Kuroo laughs as well, putting on his usual submissive attitude that he uses with your father to gain his good graces.

“Let’s just hope your daughter keeps me on when she takes over.” Kuroo jokes, nudging you with his elbow.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve earned your place with the whole family.” Your father says, smiling at you. “Say, isn’t that Tetsurou’s jacket?”

“Oh, yeah.” You say, realizing you still had it on. “It got cold at the ports.”

“It’s funny. You’re starting to look more and more like him.” Your father says, eyes squinting as he smiles sadly.

“Like who? DK?” Kita asks with a cigar hanging out of his mouth.

“Keishin. The racing jacket, the gun. Even the smoking.” The hairs on the back of your neck stood up, remembering the conversation you had with Kuroo about your brother. Your suspicions about your father kept growing, and it became harder and harder to believe his mourning father act, the smoke and mirrors he used to deceive everyone.

“Well, you know how much I adored him.” You say, taking another puff from your cigar. You and your father both pause, staring one another down. There was noticeable tension, but with no clear reason. Nothing more than a gut feeling.

The staredown was cut off by Kuroo clearing his throat, getting both yours and your father’s attention. “It’s getting pretty late, we don’t want to keep the two of you from a good night’s rest.” He says, finding a way for the three racers to leave.

“Yes, it is getting rather late. Oh! Better not forget these. Tetsurou, I put your friend’s pay for tonight with yours.” Your father says, moving away from the staircase leading up to the front door to reveal three paper bags with names on them, which you assume was full of money.

“Thank you sir. I’ll make sure to get it to Snake Eyes.” Kuroo says, bowing to your father. Kita and Oikawa follow suit, bowing before grabbing their bags.

“Pleasure doing business with you.” Kita says, walking back to his car.

“See you next time boss. You too, princesa.” Oikawa says, waving to the both of you before getting into his car.

“So, you’ll let me know when there’s another job?” Kuroo asks as Oikawa and Kita begin pulling out of the driveway.

“Absolutely.” He nods, turning to face both of you. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I better get inside before your mother comes out here and drags me back in. Have a good night, Tetsurou.” He says, going back inside. It was once again just you and Kuroo.

“Oh! I almost forgot.” You say, beginning to take off Kuroo’s red bomber jacket.

“Keep it.” He says, taking a step closer to you. He places the jacket back onto your shoulders. “I’ll be back for it eventually.”

The two of you pause, staring into each other’s eyes. It felt like a moment that you could live in forever, relishing the comfort that Kuroo gave you.

“Thanks for having my back tonight. You sure know how to think on your feet.” Kuroo says.

“Not like I had much of a choice.” You say, remembering the moment earlier in the night. A part of you wished it wasn’t a lie, that you and Kuroo were just two lovers out for a drive. Nothing illegal, nothing scary, just a guy with a car and the girl in the passenger seat.

“Come here, princess.” Kuroo says, pulling you into a tight hug. Your heart skips a beat, startled by the sudden act of affection. You wrap your arms around him, feeling perfectly at home in his arms, being squeezed tightly against his body.

“Please be careful. I don’t trust your father.” Kuroo whispers into your ear. You realize the real reason why he hugged you, so that he could tell you this message in secret. “I’ll talk to some people from Karasuno Killers and see if you can meet Keishin’s girl. He’s hiding something, (y/n).”

“How do you know? What are you talking about?” You ask, holding him tighter.

“(y/n), how would your father know that Keishin smoked? If he lied about that, then we don’t know what else he’s hiding.” Kuroo responds. Your breath catches in your throat, remembering what your father had said, about your sudden resemblance to Keishin.

Racing jacket, gun, smoke.

#haikyuu #kuroo #kuroo testuro #kuroo tetsuro x reader #deciphered #hq #fanfic #kuroo tetsurou #kuroo x reader #haikyuu fanfic #haikyuu fanfiction

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takoyakitenchou · 3 years ago

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masquerade ch.11

thank god i had the foresight to write this entire fic in advance now i can just post at irregular intervals

Souma had never been one for speeches—although his improvised addresses had been pretty good in his opinion—but his best man toast for Takumi Aldini was definitely his magnum opus.

Under normal circumstances he would’ve referenced it in every vivacious conversation he had with anyone that night, but his… uh, date… had had to cancel last minute and effectively sent him on a solo venture to the bar.

So when Marina Vesca pulled up a stool next to him and requested a tequila sunrise from the bartender, Souma had never felt more grateful in his entire life.

“The fuck are you doing by yourself?” she asked.

Well, he stood corrected. “Why’re you here?”

“I got invited, Sherlock. Now stop deflecting.”

“I think you were wrong, Marina.”

“I seriously doubt that, but let’s assume I was. How so?” Marina propped her chin on her hand and regarded the chef with a mordant look.

“You remember back when we were opening Origin, you said Erina couldn’t keep up the masquerade forever? I think her facade is going to last longer than my time on this Earth.”

Marina said with a straight face, “You’re fucking stupid.”

Souma frowned. “Don’t know how to break this to you, but I’m really not in the emotional state to receive that kind of compliment.”

“First of all, that wasn’t a compliment. Second of all, soulmateship and horribly packed schedules are independent events.”

“What the hell is soulmateship? You just made that up right now.”

“What’re you gonna do if I did make it up? Why don’t you quit your moaning and actually do something? My intuition says she wanted to show tonight but some incompetent fuck of a politician held her back and made it impossible.”

Souma sighed. “Whatever happened to love being—”

“Why is it that I’ve never had a legitimate conversation with Erina in my entire life and yet I can see exactly how she feels about you when you can’t?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because you’re a journalist?”

“You’re in denial, Souma. Are you afraid she’s going to break your heart again? I think you’d rather be broken now by getting ghosted than take a chance and love her for real.”

“Heart’s already broken,” Souma deadpanned.

“I know, but she’s the only one that can fix that. You need to give her a chance.”

“Was all this not enough?”

It was just then that a certain blonde chef decided to make her appearance at the reception. She was wearing slightly wrinkled business suit with the top button of her blouse undone and her cheeks were flushed — it was pretty obvious she’d gotten here in a complete rush without even changing.

And at the exact moment that the iconic lilac gaze met Souma’s, the journalist swore the light returned to his eyes and his vision tunneled.

“I gotta bolt to Kronberg. I swear to god, Souma, the next time we meet, you will be with Erina or I will drop out of Northwestern and join the fucking MMA. Am I clear?”

Souma grinned. “I’d pay to see that.”

“You’re deflecting again,” she warned him.

His smile widened as Erina waved subtly at him. “Yeah. You’re clear. Have a safe flight, Marina.”

“Now to business,” she said, grabbing him by his lapels and generally chucking him in Erina’s direction. “Go get her, dumbass.”

7 years post grad

“Give me one plausible reason why you absolutely cannot be the new dean of Totsuki.”

Akira slammed his head down on his desk. “I can name at least ten, Kurokiba.”

“Shoot.”

“I finished grad school last year—”

“That is irrelevant.”

“There are plenty of other compet—”

“Gramps tried to get Erina to be dean when she was a second year. Dismissed.”

“I’m busy with Hab—”

“I’m CEO of NTG. Dismissed.”

“Also, I have to plan a—”

“YOU’RE PROPOSING? HOLY FUCK HAYAMA WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME!?”

Akira sighed as he heard vague crashing noises on the other end of the line, followed by a “Hayama-kun’s proposing to Hishoko!? OHMYGOD I NEED TO TEXT ERINA!”

“Wait, Kurokiba, tell your crazy wife not to publicize. I want to surprise Hisako. Actually, after today we’re all going to have to call her Doctor Arato.”

“Even you? Damn. Hang on.”

Fifteen seconds later, the silver haired chef turned CEO asked tentatively, “Uh, Kurokiba?”

“Yeah, don’t worry. We’ll keep our mouths shut. But! The thing is, I already told Chef Doujima that you’d agreed to be the new Totsuki dean, so he retired. He’s getting married with Riko Eibisawa in a few months. You’re invited to the wedding, by the way.”

“I hate you, Kurokiba.”

“I mean, if you’re gonna be in Tokyo, you might as well run Totsuki.” Then Ryo’s voice hushed considerably, and he said in a whisper, “It’s better than having Alice as dean, right?”

Akira blanched. “True. I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Alright. I’ll facetime you when I feel like it.”

Well, there was no arguing with Kurokiba Ryo.

Akira called the newly minted Doctor Arato to tell her the news.

“Alice just told me Kurokiba installed you as the new dean of Totsuki. Is that true?” she asked before he got a single word out.

The world was going to leave him behind if he wasn’t careful. “Yeah. You’re okay with that, right?”

“Of course I am. But I hope you focus on taking care of yourself more than the school. And Habui for the matter.”

“Anything for you,” Akira replied, and knew it was true. “When are you coming to Japan? I’ll send a jet.”

“It’s okay. I’m flying out to Illinois to check up on Innlausn and then I’ll probably stay a night or so at Yukihira’s place. He has some interview thing in Chicago this week and we haven’t caught up in a while.”

Akira sighed. It’d be another three days until he saw her—and he’d been getting so excited.

But then he remembered that if all things went according to plan, by the end of the month he’d be secure with the knowledge that he’d be able to spend the rest of his life with her. Not for the first time, Akira understood just how blessed he was. The velvet box sitting in his desk drawer was proof.

Arato Hisako had changed his life; now it was his turn.

#soueri #sorina

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digitalworldbound · 4 years ago

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Takari Week, Day One: Confessions

Hi! Here is my contribution for the first day of my favorite week!

Title: Puppy Love ft. Hikari

Pairing: Takeru x Hikari. Takeru promises himself that he will confess his truest feelings to Hikari by the end of the year. I have a longer version of this story, but made it brief for Tumblr! I had to cut out several months, so the end seems rush, but I will post the full length story on AO3 sometime soon!

JANUARY

As the first sunrise of his sixteenth year bathed him in a glorious light, Takaishi Takeru made himself a solemn promise. By the end of the year, he would confess it all to the girl he loved.

On the morning of January first, he was surrounded by eleven of his closest friends. They had spent the last day of the year together, sharing stories and eating street food. With their bellies full, they watched the sunrise together for the last time. Come spring, Jou would be moving into the heart of Tokyo to begin his graduate studies. Yamato had already expressed and interest in touring with his band one final time before he started, so Takeru snuggled up to his side as the golden rays of sunshine caressed their cheeks.

“This is it.” His voice was no more than a whisper. The others chattered aimlessly, filling the crisp air with giggles and shared experiences. Despite the noise, Yamato had heard him. He always did.

“Don’t think like that, Keru. You know I’m always just a phone call away.” The older blonde rested his cheeks on Takeru’s head, pulling him closer into his embrace. Despite the reassurance, there was a hint of finality in his voice, as if he, too, believed that this could be the end of all of them.

Growing up was messy business, and Takeru wistfully longed for that one, eternal summer.

“Yeah, but you take after dad. What if you get so busy that you won’t pick up?” Takeru did his best to conceal the worry in his voice, but Yamato could hear his tone waver. “When it comes to you, Keru, I would do anything. Besides,” he nudged his little brother playfully, “I think you will be preoccupied with a certain someone.” He gestured towards the direction where Hikari sat. From his position buried in his brother’s shoulder, Takeru couldn’t see much, but his cheeks colored regardless.

“How did you know?” Takeru cringed as the words left his mouth. If his blush didn’t give him away, his question surely would.

Yamato grinned, shooting his brother a quick wink. “Just call it a brother’s intuition.”

Somewhere to his right, Hikari giggled at something Iori said. The sound seemed to dissipate in the morning air, briefly riding on the wind until it faded away. Takeru suppressed a smile. “Hmm, well what does ‘brother’s intuition’ say about my odds?”

Takeru glanced up to find his brother’s attention on the horizon, the golden haze fading into a sea of milky blues. He tucked himself further underneath Yamato’s arm, feeling like he was eight years old again.

“In all honesty, I believe that you are the only person with odds when it comes to her.”

The pair sat in silence, letting the morning wash over them. Before long, Daisuke would be complaining about his stomach and Taichi would insist on sleeping in and the year would officially begin. For, though, they relished in their friends, the glowing horizon, and each other.

MARCH

“You know, I’ve never understood the point behind a love letter. If you like someone that much, wouldn’t it be easier to tell them in person?” Hikari took another bite of her bento box. Today, her mother had been gracious. Instead of a failed science experiment, Hikari had been able to pack some grilled fish with a small container of rice.

Takeru raised an eyebrow, swallowing the last of his ramen. “I think you only say that because you’ve never gotten a love letter. Personally, I think it takes a lot of craftmanship to be able to express a person’s innermost thoughts on paper.”

She laughed, tilting her head to the side. “Ah, I see. And just how many love letters have you written, Takeru-kun? Is there a special lady I should know about?” Her chopsticks pointed at him accusingly. She seemed tense, but Takeru wasn’t sure if it was her mother’s fish or the context of their conversation.

He could feel his face grow warm while Hikari remained as cool as a cucumber. The unfairness of the situation dawned on him. Takeru, so easily flustered, did not stand a chance against his brunette counterpart. “Ah, um, well-”

“I’ll take that as a ‘no’.” She smiled triumphantly.

“Why? Is there something you would like to tell me, Hikari-chan?” he leaned in, stopping just before she could become uncomfortable. Her mahogany eyes peered up from her dark lashes, widening in surprise. His mouth was just a breath away, and Hikari’s heartbeat wildly in her chest.

“O-Of course not, don’t be silly. It’s about time you get a girlfriend. Besides, spring formal is a month away. There’s about fifteen girls dying for you to ask them, and I’m sure there’s at least one girl you would like to take.” Hikari leaned back into her chair, her eyes focusing on cleaning up her mess.

He waited until she was packed up before rising out of his seat. She followed him to the trashcan, silence hanging between them like a weighted blanket. The pair walked towards the back hallway, preparing for their afternoon classes to start.

“You’re right,” He began, pausing in front of her classroom. A few of their peers leaned curiously from their seats. It was rare that Takeru and Hikari were seen together outside of class. “There is someone I want to invite to the dance, but I wouldn’t make to make my bestest friend in the whole wide world jealous.” Takeru pinched her cheek playfully, smiling as she colored. For once, it seemed that he finally had the upper hand. Giggles could be heard from behind them. Hikari seemed to come to her senses and swatted his hand away, taking a step into the classroom.

“You know,” she shot back from the doorway, skirt swaying behind her, “If you ever needed someone to practice writing love letters for, I’d be happy to proofread it for you.” She winked at him, a teasing glint in her eyes.

MAY

After the fifth failed attempt, Takeru tossed his phone onto his bed. Yamato’s tour was in full swing, and it had been weeks since he had last heard from him.

“Are you ready yet, baby?” His mother’s blue eyes peered in from his bedroom door. She raised an eyebrow at the state of his room. “What’s all this?” She kicked a ball of crumpled paper in Takeru’s direction.

“Mom! At least knock first; I could have been naked!” He rolled his eyes in annoyance. Ignoring her questions, he turned back to the mirror. With a thin comb and a stolen bottle of his brother’s hair gel, Takeru attempted to style his hair to resemble some handsome anime character. Once he was finished, he turned towards the doorway for approval. His mother grinned, admiring his sideways part.

“Come here, I need to straighten your tie.” Her hands felt like a cool breeze against his neck, and it was only then that he realized how warm he was. Glancing down at his watch, his pulse quickened.

“Momma, I have to get going soon; she’s waiting for me.”

Her fingers finished twisting the fabric, resting just above her son’s heart. “Kaori-san?” The disappointment in her voice was undeniable, and Takeru couldn’t help but to share the sentiment. Kaori was the student council president, overall a lovely girl. She had silky blond hair that reach her hips and green eyes that put sapphires to shame. Boys would often pull at her locks, teasing her until she would blush. Kaori seemed to like the attention, giggling like a banshee whenever the opposite sex would approach.

As of last night, she was also the only girl that didn’t have a date to the spring formal.

Takeru only nodded, toeing the crushed papers around his feet. It was his own fault, really. By the time he had worked up the nerve to look Hikari in her eyes, Daisuke has swept her away. It didn’t help that he dangled his date with Hikari in front of Takeru as if he were a dog, but the blond couldn’t shake the settled look in her eyes.

She had turned down several boys before, almost waiting until the last possible moment like Takeru. ‘Daisuke-kun must have bribed her.’ If Yamato had answered the phone, he might have given Takeru the boost of encouragement (re: kick in the ass) that he needed.

The blond struggled with his civility. Kaori, dressed in green satin, insisted on taking pictures. After the seventeenth click of camera, his cheeks became sore. Walking to the gymnasium had been another ordeal. Kaori was talkative, but the excitement of a first date made her unbearable. As she rattled on about tennis matches and brands of shampoo, Takeru let his eyes glaze over. He missed comfortable silence and the girl that spoke with soft smiles.

‘I’m being ridiculous,’ he thought, struggling to hold back tears as he held another girl in his arms. Across the ballroom, Hikari struggled to keep Daisuke’s hands in place. With each dance, they seemed to slip lower on her hips. She had told him twice already to cut it out.

His palms danced across her lower back. “Daisuke-kun, I told you to stop!” Hikari pulled away, cheeks coloring with indignation. With a scoff, his eyes flickered with anger. “You’re the one that said yes to me, Hikari-chan. I think you know what you got yourself into.”

Her mahogany eyes searched for a familiar mop of blond hair; her rescuer. “This would have never of happened if I went with Takeru-kun instead.” Hikari eyed Daisuke, daring him to come closer. She had enough of his unwanted advantages. Takeru hadn’t picked up on any of her hints, but she couldn’t bear going to her final middle school dance alone. Daisuke had been her only choice.

“It always comes back to him, doesn’t it?” Daisuke raised his voice, and Hikari could feel Takeru’s blue eyes burn into her. Heads turned at the commotion. “You know what? I’m done, Hikari-san. If you want to be with him, just do it. Next time, leave me out of it.” With a huff, Daisuke disappeared, burgundy hair slipping through the gymnasium doors. A crowd had formed around the pair, Hikari standing helpess in the middle.

Takeru tensed as Daisuke raised his voice, preparing himself to intervene. Before he could interject himself, the boy was gone and Kaori had a vice grip on his arm. Hikari’s face grew splotchy, the first sign of tears. Takeru tugged his arm free, sparing his date a look of remorse. “I’m sorry,” he offered, gentley touching Kaori’s hand. “Hikari-chan needs me.”

“Go to her.” Kaori had been insufferable the entire night, but in the moment, Takeru swore he could have kissed her. Without a reply, he weaved through the mass of people, tugging Hikari away from their wandering eyes.

The cool, night air enveloped them as Takeru pulled Hikari to the swing sets. They sat down beside each other, absorbed in their own thoughts. Despite her flushed cheeks and swollen eyes, Hikari was perfect. Her hair fell in loose waves at her shoulders, a glitter hair clip holding her bangs hostage. Glitter had been brushed across her eyelids, catching in the light. Takeru’s breath caught in his throat. It was now or never. His silence must have unnerved Hikari, her eyes trailing him nervously.

“I’ve got to get this off my chest,” he started, voice unnaturally loud in the quiet twilight. “I’m sorry, this is going to be weird for you, but I just can’t keep pushing it down. You might not want to speak to me again, and it might ruin everything but...I have feelings for you. Really strong feelings. I know you were kind of with Daisuke-san, so I know that I may be too late. I just… couldn’t fathom living my life without telling you how I felt. That would have been my biggest regret.” Hands shaking, he focused on the gravel underneath the swing. There it was, out in the open. He couldn’t crumple up that love letter.

The silence seemed to stretch on forever. Tears burned in his blue eyes, convinced his feelings were one-sided. As he opened his mouth in apology, Hikari found her voice.

“Wait! What? Who told you I was with Daisuke-san of all people?” Her heart was beating too fast and too loud for her to be able to focus on the gravity of his words. She could feel a warmth rush to her cheeks, staining the tips of her ears. Takeru watched these emotions skirt around her face, the smallest bit of hope igniting in his chest.

“I just assumed. I mean, you went to the dance together, Well, before he left.”

An incredulous laugh slipped between her lips. “Takeru-kun, I only went with Daisuke-san because you didn’t ask me. I was waiting for you.”

His heart was singing. Hikari’s laugh seemed to wipe gravity away; Takeru was floating. His cheeks were pink, pulse erratic. “You…feel that same way?” Hikari must have super-human hearing, as his voice was barely a whisper.

“Yes,” she whispered, and Takeru swore that this would be a moment to remember the rest of his life.

#takari week #takari #takeru takaishi #hikari yagami

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moderndayshinigami · 4 years ago

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Here's chapter 2

So. All Might," She smiled over the top of her coffee cup. They were perched atop a building, watching the traffic below them. He glanced over, taking a sip as she collected her thoughts.

"Hhmm. I'm trying to think of things I can ask you that I can't just google... Umm... Favorite color?"

"Yellow. You?" He smiled.

"Mm, blue. How does your hair stay up like that?" She queried

"I lather rinse and repeat every time," he joked. She punched him in the shoulder.

"Why are you such a freeaboo?"

"A what?"

"What's with the American antics?"

He took another sip of tea and shrugged, "i grew up with a American hero movies. Thought it would be great."

"And?" She prompted.

"And?" He asked.

"Is it great? Being a hero?"

"...The best," he beamed. They sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying the sunshine and street noise. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and plugged in headphones.

"Am I being boring? Is she gonna leave? Oh shit, I blew it." All Might thought, panicking.

"Here," she offered a tiny earbud to him, scooting closer. All Might blinked and accepted it, confused.

"I love music, can't go a day without it," she sighed, scrolling through miles of playlists. She found one she liked and hit play, an unfamiliar American song played gently in the background as they returned to people watching. It added a touch of romance to the scene, All Might thought, leaning closer. She smiled and kicked her feet as they dangled over the edge.

"I used to be afraid of heights," she said suddenly, peaking down between her feet, "well, of falling from those heights, I guess."

All Might looked down too, all he saw were people and cars, nothing to be afraid of. He did spot a purse snatcher though. He gently handed her the earbud, "I'll be right back, don't move," he said, settling his drink next to her. He dropped to the street and apprehended the hooligan with little effort. Handing him off to an officer on the next block, he jogged back to their perch. He looked up. Her feet bounced in a rhythm while she listened to her music and sipped her drink. He jumped up to retake his place. She handed him his drink and shuffled closer than before, so he leaned back on his hand, casually placed just behind her far side. She offered him the earbud again and he accepted.

"Shit," she spat a few moments later, jerking out of the calm they had created, "what time is it?"

"Umm, 3:30?" All Might asked, checking his phone. She stood, earbud falling from his ear as she gathered them both together.

"I gotta go. I'm supposed to do this panel for new creators. Um. Hang on, here" she offered him her phone, "put your number in, we can chat." He hesitated.

"I'm not supposed to give out my number... Fans and all that..." He mumbled, smile fading. She looked away and replaced her phone in her pocket.

"Oh. Sorry. Misread... The... Um situation," she cleared her throat, "anyway. I guess then I'll see you later. Some time. You can look up my channel, Valkyrie Cosplays. I usually read the comments so... Maybe we can... Yeah. Anyway. It was really nice to meet you, All Might," she babbled, shaking his hand before turning and running for the far edge of the building, leaping out into the air. A few seconds later, All Might saw her rise far above the buildings and shoot off into the distance.

"Good going, Toshinori. Can't give out your number? What an idiot," he mentally kicked himself for blowing it, "the first girl you talk to in months and you blow her off because of some silly rule." He shook his head and lept of toward the agency to file his reports for the day. He thought about music the rest of the night.

The next morning All Might turned on the radio during his morning workout. The trainer gave him a look, but said nothing as All Might added weights to the bar.

"Goooood mooorning, ladies and gents! I'm your morning host, Present Mic. And heeree we go, kicking off another ten songs in a row to get you through that early morning commute. But first, let's take a caller! Hey, you're on with the Mic! What's your name?"

"Hey. Can I request a song? Can we do this again by NightOwl? Going out to a certain big hero I worked with yesterday. If he's listening, I left you something where we had coffee. Thanks!" The caller said, hanging up.

"Well, looks like some hero's got a secret admirer! Good luck to him and to you, caller! Hey hero! Don't let that one get away! Here's Can we do this again by Night Owl kicking off our ten in a row and maybe somebody's love story," Mic said as the music began. All Might smiled as he lifted to the bouncy pop song. Maybe he hadn't completely blown it yesterday. He'd just have to go find out.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Ok, if he doesn't show up by 9, he didn't hear it and isn't coming," Valkyrie whispered to herself from her perch across the street. She was watching the building they had sat on the day previous hoping to catch a glimpse of the big blonde hero again. She had called the local radio station at 6, hoping to catch him working out.

"A guy like that had to workout, right?" She scowled. "Maybe not; maybe his quirk was just that good."

She sat on the roof, back against an air conditioning unit, waiting, headphones in her ears. At five to nine, she stood, dusting herself off, frowning.

"Damn. Guess he didn't hear it," she grumbled, stretching her arms above her head and packing away her music, "should I take it with me?.... No, just in case." She thought, turning back briefly.

She turned away, taking off from the to roof with a great flap of her wings. All Might watched her soar out of sight and smiled. He stood from his own hiding place down the block and lept over to their spot. He found a flash drive sitting on the wall, "For AM" written on the edge.

He flipped it over, finding a phone number written on it. He smiled, tucking the drive carefully into a pocket.

When he returned home that night he grabbed his laptop and crashed on his couch. He skimmed his official message boards and agency email before turning to yo_tube finding his new favorite channel.

" Hey, Feathered Friends! I'm still here in beautiful Tokyo for the Tokyo Blast fundraiser! I met sooo many cool creators here! Lots of new cosplay ideas too, so new videos should be rolling out when I get back home. I also met someone my Japanese fans probably know, All Might!" She held up a tabloid magazine featuring a photo of the two.

"He was super cool and awesomely nice! Maybe I'll do a fem-cosplay for next year's Blast. It would be awesome to represent such a cool hero. Leave your thoughts in the comments! Any other heros to meet or cosplay?" She looked at the magazine. "I have no idea what this says. Someone translate for me? Thanks so much! Here is the video of the Create and Craft for Noobs panel I was on today! Lots of great tips for beginners! Also, today's tweet along song, Can we do this again by NightOwl, check it out in the description below. I hope a certain hero is watching. He should totally message me on my social media. Byebye! Catch you on the fly!" She winked and gave a peace sign again before the video went to her panel video. He backed up and paused on her face, studying it. He pulled out the little flash drive looking it over again before plugging into his computer. He navigated into the drive's contents, finding a group of mp3s and a video file. He clicked the video.

"Um... Hey! I guess my plan worked, you found the flash drive! I couldn't stop thinking about you, so," she cleared her throat, looking away and blushing, "I made you a playlist." She was sitting in a hotel room, cross legged on the bed, dressed in shorts and a tank top, hair a little messy, like she had been asleep just before. He studied her face as she gathered her thoughts before speaking again, still looking away from the camera.

"All Might? It would be.... Um... Do you think we could.... I want to see you again. Maybe we could take some time to... I dunno, see the sights? Maybe just get another coffee and chat? You're easy to talk to. It's been awhile since I felt like I had someone to talk to like that..." She looked at the lens, giving a small smile. He felt a small flutter in his chest as she ran a hand over her hair, swinging her legs off the bed to take the camera over to the window of her room. She turned the lens to view the Tokyo sky line, just as the sun began to rise. He had watched that same sunrise on his morning run.

"It really is beautiful here. This city is amazing. I wish I could see more of it," she sighed off camera, her profile barely visible in the reflection on the window.

"I... Sorry, I'm rambling. Anyway, there is my cell phone number, so text me. If you want. I'll be here... waiting. I hope to hear from you. Um, bye? I guess for now." She turned the camera back toward her face, smiling before the video cut off. He replayed the video again, watching her closely. She seemed... Sad? No... Lonely. That was it. He played through a couple of songs. He recognized the one they'd listened to the day before, and the song from the radio, and a few more popular songs from the States. He pulled out his phone as he listened, pulling up the contact he had made for her earlier in the day. He opened his messaging app, pausing to think of something to write.

It's fine now, why? Because I am texting you!

He hit send before he could rethink the message. He stared at the phone, waiting. Nothing happened. He pulled out the flash drive and checked the number again. It was correct. He refreshed his messaging app. Still nothing. He laid his phone down on his leg and went back to yo_tube.

"Hey, feathered friends! Tokyo Blast is drawing to a close! Just one more day! I almost don't want to come home, I love this city! The food is soooo amazing, and you all know how I feel about seafood"

She made a sour face and laughed. "I might have to extend my trip by a day or two to see some sights! Would you guys mind too terribly? I promise lots of pictures and cool videos? If this video gets 10000 likes, I'll even eat one of those live octopuses" she shuddered and made another face.

He clicked the like button while she continued on

"So, I got someone to translate the magazine headlines for me. Apparently, All Might and I are secretly dating. To be honest with you guys, I would not mind that," she winked, "you know my type."

A few images of her pointing at muscular blonde men photoshopped onto the screen flashed by, obviously cropped from previous videos.

"But unfortunately, we are not an item. Even if it would be great, I have to come home to you all and make more videos! If we were dating, what would All Might and my ship name be? Anyway, my plan is to take a couple extra days after Tokyo Blast finishes up to sightsee and then I'll be flying home, so videos should be going up in a week or so with new props as well as a gift opening vid when everything ships home. I'll also live stream a couple sights as well as the octopus if you guys are feeling mean! Leave your thoughts in the comments! Here is a quick video of some of the awesome people I met today! Today's tweet along song is Zero to Hero from Hercules. Check it out in the description below. Byebye! Catch you on the fly!" She said, with the wink and peace sign. He sat back as her video from the convention played. He had seen the magazines during the day, but no press had bothered him about it. He scrolled down to the comments.

Take all the time you need! We love you!

Show us ur b00bz

Winged Victory!

Val Might

Eat the octopus, valkyrie! >:}

Vallmight

Wingd vic0ry

God leave All Might out of this your just lookign for subs

You 2 wuld b so cut 2gether! Val Might 4eva

He snorted at a couple, frowning at the more rude comments. All Might shifted checking his phone again. Still no response. Maybe he should just text her again with a 'hey, it's me'?

His phone buzzed with an incoming text. His hands spasmed and he flung it onto the chair across from the couch. He took a deep breath, gathering his wits before setting his laptop aside and grabbing his phone. He unlocked the screen.

Hey, AM! U up for a nite out? New club opening 2nite downtown

~Mic

He sighed harshly. It wasn't even her. He left the message unanswered and went back to his laptop. He clicked through her page, looking for popular uploads. He watched a couple of videos before he worked up the courage to search the name he wanted. He pulled up a new tab, typing in "Val Might" to the search bar. Several links popped up. Mostly news shots of them together after the robbery. There was one still frame of them sitting together on top of the building. They were dangerously close together, closer than he had remembered. He felt the flutter in his chest again. He went to images, most were the news shots, the dangerous picture featured prominently too. What he didn't expect was the fan art. The fan art made him blush. He closed the tab and went back to his fan site message boards, answering a couple questions and listening to his new playlist.

"Maybe she can make me a workout playlist," he mused out loud, bobbing his head to the rhythm. He closed his laptop, standing and stretching. He changed into workout clothes and went for his nightly run. He returned and showered, trying not to think of her sleep shorts and tank top as he did. Failing that, he cranked the water to cold half way through the shower. He toweled off, falling into bed with his phone, scrolling through her videos again. He found her liked videos, most of them being music. The most recent liked video was an old video, the face in the thumbnail all too familiar. He clicked it

I can't believe it! It's only been 10 minutes! He's already saved 100 people!

HAHAHA!

There he is!

It's fine now! Why? Because I am here!

He rolled on his side, stopping the video and staring into space. She went searching for him online the same way he had been. She found THAT video too. Why that one? He started to doze off, thinking about saving her from some faceless evil. The way she would look at him as he swept her up in his arms and kissed her. Her arms wrapping around his neck. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he pressed her against the wall and he--

Jerked himself awake from the dream, taking a deep inhale and releasing a shaky exhale. He looked at the time on his phone, 1 am. He also had a message.

#bnha all might #bnha oc #winged victory #melody

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shinjukuspiritcommittee · 5 years ago

Text

Sunrise with You (+minor update)

7000 words and counting... this little passion post definitely set me back more than I’d like to admit. But then again, I’ve never really felt this passionate about writing in a while. I have a number of people to thank obviously. Like the devs at LifeWonders for making such a world where these kinds of fanfics are possible. And you, dear readers for giving me a platform to share these cheesy stories and for indulging me so much. Seriously, you guys are the best! And I think it’s about time we let that one guy out of his cell...

~~~

Sunrise with You (Peace)

~With the endless game finally at an end, and the past behind you everything felt… fresh. Everyone in your life was no longer bound by the rules of any game and could live as they wanted. Even the wall that closed you all in no longer stood in your way. Weirdly enough you couldn’t sleep so you had stayed awake staying off at the night horizon. The Tokyo skyline seemed to go on forever with no boundaries to hold you. Just what did lie out there in the world? It was all so exciting. But then, the door to the roof opened and you turned to find…

Zabaniyya

~“Oh, Summoner. It’s unusual to see you out this late.” You explained you had trouble sleeping. Tomorrow was a big day after all. “It will be indeed. Even now the heaven’s give me a sense of peace…” He murmured. The two of you remained stargazing for an immeasurable amount of time, but you knew sunrise was only a little while away now. You then started to ramble a bit. You didn’t know why but you wanted to clear the air as much as possible. You also expressed how much of a relief it was knowing you finally have a place to call home… “I understand the sentiment. To be quite honest, the world beyond those walls always felt… alien in a sense. Just how far does it stretch? Where does it end? If anything, these horizons only seem to grow with each passing moment…” You muttered his name, unsure of how to comfort him. “Lately, I’ve been considering something… Lord Arsalan would always desire me to make a decision of my own but for a long time it felt impossible. Could one such as myself really yearn for a life beyond penance? A torture specialist really living a life of his own?”

~You finally told him that regardless of his past he was still Zabaniyya and every decision was for himself. Even divinity allowed those with their own wills determine their own fate, after all. “Yes, you may be right. And I believe I finally did something about it.” You asked what he was going to do. “That’s… well, remember that day we vowed to one another? Even though it was fake the idea never quite left my mind. What if we were to one day pledge ourselves to one another and just… run away? Be reborn in our own way. Would a life like that be truly acceptable?” For what it was worth you told him it was his decision to decide that. “I see… I feel I’m understanding his teachings after all.” But since he brought it up, now might be a good time to finally ask… you asked him to hold out his hand as you placed an important keepsake in his hand.

~“This is…!” He held Sal’s ring, the same ring he entrusted to you when everything was over. Since it was powerless he teased you to give it to someone special. Those words couldn’t ring more true now. “I’m… I’m speechless.” Was all the fallen angel could say. “Or rather… I’m still afraid to accept this.” You finally just came out and said that you wanted to be by his side and to make a future together for a change. But only if Zabaniyya desired it. He was silent in contemplation for a moment. As the sun rose Zabaniyya pulled you closer to his side and held your hand in his. “Perhaps this is too good to be true, and perhaps I am indulging myself like I did all that time ago. But this once, it no longer matters to me. I feel… genuine happiness knowing you are right here with me. And just as you pledge to me, I swear my oath and gratitude to you. This body, this heart and soul of mine- loves you with every ounce of my being.”

Gunzo

~“You’re still up?” You confirmed it for him and he joined you on the roof. “I couldn’t really sleep either. I tried jogging a bit but that barely did anything.” Gunzo sighed. “I thought maybe I might get tired looking up at the sky instead.” You told him you had a similar idea. “Well, I guess two great minds do think alike.” You sat with Gunzo staring up at the stars and the horizon. You were up for quite a bit, unsure of how much time passed but you enjoyed it. You made sure to tell him that. “Oh, same here. I like doing these sorts of things when it’s just us. Um… what do you think it’s like? Out there I mean.” You told him you weren’t quite sure, and that all you could say for certain was that it was big. “That’s a relief… I can’t quite wrap my head beyond the idea that there’s a whole world yet to be seen. It’s… scary… I’ve grown up here after all, it’s where I met all my friends too. I can’t just leave so easily.” You agreed it was scary to step out into somewhere unknown.

~Gunzo laughed. “The others would probably just laugh at us for being scared, right? It’s over something so simple too…” You did remind him the world could expand an eternity. “Don’t remind me. But, weirdly enough… I wonder what they do in other places? Do others play rugby? Do they take it as seriously as me? Where do I even start?” Gunzo shook his head. “No, I… I have to finish school here at least. Then I can worry about studying abroad like my seniors. Or maybe I’ll get a job… ugh, this is so hard…” You reminded him to take everything at his own pace and that rushing himself would get him nowhere. “You’re right… I’m glad I’ve got you here. I think I’d be pulling my own hair out right now if… n-no forget I said anything.” You took a moment to think and finally decided to give him that.

~“A-A ring!? Hold on, what are you-!?” You told him to hold onto it as a promise ring, and you confessed then and there. You might have broken Gunzo then and there as he simply couldn’t comprehend the magnitude of your statements. “Is… Is this a joke…” He asked before you confirmed it’s the real deal. It was then that all of his emotions came up at once and he pulled you into a tight hug. The embrace was very tight, but loving and genuine. “Please… Please tell me you aren’t joking…!” You reconfirmed it for him and used the L word to seal the deal. As the sun began to rose he started crying a bit in your arms. “Having you… knowing you… heck, LOVING you was the one thing I always felt sure about in a long time! I… I need you to keep me balanced otherwise I’d always forget certain things, be rather clumsy still and get ready to be apologized to a lot! I’m… I’m sorry for needing you!”

Takemaru

~“Hey.” The oni greeted you with a warm smile. You asked what he was doing up so late. “Well, I just finally finished a project I was doing with the rest of my guildmates. I let the others go on ahead to bed, just couldn’t sleep, ya know?” Takemaru walked to your side. “Mind if I stargaze with you a while? I just need some air…” You nodded and proceeded to look up at the sky. Each star seemed to immaculately twinkle tonight but somehow it felt familiar. “Heh, it’s crazy. It’s like no matter where we go, the sky is always the same. It just expands forever. No matter how far from home I am, I always feel like I can get back somehow just by starin’ at the stars.” Takemaru chuckled a bit to himself and crossed his arms. “Still, the past few years have been great. But I’ll be leavin’ again soon, I want to study abroad and learn about all different types a’ architecture. Maybe I’ll get some inspiration for the home I want to make for myself.” You told him that sounded hard but not impossible. “Heh, maybe. But I do know one thing. I want to build my home right here.”

~You were a bit surprised at that. “C’mon it’s not that surprisin’. My friends are all here, along with all the people who were nice enough to a guy like me, even you…” He trailed off. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts so you asked him what was on his mind. “Hmm… I was just thinkin’ about the future. This place really is like a new home to me. I couldn’t just leave it behind so easily. You especially made sure a’ that. Thanks.” His face reddened a bit but he kept a comforting smile on his face. You thanked him for giving you the chance in the first place. It was a nice change to be on the giving end for once. “…Uh, t-there’s one last thing…” He fumbled with his words a bit. Without saying much else he held out his hand to you and in it was a wooden ring. “I-I want you to have this. J-Just as a keepsake of sorts, i-it’s not anything official but… it would mean a lot if you kept it.” You were shocked to say the least as you took the ring from him. It was even your size. “Just promise me you’ll wear it as often as possible, even if it breaks I’ll come back and fix it right up!” You smiled and told him to take it easy. In fact you were a bit embarrassed since he beat you to it as you handed him a ring of your own.

~All Takemaru could do was stare at it with utter shock. He trembled as he stared at it, the Oni’s face turning a whole new shade of red. “Y-You serious…?” You nodded and told him he was someone who mattered to you a whole lot. You couldn’t just let him leave without telling him how you felt. Takemaru winced with that statement and before you knew it you were pulled into a tight embrace where he stroked the back of your head gently as the sun began to rise. “I love ya too. No, I love ya so much. I promise to come back to ya as often as possible. I can’t wait to start our lives together. Do you like kids? How many kids should we have? Oh, and our home is gonna need lots and lots of pets and- well, let’s take it slow for now, ‘kay?”

Moritaka

~“Hey there.” Moritaka greeted you. “Another night under the stars together…” He said as he joined you. “Sorry if this sounds sudden, but do you have any plans for the future now that we’re free?” You told him you had a few ideas and said you wouldn’t mind hearing any of his. “Well, first I intend to finish my studies in Tokyo. I see no need to rush out like the others do to be quite honest. But after that’s all done I wish to broaden my skills around the world. I want to see new things and places. Tokyo has given me so much, I can’t wait to see how much stronger I can become beyond the walls.” He explained with genuine excitement. “If I meet more people and test my skills against new foes, then I can definitely grow out of being filial…” You told him that it was an admirable goal. “Thank you.”

~“But first, I have to make sure I have all I can from here first. After all, there’s still so much in Tokyo I have yet to see and experience. But thanks to you and all our friends I’m not worried. At least, not anymore.” You told him that he helped you feel bolder after spending so much time together, and how dependable he is. “S-Stop, you’re making me flustered again… a-actually, I don’t mind this time. In fact, it’s rather nice to get a compliment such as that from you. Thank you.” Moritaka’s face went from embarrassment to a more somber one. “There is one worry I have though… I’m afraid that in my pursuit for a future, I may leave those I care about behind. I don’t want to do that… I wish you- … you all could stay by my side.” You may not be able to speak for the others, but there was one thing you knew for sure as you handed Moritaka a precious keepsake, the ring Salomon entrusted to you to give to someone you cherished.

~Moritaka was stunned. “W-Wait, me!?” He was shocked, furiously flustered and downright confused. “Surely you of all people could give this to someone else!” You told him it was your decision to make and that this was what you wanted. “I don’t understand you sometimes…” He sighed while smiling. “Thank you my fr-” Moritaka shook his head. “Thank you, my beloved. Yes, that’s right. My beloved. I never realized before but, this was probably what I wanted… I was just to afraid to say it…” You gave Moritaka a pat on the head and brushed your hand against his cheek fur. While you rubbed his cheek he brought his hand to yours as the sun began to rise. “This joy I have… did you know it all along? Or perhaps someone is watching over us… let’s see the world together, side by side. My feelings for you ever grow deeper, my beloved.”

Shino

~“You should be resting, it’s quite late.” He told you. You tried explaining you couldn’t really sleep and wanted to get some air. “Fair enough. If you’ll excuse me I’ll get back on my patrol.” Patrol, this late? “Yes, even with our victory, peace is still relatively young. Not to mention any remnants out for your head.” While he had a point, you don’t think they’d be a problem anytime soon. “Better safe than sorry.” Well since he was going to be up now might be a good a time as any to stargaze. “What part of patrol do you not understand? Oh, never mind. Fine, I’ll indulge you a little.” He blushed as he conceited to your request. “Perhaps there won’t be any issues if I stay for a few minutes.” And you both did just that, watching the sky and feeling that night breeze brush right by.

~“When was the last time I saw the sky like this? It must’ve been… that night before…” He pondered aloud. You asked him if he’s still thinking of “her”. “Yeah… ah! Forgive me, that was rather insensitive of me… you seem all prepared for tomorrow and I’ve still got my head in the past. I know she would disapprove of such talk as well.” You didn’t mind the talk since it was something important to Shino, it wasn’t something that could be forgotten so easily. “Maybe not, but… there is one way I think it’s been made possible.” Just what would that be? “Being close to you, of course.” It must have been because of him seeing her inside of you somewhere. “No, not that. At least, not anymore. For a while she was the one I’ve been longing to see ever since that day I failed. I desired to apologize and repent for my failure. She was the one I longed to see most. If I had been reborn then surely she must’ve… But I quickly realized how fruitless of an endeavor that was to even begin with, especially now that I know who it was I’ve been searching for all this time.” Oh? “Don’t make me say it…” His ears drooped as he blushed visibly under his fur and turned away. You told him you wanted him to say it, while presenting him with a ring

~Shino stared in shock at Sal’s ring. “T-This isn’t right… I’m just a lowly beast! Why would you want to make their mistake…?” You asked him if he thought this whole thing was a mistake. “N-No I didn’t… ugh…” He smiled and finally turned to face you as the sun rose. “I did say I’d indulge you a bit. B-But please don’t make this a regular occurrence.” He took your hand with the ring in both of his and looked straight at you with a serious expression. “I promise to never fail you, no matter what may come. I wish to keep this dream going just a bit longer, maybe even the rest of our lives. I know with you… the pain in my chest truly leaves. That’s why I am swearing to you, here and now. Not as a beast or as an image of someone else, but as the one you see before you. Please accept me, my beloved.”

Jambavan

~“W-What are you doing out so late? Shouldn’t you be getting your rest?” What about him, shouldn’t he be resting too? “A-About that… It seems Leib somehow talked me into finishing all of the previous work again…” You made a snide comment about Leib’s work ethic and bad practices as Jambavan’s expense. “I-It’s really not like that. Leib has definitely been putting a lot more effort into work as of late, but I think it’s so he can spend his days of freedom slacking. Then again he constantly worries about me nowadays. I’m not quite sure how to handle that on top of the work I was already doing.” Comments aside, you asked Jambavan to rest with you a while. “Sure, I was taking a break anyway I would appreciate the company.”

~You and Jambavan admired the vast sky together and just let the moment take you away. “Even after everything, it’s hard to imagine it’s all coming to an end… It feels like only yesterday I was running around tirelessly helping my guildmates and Alice, that now that I have the freedom to truly choose what I want to do for a change that… I’m downright scared.” You asked him if he truly had no plans for the future. “N-No it’s not that… the truth is, I wish to help as many as I can. And the only way I feel I can do that is if I become a well-versed doctor. To do that, I’d need to seek study outside of Tokyo. Which means I’d have to leave everyone who’d be staying here for a while. Alice, my guildmates, you…” You told him you understood, but it was clear the decision broke your heart a little. It was all for the sake of pursuing his dreams. “There’s… something else too… since I’m leaving I’ve got no use in hiding it anymore. I… I’ve absolutely fallen for you.” Jambavan told you boldly. “Sometimes I lie awake wondering if I’m going mad thinking about you. You’ve become someone… irreplaceable to me. One that can’t just fit as a friend in my eyes, but something more. I just felt you needed to know that before I left. That’s all…” Jambavan’s words surprised you, but made you incredibly happy all the same as you now had no reservations about giving it to him.

~“A-A ring!?” Jambavan gasped with shock. “I-I hope you’re not just throwing that thing around… wait, it’s… for me?” You nodded. “You’re serious…” His eyes began to water as the sun began to rise. He couldn’t contain his emotions anymore and Jambavan reached for you and pulled you into a tight embrace. “It’s… it’s such a wonderful gift! I love you so much! I just… I hope you’ll be alright if I leave…” You told him you’ll be supporting him every step of the way. “I-In that case I… I hope you don’t mind me being a bit more bull headed from now on! Of course I’ll be supporting you too in whatever you want to do. Thank you for showing me I can stand on my own two feet for a change…”

Hati

~Hati walked onto the roof and practically ignored you as he came to stargaze. You commented on the gentle breeze and clear sky. He didn’t seem particularly interested in speaking. So you tried shifting the topic to how late he was. Even then he still remained silent, staring up at the sky. You were starting to get a little frustrated with his silence. Still nothing. Fine then, if he was going to act that way you may as well up and leave. “Wait.” He said, while now looking down at his feet. “I don’t want you to go.” Then why won’t he speak to you. He hesitated. “Because I can’t…” What did he mean by that?

~“Every night the thought of the moon drives me mad until I see it and puts me at ease. For a while, it’s all I could think to do. I thought it would work this time but… it seems as though I can’t…” Was something driving him mad. “Yes. At first I thought it was my beloved Gabriel. While he still has my heart hostage with her music and compassion, I don’t think that’s what’s driving me mad anymore.” He seemed sad. “I… I think you’re the one driving me insane…” W-What? “The way you smile, the way you’re always putting others first, the way your skin is so soft, the way you smell- the way you… well, just the way you are hasn’t been able to escape my mind! Is this a new kind of love!? I thought the moon would calm me down but you… you just have to keep being you and never letting me have a moment of sanity! Just what’s wrong with you!?” He snapped. “Why did you have to go and make me love you!?” He now turned to you. “I don’t want to hurt you… I… I’m scared…” His feelings weren’t something you could control, but maybe there was a way you could put his fears at ease… with this…

~“What are you saying!?” Hati asked with confusion. “Weren’t you listening, why do you-” You told him you had fallen for him too. In fact hearing that those thoughts drove you mad filled you with joy rather than messed you up. It was weird but… you wanted him to have you for a while but were always afraid you’d play second fiddle to his moon. “Ah… I’m… I’m sorry…” He said with a deep breath. “I love you too much to ever want anything bad to happen to you. Which is why we can’t… if Gabriel is my moon, then you are undoubtedly the sun that gives me light to my life… will you…” The sun began to rise. “Will you still have me even if I were to hurt you?” You told him that would never happen, but your feelings are the same. Instead of words, Hati pulled you into a gentle embrace and closed his eyes, finally seeming to calm down. “Thank you, I… I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t… you.”

Kurogane

~“Oh Junior, you’re still up?” Kurogane addressed you as he joined you on the roof. “I’m guessing you couldn’t get to sleep either. It’s alright, I won’t tell anyone you’re up here.” You asked what brought him up here. “Me? Well…” He turned to the sky. “I do this sometimes. Reach for the stars and space is the final frontier after all, right? To me, it feels like the end goal that gets closer each day. Plus I just like the way the stars twinkle on nights like this. With a view like this, do you blame me?” You guessed not and you both began to ponder what space was like, from zero gravity to the constantly shifting temperature. You were a little scared of it but that only seemed to spur Kurogane further into going to space and conquer your fears.

~It made you wonder what he intended to do after everything the Crafters were repairing was all done. “What I’d do? Huh… I never slowed down to think about that. I guess I’d need to enroll into a college somewhere. I could just apply somewhere here in Tokyo and leave later. Actually, as much as I want to I don’t think I can ever reach space…” But why not? “You remember how I lost my arm in an incident a long time ago? Well, what if they don’t want me heading up there because I’m technically missing an arm. It probably wouldn’t be the safest plan.” You told him that defeatist nature wasn’t his style, and his prosthetic looked just like the real deal. “Oh, I’m not giving up. Even if I can’t make it to space, I want to be a part of a team that can get people there. With that at least I think I can say my dreams have been accomplished.” Well you told him you had faith he’d make it to space no matter what. No one could stand in his way, especially if he keeps training his mind and body. “Right! Thank you, I feel even more fired up now! Is your optimism something that comes this easy? I wonder if we could find a way to channel that…” You were a bit nervous at that suggestion. “D-Don’t take it literally!” Kurogane laughed nervously. “I’m just… glad I have you is all.” You were glad too, and you wanted your senior to know that, especially with how reliable he was.

~You handed Sal’s ring to Kurogane. “This… Why?” Well, you rely on your senior. Especially now more than ever now that you both have a future to craft. “I see…” He smiled. Kurogane wrapped an arm around you as the sun began to rise. “In the end that’s what I want. I don’t ever want you to feel like there’s nothing we can’t overcome, Junior! With my ingenuity and your drive there’s nothing beyond our reach! Not even the stars!”

Daisuke

~“Oh, Bro- erm…” Daisuke stopped what he was saying as he came up to you. “I…” he cleared his throat. “I couldn’t help but notice your restless nature earlier, so I decided it might be a good idea to check on you. Then you went and disappeared…” You apologized for disappearing suddenly but you really wanted to see the stars in the sky. “Ah, yeah…” He said, realizing that the stars were out in full view tonight. “Tonight really is pretty…” You two didn’t speak for some time as you grew lost in the sight. “Staring up at these make me really worried sometimes…” Worried, how? “That one day the real stars are gonna get forgotten and left behind. Not just the ones up there, but the whole reason I became a wrestler in the first place. Will his actions be forgotten? And would I ever be able to inspire others the way he inspired me?” It sounds like he’s been wrestling with these thoughts for a while. “Yeah, I- hey wait a minute! Are you making fun of me!?” Not particularly but you couldn’t resist the joke. He just made it too easy sometimes.

~“Ugh, you’re the worst sometimes…” He laughed. “Then again, I guess that’s why we make such a great team. You help me when I’m being too dramatic and I thank you for it. Really, Brother- uh…” You asked him what was wrong since he seemed to be holding back. “Lately, I’ve been wondering if calling you my soul brother is the right thing or not. It’s not because I think you and I aren’t still like that… we are, it’s just… we’ve seen so much together and “Brother” feels out of place now… but, what is this feeling…?” You pondered it yourself and asked him to explain a bit more. “W-Well, whenever we’re close m-my chest pounds like it’s about to burst. Standing next to you gives me more confidence as myself rather than as Taurus Mask… and… I just don’t want to lose you… I can’t… I don’t understand… No, I do understand. It… It scares me…” You smiled and told him that was entirely natural as you handed him your keepsake.

~“Wait, what is this?” He asked with genuine surprise. You told him you wanted nothing more than to be his partner both on and off the ring. That standing by his side has given you new feelings too, and most of all… he was your star that gave you hope again. He was absolutely speechless. You were worried you broke him in some way until he shook it off. “No, I won’t…” He grunted. “I won’t freak out again! I need to keep on being your star after all! You need to keep looking up to me and I don’t want to lose that trust you’ve put in me. Daisuke got as close as he could to you and held your hand all the while the sun began to rise. “From now on, we’re a tag team duo! I’ll keep the solo flying to a minimum, just for you. Not just because I’m your star, but well… you’re MY star too.”

Tsathoggua

~Having his minions open the door for him, Tsathoggua stepped out. He stretched and yawned as though he had just woken up from a trademark nap. “Eh? What are you doing up so early?” You quickly spun this around and told him he was just up too late. “Not really. When you play MMO’s sometimes you just have to be ready for the long haul, so I’ve trained myself to be up as late or early as possible. But, I guess I can’t do that anymore…” He seemed downtrodden by this fact and you asked him why he looked so upset. “Hakumen says that with the walls around town gone, we’re gonna start getting more and more guests at the Casino. And with such a large number of guests coming she said she might make me start working. Can you believe it!?” Well, it wasn’t that far fetched necessarily… “Seriously, me!? Do I look like the host type to you!?” You did tell him he was still courteous to whoever visited him and that no matter what he always went out of his way for you. “W-Well… I tend to make exceptions… Guess I got no choice now, sadly. I might as well try getting in a slightly better shape… you think they make any good fitness games?” The two of you pondered video game ideas while under the gentle gaze of the stars.

~Which reminded you to ask how Tsath felt about the walls. “There’s tons of games I can get express delivered now.” He put plainly. “I’ve always wanted to try the games they have overseas, cuz while we have plenty of good ones over here there have been rumors saying the games in the west are so different. I want to play em all.” An… admirable goal if nothing else. “…Thanks…” He murmured while looking away bashfully. You noticed his distress and asked him what was wrong. He remained silent about it for a moment before finally answering with another question. “…How many co-op games do you think have been made?” The question confused you, but with so many people in Tokyo alone there had to have been a good number. “That’s… good. Maybe… we could play some of them together sometime? If you have the time for it that is…�� You said his name, completely taken off guard with the question. “Aaaaaaah…” He groaned out. “No amount of Visual Novels have prepared me for this…! Not even the hardest difficulty quests made me this nervous! Are there seriously no guides for this kind of stuff!?” He cursed to himself. You were starting to get an idea and realized what he was trying to say. So as a response you handed him a precious treasure.

~“A-A ring already!?” He gasped in shock. “H-Hold on, I don’t think I’m quite the guy for that stuff so fast! And- oh? A… A promise ring?” Tsathoggua seemed to relax at your explanation. “That makes more sense, ehe… um. C-Can I… hold your hand? I… I don’t think I know how to right now…” You took Tsath’s hand in yours as the sun came up and you both finally looked up at it together. “Is this… what you call a good ending? Or maybe it’s the start of the sequel? Either way, I’m glad it’s with you.”

Someone who deserves more credit

~“W-Why are you so surprised!? Don’t give me that look!” Li Cho barked at you. “Gimme a bit a credit, will ya!?” You apologized and asked why he came up to the roof. “I-It helps me think. I didn’t think you’d be the type to be so suspicious.” He huffed and you sighed. You told him to give you some credit and offered a spot with you to stargaze. “Sure. I’ll scare that loneliness away for ya!” You played along and pretended to be afraid of the man-eating tiger scaring away people. “H-Hey!” He snapped, face blushing furiously. “I can be super scary for real! Don’t joke about those things…” He seemed more embarrassed than angry so you agreed to keep the teasing to a minimum. “Thanks. Actually, now that I have an audience what say I serenade you with some of my lovely words, hmm~?” You responded dryly by saying just reading them would be enough. “Heh, is my musical talent too much for you to handle then?” What musical talent? “That’s just cold!” After getting all the snarky remarks out of each others system, he did read you poetry that he wrote himself and with the atmosphere you couldn’t help but be swept away by the imagery.

~Once he had finished indulging himself by showing off his poetry, he took a deep breath. “S-So, it was awesome… right?” You told him it was very good. “Just good, eh?” He chuckled. “Y’know, I did write all these before the walls around us came crumblin’ down. So maybe that’s why they don’t sound as good? But, that’s just me making up excuses and not fixing the damn things…” You told him there was no rush now that you all weren’t operating on a time crunch anymore. “S-Sure, but I still gotta take care of student council work alongside my studies. So it’s definitely gonna be hard to find the time right now.” You reassured him that you’d both be able to make it work. “Heh, I guess.” It then hit him. “Wait, us?” That’s when you dropped the facade and handed him the ring.

~“Y-You’re just messin’ with me right? P-Please say you’re just playin’ around!” He seemed panicked. “There’s no way I can do this!” You asked if this wasn’t what he wanted. “O-Of course I want it!” Li Cho replied. “There’s just… no way you’d ever want a beast like me…” His tough guy act seemed to crack just a bit. “There’s no telling when I’m prone to snap or lose myself completely. I… I don’t want to hurt you if that happens…” Then what was stopping him from not doing it? “Eh?” He was still him under all that fur. No amount of appearances could change what was inside. “Inside, huh?” He pondered this for a moment. “I get it… Fine then.” Li Cho pulled you close to him and nuzzled your neck as the morning light came to view. You told him that Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom. “Heh… since when did ya become such a poetry buff…? Did you really memorize that just for me? Maybe… Maybe I won’t lose myself if I have you there… I want to rewrite our lives.”

HorkeuKamui

~“My Hero, you’ve done it.” Kamui praised you as he quickly joined you on the roof. “Not only have you completed your own goals of saving all your friends, you’ve also torn down all the walls between the people and have found a way for so many to connect.” You said while that was true there was still a lot you wouldn’t know. Would the rest of the world be so accepting of everyone from Tokyo? Besides, it was only thanks to everyone working together that you accomplished these things. “Very true, indeed. However, you are the individual responsible for bringing such individuals together. That alone is worthy of some praise. I’m proud to have you as my Hero.” You asked him to dial back the praise since you were starting to get flustered. “My apologies. It’s just… you’ve done what many others considered to be impossible. That alone has my admiration and joy.” You thanked him again but still couldn’t shake your flustered emotions. As a way to relax Kamui agreed to watch the stars with you, which was certainly relaxing.

~After a while, Kamui seemed lost in thoughts. His look went from glad to pensive. You took notice and asked him what was wrong. “While I am glad that we have reached such a point in time, I can’t help but feel a little… lost.” He admitted. “With so many content, is there even a reason to call you my Hero now? Is there a purpose for a Hero’s sheath if there is no longer any Hero? If not, then where does one such as myself go? I’ve dedicated my whole existence to raising a Hero properly that I have not realized if I had succeeded… what’s left? Can I even continue, knowing that my own selfish pursuit ended so many lives?” You were afraid that you didn’t have all those answers for him. Those were things he’d need to solve on his own. “I’m well aware. But still, I feel fulfilled all the same. I have you to thank for finally satiating my insatiable drive…” While you didn’t have many answers for Kamui, you did have one important question to ask. You handed him something that helped you through the darker times and asked if he’d be willing to stay by your side. As more than a sheath… as HorkeuKamui, the wolf that snatched your heart.

~“Your heart…” Kamui paused for a moment. He smiled realizing what the situation meant. “I see… yes, your heart. With you… I am willing to make such an important oath. Not only will I treasure your heart…” The wolf pulled you into a gentle embrace and gently stroked your hair as the sun began to rise, signifying the start of something wonderful. “I will safeguard it with my life. Not only that, but I also wish to entrust you with my own. After all, I have nothing but boundless love for you… My Dear.”

Wakan Tanka

~“There you are, my friend.” Wakan Tanka greeted you with relief. You returned his greeting and asked if he had been searching for you. “Yes, actually. I couldn’t help but notice how restless you’ve been as of late so I wanted to make sure you were alright. I’m glad that you’re okay, guess my worry was just overreacting.” You thanked him for his concern. “Yes, but… it’s weird. Why was I so upset in the first place? Maybe I just wanted to look at the sky again…” You asked him if the stars at night helped him relax. “At first, they made me sad… but now, I don’t have a reason to be sad anymore. Would you mind if I saw them with you again?” You told him you’d love that and both watched the stars, reminiscent of that time on the beach…

~“So… this is the end of the road for the game in Tokyo… or rather, it’s the start of a new path for everyone to take…” He pondered aloud. “Seeing everyone talking about the future with such hope makes me happy. Really happy, even. Is it even allowed to be this happy for your friends?” You told him you saw nothing wrong with such joy. “I would agree, but… I can’t help but feel sad… knowing that everyone’s ready to move on and leave behind the place that brought us together in the first place. Would they remember all of the good times we had, or just the bad ones?” There wasn’t a guarantee that all the memories would be happy, but you can give him comfort by offering the idea that the happy ones would win out. “I think you’re right.” He seemed a bit sullen still. “For a long while, I would remember the sky in my world. I always thought it was beautiful and made everyone glad they saw it. All but them. They would stare at the sky with such sadness in their eyes, and I couldn’t help but feel sad too… but, looking at the sky now. Maybe it wasn’t sadness… maybe it was their own happiness that made them cry?” There was no way to know for sure now. “Yeah. That person is no longer with us. Instead I have someone who brings me both immense joy and sorrow.” Really, who? “You, of course.” He put bluntly. You were shocked by Wakan’s bold claim. “You make me feel more things I would never have hoped to dream. I don’t understand all these feelings you give me… One moment I’m sad about you, but then you go and make me extremely happy. Then all I can think about is being next to you and… I just turn into a mess of feelings!” You just told him that’s how love works as you handed him a sign of your love.

~“Love…” Wakan asked. “Is that really all there is? A word so simple could have such a chaotic feeling?” You nodded. “…Hey, can I see your hand for a moment?” You gave him your hand as he clasped it with both of his, with him now wearing the ring you gave him and his warm smile making the rising sun shine that much brighter. “I promise from now on that neither road we walk will be lonely. I promise to share this burden and blessing of life that we live. And I also promise… to show you just what my love is capable of doing. I promise to you that it can open a path where we can both be equals, side by side in the same direction. Only… if you’ll let me walk beside you til we pass on to the next…”

If not, then who?

~Weirdly, no one came through the door. You could have sworn you heard something. “Geez Master, do none of your friends really care about us!?” You jumped in surprise as Salomon now stood beside you. You quickly asked what he was doing here. “Master, how come you’re always so mean to me!?” You didn’t mean it like that! You thought that he might’ve… “I told you I’d always be with you! I don’t wanna leave you, Master!” Salomon cried. “I was scared… but, it was almost like taking a nap… I think? I dunno any more than you do! I just… I’m happy to be able to see you again.” You shared in that sentiment and wondered when the last time you two had spent a night together like this. “Too long!”

~“But seriously, does no one care about you this late?” You told him that wasn’t it. “Oh? Ooh, Master. You sly fox. Perhaps you’ve strung together one too many hearts instead of no one at all?” You couldn’t deny the number of people captivated by you, but you were positive there was more to it. “Sure, sure. Though you try to keep cool, deep down I know how passionate you truly are. I always knew one wouldn’t be enough. You’re just too wild.” You asked him to stop or someone might hear. “Heh, I know…” He gave you a cheeky grin. “You just make the cutest expressions sometimes, Master. I couldn’t help but tease you a little~.” Despite all the teasing, you did miss him. You felt it was an appropriate time to give that back…

~“Oh, this?” He pondered. “It… It’s worthless to either of us honestly. I let you keep it as a way to remember me. But now that I’m here it almost seems wasted…” Not entirely. You could use it to make an everlasting vow to trust in Sal more from now on. And… and to promise to keep him close. You don’t want him going anywhere without you from now on. “Oh Master…” The sun began to rise as Sal brought his head to rest on his arm and smiled at you mid air. “Sometimes you take even me by surprise. Still, that’s what I like so much about you. All that there is to do is ask: Where to next?”

~~~

So yes, as of this moment onward I can finally feel confident releasing projects involving Li Cho. I know not everyone will like it and it hasn’t felt that long since i made that post saying i wouldn’t. But I feel I’d be doing a disservice to Housamo’s main message if I kept that sort of content ban up for any longer. Thank you all for being so patient with my while I made this and worked up the courage to finally post Li Cho content.

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thepatricktreestump · 5 years ago

Text

You’re Okay: MCU imagine

Tony Stark (dad) x Reader (daughter) x Peter Parker (boyfriend) x Quentin Beck (villain)

A/N: after seeing Spider-Man far from home i definitely needed a breather of fluff to get over it, but not gonna lie, this includes some angst too. also sorry for the random uploads, i’ve been working and running errands constantly but writing when i can, usually on my novel, but sometimes on fanfics. love you all.

this is part 2 of Anyone Else: which you can find here

Closing the algebra textbook on your bed, you sighed heavily, glad you were finally done with your homework for the night. Thankfully Tony had allowed you to drag your textbooks to the dinner table so you could study while you ate, and that had allowed you to get to bed at a halfway decent time. You shoved the textbook and notebook off of your bed into your bookbag, making a mental note that you’d clean it up in the morning, then shrugged off your shorts, tossed them in the hamper, and rolled over in your sheets. With the snap of your fingers, your lights turned off, and you smiled a bit to yourself, glad that the work for the day was done and you could finally relax. Your brain was exhausted, mind filled up with different equations and theorems, and as you closed your eyes, you wanted nothing more than peace and quiet until tomorrow’s sunrise. That was, until you heard a knock. You groaned, sitting up, wiping the grogginess out of your eyes. “Tony? Seriously?” you whined. “I was already half asleep.” That’s when the knock came again, and you snapped the lights on, confused as to why the door hadn’t opened. “Dad?” You whipped your head to the window, eyes widening at the masked boy on the other side of the glass.

“Hey!” he waved to you, glad to see you were awake and attentive, but you were ever the latter.

“Peter?” you hissed, flinging off your sheets and racing to the window. “What the hell?” You unlatched the sill and slid it up, staring at him, still bewildered and frustrated. “Peter, it’s a school night! God, school night? Forget that, that doesn’t even matter right now.” You shook your head, staring at him once again. “My dad is literally going to kill you!”

“And lose one of his best avengers?” he teased. “Nah, don’t think so, y/n.”

“Oh shut up,” you rolled your eyes, allowing him to climb into your bedroom, still donned in his suit. “So what’s the special occasion, Spider-Man?” You folded your arms, looking him up and down, trying not to blush. You had been dating Peter Parker for almost two weeks now, but still, every time you saw him in his red suit, you couldn’t help but try to hide a squeal. It was sometimes hard to picture the ever amazing Spider-Man and your nerdy dork of a boyfriend Peter as the same person.

“I wanted to visit you,” he shrugged, sitting on the edge of your bed. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other outside of school.”

“It’s cause you work all the time,” you frowned, poking a playful finger into his chest. “With your superhero adventures and all of that.” You huffed. “Honestly sometimes I think you spend more time around my dad than you do me.”

“Not my choice,” he put his hands up in surrender. “Trust me.”

“Yeah, yeah,” you sighed, finding yourself crawling up into his lap, linking your arms around his neck, smiling. “You should take your mask off so you can kiss me.”

“Hmm?” he tilted his head to the side, making you giggle.

“You heard me,” you told him shyly and he laughed a bit too before reaching up to tug his mask off of his head, exposing his messy brown curls and his tired eyes. “Aw baby, you look exhausted.”

“I’m fine, really,” he reassured, shaking his head. “Just a late night mission, that’s all.”

“I’m sorry,” you looked down, feeling guilty. “You probably don’t have time for me, you know. You’re already busy with school and the whole Spider-Man thing…”

“Hey,” Peter lifted your chin to look at him, saddened. “Don’t say that, y/n. I love you. I will always have time for you. Even though it might not be as much time as I want, there will be time. I’ll make time. Anything for you.”

“Okay,” you managed a small smile. “I love you too.”

He leaned in for a kiss and you melted into him, letting yourself relax, his hands pressing into your back. He was right. You hadn’t seen him outside of school for a couple days now, and it was eating at you alive. Much less, most of the time he was around, Tony was watching both of you like a hawk. “I can’t stay long,” he apologized. “I still need to finish my homework.”

“Just stay here,” you begged, wrapping your arms around him tight, burying your face in the crook of his neck. “Forget the homework.”

“I know. I wish I could, love,” he hushed. “But Aunt May is waiting for me and she still thinks I’m over at Ned’s.”

“Alright,” you sighed in defeat. “Well… promise to visit me like this sometime again?”

“Promise,” he nodded.

Peter gave you one last kiss before you slid off of his lap and handed him his mask, watching as he fixed it on and climbed out the window, then shot a web and swung away. You watched half in awe and half in longing, wishing he could’ve stayed even maybe just a minute more. He started to disappear into the distance of skyscrapers and towers, and you slid down the window, crawling back into your bed and resting your eyes, ready for school tomorrow.

“You’re not going to school,” is the very first thing that comes out of Tony’s mouth when you arrive downstairs the next morning.

“What?” you stare at him blinking, still clutching the straps of your bookbag. “Seriously? Do you know how late I stayed up last night working on those math problems?”

“We’ve got a mission and I don’t feel comfortable leaving you home alone, so I’m taking you with us,” he stated. “Get packed. We leave in two hours.”

“Is Peter coming?” you asked eagerly and he looked at you, disappointed.

“It’s not a family vacation with your boyfriend, alright kiddo? It’s a serious situation we need to take care of,” he scolded. “Go up and get your bags. I’m taking you with us for safety reasons.”

“Safety reasons,” you mocked under your breath as you walked away and you could practically envision him scowl.

“You better behave young lady or someone’s going to get their window privileges taken away,” he warned and you stopped dead in your tracks, eyes wide.

“Excuse me?” you turned around, shocked.

“What?” he stared back at you, a bit prideful in himself. “You didn’t think I’d catch little Spidey-Boy crawling through your window last night?”

“Dad,” you groaned, frustrated. “What did I say about invading my privacy?”

“What did I say about the rules?” he cocked his head to the side, obviously annoyed. “I told you no seeing the Parker kid after midnight. And he’s definitely not allowed in your room.”

“He wasn’t in my room!” you tried to protest with a lie and he narrowed his eyes.

“Your window is part of your room,” he argued. “And last I checked, two in the morning is past midnight.”

“Fine,” you grumbled, turning on your heels and walking back towards the elevator to go upstairs and pack.

To be completely honest, you weren’t really sure where you were going, but from what Tony had told you, it seemed like the rest of the Avengers would be there. You’ve met them on a couple occasions, but Tony highly discouraged getting too involved. You understood to an extent, but you didn’t see what was so harmful about having a little fun. You were already dating one of them, and the daughter of another, why couldn’t you just be friends with the Hulk or Black Widow? What was so wrong about that? You sighed, pondering about it as you flung open your suitcase and looked for a couple good outfits to bring along. You didn’t know whether it would be warm or cold, so you decided to pack for both just to be safe.

That’s when there was a knock on your door and you sighed once again, trudging to go open it. “Who are you?” you stared at the two men donned in suits strangely, seeing as you didn’t recognize them from anywhere before.

“Come with us,” they simply stated, and you raised an eyebrow, twice as confused.

“Did Tony send you? Are you going to take my bags?” you inquired.

They shared a look, then nodded, going back to facing you. “Uh yeah, Tony told us to take your bags. You’re coming with us,” the first one announced, holding out a hand to grab your suitcase.

“Oh,” you gave a second look, unsure at first, but noted the professionalism and the suits. “Alright.” You handed over your luggage and stepped out the door with them, wondering where Tony or Happy would be. They usually were right by your side during these types of excursions.

“Keep up,” the second suited man encouraged, noting the way you seemed to be distracted as you followed them down the hall.

Before you knew it, they were escorting you into the back of a limousine, then to a building. “Soooo…” you drew out the word as they took you down a series of hallways. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see soon enough,” one of them mumbled.

“The way my dad made it out to be I thought we’d be going to London or Tokyo or something,” you laughed and they paused, turning around.

“Your dad?” they asked at the same time.

“Well yeah, Tony,” you clarified. “Uh, you know. I’m y/n. Y/n Stark.”

“Right,” the first one nodded carefully, although looked surprised at the information. “Just down this hall, it’s the last door.”

“You all keep acting strange,” you hummed. “Something doesn’t seem right.”

“Just go through the door,” the second one groaned, opening it up and shoving you through. The doors clicked locked behind you and your eyes widened, seeming to realize this was probably a trap. Goddamn it, y/n, you were so oblivious sometimes. You instantly turned around, miserably trying to flail open the door, fingers gripped tightly at the handles, but you heard a tsk, tsk noise from behind and you rescinded, facing another suited man across a desk, this one with an aftershave and slicked back hair, looking particularly smug.

“Ms. Stark now, is it?” he smirked, making you feel particularly uneasy. “Well, I thought you were just Spider-Man’s girlfriend, but now, what’s this? Iron Man’s daughter? How riveting.” He gestures to the chairs gathered around the conference table. “Why don’t you have a seat?”

Panic seized your body at the realization and you instantly pressed the charm on the bracelet Tony had gifted you, the one he had urged you to wear in case of any emergency. He had crafted it himself with a tracker and alert system in case you ever were in a time like this. You clicked the button three times, expecting it to light up like it usually would, but nothing happened. You cursed, shaking and sweating, clicking it wildly, but the man just threw his head back in a laugh. You paused, looking at him, disgusted and terrified all at the same time.

“That pretty little technology won’t work here,” he chuckled. “Give up already, there’s no escape. Nobody’s coming to save you, princess. Not your Spider-man boyfriend, and definitely not your Iron Man dad. It’s just you and me now. So why don’t you have a seat and let’s talk this one out?”

“What do you want?” you scowled, crossing your arms, refusing to sit down.

“Let’s be civil now,” he narrowed his eyes. “Wouldn’t want things to get ugly.”

“Who are you?” you pestered him with another question, sick to your stomach that you were stupid enough to find yourself in such a shitty situation. Tony would be so disappointed.

“Quentin,” he gave a sinister smile. “Quentin Beck.”

“Am I supposed to know who you are or something?” you tilted your head to the side, clearly unimpressed. “Because I really don’t.”

“I used to work for your daddy’s company,” he teased. “Stark Industries? Ring a bell?”

“Yeah I’m not a dumbass,” you argued. “I know his company. But what does that have to do with me being here?”

“You, my darling,” he begins, hardening his expression and pulling out his wrist, staring at it as if to check the time, but that’s when you realize the contraption fixed to his arm. “You are my chess piece.” He clicks a button and the entire scenery shifts, conference tables and seats fading away, making you scream and curse in confusion, until you focus upon a new scene with a dark sky. You’re in an alleyway. Alone. “You didn’t want to take the easy route, so I guess you’ll have to play my little game, hmm?” His voice echoed in your ears, but you didn’t know where it was coming from. He was nowhere to be found.

Surveying the area, you began to notice someone at the very end of the alley, a small boy with messy brown hair carrying a bookbag. As you approached, he looked familiar, and you began to run to him, eyes widening at the connection. “Peter!” you called his name, running faster towards him. “Peter!” But no matter how fast it seemed you ran, you were getting nowhere, the distance between you refusing to lessen. You called his name louder, hoping he would hear you, but a dark shadowy figure came into view at the end of the alley, pulling some sort of weapon out of his pocket, pointing it at the boy. “No! Fuck, Peter- no!” You ran as fast as you can, your lungs seeming to collapse and your legs burning with exhaustion, but it happened before your eyes. A zap of blue lightning seemed to shoot out of the weapon, causing the boy to tumble to the ground clutching his chest, then crumble to the gravel motionless while the shadowy figure walked away. Tears formed in your eyes, you screaming out, still trying to run towards him, but it was no use. He slowly closed his eyes, lips parted open, still. Was he-? No. He couldn’t be.

As you ran faster you found the scene changing, and you were atop a glass bridge, high above a city full of lights, stomach feeling queasy. “What?” you looked around, panicked, wondering what had happened to Peter and the alleyway. You stared down the side of the bridge, head spinning. You must have been at least several miles up, everything was so small. You took a step back from the railing and felt the brittle glass underneath you crack, your heartbeat pounding in your chest. “No, no, no, no-” the glass shattered and you felt yourself falling down below, shutting your eyes tight, screaming as you fell, until you opened your eyes, the dropping sensation stopped all of a sudden.

Everything was gone. You were in your bed. “Huh,” you laughed a bit to yourself. “God, I’m glad that was just a weird ass dream.” You sat up from where you were laying down, looking around to make sure, and you saw everything in place like usual. You sighed of relief, then heard a tapping at the glass, raising an eyebrow and going to check. It was Peter. Your eyes lit up and you raced towards the window, opening it up and greeting him with a smile, tugging him into your room. “God, I’m so glad you’re here,” you practically cried from happiness, embracing him tightly. “I was so confused, and I thought you were hurt, but I guess-” Suddenly he shoved you back and you paused, offended and scared, looking at the masked boy you loved. “Peter what are you doing?” He shot a web straight at you, pinning you the wall, practically suffocating. “Peter! What the fuck?” He shot another web. And another. And another. Each one suffocating you more and more. You felt like you might pass out each minute. Why was he doing this? That’s when he reached up to pull down his mask and you saw a ghastly face, skin peeled off, eyes bleeding, jagged teeth, a monstrous sight. You screamed and closed your eyes but when you woke up…. You were back where you began.

You struggled to catch your breath, staring at the man who had caused you such worry, Quentin Beck. “You fucking prick!” you shouted, clutching your chest, trying to keep calm. Your head still felt like it was spinning, a dizzying sensation coursing through your body as you tried to reel back into reality. “Why would you do that? Why would you mess with my head like that? Why would you-”

“Oh Ms. Stark,” he simply chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t you know? The game has just begun.”

“Stop!” you raced towards him but it was no use, his fingers already tapping at the device on his wrist, scenery changing.

Though this time, it was at an incredible pace. There was Tony, screaming at you, telling you he hated you, that he wished you had never come crawling back to him. There was your childhood bedroom, the screaming from your mother and stepfather being heard echoing down the halls. There was your school, bullies pushing you into lockers and tugging at your hair, laughing at you and calling you names. There were monsters from your nightmares, your worst fears come to life, visions so terrifying you felt as if paralyzed. One after another, small snippets crushed your soul, making you feel overwhelmed, scared, alone, questioning one after another. They all felt so real. Despite Beck’s machine and the conference room and the memory of being kidnapped, you felt each and every scene. Frustrated and confused, tears began to stream down your face, you screaming for him to stop.

This time when you returned to the conference room you barely even had enough energy or willpower to stand, instead tumbling towards the floor, a sobbing mess, trying to form a coherent sentence. He had ruined you, messed with your mind, made you question everything. You just wanted to disappear. “Oh, sweetheart,” he teased in a patronizing tone, walking over to you, staring down at where you had collapsed. “What happened to that spitfire stubbornness you inherited from your daddy? It’s gone all of a sudden? What a shame.”

“Fuck you!” you spat, still crying, eyes stinging from tears, heart racing, body aching. “Fuck you and your games! What do you want?”

He knelt down beside you, clutching your face and tugging up your chin to look at him, making you feel helpless. “I want you to give me access to the room,” he whispered and your heart sank in your chest. “You know which one.”

“N-no,” you sputtered out. “I can’t, I’m sorry, I really can’t do that-”

“I know you can,” he insisted. “I know you and your little Spidey-boyfriend broke in once. You can break in again.”

“That’s for the Avengers, that’s not for me, it was an accident the first time, I couldn’t have possibly done it on my own,” you rambled but he pressed a finger to your mouth to hush you.

“Enough talking,” he silenced. “Take me there.”

You bit down on your bottom lip, staring at him, trying to think of something, anything, but he was right. You were out of options. Defenseless. There wasn’t any other way. “Okay,” you surrendered.

“Affirmative,” Beck spoke into an earpiece you just now realized he was wearing. “Task accomplished, voluntary captive, proceed.”

He let go of your face, forcefully tossing you back to the ground, standing back and smirking, making you hate him even more. The conference doors swung open and the two suited men marched in, collecting you up from the ground, and you gave in.

“Drive faster,” Beck snarled as the two suited men occupied the front seats of the limousine and he accompanied you in the back.

“We’re driving as fast as we can, boss,” the one in the passenger seat reassured. “We don’t want to draw unnecessary attention towards ourselves.”

“If Tin Man or Tarantula Boy comes crashing down on top of this limousine, I swear to god I’m going to wring your throats,” he threatened. “Drive faster!”

You looked out the window as the skyscrapers and towers passed, wondering and hoping and praying that it would happen. That your dad would swoop in and scoop you right out of this limo, blast Beck in his stupid sorry face, and then beat the suited guys to a pulp. You had never seen him in action before. He had strictly kept you away from his whole superhero persona and business. But you secretly always dreamt of what it would be like to watch him save you from danger. You had only seen him wear the suit and use his powers in YouTube videos or on news snippets. If you weren’t so winded yourself, you’d try to unlock the door and tumble out onto the street and then race towards the nearest help. That was, if Beck didn’t catch you and strangle you to death beforehand. Instead you sighed, slumping down in your seat, defeated. The evil man sitting beside you failed to hide a slight smile upon noting your negative tone before gazing out his own window.

That was, until the entire car jostled and both of you stared at each other for a second, the tires screeching and everyone in the vehicle shouting, jerking to the left. You crashed into the nearest parked car, your eyes readjusting as the broken glass collected in your lap and the airbags went off at the front. You tried to catch your breath before the car jerked towards the right, signaling this was only the beginning of the attack. “Who the fuck?” Beck cursed beside you, holding his hand to his forehead that was now bleeding, unbuckling and jerking open his car door. You watched carefully, then came to your own senses, crawling out of the car and looking out.

“Y/n?” Spider-Man stood in the middle of the street, staring at you, head tilted. “Oh god. No, you were in that car, you could’ve been hurt, shit, I didn’t know-”

Caught off guard, he was tossed to the ground with a single blast of Beck’s device, skidding across the asphalt of the street. “I am Mysterio!” Beck roared, shooting another blast, causing Spider-Man to come tumbling down once again, this time into traffic. “Fear me!”

Cars swerved, a couple honked, others turned around, some parked and people got out to record the chaos on their phones. You stood in shock, scared he would be hurt by this maniac. “No!” you raced towards him before Beck got in your way, shouting out his ridiculous villain name before shooting another blast as your boyfriend got up, slinging a web up towards a street light and swinging away.

“Come back here, you stupid insect!” Beck roared.

“I’m actually an arachnid,” Spidey shrugged, shooting at web towards his arm only to miss, catching the wall beside him. He was such a fucking dork. You couldn’t help but giggle to yourself despite the stress of the situation. That was, until you felt two arms come up behind you and put you in a headlock.

“Hey!” you screamed, causing your boy to whip his head around to stare at the scene.

“Y/n, no!” Spider-Man’s eyes went wide and as you began to choke you watched as he was swept off his feet from distraction once again, Beck stepping on his chest, pointing the weapon to his face.

“S-stop! D-don’t h-hurt him!” you shouted out a strangled cry, but the arms squeezed harder. It was the henchmen, the suited ones, they must’ve gotten out of the car. You eyes teared up and you began to feel lightheaded, trashing and kicking about as much as you could, blurry vision watching as Beck kicked Spider-Man in the face, making your chest heave up with emotion.

“Hey asshole!” you heard a familiar voice and instantly the arms dropped you, causing you to collapse to the ground. You groaned to yourself, realizing you had found yourself suffocating on the floor far too many times in the past three hours, before looking up, coming face to face with your father, fully suited. Your frown broke out into a grin.

“Iron Man?” you raised an eyebrow, a bit eager to see how this would play out.

“Hey Princess Peach,” he gave you a nod before extending his palm and blasting the suited man in the chest, sending him skidding down the asphalt. “You alright?”

“Y-yeah I’m fine,” you replied, a bit shocked at the brutal violence and crazy technology, but amazed all the same. Also, a bit annoyed at the nickname, but your clapback could wait for later.

“Good, cause I’ve got to go save your fool of a boyfriend,” he responded. “I’ll be back. You wait somewhere safe.” He zoomed off, rocket blasters lifting him up off the ground and soaring into the sky, then crashing down on top of Mysterio or Beck or whoever the lunatic was, sending Spidey free.

“Hell yes!” you did a fist pump before racing towards the nearest awning.

“Douchebag, why don’t you learn to leave my kids alone, huh?” Iron Man blasted him in the chest again, sending him towards the nearest building, but not nearly done with him yet. You almost wanted a bag of popcorn to munch on while watching the battle. Your eyes were fixated on the robot suit and the crazy screaming man until something out of the corner of your eye caught your attention. Fuck.

“Pe- I mean, Spider-Man!” you caught yourself, looking around, realizing you couldn’t shout his name, swallowing down the rest of your words before racing towards him.

The poor kid was sprawled out on the concrete, hacking up blood, and you raced faster, kneeling down beside him, gasping when you saw his suit. “Fuck, Peter-” you could barely breathe or speak. “A-Are you okay?”

“Hey…” he weakly responded, barely even able to lift his head.

“Jesus,” your face fell. His suit was torn in some places, blood stained in others, sticky webs tangled in other parts, and even some fabric singed. “Are you bleeding? Is that your blood?”

“I’m fine, y/n,” he whispered but he clearly wasn’t. Sounds of screams, blasts, and crumbling buildings surrounded you, but you didn’t care. You needed to make sure he was okay.

“Come on, we’re getting you out of here,” you insisted, trying to pick him up, but unable to do much but lift his torso. “I’m sorry, I’m going to have to drag you.”

Struggling but persistent, you took him to the nearest building, thankful most people had already evacuated due to the violence in the streets. “Let’s go to the back,” Peter suggested. “I can’t have anyone see me.”

“Right, right,” you nodded, helping him towards the back of the store, helping him sit up behind a couple aisles before rushing to the front door and locking it for your own privacy, then racing back to him. “Come on baby, let’s take off your mask.” You carefully helped pry the fabric of the suit off of him, letting him gasp for air, but frowned upon the sight of the gashes on his jaw and the already forming bruise on his cheek. “Shit Pete, it’s so bad-”

“I-I’m okay,” he insisted, still coughing up a lung, clutching his side.

“I’m so sorry,” you apologized. “I didn’t mean for this to happen, I should’ve been smarter, I didn’t know…”

“I’m just glad you’re alright,” he reassured, putting a hand up to your face, holding your cheek softly. “As soon as Mr. Stark and I realized you were missing, we rushed out to find you. We didn’t know that you were with Mysterio, I would have never crashed the car, I didn’t know you were in there-”

“I’m fine, really,” you gave a soft smile. “It’s you I’m worried about.”

“I’ll be okay,” he smiled back. “I’m Spider-Man.”

“Yeah,” you grinned. “I know.” You pressed a soft kiss to his forehead and sighed, hugging him gently towards you, letting him lean his weight onto your shoulder.

“Y/n, c-can you maybe get m-me some water? Is that okay?” he stuttered out and you nodded quickly.

“Of course,” you replied. “God, I should’ve thought of that. Yeah, one second.” You slowly got up and looked for the nearest fridge and then pulled out a couple bottles, taking it back to him, uncapping one before handing it off. “It’s really important you hydrate.”

In that moment it was quiet. Silence. Peter leaning on you, occasionally coughing, slowly sipping on water, you playing with his hair while staring at his mask on the ground. This is what Tony meant when he told you that knowing was dangerous. When he had said that there were people who wanted to hurt you, to hurt Peter, to hurt him. You were part of this now, like it or not, and it was part of your responsibility, as well as his, that nothing happened to you. And you just went and ruined it. You pressed your lips together, feeling slightly guilty about it all, hating yourself. Not only were they constantly chasing after villains and going out on missions, they were now cleaning up after your mess. You lowered your head, feeling down, and Peter looked at you, concerned.

“It’s not your fault,” he whispered. “You didn’t know.”

“Yeah but I should’ve been smarter,” you mumbled. “I should’ve been better.”

“Hey,” Peter frowned. “Don’t say that. Anyone else would’ve done the same. I’m just proud you didn’t give up. You kept fighting.”

“Y-yeah,” you nodded, thinking back to when you had given up, when you surrendered, when you agreed to take Beck back to the tower. You were weak.

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” he gave you a soft hug, smiling, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “That’s what’s important, alright? Not what happened, not who was involved, just that everything’s better now. Okay?”

“Mhmm,” you replied, starting to get his point. “I guess you’re right.”

“Hey Romeo and Juliet!” you heard a knocking at the storefront window and you both groaned. “You gonna thank Prince Charming, or what?”

“I’ll get it,” you rolled your eyes, giving Peter another kiss on the cheek before heading to the door. “Yeah, yeah, thanks.”

“We are going to have a talk, young lady,” he pointed at you, and even in the Iron Man suit, you could envision him narrowing his eyes.

“I know,” you sighed. “I know.”

“Where’s Spidey-Boy?” he asked, looking around.

“In the back,” you motioned. “Gave him some water and let him take off the mask so he can breathe.”

“That’s good,” he nodded. “I called Happy, he’ll be here any minute now to come pick us up.”

“What about the mission?” you asked, a bit panicked as you walked with him to the back of the store.

“Honey, that was the mission,” he explained. “We were supposed to track down Mysterio because he had stolen some high tech advanced weapons from me and was planning on stealing even more. Apparently we got the location wrong because, well hell, he was here with you instead of where we were headed in Berlin. Strangely enough, you getting captured was helpful, in a weird twisted way. Uh, anyways.” He clears his throat. “Don’t worry about the mission, we got it covered.” He pauses. “You okay, kiddo?”

“I will be,” you reassured.

“Good,” he put a hand on your shoulder. “Let’s patch up your boyfriend and then we can get home and talk.”

The lecture Tony gave you was not nearly as bad as you thought it would be. Rather than scolding you for irresponsibility and stupidity, he reprimanded you for giving him a whole ass heart attack and a half. He reinstated just how important you were to him, and Peter too, saying that he’d do anything to keep you two safe or if need be, save you. He also explained a couple more things about the case, detailing his past with Quentin Beck, who had coined the name Mysterio and foiled several of the Avengers’ and Tony’s plans in the past, as well as stolen his achievements and inventions. He gave you a big hug and then promised to update your emergency bracelet before giving you permission to hang out with Peter Parker, although a bit hesitant. Honestly, he wasn’t half that bad as a father after all.

“Hey,” you gave a half smile as you noticed Peter enter the lounge, holding a cold pack to his face. “How’s it going?”

“Got a lengthy talk from your dad,” he laughed, shrugging his bookbag off his shoulder and sitting down on the couch next to you, stretching an arm around your waist and planting a kiss on your forehead, tossing the cold pack to the side.

“Oh god,” you rolled your eyes and groaned. “I’m so sorry. What about?”

“He said I can’t let you and my emotions get in the way of my work,” he chewed on his lower lip. “He noticed how I would get distracted whenever you were involved. With the car and then with the suited guys, I was always knocked to the ground whenever I was vulnerable. He said it wasn’t acceptable, no matter who was on the other end of the line, that I had to keep my head straight. Because in the process of saving you, I might lose you, and I might end up dead myself.” He shakes his head, clearing his thoughts. “It’s ridiculous, seeing as I’d do just about anything for you, but… yeah. I guess he does have a point. People need me.”

“Of course,” you agreed, although warm hearted at his reflection. “There’s a world that needs saving.”

“That job’s for your dad,” he chuckled. “Me? I’m more of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.”

“Sure…” you replied sarcastically. “As if you’re not a web slinging Avenger in your spare time.”

“Shhh!” he tickled your side playfully. “That’s a secret! How do you know?”

“Peter! Peter!” you laughed, pushing him away until he rescinded. “Don’t you know my weakness? How dare you defeat me with your tickles!”

“My bad,” he raised his hands in surrender, laughing a bit himself. He slowly trails off, staring at you, pressing his lips together. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“Same,” you whispered. “And for you too.”

“No matter what happens, we’ll get through this,” Peter promised, smiling at you. “Together.”

“Absolutely,” you nodded, breaking out into a grin. “It’s not like I’m dating a superhero for nothing.”

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lonelymakne · 5 years ago

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AU “What are you doing inside my head?” “You can hear me too?”

Part 1

Part 2

(Dialogue “.....” Thoughts ‘...’)

It’s 14th September, fall quarter in Kyoto High School. The Senior year is stressful with making decisions about your future and preparing for exams which will decide your future. Surprise, surprise I do not use my “super powers” to cheat during tests. Okay, maybe sometimes, but not intentionally. I still can not control my mind that well to not hear other people’s thoughts, so now and then I hear some answers during tests. However, I try my best to not, therefore I study hard in order to finish test as quickly as I can that I do not hear other people.

Summer before a senior year was a wonderful time. I spent time with my family and friends. My friend Yerim (our friend group gave her a nickname Choerry, but she doesn’t like it, we still call her that to annoy her) and I went to Osaka for a week and to Tokyo for four days. We had so much fun and looked at some universities. But, summer ended and it is school-time.

I’m a morning person; I enjoy waking up before sunrise, make myself cup of coffee and watch it rises. Kyoto may be not a big city full of life, but it has it charms, and beautiful sunrises, and sunsets. The alarm rings at 5:40 a.m. I wake up really early because school starts at 8, and I take a train to get there.

I’m going straight to the bathroom to wash my face, brush my teeth and do my “skin care” (wash my face with the cleanser, put some toner on, and apply a moisturizer). My hair do not want to cooperate with me most of the time, so I just to try to make them look decent by brushing them. Done with the bathroom.

Uniform is ready and hanging in the closet. I do not really like wearing uniform but at least I don’t need to think what to wear everyday.

“Luna, breakfast is ready,” Mina says while banging on my door.

“Okay, okay stop banging. I’m coming.”

Just need to grab my backpack and my phone. While coming down the stairs I can hear mom thinking, ‘I need to make list of groceries to get for the dinner, and Minhuyng will pick up Mina from school today.’

“Good morning, mom. Good morning, dad.”

“Good morning, Luna. Please don’t forget to feed Starlight.”

“Okay, mom.”

Starlight is our cat. She is very very white, so we named her starlight.

“Dad, can we go to the comics store after school?” Mina asked.

“Sure, only if you help your mom to wash dishes.”

“Okay.”

Wow, this girl is obsessed with comics. She got passion.

“I will be home late, me and Yerim are going to the library after school to work on our science project.”

“Okay, just be careful and don’t be late for a dinner.”

“No problem, Ma.”

All of us were finishing our breakfast. And randomly dad’s thoughts popped out in my head, ‘ I need to ask Luna what to buy for Yoona’s birthday.’

I wish I could just send a message to my dad through telepathy, however, it doesn’t work like that. Every time I hear something, but people don’t hear me back. I will just tell dad later what mom wants.

It’s 7:20 I need to head out. Grab my coffee with me and go to the train station.

“Bye everyone, I already need to go!”

“Bye!”

“Good luck at school!”

I hope Yerim won’t be late again, we all the time meet each other at the train station.

I get there and of course this girl is not there yet. If we are late because of her I will murder her. Oh, I see that purple head.

“Choerry you are late again!”

“I’m sorry my brother is a dickhead and was in the bathroom for an hour, so I couldn’t even wash my face.”

Yerim thought to herself, ‘She knows I hate when she calls me Choerry. This girl will kill me one day.’

Yeah, she gets annoyed because of Choerry, but she knows I call her like that only when I’m “mad” at her.

“No worries, Yerim. We will just kill your brother and bury him in you backyard.”

“Please do so. He is just too much sometimes.”

“Our train should come in 5 minutes.”

“Good, I was so scared that you will leave without me and I will be late.”

“I would.”

“Wow. Luna, you are so mean!”

“You know I’m joking.”

“Of course, I do. After 5 years of friendship I know everything about you.”

The train came and we got inside. I don’t like to sit on the train, so me and Yerim stand next to the doors.

“Your purple hair is fading.”

“I know, they’re more pinkish right now. Are you going dye yours?”

“Mmmm I don’t know yet, I’m okay with brown for now.”

“You should go blonde.”

“I will think about it.”

I try to not hear Yerim’s thoughts, but I feel more comfortable to hear hers than some strangers on the train. ‘There are some boys from our school.’ I turned around and saw Hyunjin and Jisung from our school at the back of the train.

I said, “I didn’t know Hyunjin and Jisung take the same train as us.”

“Me either. We have been taking this train for four years and I have never seen them.”

“Maybe we just never recognized.”

“Probably. By the way did you read Nietzsche for supplement resource for philosophy.”

“Yeah, I tried to read in Japanese, but end up reading in English because translation was bad.”

“I wish my English was as good as yours. I didn’t understand shit.”

“I will help you during lunch.”

“What would I do without you, Luna?”

“I don’t know either.”

“Bruh.”

We ended up laughing.

It is our train station. We got out from the train and started waking to school.

“How’s student government?” Yerim asked.

“It’s okay, Seungmin is on mine and Ryujin’ asses.” I’m in the student government as the club in my school. It is pretty fun, but most importantly it looks good in college applications. Seungmin is the president, me and Ryujin are Vice Presidents, Sumin is the secretary, and Jaemin is the treasurer and marketing “manager”.

“Knowing Seungmin, he is.”

“Yeah, he takes his job seriously, him and Ryujin argue all the time about whose idea is better, and I’m their buffer. It’s funny to witness those fights.”

“We almost at school. I’m not ready for the morning Calculus.”

“I have AP-Calculus and still don’t know how I ended up there. I hate math.”

“It’s a mystery.”

I can see the gates of the school already. We come inside of the school and go right to the lockers.

My head gets flooded with people’s voices.

‘I forgot to do my homework. Shit.’

‘I can’t believe my parents grounded me.’

‘Where is Jisung? I need this hamster.’

Oh, that was probably Seungmin. He all the time calls Jisung hamster. I turn around and see at the end of the hallway, Seungmin. His eyes searching around for Jisung.

“Okay, you better help me with philosophy homework because Lia got sick, so you are the only English genius I know, and that dude Nietzsche doesn’t make sense in Japanese.” Ryujin says when she walks up to mine and her locker.

“Wow, so I will have a whole lecture during lunch I guess.”

“Please do.”

“Yeah, I didn’t understand it either,” Yerim says.

We part with Yerim. I and Ryujin have AP together while Yerim has calculus.

We walk into the classroom. There is not a lot of people who take AP. It’s me, Ryujin, Seungmin, Jisung, Hyunjin, Lia, and Yeji.

I sit with Ryujin on the 3rd desk.

“I have some cheeseme (tea) to spill.”

“Oh wow I’m intrigued.”

“I will tell you during lunch.”

“Okay. You spill some cheeseme and I will lecture you and Yerim.”

“Deal.”

Mr. Chen comes into the classroom and bell rings.

“Good morning, guys. Today we will start new lesson, but first we will look at the problem on page 35.” I open my textbook on page 35 and Mr. Chen starts solving the problem on the desk in order to give is an example. Everyone is quiet. I write down the example on mine notebook.

‘Fuck, I will kill Felix and Jisung. Why the hell they posted this video.’

Who was that. I look around and think on who might thought of it. It might be Seungmin or Hyunjin.

‘Seungmin will probably help me to kill them.’

Okay, that was easy to figure out. What did they do to make him so mad.

‘What?’

Mr. Chen was done with the example, so I started to copy notes from the board.

‘That’s stuff is confusing.’

Agree with that indeed.

‘What are you doing inside my head? Who are you?’

‘You can hear me too...’

#kpop scenarios #kpop au #stray kids hyunjin #stray kids scenarios #hwang hyunjin #hyunjin #stray kids au #stray kids school au

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weretigerkun · 7 years ago

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Here’s a late post for Fic Writers’ Week Day Four: The Devil’s in the Details

I had already planned to annotate a history of me and you (Dazatsu Period AU) anyway, so here it is!

Selected lines are quoted and arranged according to their chronological appearance in the story. I suggest you read the Author’s Notes on the AO3 fic page itself, as I didn’t repeat some links anymore.

What’s under the read more? References to canon and future side-stories, a timeline of Period AU Atsushi’s life, info about the real Nakajima’s and Dazai’s lives, as well as historical background to explain several details in the fic. Okay? Read on~!

The boy reads it carefully, attention fully captured by the words in front of him. A new character is introduced—it’s a young man whose kindness the protagonist tries to return for the first time.

A scene inspired by their first meeting in canon

Spring blooms, breeds flowers As I breed ink on these hands, Remember the shape Of your brightest smile, Your warmth in my cold embrace, Sunrise in your eyes Beautiful boy beside me For spring, summer, fall, winter— Let me taste your name.

One poem made out of three haikus (5-7-5). Except the third to the last line, because it wouldn’t fit in just five syllables. So have an outtake:

Beautiful bishie, you are my squishy.

Oh look, 5-5! lolol

“Oh no, that one’s private—for the eyes of mon amour only.”

The real Dazai Osamu enrolled in the French Literature department of the University of Tokyo but never attended any lectures. Several well-known contemporary Japanese writers also took up French Literature in their college years. I wonder why.

Instead, the man gives an awkward cough, eyes flitting away briefly. Atsushi yanks the collar of his yukata upwards, tightens it around him.

Dazai is shameless.

Once again, today I wake under frozen sky Trapped by memory But my lips warm with your name, Your body rising like the sun Like winter has passed

This time, I attempted a tanka (5-7-5-7-7) , albeit a modern and modified one.

He’s used to Western clothes, but this white suit feels too foreign, too expensive

Atsushi never buys his own clothes, so Dazai spoils him. To be expounded on in a future side-story.

“Ah, yes, I did hear rumors.”

“He’s doing very well under me.”

“Indeed he is.”

I can’t help slipping in fancy innuendo. This is how I roll, okay.

Also, about “He’s doing very well under me” (NSFW link)…

Kunikida grumbles, but a woman with short hair taps at his arm

It’s Yosano-sensei! She’ll appear in a future side-story.

…a new ballad oozing out of the nearby gramophone.

I wish I could link to an actual song from the 1930s here AHAHA (I really love big band jazz and swing tbh) but instead, I ended up listening to a bunch of 1930s Japanese music. They’re all… really interesting, to be honest.

The short-haired woman that had been with Kunikida laughs into her palm, listening in to the hushed words of the grinning man next to her.

Yosano laughing with Ranpo. He’ll appear in a future side-story too, along with Fukuzawa-shachou and the rest of the ADA. They all work together in the same publishing company, with Fukuzawa as the president and Kunikida as an editor. Tanizaki eventually interns here too after graduation (he’s Atsushi’s classmate).

He’s about to suggest getting a bite to eat when he turns and sees a gawking face in the corner—some middle-aged man in a Western vest, his hair slicked back. Atsushi swallows, hoping to shuffle away…

But then Oda Sakunosuke arrives next to him. He places a heavy hand on the other man’s arm, giving him a blank stare. The stranger looks at him, blinking, taking in murmured words as he’s led away. Oda’s grip is strong, quiet but firm, and so they make their way out of the room, almost as if nothing’s happened.

Oda Sakunosuke protecting his friends and his writer from seedy journalists. <3 Nobody’s writing anything hateful about these two lovers, not under his watch. (As proof: see “the very first article that mentions him publicly”)

One famous photograph of the young Nakajima depicts him in his home […]

Only he and Oda Sakunosuke were privy to some joke.

Wow, okay, I was supposed to write another scene to this BUT I LOST MY NOTES!! :((

By the 1930s, cameras were already smaller, lighter, easier to use, and cheaper. They had become available to the masses and were starting to gain some familiar features: an instant shutter, a timed shutter, as well as the start of color photography. Even folding cameras existed, which could fit into your pocket. I imagine Oda or Ango had one, and so they’d take lots of cute photos of Dazai and Atsushi (and their other friends) whenever they’d come around.

There’s a companion photo to the one published in the book. It was taken a few minutes before Atsushi’s portrait. It depicts Dazai and Atsushi seated side by side, with Dazai’s head on Atsushi’s shoulder, and the boy looking down at him with a bright smile. Very cute. Very sappy. Oda still has this photograph in his personal collection.

After hearing the click, Dazai had laughed and pulled away. “You should take one of Atsushi-kun instead, Odasaku,” he’d said. “He’s much more handsome.”

Atsushi batted him away, but Dazai only replied with something so charming and funny that Atsushi, caught off-guard, let out a wild laugh.

He tugs at Dazai’s sleeve, rubbing the fabric absentmindedly. Smooth and silky, dark against his skin. The edge of a crane’s wing embroidered on the side. “But at least… you like the present I picked out for you?”

Dazai’s kimono based on the Kyoto collaboration art. (1, 2)

I find this incredibly interesting, as the crane is a symbol of happiness and long life. I doubt Dazai would choose it himself (or if he did, imagine the irony), so I headcanon that Atsushi picked it out for him. That boy is so pure and loving <3

The sun rises.

But this time, there is no warmth or light. The sun rises on another day without Atsushi-kun by his side.

No need to waste paper after all.

War effort.

Dazai pulls out a small, clean piece of paper from underneath a messy stack. In the process, he nudges the newspaper unfurled across the table, its headline notifying young men of required conscription.

Young men being drafted for the war effort wouldn’t be sudden news in 1941-1942, as Japan’s Conscription Law was already established in the Meiji Era 1873. This allowed men aged 20 to 40 to bear arms (any man, no longer just samurai) and required them to serve three years of active service, and then four years in reserve. Firstborn sons, students, teachers and widowed men with children were allowed to be exempted, aside from those who were physically unfit. Upper class citizens could probably pay their way out of conscription as well.

The real Dazai Osamu was excused due to his tuberculosis. I imagine this Period AU Dazai could pay his way out of Atsushi’s conscription as well, but Atsushi wouldn’t think it was right.

The real Nakajima Atsushi died in 1942 due to pneumonia. He was 33. I wanted Period AU Atsushi to die before he hit thirty (sorry, Atsushi-kun. I love you, I promise), so, um, here’s a potentially weird timeline of his life. Please keep your suspension of disbelief for a while!

1913: Period AU Nakajima Atsushi’s birth

1918: his first memory, being in the orphanage

1929-1931: his high school years. He discovers Tsushima’s works during this time (maybe a little earlier, maybe in his last year of junior high) and those works impact him greatly.

1932: Atsushi’s first year of university. Probably meets Dazai around this time, late in the year.

1936: Graduates university. Publishes his first short story.

1936-1940: His short literary career before having to fight on the front.

I was going to kill Ooba off in the latest chapter, but I know that as soon as you return you'd yell at me for it.

Ooba is the protagonist in Dazai’s novel No Longer Human.

He had stood here once. In the same city and under the same sky. I pull my coat closer around myself and begin walking, hoping to get home before the roads pile up with snow.

The narrator means Tsushima, and she’s not wrong, but in the tradition of bookends, he would refer to Atsushi.

(Making this post was really fun! I’ll probably make one for every major Period AU side-story too)

#ficwritersweek #bungou stray dogs #period au #fic extras #mine

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shutupandblog · 7 years ago

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cute tags

1: when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk? // more milk! 2: do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day? // YES OMG YES. 3: what random objects do you use to bookmark your books? // forks, notes, socks....anything I find in that moment... 4: how do you take your coffee/tea? // tea: just with water. coffee: flavoured creamer.... 5: are you self-conscious of your smile? // YEAH. 6: do you keep plants? // my mom forces her plants onto me so I have unexpected children to take care of. 7: do you name your plants? // no, I'll feel bad if I forget their names. 8: what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings? // songwriting 9: do you like singing/humming to yourself? // sing out loud, man. but yeah. 10: do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? // fall asleep on back easiest but wake up on my side. 11: what's an inner joke you have with your friends? // innovation at its finest, man. 12: what's your favorite planet? // saturn 13: what's something that made you smile today? // finding some of my old songs and realizing that they're not ALL lost. I was a genius in 2014 and backed it up on usb wow 14: if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like? // open concept omf hit me with the natural light and big windows. no walls. big kitchen. no curtains. piano. hardwood. pictures in frames. 15: go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is! // "The Apollo astronauts' footprints on the moon will probably stay there for at least 100 million years." Source: https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0ahUKEwji75-ZwYXXAhWqxFQKHSroDssQFggxMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2F2014%2F03%2F05%2Fsun-stars-space-facts%2F&usg=AOvVaw2BqM1yEL36GBccqMtEtOWs) 16: what's your favorite pasta dish? // i don't normally eat pasta so every time i see pasta i'll take anything. 17: what color do you really want to dye your hair? // grey and lavender. 18: tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up. // 19: do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it? // i keep a lyric dump journal! 20: what's your favorite eye color? // GREEN 21: talk about your favorite bag, the one that's been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces. // my navy backpack was with my throughout high school and ib and i'm still using it in uni, so it's been to hell twice. 22: are you a morning person? // hell no 23: what's your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations? // listen to all my cd's and find new artists...song write...listen to more music... 24: is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets? // yes 25: what's the weirdest place you've ever broken into? // lol none 26: what are the shoes you've had for forever and wear with every single outfit? // threw them out yo 27: what's your favorite bubblegum flavor? // banana 28: sunrise or sunset? // sunrise 29: what's something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing? // my one friend has a habit of crossing her legs and tapping her foot that’s in the air when she listens / hums music and it’s sO CUTE. 30: think of it: have you ever been truly scared? // yeah. my mom went through a rough time and I hated being awake. 31: what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks. // in general: no socks. Weird socks are cool. I usually take off my socks as soon as I walk in through the front door. If I wear songs, they’re ankle length. Can’t do anything higher than that. I hate tights, I don’t do tights. 32: tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends. // i literally think we woke up at 4 to watch MAMA 2015 together. 33: what's your fave pastry? // i have no idea....bread pudding served on pie crust and ice cream? 34: tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it? // it’s gone. but it was called bonsai and it was a giant ass panda and i miss it. I had to get rid of it because we were moving and its head got ripped off. Or, ripped in half should I say. 35: do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often? // I love them but I never indulge in it!!! alkjngakjdfd 36: which band's sound would fit your mood right now? // my mood right now? omg bts - wings. 37: do you like keeping your room messy or clean? // messy. 38: tell us about your pet peeves! // wet bathroom floors, getting my socks wet, sweaty in the winter, when people touch my things and don’t put them back where they are supposed to be so i can’t find it ugh, touching people’s food while doing dishes (SCRAPE YOUR PLATE @ SIBLINGS), people stepping on my shoes, looming too close to me while talking....etc.... 39: what color do you wear the most? // grey, black, pink. 40: think of a piece of jewelry you own: what's it's story? does it have any meaning to you? // all my jewelry is meaningless bc I bought it all myself. Ahh- I have this one pearl necklace that my grandpa and dad bought for me in china and I haven’t worn it once. 41: what's the last book you remember really, really loving? // gallagher girls series 42: do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it! // i’m not a coffee person 43: who was the last person you gazed at the stars with? // myself a few mornings ago when I was going to my lab and waiting at the bus stop. 44: when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything? // when i was in hawaii doing the longest hike of my life and finally reaching the “end” of the island and you could see no city. Just sea lions, turtles and water. Dark stones. Wind. It was just myself and it was quiet and it was so beautiful. I have so many videos. 45: do you trust your instincts a lot? // fuck that shit, I got so many q’s wrong on tests because of it. 46: tell us the worst pun you can think of. // gravity sucks. 47: what food do you think should be banned from the universe? // onions omf 48: what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today? // the dark. and yeah. 49: do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought? // I LOVE CDs. Last record I bought: paramore- after laughter (i think). 50: what's an odd thing you collect? // cineplex tickets and guitar picks. 51: think of a person. what song do you associate with them? // my friend S- I associate her with the song “Tokyo Jellybean” by Ingrid St-Pierre. She’s one of my favourite artists. I have never told her this. 52: what are your favorite memes of the year so far? lol cracking a cold one with the boys bc my psych always opens a pop can in the middle of this lecture (ALL THE TIME) and i just get reminded. 53: have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? heathers? beetlejuice? pulp fiction? what do you think of them? only heathers bc my friend showed it to me and I really liked it! 54: who's the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face? // my friend Y. 55: what's the most dramatic thing you've ever done to prove a point? // raised my voice? 56: what are some things you find endearing in people? // being completely absorbed in their work, drinking coffee and looking out the bus window, falling asleep in random places. 57: go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics? // uhh i just use this song to check if my right headphone is working lol 58: who's the wine mom and who's the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why? // wine mom is T and vodka aunt is Y. I mean, if you meet them you’ll know. 59: what's your favorite myth? // im uneducated 60: do you like poetry? what are some of your faves? // i like poetry- short poetry. 61: what's the stupidest gift you've ever given? the stupidest one you've ever received? // I gave cough drops / i received paperclip holders 62: do you drink juice in the morning? which kind? // i’m a morning water person 63: are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be? // YEAH I AM. Bookshelf man. 64: what color is the sky where you are right now? // black 65: is there anyone you haven't seen in a long time who you'd love to hang out with? // no bc if I haven’t seen you in a long time, I’ve probably dropped you. 66: what would your ideal flower crown look like? // baby’s breath, blue bells, daisy. 67: how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel? // I LIVE FOR THOSE DAYS 68: what's winter like where you live? // either snowy heaven or mushy hell 69: what are your favorite board games? // i’m basic, so monopoly. 70: have you ever used a ouija board? / no 71: what's your favorite kind of tea? // oolong or vanilla something.... 72: are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you'll forget it? // yeah i really need to 73: what are some of your worst habits? // drop my clothes all over the bedroom floor and leave them there. 74: describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns. // a breath of fresh air 75: tell us about your pets! // i had a goldfish once but on the car ride home to my house it died. 76: is there anything you should be doing right now but aren't? // STUDYING WTF AM I DOING ANSWERING A 100 QUESTION TAG 77: pink or yellow lemonade? // PINK 78: are you in the minion hateclub or fanclub? // i’m a spectator 79: what's one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you? // painted me fake polaroids and stuck them in a colouring book omg 80: what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why? // tan. it’s the colour of my entire house. 81: describe one of your friend's eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of. // didn’t pass engl man i can’t do this 82: are/were you good in school? // i WAS 83: what's some of your favorite album art? // rise against, fob, volbeat, ingrid st pierre, ts, bts. 84: are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones? // i’ve always wanted a roman numeral tattoo but i don’t do commitment. 85: do you read comics? what are your faves? // i only read peanuts and archie as a kid 86: do you like concept albums? which ones? // i only listen to pink floyd ..the wall. 87: what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives? // not a movie person. can’t comment. 88: are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy? // idk.... 89: are you close to your parents? // sure 90: talk about your one of you favorite cities. // tokyo omg god save me 91: where do you plan on traveling this year? // the farthest i’ll get is my bed 92: are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch? // barely sprinkles a pinch 93: what's the hairstyle you wear the most? // up 94: who was the last person you know to have a birthday? // my auntie 95: what are your plans for this weekend? // this weekend is over and so is my academic career 96: do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot? // procrastinate 97: myer briggs type, zodiac sign, and hogwarts house? // 1. don’t know, 2. scorpio, 3. ravenclaw 98: when's the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it? // real hike: this summer in hawaii, fake hike: w my friends downtown. I loved both times the same. 99: list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them. // Exo- what if/my answer, Taylor- all too well/never grow up, Shawn: running low, Alessia: my song, Bts: sea, Pierre Luc lessard: sans combat 100: if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why? // 5 years in the future. The past 5 years have been hard.

I tag: @kabul1998, @iamnotmadamebovary

#tags

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nexusradiodance · 6 years ago

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Felix Jaehn: Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

Felix Jaehn Interview.

Ever since he charted at number one in more than fifty-five countries with his remix of OMI’s Cheerleader, the platinum-selling DJ and music producer Felix Jaehn whose real name is Felix Kurt Jähn has captured the attention of the international Electronic Dance Music community.

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Jaehn, who started his DJ career at only age sixteen and has now accrued more than 2 billion streams (and counting), has made him one of the most sought-after DJs in 2019. His last single So Close, a collaboration with the Swedish duo NOTD, songstress Georgia Ku and Los Angeles-based trio Captain Cuts continues to simmer at mainstream Top-40 pop radio.

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The German producer was recently in the BPM Supreme-Nexus Lounge Miami during Miami Music Week to promote his latest single with Alok and The Vamps called All the Lies. And he was very impressed with Nexus Radio host Adam Turner’s pronunciation of his last-name.

Adam Turner: This is Adam Turner here in the Nexus Lounge in Miami on Miami Beach and I’m joined by Felix Jaehn, how are you?

Felix Jaehn: Hey Man, what’s up? Thanks for having me.

Adam Turner: Did I pronounce your surname right?

Felix Jaehn: You did, I’m quite impressed. Like, there aren’t that many people who get it right [laughs].

Adam Turner: Is it German?

Felix Jaehn: It is German. We have the […], “a” with two dots on top of it. You don’t have that in the English language. That’s why a lot of people get confused.

Adam Turner: Where in Germany you from?

Felix Jaehn: I’m from Hamburg originally and now I live even further north by the sea in like a really small village, literally 80 people live there.

Adam Turner: So, how is your Miami (going)?

View this post on Instagram

I whisper it slow #AllTheLies

A post shared by FELIX JAEHN (@felixjaehn) on Mar 26, 2019 at 8:38am PDT

Felix Jaehn: It’s great. I love it. It’s actually the first time I’m in the warmth this year. I’ve been in Europe most of the time this year and it’s been freezing, so I’m enjoying the sun. I’m enjoying wearing shorts and I’ve actually been to the beach as well. The first day we got here, I woke up jet lagged at 6:00 AM and I called my photographer. I was like, ‘sorry to wake you up, but let’s go to the beach, watch the sunrise, take some epic shots and go for a swim.’ It was beautiful.

Adam Turner: Amazing. I mean, you’re not going to get that much of a chance to do that in Germany, so why not do it while you’re in Miami. How long are you here for? Are you here all week?

Felix Jaehn: I’m leaving on Friday, so tomorrow.

New Music.

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Adam Turner: Are you going to play anywhere?

Felix Jaehn: I did an appearance together with Alok who’s also going to be here in a bit. We have a single out together, it’s called All The Lies, so that’s why I came basically, to promote that record.

Adam Turner: Fantastic. Let’s jump straight in. I’ve got five questions for you. So, what are the five essential things that you carry in your DJ bag?

View this post on Instagram

Back in my studio! First writing camp of the year starts today

#excitedface

A post shared by FELIX JAEHN (@felixjaehn) on Jan 13, 2019 at 1:30am PST

Felix Jaehn: USB sticks, headphones, ear-savers (ear plugs), […] a generation of MacBook that I need a USBC to USB adapter [laughs]. It’s always in there.

Adam Turner: It sounds like a big bag [laughs].

Felix Jaehn: That’s just four (items on the list) though, isn’t it?

Adam Turner: Sorry. Yeah, you’re right. One more.

Felix Jaehn: ..and then (pause), that’s it. That’s all I need (pause) really [laughs]. I just need four things.

Adam Turner: What is your favorite Emoji?

Felix Jaehn: My favorite Emoji at the moment is the rocket. Because that’s like my vibe, let’s go to the top!

Adam Turner: I like it!

Felix Jaehn: Let’s skyrocket! Let’s go to the top!

Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

Jaehn, who came out publicly as bi-sexual to a German newspaper recently, shared a few words to live by “Don’t worry, be happy.”

View this post on Instagram

Back then I spent weeks looking for the right music for my birthday party with thirty friends. I knew exactly what time I wanted to play each song. I thought about how to build the vibe so my friends would hopefully dance. Today I still do the same. For thirty thousand sometimes! This pic just made me remember how far I've come. It's over nine years ago… but I still have the same passion!

A post shared by FELIX JAEHN (@felixjaehn) on Dec 19, 2018 at 5:41am PST

Adam Turner: If you had a time machine, Felix, where would you go? Which decade would you go back to?

Felix Jaehn: I think I wouldn’t go back.

Adam Turner: You’re going to go in the rocket forward?

Felix Jaehn: No, I was going to say I wouldn’t go back very far. I think I would go back to my childhood actually.

Adam Turner: When was that?

Felix Jaehn: I would go back like 15 years ago now, when I was like nine years old and just tell this little kid that everything’s gonna be okay, and don’t worry, and just be happy.

View this post on Instagram

I had a chat with @attitudemag!

'Before releasing and touring his debut studio album, I, Felix finally took a break from his hectic schedule and decided the time had come to come out publicly as bisexual. Inspired by contempories like Troye Sivan and Olly Alexander, he did so in February this year, telling a German newspaper he was ready to find "the person I want to share my life with, man or woman.“ Nine months on from that announcement, Attitude's Will Stroude caught up with Felix […] to find out how his life has changed for him since, and how the search for Miss or Mister Right is going…'

A post shared by FELIX JAEHN (@felixjaehn) on Nov 4, 2018 at 2:43am PST

Adam Turner: Who do you stalk the most on Instagram?

Felix Jaehn: I don’t know. Who do I stalk? I don’t really stalk people. Like, there must be someone (thinking that) I ‘stalk’ right? Like, nobody believes me [laughs]. I must say, I don’t stalk [laughs].

Adam Turner: You know, when you hand over your phone to someone like ‘oh! Look at this on Instagram’ and they look at the who like the top follower is…

Felix Jaehn: Let me see who’s on top right now. It’s usually the artist that I collaborate with at the moment because I want to stay up to date with what they’re doing. I don’t use Instagram privately a lot because…..yeah, it’s NOTD at the moment, we have a song out together, it’s called So Close. There you go! [laughs]

Adam Turner: Oh! By the way, that’s an amazing record! I’m a big fan of it, it’s really good. I heard it on the radio in L.A. just last week.

Felix Jaehn: Sick! I heard it on the Uber here last night and I was really happy. Like, I asked the Uber driver ‘Do you like this song?’ I went all in.

Adam Turner: Last one (question) on the Take 5. What career path do you think you would have gone down if you didn’t do music?

Felix Jaehn: I would have gone down a business career path, but I think I would’ve realized quite soon that it’s not the right thing for me to do because I would have done it just because that’s what my parents do.

And if music [does not] work out anymore at some point, which I don’t believe (so) because I’m doing great, and I have so much music coming up, and I don’t want to stop. But I would like to become a youth care worker at some point, and just work with kids and hopefully inspire them and share my values and all of that.

2017, Sorry, 2019 And Beyond.

Adam Turner: That’s fantastic! That’s Take 5, now tell me, what is 2017 (look like)? You’ve got a track out of the moment…

Felix Jaehn: 2017? Is that your time-machine vibes still going on [laughs].

Adam Turner: I don’t know why I did that, what is ….

Felix Jaehn: Why would you like to go back to 2017? What happened that year that you love it so, so much? [laughs]

Adam Turner: That year was quite good for me. I was happy with that (year)…. 2019, what’s going on for you this year?

Felix Jaehn: It’s a lot of music basically. Like last year… everybody always says line [laughs].

Adam Turner: Yeah, they do.

View this post on Instagram

Back in my studio! First writing camp of the year starts today

#excitedface

A post shared by FELIX JAEHN (@felixjaehn) on Jan 13, 2019 at 1:30am PST

Felix Jaehn: But last year [I was] songwriting so, so much. I’ve been to L.A. for two weeks, London two weeks, Stockholm two weeks. I do songwriting camps at my little village in Germany and I invite songwriters to come over.

And, what’s new for me? I’m also co-writing all the songs and I’m involved with (lyrically). Even though I’m a DJ-producer, I try to make the songs as personal as possible. So, my next single is going to be about self-love for example. All those things that [were] going on in my head growing up […] I try to bring them into my songs and share the vibes.

He’ll Be Back.

Adam Turner: Fantastic, that sounds great. Are you going on the road? Are you deejaying? [Where] are you playing?

Felix Jaehn: Yeah, I’m playing a lot. I’m actually going to Dubai next week, then it’s Tokyo, Bali coming up. A lot of European shows, then there’s actually some U.S. shows confirmed already as well: San Francisco, Las Vegas. And in September, we just blocked off the entire month to do a U.S. Tour. I’m going to be here all September and I’m going to try to go everywhere!

Adam Turner: Fantastic! It sounds like you’ve got a crazy 2019.

Felix Jaehn: Yeah, it’s going to be big.

Adam Turner: Yeah, it sounds great! Felix, thank you so much for joining us in the Nexus Lounge, have a great Miami, and I will come and ….are you spinning this week?

Felix Jaehn: No, I don’t have another show coming up here.

Adam Turner: Did you play already?

Felix Jaehn: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Adam Turner: Damn! I missed it.

Felix Jaehn: But we’ll be back!

The interview.

from Dance Music – Nexus Radio http://bit.ly/2L4SjcR

#IFTTT #Dance Music – Nexus Radio

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icespyders · 8 years ago

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tagged by @risquetendencies (thank you friendo!!!! <3) so i stole time for this right before leaving for katsucon lmaoooo

A - Age: 22!

B - Biggest fear: uhh shit i don’t know if i have just one isolated Big Fear. i’m scared of lots of everyday things that could go wrong. falling onto the subway tracks is one i have to confront a lot so i guess that’s the thing i’m afraid of most frequently lmao

C - Current time: 8:36 AM

D - Drink you last had: Water, but usually it’d be tea.

E - Every day starts with: Oversleeping a bit, having tea, checking fb/tumblr/twitter/ao3, usually watching smth on youtube while i have my tea

F - Favorite song: noooo don’t make me pick. i’ve been on a big hayley kiyoko kick lately. the song i took lyrics from for my blog sidebar at the moment is from “honey” by magic man, so i’ve been thinking about that song lately, but i mostly took that lyric because i think it’s an amazing line - won’t you break me open like the sky at the sunrise? it strikes me as being so wonderfully vulnerable, if that makes sense...i’m rambling ok i’m done.

G - Ghosts, are they real?: Yes.

H - Hometown: I’m born and raised and still in new york city, fistfight me in times square if ur not a coward

I - In love with: my girlfriend, also anime characters, and also sometimes my own writing when i’m on a roll, but that last one vacillates wildly

J - Jealous of: Fellow creative people, usually, but that’s a weird kinda jealousy because when i admire someone’s work i’m like, super happy for them but also like “i cannot BELIEVE you thought of this first and did it so good!!! what the hell!!!! how dare you!!!!! never stop you beautiful bastard” if that makes sense??? anyone who can do something i can’t do, or does something i can do but really super well and/or differently from me, generally gets some of my weird admiring jealousy vibes lmao. like there’s kinds of writing i don’t do, or vibes i can’t quite achieve, just bc of differing styles or approaches, and that sets me off too. but i try to admire more than envy in that regard.

K - Killed someone?: Not that you need to know about. (no) (i read this story on tumblr about a girl who fought off a mugger by beating him with her cute frog umbrella while crying and that’d be me if i was ever in a life or death scenario. i’m not made for violence)

L - Last time you cried: ...rewatching moana...lol...

M - Middle name: my siblings and i all have our mother’s last name as a middle name. idk why. i guess it seemed fair that we got both our parents’ names one way or another. it’s clearly a surname, not a first name, so every time i’ve given my middle name i’ve had to re-explain what the deal is.

N - Number of siblings: 3! I’m the oldest, I have two brothers and a sister.

O - One wish: At the moment, get a full-time job (which would mean I get to move out of my house, which is another current wish)

P - Person you last called/texted: My girlfriend.

Q - Questions I’m always asked: “How do you spell that?” when people ask my name.

R - Reasons to smile: friends! singing along to music, watching movies, laughing at stuff that isn’t even funny! for me, rereading my fics and stuff, since i write those for my own enjoyment primarily...and also bc rereading comments on ao3 make me so so happy haha

S - Song you last sang: i sang along to “one bad night” by hayley kiyoko while i was sewing last night

T - Time you woke up: a little before 7 this morning

U - Underwear color: red & black

V - Vacation destination: I’m going to Maryland today for katsu!!! cons are my main vacations. but I want to go back to new orleans and (someday) tokyo, i loved both those cities

W - Worst habit: biting my nails, sometimes i’m forgetful, i’m very conflict-avoidant so sometimes i feel like people walk over me and idk how to fix that hah,,,,

X - X-rays you’ve had: Nothing out of the ordinary, just for the dentist. I’ve never broken a bone so I’ve never needed x-rays

Y - Your favorite food: Pizza and lots of junk food...dark chocolate...baked goods...i eat a lot ok

Z - Zodiac sign: Libra!

i gotta head out soon so uhhh w/e if you read this i tag you!

#ask game #risquetendencies #thank u for the tag!!!! i love getting to know ppl through stuff like this uvu

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crimsonzoroark · 8 years ago

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meme thing! All of them! Cause I'm evil and you brought it up XD

Dude, I am so ready xDD

flower crown: when did you last sing to yourself?

If humming is counted, it was today in the car on the way to work. Actual singing was last weekend.

fairy lights: if a crystal ball could tell you the truth about anything, what would you want to know?

I’d want to know long I’d live. Most people find this scary but I honestly don’t.

daisies: what is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

Battling my mental illness.

1975: what is the first happy memory that comes to mind, recent or otherwise?

Watching the first Pokemon movie.

matte: if you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living?

No. I’m already anticipating death, whenever it’ll happen.

black nail polish: do you have a bucket list? if so, what are the top three things?

Become a therapist/counsellor, go on holiday to Tokyo, ride a jet ski.

pantone: describe a person close to your life in detail.

My sister, @suddenlysombra. She’s my salt buddy, is doing a course in Games Design, an animal and nature lover, and totally rocks~

moodboard: do you feel you had a happy childhood?

No, it was quite a sad one.

stars: when did you last cry in front of another person?

I think it was my sister, during the Christmas season because of frustration + dissatisfaction.

plants: pick a person to stargaze with you and explain why you picked them.

The person who sent me this ask~! Because they’re a wonderful friend.

converse: would you ever have a deep conversation with a stranger and open up to them?

Depends on how our conversation starts off and progresses.

lace: when was your last 3am conversation with someone, and who were they to you?

My sister, a few months back. We salt a lot together about stuff.

handwriting: if you were about to die, and you could only say one more sentence to one person, what would you say and to whom?

I’m finding a way around this - I’d tell my sister that I’m leaving this world, hope to see her soon and to post on here and FB about my death so that other people also can be reached.

cactus: what is your opinion on brown eyes?

They’re meh.

sunrise: pick a quote and describe what it means to you personally.

“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

This quote gives me hope because it speaks to my dissatisfaction with just how imperfect this world is. All the sadness and hatred and bad stuff is not meant to be this way, and I believe in the life after this one where things would actually go perfectly, i.e. Heaven/eternal life. I cannot express how much I cannot wait to go there, and really hope I will.

oil paints: what would you title the autobiography of your life so far?

“The Rain Doesn’t End, Till The Mist Takes Me Away”

overalls: what would you do with one billion dollars?

Give most of it away.

combat boots: are you a very forgiving person? do you like being this way?

I find it difficult to be forgiving. I remember how people treat me and if it’s bad treatment, I replay scenes in my head a fair bit. I don’t quite like being this way but it’s just so hard to not hold any bad actions against the people behind them.

winged eyeliner: write a hundred word letter to your twelve year old self.

“Hey you. I’m Future You. Justwriting to say I’m so sorry pretty much everyone leaves. School sucks likenothing else, doesn’t it? I know you have no one you can consider a friend andnot just an acquaintance or peer, but you have plenty of friends in thefictional realm. All the Pokemon you are obsessed with are your friends. So isevery Disney character you’ve watched on a screen, and for that matter everysingle fictional character is your friend. You carry a piece of them insideyou. I’m your friend. And all of us are great company.”

pastel: would you describe yourself as more punk or pastel?

Punk because I dislike coming across as “soft”

tattoos: how do you feel about tattoos and piercings? explain.

I’m indifferent towards both, but am perfectly fine with anyone who has them.

piercings: do you wear a lot of makeup? why/why not?

Not a lot, because I feel it isn’t worth the time and effort.

bands: talk about a song/band/lyric that has affected your life in some way.

Red is a band that has helped me so much in processing my anger - their sound is raw and powerful yet beautiful, almost like a beauty out of chaos kind of thing. Lots of meaningful lyrics too.

messy bun: the world is listening. pick one sentence you would tell them.

“How many of you want to work 4 days a week, and have a 3-day weekend, instead of how it’s been for too long?”

cry baby: list the concerts you have been to and talk about how they make you feel.

To be honest there’s no concert I’ve been to that I enjoyed - it’s more that I was dragged along or was bored so I went for it. I don’t like the crowding and the noise levels and am happy just listening to the songs on my own.

grunge: who in the world would you most like to receive a letter from and what would you want it to say?

Lmao, that would be Sebastian Stan, and I’d love him to say he’d love to meet in person sometime for a meal despite his crazy schedule, because he wants to get to know me better.

space: do you have a desk/workspace and how is it organised/not organised?

Yup. It’s not ridiculously organised but isn’t a tangled mess either.

white bed sheets: what is your night time routine?

I work on passion projects or watch a film/episode. There’s the occasional dinner outing or cinema trip.

old books: what’s one thing you don’t want your parents to know?

They shall not get any grandkids from me. I don’t want to give them the satisfaction.

beaches: if you had to dye your hair how would you dye/style it and why?

Just some purple highlights, because it isn’t too drastic a change and would still look amazing.

eyes: pick five people to go on an excursion with you. who would you pick and where would you go/what would you do?

My siblings, @fragranceofroses, @vilcade and @ladyginoza xD I’d choose an amazing island spot in Thailand with sun and beaches, where we’d talk about memes and fandom and enjoy good food and each other’s company~!

11:11: name three wishes and why you wish for them.

1. More money so I can help more people without worrying about my own savings too much. 2. For Pokemon to be real, because the world would be far less boring and also happier. 3. For the sequels and additional seasons of my fave shows to exist (I’m eyeing you, Psycho Pass Season 3!!)

painting: what is the best halloween costume you have ever put together? if none, make one up.

(Making one up) Going as Greedling from FMA. With one arm partially covered in his ultimate shield.

lightning: what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done while drunk or high?

Never been drunk or high before.

thunder: what’s one thing you would never do for one million dollars?

Kill someone lol.

storms: you can only listen to one song for the rest of your life, or only see one person for the rest of your life. which and why?

Whoa. I’d pick a song and at this point it’d be “Gojintai e Futatabi” from the Kimi No Na Wa soundtrack.

love: have you ever fallen in love? describe what it feels like to realise you’re in love.

I’ve only had crushes and have not been in a relationship. I’m not sure this qualifies…? As for having a crush, it’s thrilling and exciting.

clouds: if you’re a boy, would you ever rock black nail polish? if you’re a girl, would you ever rock really really short hair?

I don’t think I’d rock short hair, so am aiming to keep it long forever.

coffee: what’s your starbucks order, and who would you trust to order for you, if anyone?

Dark mocha frappucino. I’d trust most people to order it for me.

marble: what is the most important thing to you in your life right now?

That I’m not around my mum for most of each day because of my new job. Thank heavens.

#ladyginoza #ask memes #long post

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rememberthattime · 7 years ago

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Chapter 32. Move II. Part III. Sydney

Whew! Made it.

Writing this trilogy has been a massive project, written over four weeks and across several countries. From the start, I knew this was going be a long process given the epic, exciting, exhausting, and wonderful three months these posts had to capture.

Thankfully, with heavy use of bullet points, I’ve finally managed to post Parts I & II. That leaves me with one last post: our arrival.

Part III. The finale. Welcome to ‘Straya.

Technically “our” arrival was actually at two different times: Chelsay landed in Sydney on 1/31/18 while I didn’t arrive until 2/5/18. This keeps happening for one reason or another, but Chelsay & I never end up taking these 8+ hour cross-oceanic flights together. Over the past two years, we’ve combined for 13 flights over the Atlantic or Pacific, but somehow only been together for TWO of them!

Oh well, we bought enough Tylenol PM in the States to knock us out for the entire 24 hour journey anyway. Plus, Chelsay’s early arrival gave her a chance to scout neighborhoods before starting work, and she hit the ground running! Over a series of four days (and as documented in 857 texts), she covered nearly every neighborhood in Sydney, sharing valuable details such as commute times, home quality, and potential for spider infestations. She didn’t just settle for house hunting either, she also set up our bank account, arranged cell phone plans, AND found six Din Tai Fungs near our temp housing.

Most importantly though, she found her way to Sydney’s beaches. We were moving in early February, so everywhere we’d been over the past eight weeks was cooooold. London, Tokyo, Kyoto, Dallas, and Seattle, all in the middle of winter. I never want to forget FaceTiming Chelsay in the few days before I arrived… It was busy season, so I was calling late at night at the Expedia office, looking out at the dark, cold, and wet Bellevue skyline. Meanwhile, on the other end of the screen, Chelsay was in 85 degree sunshine, sipping acai smoothies at Bondi Beach, with the sound of waves crashing & tropical birds chirping in the background. It was an awesome light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel, but it also might’ve been the most jealous I’ve ever been. Thinking about it, the only comparative jealousy was when she ordered ribs at our 2016 Valentine’s Dinner in Copenhagen…

Alas, it wasn’t long until my arrival, and my flight in was a beaut. The connection was a disaster (delayed in SEA so I literally sprinted through LAX to barely catch my next flight). But with clear skies, these 30,000 foot views of Sydney reminded me why I was running.

The day I arrived was actually Chelsay’s first day at work, but I didn’t mind being alone because the Eagles-Pats Super Bowl kicked off right as I walked into our temp housing. Is there a better way to shake off 24 hours of travel than watching Tom Brady lose in the Super Bowl? Only if you follow the Philly Special with a jet-lag fighting coastal run immediately afterwards. (Experiment: as I’m writing this, my guess is I’ll look pretty pale in this first few pictures. I haven’t checked, but watch this space throughout the post).

That first night, Chelsay and I met up at the pristine Royal Botanic Gardens, where we walked through magnificently manicured paths towards my first glimpses of the Sydney Opera House. With the Harbour Bridge in the background, Chelsay and I looked out in awe as we reflected on all the effort it took to get to that exact moment. Late night interviews, visa sponsorship stress, Primrose Hill celebrations, BuzzFeed article and YouTube Sydney research, rushed moving logistics, and most recently, airport sprints. An exciting but challenging past couple months, but we’d finally made it to our new home.

So, status check: I’ve finally arrived in Australia. Yes, technically that’s where this post was meant to begin, but it took 500 words to set the scene… Chelsay had now started working too. Meanwhile, I was very much unemployed. Chelsay didn’t find out about Sydney until December, so with Christmas holiday, my US busy season, and the Aussie school summer break in January, I pretty much hadn’t connected with anyone in the city. Like I said, very much unemployed.

Networking wasn’t my only priority though. Chelsay and I also needed to decide on a neighborhood, find a house (and furniture, electronics, etc), WRITE THIS DAMN BLOG, and most importantly, plan our first vacation (Western Australia, which I’ll save to discuss in my next post).

All in, there was certainly enough to keep me busy for a few weeks. Despite being unemployed, I was genuinely “working” the same hours as Chelsay. I’d roll into Starbucks at 8, take a break at noon to work out and eat lunch (a deli chicken & pickle sandwich -- the unemployed man’s Chick-fil-a), then head to the park and hop back into emails, or cover letters, or letting profiles, or Western Australia logistics, or this stupid Six Sigma course I signed up for. It’s more fun to write about the “Welcome to Straya” stuff we got into (which I’ll do further down), but I also want to remember how I used my days these first few weeks. (Note: tan)

One more moving logistic-y thing before the fun: our neighborhood decision. With the London move, I spent a whole post discussing how we decided on St John’s Wood. I don’t need to do that this time. What I’ll say is that we knew Manly was the neighborhood for us all along, but spent a week or two trying to convince ourselves that it wasn’t.

Remember the post about Chelsay waiting to hear back about her interviews? About how I’d researched potential neighborhoods even though she hadn’t been offered yet? ...Yeah, I’d picked Manly all the way back in November. It’s a laid back coastal town, filled with friendly young families and expats, and a self-sustaining number of shops and restaurants. Actually none of those factors matter... Manly Beach is TripAdvisor’s Best Beach in Australia, so I could’ve just stopped there.

There’s one downside to Manly though: in a country that’s already remote, Manly might be the most isolated neighborhood in Sydney. The town, which was literally a quarantine from 1820 to 1980, is on the very edge of Sydney Harbour’s northern peninsula, right at the mouth of the Pacific Ocean. It would be an hour drive to CBD, but the more efficient commute is by ferry, which:

Only takes 20 minutes

Passes the Opera House each way

Gives you the chance to see the occasional whale or dolphin on your way to work

Costs $7.50 per person per trip, or $30 per day total

For about 10 days, that last bullet was a deal-breaker... We actually moved on from our dream neighborhood and started looking in Coogee, Bronte, Bondi, Surry Hills, and Double Bay. By the time our first day of tours rolled around, we’d narrowed our options to Bondi & Coogee, and Chelsay & I felt okay about a few of the homes we toured. We’d gone through all of our Eastern Suburb options in the morning though, so with half the day left, our agent proactively scheduled a few tours in Manly.

When we arrived, it was just so obvious that this was the place for us. It comes with all the perks of a slowed-down, chilled-out beach community (beautiful beach, best surf in Sydney, and I can walk around without shoes on), but still has all of the activities we wanted nearby (shops, restaurants, tennis courts, running trails, and access to all 20 of the Northern Beaches).

Chelsay and I had to make a big decision. We knew we needed to live by the beach… Genuinely, this might be our only chance to ever live by a beach, so we really don’t have a choice. Well, what is the best beach town for us? Manly. Okay, then that’s all that matters and we’ll flex our spending to make the commute work. …That said, you get what you pay for with these views every day.

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So, we decided on Manly, and then we took the best property available here. It’s on a hill and might be the highest point in town (no need for a gym membership), but it’s also two blocks from the beach, has amazing views of Manly and Watson’s Bay, and is entirely renovated. We moved in, unpacked all the US boxes we hadn’t seen in two years (it’s crazy how much useless junk we owned), and made an infinite number of trips to furniture outlets. We’re still not completely settled, but very happy with our sunrise views, runs up & down the mile-long beach, and back-breaking wipeouts while boogie boarding (maybe I shouldn’t have been all the way out by the surfers?).

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Now. Enough logistics - on to the activities. In our first month, how have Chelsay and I taken advantage of living in Sydney?

Well, it all started very touristy, with routine trips to the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and Royal Botanic Gardens. These might be obvious, but there’s a reason they’re so popular, and these views could never get old.

After the established favorites, we started getting into more local cuts. On Valentine’s Day (which is not celebrated here at all), Chelsay and I saw the very funny An Act of God in Darlinghurst. Some of the play actually relied on audience participation, so of course Chelsay got picked (she’s a magnet – the same thing happened at the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo). Like literally every audience participant ever, we were awkward and so God (or at least the actor playing God) playfully joked around with us. We used an intermission bathroom break to dry off our sweat.

Speaking of performances, we also saw an outdoor movie (I, Tonya) in Centennial Park. The movie was great but the real show came beforehand. As the sun set, while laying back in our bean bags and eating Oporto (the new & improved Nandos), Chelsay and I looked on in awe as beautiful reds, oranges, yellows, AND BATS filled the sky. WTF, is this normal?? I had no idea there were bats in Sydney, but apparently I was the only one. Everyone else just casually carried on like there weren’t rodents flying around above us.

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Other unusual activities: Chelsay & I arrived right around the Lunar New Year, which comes with a host of bizarre festivities. ~20% of Sydney’s population has immediate Asian ancestry (with 7% actually born in China), so the holiday is a big deal here. Whether walking through food markets, past train stations, or under the Harbour Bridge, it was impossible to miss the unique celebrations.

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We’ve also managed to make friends in our first few weeks here. In London, it was tough to get together with other couples because our friend group was always travelling. We’d try to grab dinner or drinks with Brooke & Mike or the GEP crew, but genuinely have to schedule six weeks out because they’d be in Rome for two weekends, followed by Chelsay & I’s trip to Iceland, and then their parents would be in town, etc. With Australia, our vacations will be longer but more spaced out, so we have more weekends in Sydney for BBQs or hikes or time with friends. This social renaissance started in our first few weeks, with boating in Sydney Harbour (where the captain didn’t tell us there were sharks in the water until after we finished swimming), picnics on Manly Beach, and a couple’s hike from Spit Bridge with our Manly friends, Pete & Megan.

Chelsay and I also got out for a day-trip on our own, venturing an hour from the city for an 8 mile hike through Royal National Park. We heard about some Figure 8 pools on RNP’s coast, so arbitrarily found a loop trail that could take us there. I knew the pools themselves would be cool, but the prettiest views came from the hike itself: untamed palm jungles, coastal breeze along the headlands, and expansive coastline as far as you could see. (PS, update on my tanning experiment: solid coloring in the first few weeks)

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To go with all these activities, Chelsay & I have also started to establish our inventory of food options, including: Sunset Sabi’s Japanese fusion, 678 Korean BBQ, Three Blue Ducks’ breakfast, Coogee Pavilion drinks, Harajuku Gyoza, The Whiskey Room, Bill’s breakfast, Thirsty Bird fried chicken, Bulletin Place cocktails, Mappen soba, Alice’s Makan Malaysian, Vic’s Meat Market brisket, and everything that was going on at the Grounds of Alexandria.

What has been the biggest highlight of our first month though? Without a doubt, it’s been Manly itself. We’ve only been here a week, but I already love this neighborhood so much. It feels like a resort town (which it was, until Aussies discovered flights to Bali). It’s so rare to find a place that offers quality, cleanliness, activities, and beach vibes. In Manly, the locals are as warm as the weather, the views are breath-taking, the restaurants are delicious, and shoes are definitely optional. After three months of bouncing around, Chelsay and I couldn’t have found a better place to finally settle.

Summarizing my last three posts, we moved from London to Sydney.

Okay, that’s over simplifying things because this prolonged move took three months and covered FOUR continents. Instead, I’ll use the bags we lived out of to summarize how far we’ve come.

On December 12, as Chelsay and I closed the door to our London flat for the last time, we knew we wouldn’t have our own home again until we were settled in Sydney. For the next 12 weeks, we’d be living out of the same bags we rolled around Heathrow that day.

First stop for our bags (and us): Japan, where we experienced the neon lights lifestyle of Tokyo, and enjoyed historic holy temples in Kyoto. Next, our bags arrived in Dallas, TX, where we busted out our specially-packed Christmas sweaters and cherished being home for the holidays. We then temporarily unpacked our bags for a month in Seattle, where we spent January reuniting and reminiscing with family and friends. Then, for the last leg of our trip, our bags caught a one-way flight to Sydney, where we wore the swimsuits we’d packed while it was snowing in London.

Now, as I write the last sentence of this three-part moving post, our bags are empty and stored away, finally unpacked in their new home.

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