#i hope you all had a gentle pride month gn <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[anisaanisa]

Who, Inuyasha? He only cares about one thing and it's fucking disgusting ☆

Inuyasha for @inuyashapridemonth 🌈

[yaut-jaknowit]

The Fight Of A Lifetime

Pairing: We'ar-ow (Female Yautja) x GN!Reader

Word Count: 5509

Summary: The week is up. In one last try, you throw yourself at her feet and pleads her to not do this. As much as you don't want to watch, you can't not be there. If she were to die, Dwainet will kill you, might as well make it swift. So you go. We'ar-ow looks magnific in her armor and adorned in weapons. The two arrive in grand style. You're decked out, head to toe in everything We'ar-ow has given you. The battle commences.

Author Note: It has finally arrived! This is the second to the last chapter planned for this series. The climax of it all. I hoped the fighting scenes are alright. I hate writing fighting scenes. They need to be quick, fast and I like to describe everything. So, it's the opposite to what I do.

Masterlist

Ao3

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 17 | Part 18

Everyday since the challenge had been issued, We’ar-ow acted indifferent. Not a thing changed. She would take you to her throne room where she dealt with the dealings as the Monarch of her clan.

Well, besides the fact you admitted your love to the alien. Outside the safety of her quarters, We’ar-ow was the same Monarch everyone knew her as. Yet, inside those walls, specially when the night cycle fell upon the two of you, she would cuddle with you. Her eight foot and so frame was easily able to dwarf you. She’d scoop you to her torso and curl around you like some sort of brick wall. Imposing and immoveable.

It was impossible to nudge her even slightly to the side to get up when nature called. The lumbering giant female hugged you like a koala. There was little chance to escape unless you’ve threaten to piss in the bed or getting a UTI because you’re holding it for so long.

Besides the cuddling, that’s the only thing you’ve noticed. And that made you begin to think. The way she barely has changed her personality at first had you worried that she didn’t return your feelings. Then, you got to thinking.

If nothing had changed… maybe she has loved you from the beginning.

Then, to find you there, all those months ago, on the verge of crying couldn’t been fate. You don’t believe she had anything to do with Dwainet breaking up with you. It was the opportunity falling into her lap. We’ar-ow, the predator she is, took the chance to snatch you up before some other Yautja could. A lone pet without its master was a call for trouble.

Now, look where you are now. From the depths of food chain where Dwainet survived in as a newly blooded to the mate of the monarch. A clear glow up for yourself.

Including now; decked out in a finest of material Raunch designed for the day. You looked nothing less than a deity while standing in front of the mirror. The thin, see-through material flowing from around your neck and down your back was flowy. It attached at two points to your wrists. The brown easily complimenting the pink that made up the rest of your outfit Raunch threw you in.

His life must have been on the line when he created this because of how fabulous and stunning you looked in it. We’ar-ow wanted you nothing short of the deity she saw you as. You glanced at said Yautja through the mirror while she armored her up.

One creature soft, pliant, silky. The other rough, jig jagged, coarse. Two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly against the other. Both complimenting each other.

You couldn’t help the gentle smile to upturn your lips at the thought before it dropped. The realization of what was about to occur hitting you straight in the gut. This could be the last time you saw each other alive. Despite her plentiful reassurances that the day would go as planned, you are only human. And humans fretted, a lot. Any little thing could go wrong. And boom, she’s dead.

The blood in your veins ran cold. Death wasn’t new to you. Not when you’re surrounded by a species that hunted and prided themselves over the bodies they brought home. Or when they duke it out over a challenge thrown down. But to lose We’ar-ow. You couldn’t fathom the heartbreak it would bring upon you.

Goosebumps clouded your skin. The soft flesh of your bottom lip worried on by dull teeth. We’ar-ow’s strong gaze flickered over at you. Instantly, you straightened and found anywhere else to look at. Then, you attempted to relax and act natural in the face of your mate. Said Yautja began to stalk towards you before halting just shy of your back.

Her form towered even more with the added armor decorating her. She downright looked like a beast ready for the hunt. Your breath got caught in your throat when your eyes raked up her body in the mirror. She was stunning and terrifying all in the same boat.

The heat of her body blanketed you in comfort and helped ease the tension holding your shoulders. We’ar-ow reached around you to cup your throat and tilted your head back. “I have told you, there is nothing to fret about. I will be victorious. Not for me but for you, little one,” she growled and tugged you flush against the muscles that lined her thick thighs.

As much as you wanted to believe a hundred percent, there was that constant nagging inside of your mind. The part that will always make you human. The part that whispered from the depths that she will fail, she will fall, she will die. Then, you will have no choice but to be handed over to Dwainet. Once more in the hands of a sheep in wolf’s clothing.

A part that We’ar-ow can never quell.

“I am only human,” you muttered, eyes drifting down to look at the two of you in the mirror. Her claws lightly bit into the soft flesh of the back of your neck. But, We’ar-ow is careful, mindful of your more fragile form in her presences.

A grumble sounded from the back of her throat. “And I am the monarch of this clan. I have never lost a challenge. I will not lose this one. Not when I have something to lose, someone important,” her voice softened towards the end. Then, the pink Yautja bent at the waist to nuzzle her mandibles into your hair carefully with the decorations adorning your head. In her eyes, you rivaled Paya with your deity status.

Your orbs snapped up to the pink Yautja at your back, expression softening. “We’ar-ow,” you whispered her name then heavily sighed, eyes closing. This is a weight you never expected to bare. Not a weight that was meant for a Yautja more than you yourself.

“What can I do to make you believe me?” she mumbled into your hair then peered over to look you deeply into your eyes. “What will be the tip in the scales?” If you didn’t know any better, you could say she was begging for you to believe in her.

And that hurt you. Guilt burned a hole in your stomach. It was your own demons causing this issue to worsen with each denial that passed your lips and reflected in your eyes.

“Win the fight,” is all you can do to answer her. That will be what will make you believe her. When she brings you the head of the fallen Yautjas who will bring upon a fight that will challenge We’ar-ow in every sense of the word.

Her gaze hardened, mandibles pulled tight towards her mouth. Then, the Yautja leaned down and pressed them against your forehead in a mock kiss. “That I will, little ooman. That I will. All in the name of you. That scum will fall at my feet from my hands. Then, you won’t have to worry no longer.”

That eased the majority of the tension coiling in your muscles. But not all of it. You could still feel its burn in the back of your throat like acid. A feeling that would never go away. Not until the problem had been dealt with at the source. You prayed to their god, Paya, for this day to go the way you wanted. To see We’ar-ow’s beautiful face at the end of the day.

In tandem, side by side, you left the safety of her quarters for the hallways of her ship. Whatever shield that place put over you washed away the moment you stepped into the hallway. Less doors to protect you from the hazards of being on a Yautja mothership. You walked with your shoulders squared and back. A stance of pride that was felt in each step you took.

The doors of the elevator opened to reveal a face you were relieved to see. Xilomere. Him and his goofy, alien smile was a sight for sore eyes. You almost ran up to him to give him a hug. Today is a day you needed all the support possible. Anything to get you through the events planned.

Next to him was someone you’ve only seen once before. One of We’ar-ow’s sister’s who is on her council team. You politely dipped your head at her with a closed lip smile. The last thing you wanted to do was piss off her. We’ar-ow had enough to deal with today. She doesn’t need to put herself into a problem you created. Well, another problem you created.

“Xilomere, I’m so glad to see you,” you spoke, your face spilt with a closed smile. Your eyes shined with your feelings.

The green male set his palm on your shoulder and gave a welcoming shake. “I wouldn’t miss today even if I was legless. Plus, someone needs to keep an eye out just encase Dwainet is gonna play games. Who knows if he’ll break some more rules today.” The helped more to ease your racing heart. He was going to protect you while We’ar-ow fought. Like he said, who knows if Dwainet may send one of his goons after you while We’ar-ow is distracted.

Her sister, a beautiful shade of tans, beiges, and browns, huffed at Xilo. “So will I,” she rumbled and looked down at you. “I will protect you from any harm. I promise both you and my sister this.” Your heart soften even more from her words. The two of them, barely knowing, are willing to put their lives on the line in case of an attack for you. It was probably mainly for We’ar-ow but still.

You dipped your head deeply. “Thank you. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate that. Truly, thank you.” They returned to motion themselves.

We’ar-ow stepped up behind you and held both of your shoulders. “It is time we go. Dunkot is escorting the prisoners as we speak,” the pink Yautja wormed her way into the conversation. Not that you minded. You tilted your head back, throat completely exposed, to look up at her. The monarch of this ship was willing to put her neck out for you. To keep you protected. Not even Dwainet had done that.

Clearly, you’ve found the one.

As if the four of you were marching like soldiers, you stepped in time with one another. We’ar-ow kept the pace slow enough for you to easily keep up. You march side by side with her. Xilomere and her sister watched your backs the entire time.

Instead of the normal pathing to the throne room you were used to, We’ar-ow led the four of you down a different set of hallways and elevators. Down to the kehrites. A section of the ship you barely have been down to. Not unless you were begging for trouble that is.

All four of your entered the kehrites. Your jaw dropped though. These weren’t the mediocre sized classroom kehrites. No, they had knocked down all of the walls somehow and put in a few risers.

Every available space was consumed by the hundreds of bodies squished into the open area. There was even young children and unbloodeds who were stationed at the front for the best possible view.

A section in the middle of everyone was open and set up with a stage. We’ar-ow wanted everyone to see her beat Dwainet into the ground like the way he deserves. The way needs to be put down like the asshole he is. He doesn’t deserve to breath the same air as you. You couldn’t wait for the end but at the same time, you didn’t even want the battle to start. Not with We’ar-ow’s life on the line.

Your head held up high, you followed We’ar-ow over to a designated section carved out for you and your bodyguards. A seat that resembled a throne had been set up. The perfect size for you. It wasn’t fancy like We’ar-ow’s in the throne room but it was more than enough to state your status. She motioned you to climb the three stairs and sit upon it.

The plush seat met your butt allowed you comfort. It gave you an additional height against the larger aliens that filled this room. You didn’t feel small. We’ar-ow looked at you. You looked at her.

Everything else didn’t matter. You reached out despite your brain screaming at you that it was a bad idea. We’ar-ow leaned in and allowed for your hand to cup her cheek. Her warmth raced up your fingertips to settle in your heart. You had found a way to love again and that too was threatened all over again. It burned you had no way to help or fix this problem you created. You could only trust We’ar-ow to overcome the challenge that stood in her way to having you strictly to herself.

Xilomere and We’ar-ow’s sister stood directly on either side of you. His usually goofy expression was replaced by a hardened look that would take years to perfect. A warrior born and raised for the fight. The sister had one as well. Both were armed to the teeth with weapons. Unlike you who was adorn with soft, plush cloth for a gentle figure, they were prepared to take down an army if it came down to that.

The softer texture of We’ar-ow’s face rubbed against your palm. You tugged her closer to you and pushed your forehead against hers. Screw whatever anyone might think about this. You didn’t care. Not when everything was on the line. Your livelihood, your love, the one person you’ve found comfort in.

“Win this. My heart is yours,” you stated firmly, nails biting into the skin behind her jaw before letting go and leaning back into the throne.

We’ar-ow returned to her full height. “Mine has been yours since the beginning.”

Shock filled your system. You opened your mouth to respond but the sound of marching feet interrupted you. We’ar-ow turned her back on you to face the oncoming fleet.

Your thoughts whirled around inside your head, knocking into each and causing chaos in the making. There was no time to reel them in either. The best you could do in the moment was to shove them into a box and close the lid. Because, the moment a familiar form stepped around the corner, you pulled on your stoic façade and stared the beast. The monster who caused all of this. All of this for his moment in the spotlight.

Duknot practically dragged the dishonorable male into the room. He wouldn’t allow for him to attempt to walk and forced him to stumble and flail. Humiliation. Two other males were secured in chains behind Dwainet. Their guards weren’t as demanding.

From their faces and low amount of scars, neither were high ranking. Three low ranks against a monarch. You were feeling a little better at the realization. Her chances of winning had increased.

All three of them were shoved onto the stage. Their chains didn’t allow for them to catch themselves. You bite at the inside of your cheek to prevent yourself from laughing outright when they fell on their faces. Dunkot’s expression cracked with a hint of smirk. Then, he hopped onto the stage with two other guards.

Dwainet was hauled up by Duknot’s strength alone and placed back onto his feet. A hardy glare was sent to the guard but it was simply brushed off. In unison, the chains crashed to the ground. The sound echoing throughout the room after everyone had gone quiet. You felt your heart stuttered at the fact the traitor had been freed.

At your sides stood your guards. At your front stood the first and last person who would fight until her dying breath for you. You were safe.

Now, on the platform, Dwainet stood tall and scanned the crowd before his sharp eyes landed on you. Yet, you acted no different. A neutral expression is all he was faced with. He could see you from over We’ar-ow’s shoulders. She corrected this by sidestepping and blocking his vision. All the attention on her now.

His companions climbed to their feet as well and rubbed at their sore risks. From the space, you couldn’t hear what their chittered to one another. The translator unable to pick up from that far.

This was it.

On We’ar-ow’s side, she unclipped her combi-stick and opened it up. With a mighty slam, a loud clang gathered everyone’s attention to her now.

“Thank you all for coming to this special occasion. A lot has occurred over these last few weeks. A lot of information circulating between everyone. I’ve come to quell this unrest once and for all. Dwainet will succumb to the crimes he’s completed,” We’ar-ow started off when she rallied the entire clan’s attention to her.

Her voice echoed throughout the expanded room. “From this moment on, he has been deemed as a bad blood. He’s attacked a defenseless, weaponless creature. My pet under my protection had been injured by him. A crime such like that has brought upon his fate as a bad blood.” You couldn’t help up internally flinching at the reminder. It still felt fresh after all this time. To have someone you once loved so much attempt to murder you.

Horrible laughter rung out from the platform. “Oh, monarch. You can’t even protect the worthless pet in your protection.” Dwainet scanned the surrounding area. “You are weak. You are fragile. I can’t wait to beat you into the bloody pulp since day one. The title as monarch will be mine and you will be dead,” Dwainet boomed and kept his gaze moving.

You could tell he was trying to rile the clan up. In the presence of their monarch, no one even said a sound. The tension and fear palpable in the air.

With her back to you, you could feel the smirk etching its way onto her face. She expanded her arms out at her sides. “No one agrees with you, Dwainet. They see the truth. I true with a mighty fist but I know how much strength to use. I know the limitations. I know what this clan needs.” You hoped that the truth. We’ar-ow was a once in a lifetime leader. One that is needed in every clan across the board. Dwainet, he was the opposite of what We’ar-ow stood for.

A snarl ripped through Dwainet throat, his claws flexing at his side. You smirked and sat up straighter in your throne. You were heavily proud of We’ar-ow.

“Now, are you going to keep bickering or are you going to face your fate? I’ve got plans after this,” We’ar-ow drawled and crossed her arms.

Dwainet glanced behind him where his helpers stood. One was clearly nervous at the upcoming battle. The other was attempting to hold it in. These were just newly bloods like Dwainet himself. They weren’t as skilled as We’ar-ow. What was Dwainet thinking?

His gaze returned to her. “You shouldn’t have. There is nothing for you after this except for meeting Cetanu,” he growled and stomped down a foot on the platform. You could feel the eyeroll coming from We’ar-ow without her even looking at you. One that Dwainet whole heartily deserved.

We’ar-ow glanced over her shoulder one last time before marching straight into battle. The muscles that lined her back rippled with each step. Where her heart resides was protected by her metal armor covered by a pelt she earned herself. Both on her chest and back.

You couldn’t help but peek at the two body guards standing at your sides. Xilomere held onto his Combistick, his gaze directly in front of him and scanned the area thoroughly. We’ar-ow’s sister brandished two dual swords while preforming the same action. Both were on high alert. You were grateful for them and their willingness to do this.

The comfort of We’ar-ow’s presences left you. It was your turn to hold down the fort and wait for her return. You gripped the arms of the throne, white knuckling it before glancing at the sister again.

A thought nagged at the back of your mind. You nervously flickered your gaze around before leaning towards her. “I’ve realized I never caught your name,” you whispered in the quiet space, mindful of how loud your voice could grow.

“T'ah'keiad,” she calmly states yet never looks down at you. That would compromise her job as a body guard. Your eyes widened at the interesting name, lips pressed together. “For your ooman mind to understand, you can call me Kei.” You were thankful she understood her name may be difficult at first to speak. Your head dipped in thanks.

Then, you returned to scene unfolding before your very eyes.

We’ar-ow simply stepped onto the platform and towered over the males that opposed her. “Duknot, relieve their weapons to them,” she rumbled but kept a keen eye on Dwainet. He was the only one she truly had to worry about. She knew his tactics and how sneak he really could be. The others, she may not know how they fight but they couldn’t be worse than Dwainet. He was a disdain on her clanship.

The skin of your bottom lip was worried away by dull teeth. You couldn’t help it. Not with her standing directly in front of Dwainet and allowing for them to have their weapons. They were already adorn in meek armor. Armor that is what many new bloods only have. They don’t have enough ‘street cred’ to get anything better from any of the merchants.

Not once did We’ar-ow turn her back to Dwainet or his two helpers. Instead, she backed up to the edge of the platform and waited.

Dunkot stood in the middle like a referee. Two of the guards produced said weapons and handed them over. They returned to the flat ground and stood off to the side. Dunkot stayed in the center.

“As requested by our Monarch We’ar-ow, this challenge will be a battle to the death. Whoever is last to stand will be proclaimed at the new monarch per our rules. May your hands be true!” His voice boomed out over the area. Roars echoed from the crowd afterwards, deafening. You clapped your hands over your ears to protect them from terrible sound. It barely saved your ear drums from exploding.

Then, he left the platform. A strange shimmer rolled down from the ceiling and surrounded the platform. It was a shield to protect the crowd. Smart.

Before you had a chance to contemplate all of this, a loud bell sounded. Instantly, you knew what that meant.

In your throne, you had a front row seat to watch the fight unfold your very worried eyes. Despite your brain desperately wanting for you turn away and cower like the prey everyone thought you as, you held unsteadily strong. You watched with baited breath when We’ar-ow lifted up a crossbow and shot off a bolt directly at Dwainet.

The young male is able to narrowly dodge the flying bolt by rolling to the side. But, his partners in crime aren’t as lucky. It strikes one directly in the shoulder and pushes him back against the invisible shield. He chokes on a grunt and grabs at the bolt. The wood was snapped off to leave just the head inside but the damage had been dealt.

Dwainet goes for offense. He’s swift to get into We’ar-ow’s personal space. Flurries of kicks and punches were all deflected in matter of seconds. His hits hard, mean, likely to leave a bruise later on.

One of the other Yautjas tries to attack from the back. We’ar-ow ducks a hit from Dwainet and sticks out a leg to trip the darker red Yautja behind her. They fumble then fall back.

Finally, the last Yautja, a lighter red comes in by launching himself into the air. He believed We’ar-ow was distracted. She grasped Dwainet’s throat then aimed her crossbow once more at the already injured male. A bolt flies. It strikes him square in the chest. He fumbles and smashes in the space in front of We’ar-ow. The pink Yautja slams Dwainet down and picks up a foot.

The light Yautja’s head is crushed below her heel like the insect he was. Green blood stains the ground and coats the shield. You gasped and overed your mouth.

A throwing knife sticks out of We’ar-ow’s side. She acts no different. Her hand squeezing the life out of Dwainet. More pierce her hide to the point she picked up Dwainet again and threw him into the red Yautja.

They collided harshly with each other before slamming into the shield and flopping to the ground a pile. We’ar-ow moves with purpose over to the two scrambling forms. The crossbow back on her hip. She swipes Dwainet off of the ground again by his throat and holds him up. Her foot presses into the vulnerable area of the downed Yautja. The rings protecting his skin barely able to hold against her weight.

Her only foot on the ground is swiped from underneath her. Dwainet is allowed to be let loose. She is able to roll onto her stomach as claws swiped for her torso. Your eyes widened at the sight of her blood staining the floor this time. You sat more forward in your chair and played with your hands.

Red gets on top of her and grabs harshly at her neatly braided tresses. He pulls. We’ar-ow yanks her head forward. You gasped. Loose dreads hang in his hands, bleeding at the roots. You knew that had to hurt a lot.

We’ar-ow rams her elbow into Red’s side and knocks the wind out of him. A foot flies towards her face. She narrowly dodges a bad blow and latches her fangs into flesh. Dwainet roars and yanks his ankle from her mouth. Blood dripping down from the new wound.

Rage is a wildfire in his eyes. You had to stop yourself from curling into yourself at the sight. He snatches an axe from his belt and swung high above his head. No! You covered your mouth with both of your hands, unable to do anything to stop it.

In a terrifying slowness, it came down. Here you were, stuck in your chair, with a shield blocking you from the love of your life. You were forced to watch as Dwainet brought down the axe.

Her name left you lips in a cry.

The sickening sound of the axe sinking in will forever haunt your mind. You flinched away from the sight and covered your ears, unable to watch the final blow.

Dwainet roars. Pained. Confusion flooded your system. You picked up your head and looked back at the platform. Red was off of her back. Both of the male had been lifted up by their necks, forced to claw at her hands. The axe was imbedded into the metal floor besides were We’ar-ow’s head once was.

The pink female shoved both of the males against the shield directly in front of you. Her eyes pinned to your shaking form. You uncurled from your cowering position and looked up at her through blurry eyes. The sight of her alive form had your body sagging. She was okay. She was alive.

We’ar-ow dropped red then swiftly kicked one of his knees. A sickening crack echoing over the roars and cheers of the riled up clan. He dropped down where she knocked him down onto his back. In a similar fashion, she stomped down on his head, caving in his face. He too was dead.

You didn’t even flinch this time. Your eyes watched every move.

In her hand, Dwainet struggled and wriggled like a worm. His claws dug into her arms, anything to grant him release. He couldn’t get out of Dwainet fatal hold.

His feet dangled above the platform. We’ar-ow was able to hold him up without the aid of both arms or the shield. She snatched both of his wrists though and leaned forward. Your head tilted, brows furrowing on why she was making herself vulnerable for attack. Her mandibles twitched with words that your translator couldn’t pick up. You couldn’t only imagine what she was promising.

Then, he went soaring through the air and smashed into the ground and rolled before coming to a stop. He groaned while on his back. We’ar-ow unsheathed a machete from her waist band and brandished. The sharpened edge glinted from the overhead lights.

At her approach, Dwainet scrambled to his feet a moment to late. We’ar-ow swung and struck his forearm, just below his elbow. The blade sliced clean through muscle and bone alike. The injured Yautja choked on a cry and stumbled back and clutched at his profusely bleeding arm. You jerked your head back, eyes expanded at the terrifying sight before you.

His amputated arm flopped to the floor in a bloody, neon green heap. This when it finally hit you that this is where Dwainet was going to die. This was truly happening. Dwainet was about to be murdered right in front of you by your… mate. You just stayed sat and watched everything.

A snarl ripped from Dwainet’s throat. He glared daggers at We’ar-ow with a passion of hatred. With his only hand reminding, he brandished at  knife and raised it above his head. The blade came down. We’ar-ow meets the offending hand with her own weapon. The cut was clean through his wrist as well. Another cry croaked from his hoarse throat. He collapsed to his knees as blood spurted from his amputated hands.

He didn’t raise his head to look death in the eye. We’ar-ow used the tip of her machete to tip his head up. Something primal and deep rumbled from her chest. Dwainet’s entire body froze as if he saw Cetanu himself. She stepped behind his deer in headlights position and faced you.

Despite the distance, you met her gaze. The machete was clipped to her belt again. We’ar-ow grasped his tresses with one hand. The male grunts and folds his mandibles in tightly to his face. His expression neutral. He knew what was to come.

We’ar-ow’s muscles flexed. A sharp crack pierced through the air. Life still shone in Dwainet’s grey eyes. Then, a roar sounded from your mate. Flesh and muscles alike ripped in a grotesque sound. You had to stop yourself from throwing up your lunch, but neither could you look away.

Green, neon blood dripped down to pool on the platform. Cheers of triumph echoed throughout the modified stadium. You could feel the ground rumbling underneath you, but all was quiet. The dead eyes of your ex-mate staring directly into your soul. The finale had come to a close. We’ar-ow stands as the winner once and for all.

Sound floods back into your ears, deafening to the point they rung. The shimmer of the shield faded away and allowed We’ar-ow freedom. The pink Yautja was the only one to move. Her thick legs dropped down from the platform and marched straight towards you. As much as you wanted to leap out of your chair and ensnared her in a hug, the blood of her enemies painting her skin reframed you.

Her yellow eyes met yours for an infinity. One of her knees dropped to the floor causing a silence to steal the noise of everyone. All was quiet. You gasped, instantly knowing a monarch kneeling was trouble.

In her bloodied hands, she presented you the head of Dwainet. Your heart pounded in your ears.

Your name was boomed across the room. “Do you accept this trophy as a gift of courtship?” We’ar-ow asked and watched every little sign from your expressions. Your eyes nearly bulged out of your head. Gasps from the crowd could be heard. Chitters and clicks as the translator only focused on the Yautja in front of you.

She was asking for you to be her mate… in front of the clan. She was laying claim over you more than the mark etched into your skin.

A few seconds ticked by. You nodded rapidly and rushed forwards. The head was dodged. Your arms wrapped tightly around We’ar-ow’s neck in hold she wouldn’t dare try to get you off. The blood of four was rubbed into your skin, including the life essence dripping from her missing tresses. We’ar-ow was swift to return the gesture, understanding this meant ‘yes’ in human.

Bellows escaped from the crowd but it was a sound you could care less about. Today was the day that marked the new chapter in your life. A newfound freedom from the chains Dwainet had weighed down on you. You had power not even the highest Yautja aboard this ship besides the monarch has. From the bottom of the barrel to sitting on a throne, you’ve grown.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 17 | Part 18

[itoshiexx]

make my way back (to you)

synopsis: after an argument that leaves doubts about the future of the relationship, the last thing you expected was your boyfriend rin coming to your doorstep to apologize.

pairing: itoshi rin x gn!reader | words: 1k | warnings: established relationship, hurt/comfort, fluff, making up after an argument, implied exes to lovers (?)

notes: hey guys! this fic is inspired by this list of kiss prompts, where @ode2rin chose prompts number 3, 11 and 38 for our bbg rin. i really wanted to try this out and mimi was kind enough to help by choosing some prompts <3 i dedicate this to you, mimi, hope you like it!

masterlist

“i’m sorry.”

to say you were shocked was an understatement. 

out of all the things itoshi rin could ever say to you, this was the last option you would expect. after eight months of dating, you were well aware that rin was not the type of person to apologize — mostly, he would pretend nothing happened and try to move on with your life as a couple, even if that usually rubbed salt in your wounds. 

though you could only endure so much of this behavior, and one day the thread finally snapped. the argument was the worst you ever had, leaving both of you with sore throats, teary eyes and doubt about the aftermath of your relationship.

so it was quite a shock to see him on a saturday night at your doorstep, all sweaty and breathing heavily as if he just ran there. you were sitting snugly in your pajamas, watching your comfort show on the tv with a tub of ice cream, trying really hard not to think if your relationship would still continue, when the doorbell rang and revealed such a sight. 

“i’m sorry,” he says again, breaking you from your stupor.

“rin, what are you doing here?” you finally find your voice to ask. “i thought you said…”

“i was wrong,” he interrupts, and your jaw drops again. not only was he apologizing, but recognizing his mistakes? 

he must see the incredulous look on your face, because he sighs and pinches the space between his brows with his fingers. this was way harder than it looked.

“i know what you’re thinking,” he continues, “but at the end, the answer is always the same: i love you.” your breath hitches. “i love you so much that i rather sacrifice my pride and overcome my fear of vulnerability than lose you because i can’t fucking apologize. and i’m shit at it, i know, but i’m… i’m trying. for you.”

your fingers that still hold the doorknob tremble, and you are pretty sure your eyes are welled up with unshed tears. you never thought this day would come, but here it was. 

rin was trying, and that was all you ever wanted from him. 

“i should have said earlier. all those times we argued and i was wrong, i… i should have said i was sorry, because i was. every time. i just didn’t— shit, i didn’t know how. i still don’t.”

he laughs a little, but it sounds strangled and full of pain. you decide you don’t like it. “maybe this is terrible, but i really hope it’s the thought that counts—”

“rin,” it’s your time to interrupt. his body goes stiff and he goes silent, gulping. 

“yeah?” it’s a meek little sound. he thinks it’s a bit pathetic.

but then you lunge forward, lacing your arms around his neck. your voice is nothing but a breathy demand when you say, “kiss me.”

and rin finally feels like he can breathe again. 

his left hand holds your waist tightly, as if you could disappear at any moment, and his right one cups your cheek in a loving gesture that leaves your legs trembling. then, his mouth is on yours, delicate, gentle, like you are the most precious thing he has the pleasure to hold. 

he kisses you like he’s scared to let go, prodding his tongue inside your mouth wanting to commit your shape to memory, twirling through every crevice and corner he can find. he is licking your lips like a man starved, sighing with ecstasy every time they welcome him further, because rin knows you are the closest thing to paradise he will ever find and that he’s not worthy of such heaven.

and he really hopes his kiss can convey everything he can’t manage to say. that you can feel on every inch of his plump lips that they are only meant to say your name, and that his tongue only wants to feel your taste. 

you do. 

when you finally part, faces flushed and breaths short, the smile that adorns your face is enough to soothe any of rin’s concerns, and he can’t help the little whisper of “i love you,” that comes out of his mouth before giving yours one last peck, chaste and full of veneration.

“i love you, too,” you say, squeezing his hand in reassurance. “and i forgive you.”

rin sighs in relief, “thank god.”

your giggle is like music to his ears, and he feels his heart grow tenfold with the way you’re shining under the dim moonlight. sometimes rin believes you can not be from this earth, because only something unworldly could make him feel so full of love to the point he could barely breathe.

you step inside your apartment, bringing him with you. “let’s go to bed, shall we?” your words are slightly laced with sleepiness, and he thinks you’re adorable; so ethereal even with your slightly disheveled hair, so he only nods. together, you walk the familiar path towards your bedroom, where you lay in bed and melt in each other’s arms.

it’s a little bit like a puzzle, you think, the way you and rin fit so well. it makes you feel safe and relaxed, and there is no other place in this world you’d rather be. it’s no surprise you fall asleep so quickly.

your eyes are already closed, but he whispers nevertheless, “goodnight, baby”. 

when morning comes and the sun seeps through the blindfolds, rin can feel you even before he opens his eyes. your groggily murmur his name, and then your lips touch his nose. 

“not your lips.” he can hear you pouting. “mornin’, baby.”

you try again, eyes closed, trying to find his mouth by tracing his face with your nose. you kiss his cheek, his chin and even the corner of his lips until rin finally has enough. 

even without seeing you, his mouth makes its way to yours easily, just like rin would always make his way back to you.

© 2023 itoshiexx. do not plagarise, translate, or repost any of my work on here or other sites.

[krnzysh]

BODY AND SOUL !

SUMMARY after a certain pyro user plagued your mind, you find yourself failing to catch sleep. but what would happen if the same person you were trying oh so desperately to get your mind off of finds you and reveals unspoken feelings?

CHARACTER Diluc Ragnvindr x gn!reader

WARNINGS gender neutral reader, mentions of death, mention of the word 'fuck' once, slight abandonment issues, kissing scene from an inexperienced writer, not proofread! lmk if I missed any

WORD COUNT 1269

[💬] LOVE, AIKA uhm another fic inspired by pride and prejudice from me<3 this is a small fic I made back then and it's been in my drafts for about a month now? so here it is! I hope u enjoy~

The bright sun was only starting to rise, and the cold and gentle breeze from the night before blew dandelions away.

Why were you even awake in the break of dawn? That was the question you asked yourself.

But there was only one answer, you were up all night thinking about him…

Diluc Ragnvindr, the master of dawn winery, the most eligible bachelor, The uncrowned king of Mondstadt himself. The man who has captured your heart just from a single glance.

Meanwhile, you were just an ordinary citizen. You worked at Floral Whisper together with Flora and Donna.

With Donna’s never-ending rants about Diluc — who you have feelings for — you find your heart clenching whenever she does so.

How could someone like him, a noble of high status, fall for you? Nothing less but a mere commoner.

As you shook those thoughts away, you find yourself gazing at the beautiful terrain of Mondstadt. The luscious green grass covers kilometers of land. The streams of water rippled from the smallest breeze of wind. Mondstadt itself truly is a piece of art.

This was supposed to be a night walk to clear your thoughts and help you fall asleep, yet you were so engrossed in your thoughts that you felt as if the clocks stopped and you were in your own world.

You cherished the stillness of the night, no noise whatsoever, unlike how rowdy it can get during daylight.

But the faint rustle of footsteps broke you away from your thoughts, thinking for the worst you freeze in your place.

You close your eyes, hoping that atleast they could give you a quick and easy death.

But to your surprise a touch on your shoulder had you opening your eyes.

Whoever touched you had warm hands, they were so gentle, as if scared they could break you like a porcelain doll.

“Hey, it’s just me…” The person greeted you, the voice soft and very recognizable.

You turn around to see him, the same man that occupied your thoughts, leaving you with sleepless nights.

“Sorry, I thought it was someone.” You apologize for the action earlier, really you couldn’t blame yourself. Although there were patrolling knights, there are still hunters and monsters.

Diluc on the other hand was curious, why were you here? So early in the morning? So to satisfy his curiosity, he asked; “What are you doing here, when the sun hasn’t even risen yet?” 

Taken aback by his question, you kept silent for a while. You just can’t tell him ‘Oh I came here because I couldn’t stop thinking of you’. So you thought of a quick excuse; 

“I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to go on a walk…” It wasn’t really a lie, I mean, you were unable to sleep.

He stared at you suspiciously, as if questioning your answer, he always knew, but he kept quiet, understanding that whatever really was the reason you just didn’t want to share.

That’s why you fell for him, he knew you to the point that you didn’t even need to say anything but he already knew, he could read you so easily as if you were a children’s bedtime story.

Coupled with those behaviors of his, you just couldn’t help but fall for him in general. Everything about him was just so, loveable. You couldn’t help yourself but fall for him more and more as you spent time together.

You got to meet him when he was still a young child together with his brother, kaeya. Your father was Mr. Crepus’ bartender at Angels Share back in their days.

You were with him when he was still smiling so genuinely, with no care of the world.

You were with him when his father died and he broke any contact he had with his brother.

You were with him until he stopped talking to you, pushing you away.

Only a couple of years ago, he finally came to his senses, apologizing for his actions and asking if he could still rebuild that friendship you both once had.

“[Name]!” He called your name, shaking your shoulders, eyes held worry in them. “Are you okay? You spaced out again…” He asked.

“I am, sorry for worrying you.” You give him a soft smile to assure him. But Diluc couldn’t help but sigh, worried for the person he loves so dearly.

He loved you so much, he would fight Celestia and the Abyss for you just to keep you safe. But he was a coward, scared that once you find out his feelings for you, you would both grow apart again.

But he doesn’t know, that you love him, so dearly. You were both in love with each other. It was painfully obvious to the people around you, especially Kaeya.

You both stay in silence for some more time, just gazing at the rising sun. You looked so ethereal in Diluc’s eyes that he couldn’t help but ask himself, ‘Do I really deserve such an angel?’

Although he wanted to stay with you, he still had work to take care of. He turned to leave you alone, sensing you wanted more time gazing at the landscape before you. “[Name], I am going to head out now.”

Before he could even move, soft fingers grabbed the sleeves of his coat, clinging onto them as if begging him to stay. 

You were shocked, your body moved and clung to him.

“[Name]...?” He hesitantly asked, he too was taken aback by your bold moves.

Lowering your head, you looked into his eyes, finally taking that risk.

The nerves got to you, stopping you from uttering a word ‘Fuck, I’m just stalling him’ you bow your head down, staring at the grass and fiddling with your hands.

Sensing your nerves, he just stayed there with you, silently gazing into your head.

“[Name], can I… no, may I tell you something?” He spoke up after a while. To his question, you merely nod your head as a yes.

He let out a deep breath before proceeding; “I would like to tell you…” he started.

Raising your head to look at him, you noticed the tips of his ears burning red, ‘He’s flustered…?’ you thought.

“You… have bewitched me, body and soul, and I…’ He stopped for a little before continuing;

“And I love, I love, I love you… And I wish from this day forth never to be parted from you” He finally confesses, gazing at you with the softest eyes that hold so much love in them.

Shocked… After all this time, he also loved you? After all those sleepless nights of thinking if he loved anyone… 

Who he held so dear in his heart… was you…?

You couldn’t control the rosy tint that was dancing along your cheeks.

Approaching him, you took hold of his hand and rested your cheek on it… “Well, it would be a lie if I said I hold no feelings for you, ‘Luc..”

When he heard those words leave your mouth, a prominent red tint spread across his cheeks.

He brought you closer to him, faces only inches away from one another. 

You closed your eyes and leaned into him, as he captured the softness of your lips with his. You felt butterflies flutter around your stomach, you were sure he felt the same sensation.

In a bystander's eyes, it looked as if you were angels sent by Lord Barbatos himself with the sun rising behind you both, illuminating your figures and giving them a shining glow.

But to you, you were content, here, just having him already felt like heaven.

© aiikalvr, 2023 — do not repost, plagiarize, translate, or adapt my works without prior permission and/or confirmation on any platform!

[callsignfangs]

im desperate for farah too, so here ya go :

fluff: g/n reader gets pampered by farah after they complete a hard mission

go wild!!

Absolutely GIGGLING ty anon 😚😚 Hope i can feed you well 🛐 Admittedly I went down more of a comfort route but hopefully I’ll come back to this for more pampering after I’ve finished all my reqs 😚

Farah Karim x Gn!Reader <3

It had been a gruelling few weeks. Being on deployment was bad enough - sure, the brotherhood and compassion and knowledge that you were doing good was thrilling, addictive, even. And honestly, usually? You enjoyed it, to some extent. As much as you could love being trapped on one end of a war-torn land, creeping through deserted homes and ducking past hails of gunfire.

But it was bearable, because you were with Farah. No matter what, she was there, charging ahead of you, flooding your and your sibling’s ears with warm encouragement and praise - maybe even sneaking in a couple kisses here and there.

This time? You were alone. Literally alone, sent on a stakeout position that nearly dragged on months, all because of some stupid ‘high value’ target. You’d taken care of it, of course, like a good soldier. You’d let the time crawl and drag on and on, taking on and dropping different identities until they all blurred together, and you’d done it all without complaint.

All that for the idiot to go down with a single bullet through the head. Weird that something so ‘valuable’ could be so inanely delicate.

That didn’t matter anymore, though, the awful drone of your thoughts being silenced alongside the whirring drone of the helo blades.

And there she was.

The look of sheer, adoring pride on her face made your heart throb agonisingly. God, it had been too long. Way, way too long.

She wasted no time in practically dragging you out into the dusty, tepid air, her hand immediately meeting your shoulders with firm squeezes, easing your aching legs back onto solid ground.

None of the fighters had taken offence when the two of you retreated to Farah’s office after a swift welcome. They weren’t surprised. Sure, relationships between members of the ULF were strongly discouraged, but the bond between all of you was too strong for any real punishment or resentment over them. It was understood, even.

“غاليتي؟”

Her voice derailed your train of thought again.

“C’mere, love.”

You were guided down onto.. something? Something cold, and not quite wide enough to be a chair. You didn’t really mind. It had been weeks of forcing your mind to drone on and on, always on your feet, always alert, it couldn’t all be for nothing.

Now? It was a relief to just let go, let your commander, the love of your life, take over everything.

“Mind if I take these off?”

You didn’t even need to think before nodding. Despite the unspoken, ever-present trust between you, Farah was still so delicate with you, her calloused hands easing off layer after layer, hands cosily cool against your skin. The idle gush of water poured against acrylic behind you. The steam seeped into the sore muscles across your back. Farah’s hands were on your thighs. Gentle kisses pressed to each of your knees. It soothed the pain, patched up worn joints. Felt like it, at least.

“Come on, عزيزي” The words were honey on your ears, “Let’s get you comfy, yeah? You deserve it, poor thing. My poor, sweet thing.”

She didn’t struggle to lift you, her hands falling easily into place under your knees and against your back. The pour of the water had stopped, replaced with the liquid pooling against your bare skin, your body slotting perfectly into the mellowness.

Farah’s hands didn’t pull away, simply wandered up your back, tracing the contours of the muscle under your skin. Her thumbs kneaded against tense strength, the comforting, almost hypnotic touch leaving you in a state similar to that of the water you were almost melting into.

One of her hands eased off carefully, followed the soft rustle of fabric dropping to the floor and mindful shuffling. Strong calves tucked themselves under your underarms, promptly easing over your abdomen. Her plush thighs were perfect pillows, soft and comfy yet staunch enough to stretch out your neck just perfectly. Your contentment must’ve been apparent - given it was met by honeyed, strong chuckles. They only caused you to melt into her thighs even more, you’d do damn near anything to hear that again.

You’d never need to hire a masseuse anytime in the near future, not when Farah’s hands across your shoulders could make your skin go so fuzzy and have your mind almost floating away.

It didn’t take long for your eyes to fall closed, the warmth being all too much for your lethargic, exhausted mind to resist. It didn’t matter if the bath would be over by the time you woke up, nor did it matter how long it’d be until you did wake up. Because she’d be there. No matter what, no matter how long you were gone or how hurt and angry and plain tired you were? She’d always be there to give you a warm bath and let you nap in her arms.

—

Translations:

(Note: I’m not a native arabic speaker & all words/nicknames came from google, so please correct me if I’m wrong 💟)

غاليتي (ghalayati) - My precious

عزيزي (azizi) - My dear

Added note: sorry for the random dashes, i put them where i cant think of words and forgot to edit them out lol 😭

[autumn-leaves-chasing-breeze]

The Reaper and The Devil

Hi All! I saw the below writing prompt and was inspired to write a Reader/Lucifer fic. This is the first fic I have written in a LONG time so feedback is welcome! There will be 3 parts to this fic, I hope you like it! Thank you to my darling friend @weemssapphic for the beta! x

@writing-prompt-s: Each type of death has a unique type of Reaper. The Reapers of Drowning collects the souls of the drowned. The Reapers of Old Age collects those that have come to their natural end. Write a story about a Reaper for an unusual death finally having a soul to collect.

Warnings: implied past smut, death, gn reader... I can't think of anything else, let me know if I need to add more!

“I’m bored.” Your voice comes out in a whiney and, let’s face it, rather annoying tone. You’re pacing Lucifer’s throne room as they sit and read a book you recommended months ago. 

“Hmm?” Lucifer’s lips curl into an almost invisible smirk as they pretend to keep reading, idly turning the page and letting their eyes aimlessly scan over the printed words. 

You stop and turn towards them, slumping your shoulders forward and letting your head hang towards the ground with a whimper, much like a petulant 5 year old who had been told they couldn’t have any sweets at the store. 

“I’m bored.” You repeat, your words slightly muffled as your voice reverberates against your chest. 

Lucifer glances over the top of the book they’re holding and a more visible smirk grows on their face. They return their gaze back to the pages in front of them and idly turn to another page, now completely having given up on reading but also not yet willing to put you out of your misery.

“Little Lamb, you have all of Hell at your disposal, you can’t be bored.” Their voice is sweet as honey and almost mocking as they speak. 

You throw your head backwards now, looking directly above you at the ornate ceiling. 

“I’ve done everything there is to do. Literally. I’ve swam the Lakes of Asmodeus, I’ve walked the Trails of Lilith, I’ve danced at the top of Mount Abaddon, Hell, I’ve even jumped from the Cliffs of Hecate. What else is there for me to do?” You turn your attention back to Lucifer and throw your arms up in the air in defeat. 

Lucifer slowly closes their novel and finally turns their attention to you. Your heart skips a beat as their eyes, finally, meet your own and a mixture of adoration and panic arises within your chest. Whining to the Devil that there is nothing left to do in the Kingdom of Hell has cost more than one demon their head. But you can’t help but feel a twinge of pride at getting their full attention. 

“Sweet Reaper, come here.” Lucifer’s tone is sweet but also slightly sour, like the first bite of a  green apple in the autumn. You hesitate for a moment, your back stiffening, before slowly making your way over to them. Your heart races in your chest and you cast your gaze to the floor as you stand before them. 

“How long have you been in Hell?” Lucifer looks you up and down, their gaze piercing into your soul, a curiosity and lingering warmth dancing in the fire light reflecting in their eyes. 

“1,359 years, 7 months, 1 week and 3 days.” You murmur before lifting your head and locking eyes with the ethereal being before you. “Not that I’m counting.”

A dry chuckle leaves the lightbringer’s throat as they uncross their legs and pat their thigh, indiciating for you to sit on their lap. You take a step forward and follow the silent instruction, sitting sideways and gently wrapping your arms around their neck as their hands snake their way around your waist. 

“My, my, no wonder you’re bored, Lamb.” Lucifer’s features have softened and they look into your eyes with a gentleness that only you get to see. They lean forward and place a soft kiss to your lips which makes you release a breath you didn’t realise you were holding. As the kiss deepens slightly, you feel your body begin to relax and melt into Lucifer’s touch. 

You may have been in Hell for over a millennium but your relationship with Lucifer had only begun to blossom a mere 200 years ago, a blink of an eye for two eternal beings. You were still nervous around them, still finding your footing in how to respond to one another’s touch and not entirely settled on when to know you were pushing them too far. 

Lucifer broke the kiss and pulled their head back to look into your eyes. Your heart began pounding in your chest as their hand slowly inched its way up your back and onto your cheek, gently brushing a lock of hair that had fallen into your face behind your ear. 

“Sorry I’m being whiney. I appreciate you letting me stay here.” Your eyes dance between Lucifer’s, love and adoration evident in your gaze as you struggle to stop yourself from kissing them again. 

Lucifer’s lips curl into a soft, amused smile. “I like it when you whine. It makes me feel powerful.” Their tone is low and seductive, making your breath catch in your chest. Their eyes dart between your own and your lips, making you blush and suck your bottom lip between your teeth as you look away. 

“Don’t be shy, Little One.” Lucifer’s lips are so close to the shell of your ear you can feel their breath warming your skin as they whisper. “You weren’t shy earlier.”

A shiver travels down your spine and you slowly turn your head to face them once more, images of your earlier antics playing in your mind as you lose yourself in their blue irises. They chuckle again and pull away entirely, leaning against the back of their throne.

“Then again, if you’re so bored now, I clearly didn’t do a good enough job.” They’re tone is teasing but it still elicits a bubble of guilt and anxiety to flourish in your stomach. 

“No, no, you did an excellent job. Otherworldly, in fact.” You look down at your hands as you speak, they’re now resting in your lap as you nervously play with your rings. “I just… It’s been nearly 14 hundred years since I had a soul to collect. I’m a Reaper, my entire being relies on collecting souls of those who have passed. Why did I have to be the one born into the role of collecting the souls of humans who have died laughing in their sleep?” 

Lucifer’s face softens as they lean forward and place a gentle kiss to your cheek. For the Ruler of Hell they were a surprisingly gentle and loving being. They place their forefinger under your chin and turn your head to face them again.

“You’ll have another soul to collect soon, I can feel it.” The warmth and calm in their voice did wonders in grounding you and you leant forward to rest your forehead against their own. 

“I hope so.” You whisper as you slowly close your eyes, the feeling of their arms gently pulling you closer to them makes you smile softly. 

Lucifer opened their mouth to speak again but they’re interrupted by a red glow coming from the ring on your left index finger. They look at the ring and a warm smile pulls at the corners of their mouth. 

“Be careful what you wish for.” The Morningstar’s statement makes you open your eyes and look at them, confused. They nod their head towards your hands and you look down, the glow of your ring lighting your face. You grin in excitement but it slowly sinks into a sad smile. It’s nice to be needed but, at the same time, you weren’t as accustomed with collecting souls as your sibling Death. Death was collecting souls and leading people to the afterlife for millennia before you were even conceived into existence and the rarity of your job meant it still weighed heavily on your shoulders. 

Lucifer notices the sadness in your smile and runs their fingers through your hair. “Would you like some company on your journey, Little Lamb?” 

Your eyes light up and you nod your head, yes. Being a Reaper is hard, only doing your job every thousand years or so makes it even harder, but having Lucifer by your side as you work? That will make it easy.

Right?

[cyborg-franky]

Happy Birthday Lemon

To my dear sweet lemon @eustasssimp you are one of the most lovely and understanding and kind people I've ever had the joy of meeting. No matter what comes your way you keep going and are still always there for us. You are strong and wonderful and I love you so <3 I hope you like this gift.

Thatch x GN Reader SFW Word Count: 1,650

Birthdays on the Moby Dick were often celebrated in one go at the end of the month, not because no one was less important than the other, the crew was just so big and vast that it would be an affair every single night and Thatch’s division would never get their time off.

That didn’t mean that Thatch wasn’t allowed to go a little overboard for the person he loved on his own time. The workday had ended hours ago, the sun had already been chased off to bed by the moon that shimmered in the sky, bathing everything in its celestial glory.

He knew what you liked to eat and drink, he’d stocked extra ingredients just for this occasion, hid the good wine at the back of storage so no one could sneak in and steal it like greedy racoons who just wanted to go out and get a buzz.

Everything had to be perfect, he showed his love through his cooking and as he admired the starters all set up nicely, he knew his love for you would be more than obvious. He’d told you to meet him out on the deck, around the lesser frequented parts, not wanting to be bothered by anyone else.

He’d already given his brothers firm warnings to avoid that side of the ship, let him and his partner have a few hours of peace. Ace, Marco and Izou were all going to do their best to keep it that way, stay on guard and make sure that Thatch’s private birthday celebrations would go undisturbed.

Thatch was excited, brimming with love and pride as each piece he’d cooked by himself was brought out. He’d pulled over one of the tables, cleaned it down, dressed it with a cloth, and set up candles and cutlery. It looked like a five-star restaurant instead of a table that often had large drunk men sobbing on.

He’s made sure all the string lights were cleaned and gleaming, beaming their warm light across the scene he had spent hours creating. Setting glasses down, the bottle of fancy wine and a small vase with a single red rose, the perfect final touch he’d decided.

All that was needed now was to change, taking off his chef whites and brushing down his dress shirt, his slacks and adjusting his hair in the small mirror he kept in the kitchen for hair-related emergencies. He grinned brightly at his reflection, the wrinkles around his eyes crinkled with his growing smile.

With one final glance at the small and very personal birthday cake, he’d created he grabbed the small snail creature, and his radio, from the window and returned to his elaborate set-up.

--

You worried about being late, you’d changed clothes more than three times, begged Izou for help which he promptly denied, saying he was busy tonight. Marco wasn’t much help either, you didn’t even bother asking Ace.

Deciding finally that you liked what you were wearing you emerged from your cabin victorious in your decisions. You rushed down the hall almost taking tripping over poor Stefan that was just so excited to see you, you apologised to the poor thing before you reached the deck.

He was used to you being a little late to plans, it gave him a chance to have a sneaky cigarette break while he waited. He stared at the stars, watching them twinkle in the darkness, closing his eyes he focused on the waves, how they gently lapped against the boat, focusing on the gentle sway the ocean gave their home.

You saw him, the way he was enjoying the salty sea breeze, enjoying the warm night as he waited for you. How handsome he looked in the moonlight, the smoke from his cigarette dancing in the wind, swirling around him as he stood there, relaxed and at peace.

How you loved him, how perfect he was. You managed to regain your thoughts and made soft footsteps that caught the chef’s attention. Thatch blinked, turning over his shoulder to see you, the smile on his face and how his entire face lit up made your heart sing.

“There you are love!” he tossed the remains of his cigarette over the side, into the whirling waves.

“Sorry I’m late..” you said sheepishly as he wrapped arms around your waist, pulling you against him, he kissed your forehead, and you felt his beard tickle your skin, the little chuckle you let out made him laugh along with you.

“It’s okay. I always plan for that.”

You sighed, he was perfect for you, he would never make you feel bad about being late, you wished you were in his division because you were sure he would be a soft touch and not come and drag you out of your bed for being late like some people you thought bitterly about your own commander.

“Thatch…. I know you’re a very ah extra person but all this for me?” you mumbled when you finally saw the spread he’d laid out.

“I just want you to know how much I love you.” He said as he cupped your cheeks, staring into your eyes, his thumbs rubbing the soft skin of your cheeks.

“I know how much you love me; I love you too.” You let out a sigh, happy, feeling so loved with his touches, with his words.

“Anyway, we can be mushy later, I’m starving and this smells incredible.”.

--

The wine was flowing, the jokes kept coming as did wonderful and delicious food. Thatch really had outdone himself you thought as you brought the fork to your lips once more, trying not to laugh at one of his comments. No one made you laugh as much as he did. You sipped at the wine as Thatch told you the story of when he first met Ace.

You almost spat out the wine in your mouth, putting your hand over your mouth as you snorted and tried to stifle a laugh. You swallowed and let out the laughter as you watched him grinning at your reaction, sipping his own drink.

“You really said that? And you thought it was a comfort? Oh, Thatch..” you shook your head and chuckled.

“I mean, he turned out okay right?”

“Thanks to Marco, but wow, I am surprised he didn’t set you on fire, would have been easy with how much crap you put in your hair.” You playfully teased your partner.

“Hey now, a lot goes into looking this good.” He smoothed back his hair, a mock pout on his lips before he winked at you, your heart hammering in your chest, oh you were so very into him just as much now as day one.

You both finished your desserts, a lemon pie with a side of fresh strawberries. The radio was playing softly, just a background noise until one song came on and Thatch grinned when he started o hum to the tune he knew so well.

“Wanna dance Pumpkin’?” he asked with an eyebrow raised as he turned the music up.

Before you could answer he slipped his hand from yours, standing up and going to your side, he slid the chair out and offered you his hand. You weren’t a fan of dancing, but it was just you and him, the moon was so beautiful in the sky and the night air was warm and filled with an energy you couldn’t deny was making you feel alive.

You nodded your head, taking his hand, feeling the chef help you to your feet, he smiled brightly and pulled you against his chest. The humming soon turned into singing, the words sounded even better coming from Thatch, his deep voice melodious as he guided you away from the table, so he had room to lift you and spin in place.

“Not so much Thatch I just ate!” you said with another chuckle, you never laughed as much as you did before meeting the man.

He rolled his eyes playfully but nodded, setting you back down, his hands on your hips as he swayed you both, he stared into your eyes, the happy expression on his face as he sang to you, moving you across the deck.

You were so enthralled with him, he was so much bigger than you but you didn’t feel scared or worried around him, so gentle and kind, the warmth that radiated from his soul was something you wished you could always bask in. You wanted forever to feel it in your heart, feeling his hands in yours, his lips on your own.

Closing your eyes you focused on his voice, allowing him to move you as he wished. The song filled the air, the stars bowed in defeat unable to compare to the light that came from the both of you in this perfect moment. You just let him move you, let him sing to you, you were completely his at this moment, in every moment.

The song came to an end, you only knew this when Thatch stopped singing, stopped moving, your eyes opened and you watched him lean down, you tip toes knowing exactly what he wanted, what you wanted too.

Pressing your lips to his, arms around his neck as you held him close. You loved him and he loved you. The moon could only watch on in envy as it provided the romantic scene with the spotlight, an ambience that would make a thousand love stories tremble and fold.

This was love so true.

He pulled away from the kiss, and sighed, brushing back a strand of your hair as he looked at you with admiration. You yelped in surprise when he lifted you in his arms, yours still around his neck as you nuzzled into the crook of his neck.

“I love you, Thatch.”

“I love you too puddin’ Happy Birthday.”

[bonnymori]

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲

Word count: 2760+ (i'll try to keep bigger lengths such as this one!)

Synopsis: You meet a new classmate who's working along Nanami, you think he's fun to be around, it stands the same to him about you. Later, feelings unravel.

Contents/Warnings: (1) Itadori Yuuji x gn!reader (2) FLUFF, TONS OF FLUFF - and some comfort (3) With the small participation of... Ino Takuma!! I really like him too, that's why <33333 (4) This is pretty platonic, but also not? (5) Ending turned sorta cliché... but I liked it u.u

A/N: This boy made me run rampant... to fhe point it's not single attraction anymore I just wish him happiness (smh if only my parents knew...) also next post will be Toji's fic pt. 2! Y'all see the first part is almost reaching 100 kudos????? I'M SO HAPPY EHSODJWKDKSJD- thanks for all the new followers and the support!! <33

Ever since his fake death, Itadori has been training alone with the help of Gojo - and now, he works along a freshly new face, who belongs to a senior, founds out ex-salaryman named Nanami Kento. He's far a thousand times more strict than Gojo. Itadori doesn't really likes the change, because Nanami is a person he can't get along. This whole guy's appearance scream "work 4 life"; he has proved different, now he screams "work is shit - but I gotta do it because others won't".

They've just finished cleansing the outside of a movie theater off a few curses, when Itadori hears shouting from far behind them. Two figures approach, waving excessively. He quickly picks on Nanami's tired sigh beside him.

"Nanami! We figured out you'd be here! Our mission has been finished and we wanted to catch up to have lunch together!" A male clad in a full black outfit shouts, he has brown hair and a beanie on top of his head, looking quite content.

The other person simply trots next to him in silence, approaching with a friendly smile. They notice Itadori faster than the male, smile widening and quickly waving hello, suddenly eager to reach up to them. The gesture makes the pink haired boy perk up, curious to why the other person looked so joyful. His question is easily answered, when they tug on the man's sleeve and motion to him.

"Ino, we have a third buddy!" The dude looks at him with widened eyes. "So nice to meet you, I'm Y/N L/N! It's great to see new faces around!"

Itadori smiles at your energy, knowing already he would click with you very well.

"I'm Ino Takuma, sorry for not noticing you before! Your uniform looks cool." Itadori exchanges a few compliments with Ino, before the man turns to talk with Nanami, leaving him and you together.

"Yes! I'm Sukuna's vessel, Itadori Yuuji-desu! My type of woman is Jenn-"

You turn to him. "So, are you a first year?"

"Geh? Weren't you dead though?!"

"I was!- I am!- Please keep secret."

"Okay!"

"Ahem." Nanami coughs, drawing attention. "I requested you two to not come after me today. Itadori here is the reason why."

"That's no problem, we're very capable of keeping secrets." You threw your arm over Itadori's shoulder, him nodding along with you.

"Oh really, then remember to keep quiet about it. I'll let this slide." The group of students nervously at Nanami's intimidating tone. "But, I'll get to have my break alone."

"Gah!" Ino exclaimed, watching Nanami walk away; he also left the responsability of taking care of Itadori for you two, leaving without a word. "It really had to be today, when Nanami would take us to his favorite bakery..."

"Crybaby." You teased. "Itadori here can't go outside where anyone can see him, he's dead. So, we were to order food either way because he shouldn't be left out."

"Augh okay, it would be unfair."

"So, where are you staying Itadori?"

"At Gojo's state!"

"Whoa, I've never been there before." Ino commented, waiting as you sent a message to Ijichi to pick them up.

"He's my teacher, a very cool one!"

"I imagine! Ooookay, once we get there I'll get the food."

Itadori felt as his chest would burst of excitement, finally there was people around him again, he couldn't be less happy about it.

"Sharing is caring!"

Itadori laughed as you wrestled with Takuma for some fries, netflix long forgotten in the background, as watching the banter was way more entertaining. Most of the time, Ino rambled a lot about Nanami, while he rambled a lot about Gojo. The guy even showed him the cool scar under his beanie. He felt kinda upset after explaining the exchange was just temporary, his stay under Nanami's wing wasn't decisive, and therefore, he was more like a classmate than a partner.

Itadori also learned a lot about you. He was surprised to find out that you, although energetic, was the one to speak the lesser in conversations. His surprisement grew even bigger when you told him you're a exchange student from Kyoto, arriving Tokyo about the same month as him - thankfully, you were to say for good.

Conversations flowed easily in the air, until a voice from the doorway barged in.

"Yuuji-kun! Don't forget about your lessons! Hi kids! Bye kids!" Gojo said playfully, throwing the familiar punching bear to Itadori before leaving.

"What's this thing?" Ino asked.

"It's to help me control my cursed energy. So while I watch the movies, if I don't charge it with cursed energy it punches me square in the face. I thought I had mastered this thing already, but he insist I keep training with it." Itadori grumbles.

"At least it's cute." You commented, taking a sip of your drink.

"Until it punches you in your face without warning!" The pink haired boy barks.

The talks died down, the three of you eating quietly when another movie is played on the screen. Itadori didn't bother reading the title, it was a plain one about a zombie apocalypse that got him extremely bored, yet he kept watching still so the plushie didn't punch him in the face again; he's been keeping a record since all his last cursed energy training lessons were a sucess to this day. When his head started nodding and eyelids dropping Itadori can't remember well, about fourty five minutes of movie perhaps? Make it fifty, the second slumber took over his body completely.

When he awoke once again, it was near midnight, the clock on the wall told him so. He also noticed a soft and warm surface supporting his head, figures, it's your shoulder he's resting into, he feels an arm around his own shoulders and your cheek placed upon his hair.

"Hey, it's late." You immediately notices he's awake, calling out softly. "You should sleep on your room, or something, better to your spine."

He chuckles when you poke his side. "But I'm comfortable here."

"I'm surprised, you just met me today, and now is sleeping on my shoulder."

"I'm not, that happens often to me."

"Sleeping on people's shoulders?"

"No! Making friends quickly." Itadori likes your gentle warmth, your hug, everything makes him feel at home. "I met two more people before you for two weeks, but they can't see me, because I'm dead."

"So I'll keep you company, that's my new mission."

His eyes widen at that, a oh so little blush covering the tip of his ears.

"For how many time I slept anyway?" He asks.

"About two- no, three hours. You missed two movies, and this one is about to end."

"And you stayed here the whole time?" He motions to your shoulder.

"Yep. That reminds me I gotta pee."

Itadori grumbles, but quickly lifts himself off you, respecting your needs. That gives him some time to look around, he notices Ino is gone, and the plushie sits quietly at the other side of the couch, unmoving.

"Y/N! How did you manage to make it quiet down?" He's beyond bafflet.

"...que."

"What!"

"I said!" You arrive quickly at the doorframe, hands still wet from when you washed them. "I used my innate technique."

"Oh! How is it like?"

"It's kinda funny, gimme a moment." You left to wipe off your hands, coming back in a second. "So, just like Shoko, I produce reverse curse energy, but it's quite different than hers, I can't heal people. That's why we often call it positive energy instead. I can use it to soothe off negative energy, so the bear has no cursed energy right now."

"How does it works on people?" He felt very curious about everything, asking away like a kid.

"Since everyone has negative energy, it just makes you sleepy really. But when it comes to curses it's really practical, I can either weaken it or, if the curse is like grade three or four, I can slap them off existence completely by wiping all their energy." You were naturally proud of having a such versatile power, your own energy swirling with pride around you.

"That sounds amazing! Is it why I fell asleep though?"

"Nah, only if I did it on purpose. I guess you were just tired, hope you don't mind I decided to let you rest today."

"No way, it was a good nap."

You nodded. "By the way, Ino left to attend to a drinking party, he paid for our food."

"Drinking? Is he old?"

"Yeah, he's twenty." You chuckled, already expecting that kind of reaction.

"No way! He looks young just like us!"

"That's totally my reaction after I learned he's twenty!"

After that day, you started visiting Itadori weekly to daily, after exchanging numbers he made a little group with you and Ino, naming it the "Nanami trio". But really, he exchanges more texts with you in private, be them memes, cool images he wish to share, etcetera. Although, Ino wasn't left excluded, he ofter brough his xbox to connect to Itadori's tv room and you all would spend hours playing together; he just didn't spend much time with both of you as much. And that was okay.

For a few days, your connection with Itadori died down when he didn't reply to your texts. They would remain unread for some time, the longest being half a day, until he would spam apologies then move on with the topic. That became a routine until one day when you came over to check on Itadori unnanounced, needin to ease off your worries about the boy, only to find him sobbing in the middle of a hallway, staring ahead and beyond, his back to you.

"Ita-?"

"Egh!" Startled, he scrambled to wipe his eyes, turning to you. "H-hey, um, hi."

"What happened?"

"I- he-" His eyes didn't met yours, knuckles white in a death grip. You notice he has a few bandages thrown over his face and arms. The way his shoulders are drawn, as if he wants to shrink into himself is something you've experienced before.

"Something hard to talk about?"

He nods almost immediately, head still facing down.

"It's alright, come with me." You reach for his hands, grimacing slightly when his forceful grip is now on your hand, yet you don't comment on it. He follows you through the state wordlessly.

You two stop on the same tv room, sitting down on the couch. You then guide his head to your shoulder, gently massaging his scalp with the free hand.

"It's alright."

Those two words are chanted like a prayer for the next half hour, at some point, Itadori twisted his body towards yours and unknowingly caged you between him and the sofa arm. He embraced you with a force you didn't have in you, like he didn't want to lose one another. Painful or not, not a muscle moved on your body. He needed a shoulder to cry on.

Thirty minutes passed like seconds, you peered down only to find the boy confortably napping against your bosom; at some point you just became the cold side of the pillow to him. That's alright. It brings you joy to be the mom friend anyways. So you decided to join the sleepland aswell, arms still secured around his shoulders and the back of his head.

It feels like the nap hasn't been long, though, because you can feel Itadori's grip loosening and therefore, you're awake.

"Sorry if I broke any bones, in advance."

"Wow, and you only warn me now."

He laughs at your comeback, hands still secured around your waist.

"I'm surprised you let me uh, cuddle you for comfort - and sleep. I don't understand it? You just make me sleepy." He rambled, keeping eye contact with you while his head still rests on your chest.

"That's a piece of cake when you have younger siblings who seek for you every night they get a nightmare."

"Does that mean I can come to you again if I have a nightmare?" There it is, his togepi-kirby cutesy face.

"Are you four?"

"That's mean!" Itadori blushed, squeezing you on his arms. "I like the contact. It puts me at ease."

"Mm, do you want to talk about it?"

He gulped. "No, not really."

Your peach haired friend remained silent, and so did you. It seems he doesn't intend in letting you go soon, or he just really forgot to mention it. It gives them time to think, your younger sisted used to do that sometimes, back in Kyoto.

"Y/N, wanna watch anything?"

"Sure, have you watched Parasyte before?"

"No, let's give it a try then!" Itadori glances at the remote, then back at you - making you confused over his hesitation to move. He notices you noticed it, chuckling nervously. "To be honest, I don't wanna let go."

"It's hurting my back."

"SORRY I'M SORRY!" He jumped away from you like a cat would jolt away from a cucumber, making you snicker.

"It's okay, I just wanted to change positions."

And to tease you, but he didn't need to know that part.

He glared at you with a small pout, typing the initials of Parasyte on the search bar. Outside his line of vision, you were grinning like a idiot, his sweeteness took a tow on you. All the people of Tokyo you met really held a way different spirit from your classmates in Kyoto, Itadori being the nicest of all. It's surprising him being Sukuna's vessel to begin with; being honest, you felt drawn by it.

"Y/N, it's startiiiiing." He cut your daydreaming short, slumping on your side and propping his head on your shoulder.

"This again?" You throw an arm around his shoulders, very much like the first time he cuddled himself on you.

"Don't blame me, you're the one who wanted to change positions. Guess I'll just make some alterations since I'm awake this time!" One of his arms went behind your back and circled your waist, hand resting at your hip.

"It's definely different, since the other time you drooled on me."

"Hhgh, okay okay! Let me enjoy this." For perhaps the actual first time, you're able to watch without exchanging words with one another.

And this time, it's you who's head loll to the side, nose buried on his soft rose perfumed hair. Itadori doesn't comment on it yet, his free hand moves under your legs to lift your whole body up efortlessly when he senses you have fallen asleep.

"I remember you said it's bad for my spine, I wouldn't mind it... yours however."

The boy makes a beeline to the guest room, he sighs when there is no choice but open the door with his foot. Inside, he places you carefully in the soft bed.

Before he could leave, a hand reaches up for his sleeve.

"Itadori," He turned, looking at you. "Make me company?"

He giggles softly - you think it sounds like a highschool girl. "You should start calling me by my first name!" Itadori rambles as he climbs on the bed, arms wrapping around your waist in a motion you're familiar with.

"Yuuji, I'm tired, let me sleep."

"But I wanna talk more..." He pouts. "Also, are we, um, dating?"

You wriggle around, bringing his head down to peck on his forehead, teasing. "Correction, I want to date you."

"Uh, oh." A blush coats his face so quickly, you'd say someone dumped a bucket of red paint on his face.

"Is that a no?"

"No!"

"So it is a no."

"Christ, will you stop teasing for a second, I'm trying to talk here." He makes an angry version of his togepi-kirby face, you can't help but grin.

"You amuse me, but okay. I'll do it for you."

"Thanks." He blinks, the blush slowly fading away. "You know, I lied, not about the contact, I like the contact nonetheless-"

His hand moves to play with yours, such as tapping his tips against yours, or meassuring the palms.

"-it's you who brings me comfort."

It's also your turn to blush, that line was seriously charming.

"Yeah."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, we're dating now." You respond, a little eagerly. "Can I kiss you?"

"Please."

This is the best person I could ask for, Itadori thinks, keeping his eyes open as yours shut during the kiss, whom I won't change for anything else in this world.

When you both separate, Itadori feels drowsy and sleepy. His face fits perfectly on your shoulder as always.

"Goodnight, my favorite person."

[wavyhairedbabyy]

Idiots - Part 1

Karl Jacobs x gn!reader

tldr: They’ve both got a crush. Sucks, since they’re the only ones oblivious to it. (Slow Burn!)

CW: some swearing(not at each other), fluffy as a teddy bear.

a/n: I got a random influx of followers ;-; Tysm for enjoying my works and sharing them. I haven’t written in 6 years, in case it wasn’t obvious lmao, so even one is super meaningful to me :) this ended up being way longer than I intended it to be so I’m splitting it into 2 parts. 

edited yet: yes - let me know if I missed anything!

Part 1 - Part 2

Y/n and Karl met when Karl was still going to college in New York before dropping things to move to North Carolina. They met the fall of their sophomore year at the campus café when Karl was trying to shoot a piece of paper into a trash can. The problem was he couldn’t aim and it landed right in y/n’s mug of coffee, quickly dissolving into a paper coffee soup. For anyone else it would’ve been okay but being that coffee was y/n’s life line, especially during finals, it most definitely was not.

“You’re buying me another, right?” they asked, “I would highly recommend it or you might see a side of me you don’t want to see.”

Being the good guy he was, and the slight fear of their bad side, he did with no questions.

“So, since there’s a side of you I don’t want to see, and I bought you a new coffee, do I get to see the side of you that I do want to see?”

“Find me next semester and you might.”

And he did.

***

“Karl, if you don’t give me that sword, I’m going to hurt you!” Y/n screamed as they lunged toward him. It was y/n, Karl, and Chris hanging out at Karl’s place until it was time to leave for a Mr. Beast project. They sat in his living room, Karl with a foam sword that y/n was desperate to take from him.

“That’s the problem! If I give it to you, you will hurt me with it!” He yelled back, jumping out of their reach.

“Okay children, why don’t I just take the sword so we can end all of this?” Chris intervened in an attempt to stop the ruckus.

Both of them paused, looking at him in disbelief. They shook their head and in unison scoffed, “No!”

The two continued their play fighting, one holding on to the sword for a short period of time before the other pulled it from their grasp. This went on until it was time to leave the house.

While this was all going down, Chris watched Karl’s behavior. He noticed how he let y/n hold on to the sword a little longer, even when he could’ve easily reached out to grab it from their hands. He noticed how he was much more careful with his movements, almost scared to be too rough with them.

With anyone else, Chris knew Karl’s pride would have taken over in this situation. He thought back to any other time he had any of his SMP friends over. With Nick or Alex, he would have hogged the sword and brutally whacked either of them with it as much as he could. He would happily tacked them and pinned them to the ground. With y/n though... there was a gentleness with them, and Chris did not fail on picking that up.

“Okay lame-os, let’s get on over to the warehouse. Y/n, you coming?” Chris asked.

Y/n shook their head, “Nah. I’m gonna unpack my stuff and relax from the flight. Plus, word on the street says that tomorrow is when the cool stuff is happening so I’ll come then.” they replied.

“Well the street is right, but they’re still a dummy,” Chris looked at Karl for reference.

“Hey...” Karl faked a sad look before staring at y/n for defense.

Y/n giggle and just shrugged, waving goodbye to the both of them, “If you don’t bring me back Burger King fries, don’t bother coming back at all!”

***

Chris and Karl sat in the car, Chris driving and Karl in the passenger seat. With some music on in the background, the two were discussing the plan of action for what was going to be filmed for the day.

“Do you know how long it’s going to take?” Karl asked, “I feel bad leaving y/n by themselves so I want to try to get out as early as humanly possible.”

“I’m not really sure. I’m sure Jimmy wouldn’t mind you scootin’ out a little early,” Chris replied. He took the opportunity and leaned over to his friend, “Speakin’ of y/n, anything going on there? Y’know, anything special?”

“Uhh- whaddya mean special?” Karl haphazardly, “We’re best friends. I think that’s pretty special.”

“No, idiot. I mean is there anything there besides just being best friends,” Chris paused for a second, “I dunno. I just noticed you’re different with them, man. You know you would never treat Nick or Alex the way you treated them.”

Karl paused, trying to think of a response but failing. He sighed, “Yeah, there’s definitely something there on my end. I mean, I’ve been attracted to them since we first met. I just don’t think they reciprocate it.”

“You never know if you don’t try. What’s the worst that can happen?”

“I’d rather not think about it,” Karl sunk into his seat, thinking of all the bad endings that could happen if he told y/n his feelings.

***

Meanwhile this was happening, y/n was making themselves comfortable in Karl’s guest room. They planned on staying for a week and a half which meant packing a month’s worth of clothes. Before starting to unpack their things into the dresser, they FaceTimed their other best friend that was back in New York to keep them company.

“You’re calling me now? Your flight landed 4 hours ago! I was sure you crashed in the middle of the ocean - gone like that Malaysia flight,” y/bff answered.

“Hi to you too,” y/n responded as they started to place their clothes in the closet, “ You are so dramatic. My flight didn’t even go over the ocean. And don’t act like you weren’t tracking my flight. You knew damn well I was fine.”

“All this worrying and caring, and this is how I’m being treated?” Y/bff shook their head as the wiped their fake tears away “The disrespect.”

“Pft, the only disrespect I’m seeing here is the lack of questions about my day,” y/n said, “I had a great flight. I got those yummy blue chips and had a nice drive from the airport in a Tesla.”

Y/bff gasped, “What kind of Uber driver is driving around a Tesla? We need more of those people up here.”

“Dude, it was Karl,” y/n replied, “I was shocked. Last time I saw this kid he was driving a hunk of junk. One year down here and he’s driving around like he’s Elon Musk.”

“Well, I’ll tell you this now. If you don’t cuff him, I will!” Their laugh echoed through the phone

Y/n rolled their eyes, “Oh please, if he doesn’t like me like that then you’re in no good luck.”

“So you told him then?”

“No, not yet,” y/n paused, “I dunno. We’ve been friends for 3, almost 4, years now. If he liked me, he would’ve said something by now. Plus we live so far away from each other now. I just don’t wanna ruin a good thing, y’know?”

“Well, I still say do it. You can tell him and spend your life in peace knowing his answer, or keep it to you yourself and spend the rest of your life wondering ‘what if?’ And I’ll tell you now, the latter always ends with regret. With the first answer, you’ll at least have a chance of a happy ending.”

Y/n shrugged, putting away the last piece of clothing from their luggage, “I know, I know. I’ll think about it. Thanks for the chat, but I’m gonna go relax now before he gets back. I love and miss you already.”

They exchanged their goodbyes and hung up. Y/n flattened their luggage and slid it under the bed. Moving back to the dresser, they found some comfortable clothes to change into after a shower.

Y/n knew y/bff was right. They just couldn’t bring themselves to share their feelings. What if Karl didn’t feel the same way? Would it ruin their friendship? Would this be the last time they ever saw each other? No, y/n knew it wouldn’t end their friendship, but it would make it awkward for a little while. They moved to the bathroom. Maybe a shower would help them compose their thoughts.

***

“I’m back!” Karl shouted as he kicked the door shut behind him. The project took a few hours so the sun had set and nighttime was settling itself in North Carolina. There was no response. Karl continued, “And I have Burger King fries!”

“You should’ve started out with that! Coming!” Y/n yelled from down the hall. Karl rolled his eyes and walked over to the living room table. He started making room for the food when he heard fast footsteps coming toward him.

“Incoming!” Y/n yelled, tackling him to the floor with a hug. They were giggling as if they just pulled the best prank in the world.

“Hi to you too,” he groaned from his body hitting the floor. Y/n continued to chuckle as they got up, grabbing Karl’s hand to help him up too. They sat on the couch, looking at the food in front of them.

“A whole whopper meal? What did I do to get the honors, Mr. Jacobs?” Y/n remarked in a posh accent, popping a fry into their mouth.

“You existed,” Karl giggled out. Y/n smiled, but the butterflies in their stomach couldn’t feign their excitement. It was small shit like that that made y/n fall for Karl. He continued, “Plus I didn’t know if you ate or not so I thought better safer than sorry.”

“Aw, you’re the sweetest,” they gave him a tight hug before returning to the spot they were in on the couch, “So, what’s the plan, Stan?”

“I’m kind of tired from filming, I hope you don’t mind-”

“Actually, I completely mind” y/n replied sarcastically. Karl shook his head at them.

“So, I was thinking we could just watch a movie or watch a show,”

“Ah yes, head empty activities. I’m down. Can we watch a movie though? Not in the mood for a show right now,” y/n replied.

“Sure let’s scroll through and find something,” Karl switched on the TV and the two munched on their food while they decided what they were going to watch. After 20 minutes of scrolling, which really was 20 minutes of fighting over who had better taste in movies, they finally agreed on Wall-E.

Before the movie started, y/n looked over to Karl. Their hands were in the shape of finger guns, pointed to each other and the tips of their index fingers touching. They had a pout on their face when they asked, “Can we cuddle while we watch?”

“No,” Karl shook his head quickly, keeping a stoic, straight face. Y/n’s pout got bigger. He continued, “I absolutely hate physical touch.”

They both immediately broke out into giggles, y/n grabbing the nearest pillow and smacking him with it, “You are so lame.”

Karl continued with his fit of giggle, “The day I say that and mean it is the day hell freezes over.”

As the intro to the movie played, the two came closer, y/n’s legs tangling up with Karl’s. When they finished up their food, they moved closer with Karl’s arm around y/n’s shoulders and their head laying on his chest.

Y/n gave a playful scoff, reminiscing on their past memories together, “This reminds me of the time we had a Disney movie marathon before spring break.”

Karl laughed, “Yeah, and you made my old roommate cry beforehand because he wasn’t doing his dishes all semester.”

“In my defense, I gave him warnings. He didn’t wanna listen and there’s no way I was letting you live in a house with a sink full of fruit flies.”

“I’m not sure if you did that for me or because you practically lived with us.”

“Don’t get it mixed up, pretty boy. That was for you.” Karl smiled at those words, looking down at the person laying on their chest. He wanted to believe there was more than friendship behind those words. The warm feeling he would always get with them filled his chest as he turned his focus back to the movie.

“I really missed you.” He whispered.

“I really missed you too.”

***

Part 2

[kazudon]

TRY AGAIN

pairing. iwaizumi hajime x gn!reader

genre. angst to fluff, exes to lovers

warnings. none

word count. 1k+

a/n. for the lovely @hajigumi​. happy birthday my love <3

It was a tender moment; two people sharing an umbrella as rain poured without any signs of stopping, speaking through glances and the occasional cough. It would’ve been romantic if the person holding the umbrella wasn’t your ex-boyfriend, Iwaizumi Hajime. You should’ve parted the moment things began to turn sour, but in your lovestruck daze, you decided to pursue him with your entire heart and soul only to be shut down completely. You hated him for shattering the bit of hope you clung to, and he hated you for having it in the first place. The last time you spoke—a heated argument that led to you officially calling it quits—still made your mind spin with blind rage. 

What right did he have to do that, to destroy the one thing you truly cherished in life? What right did he have to chase you after school, covering your head with his umbrella while his clothes became soaked? And why did he have to have that stupid, stoic face, like this was a normal occurrence? You would’ve preferred it if he left you all alone with nothing but your school bag to shield yourself from the rain. It would’ve given you another reason to fuel your hatred. Now that you were both huddled together, shoulders touching, you hated that it made your chest swell with hope.

Hope. You knew better than to rely on it—it was the reason why your relationship ended so badly, after all. Hope got you nowhere, Iwaizumi once said. Hope was not enough to push you forward. It was pride, dedication, and passion that took you where you wanted to go. At the time, he was referring to the sport he loved, but it resonated with you. It’s too late, you told yourself. It’s all in the past now.

Yet your cheeks still burned when he turned to you, and you spotted something red dangling from his school bag—the omamori charm you gifted him long ago. The sight of it left a strange taste on your tongue, something overwhelmingly saccharine before it melted into the familiar metallic aftertaste. You almost smiled. Almost.  

The memory of it swirled in your mind—a cloudy New Year’s night, white flecks of snow falling from the inky sky. There was Iwaizumi’s smile, bright and bold like the redness of his cheeks and the colorful array of omamori at the shrines. You could almost feel the pressure of his gloved palm against yours as you replayed that blissful day, the last bit of happiness before it came crumbling down.

You chose a red charm for him, and he chose blue, the two colors opposite of one another, yet they were the perfect combination of warmth and cold. It fit well—you had chosen something fiery and passionate while he dealt a cooler, mellower hand. It was the piece of yourself you saw in him, and vice versa. Like the frigid rain now, the snow nipped at your skin as you exchanged the charms, faces glowing with youthful grins.

You couldn’t care less about the prying eyes as you kissed under the lanterns, the heat of his lips sending a delicious shiver down your spine as his strong arms gripped your body. Then, there were the three words (four with his name) that held a permanent space in your vocabulary, the words flowing so easily without a hint of hesitation.

“I love you, Hajime.”

“I love you, Y/N.”

Your face cracked into that dreaded smile, head hanging low to conceal the bit of joy from the images of your past. The reason he kept it was the same as yours, you assumed—it hurt too much to let go. Even though Iwaizumi was the one who told you hope was stupid, that it did nothing but bring you pain in the end, he couldn’t deny that he, too, felt it fluttering in his heart, the idea of reconciling with the one he loved most.

You weren’t sure whether to be overjoyed or disappointed as the rain began to slow, fading from a heavy downpour to gentle droplets, safe for you to walk home without Iwaizumi’s aid. You found your feet still planted on the ground no matter how many times you counted down, all internal shouts of ready, set, go ignored.

You couldn’t bear to leave him behind again, and neither could he, which is why you didn’t question his footsteps in sync with yours, the umbrella still above your head when the clouds parted and the sun shone through. The two of you said nothing, letting your bodies carry you along the path to the neighborhood before you hit the oh-so-familiar intersection where you and Iwaizumi used to part. 

It was the place of several shared kisses, soft goodbyes, and vows to see each other the day next. This time, you weren’t sure which out of the three it’d be, but deep within, you hoped it wouldn’t be a final goodbye. The last bit of rain thinned until all that was left was the smell of wet concrete and the visible perplexity on Iwaizumi’s face. 

“So,” he began.

“So,” you mimicked. “I guess this is-”

“-Not goodbye.”

You blinked at him, unable to grasp the three syllables that left his mouth. He pawed at the ground with the tip of his shoe, the umbrella now folded and serving as a makeshift cane. There were too many things running through your mind, yet no words formed in your parched throat, leaving you to stare at him dumbfounded. His cheeks grew warm under your gaze, a silent testament to the hammering of his heart as his eyes locked with yours. The past few months came crashing down, and if you stood still long enough, you could feel your fingers resting against the rough palm of his hand—except it was. Iwaizumi was closer than ever, the familiar scent of his cologne wafting into your nose and easing the tension in your body. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, the end of his words curling into a tentative question. 

You nodded. Iwaizumi mirrored the gesture before he turned, casting a glance over his shoulder to meet your smiling face. As his back faded into the horizon, reflecting the day he left, the sick, empty feeling did not return. Instead, you sighed, knowing the butterflies swarming your stomach would stay.