#i just suddenly remembered this exchange from months ago and started smiling

[idiopathicsmile]

there's the friends who respond to your occasional moments of negative self-talk by earnestly explaining how your worst instincts about yourself are wrong and actually you are wonderful, etc etc and then there's the friends (my brother) who react to being told "i think i am just not an especially kind person" by full-on laughing and then saying, "oh fuck off, fuck offff" and the good news is that honestly for me, both things help an equal amount

[flamingpudding]

Ghost Kitten

A/N: I got fascinated with the idea of Danny being Selina's son and then during work this sort of idea formed in my head.

Danny wasn't supposed to know yet. Jack had it all prepared for when Danny would get to learn about this. But this, this was not how Danny was supposed to learn about his origins yet. Jack Fenton wasn't sure how to react, so he ended up possible reacting in the worst way possible if he judged it by the way his sweet little boy was looking at them.

Jack tried to remember where it went wrong. Jazz had come to them, told them Danny wanted to have an important talk. That it was so important that she needed both of them to focus on him seriously. It had worried Maddie and him at first and when they sat down on the couch facing their children they weren't sure what to expect. But then his boy told him about the accident he had in the lap, about how things changed even asking them if they ever noticed how Danny's behaviours changed.

Jack had to admit then, that he hadn't really noticed and it made his mouth taste like dirt. He didn't like where this was going. He saw how his children exchanged a glance and then his sweet boy told them the truth and Jack could feel the horror overtaking his entire mind. The accident had changed Danny even worse.

He couldn't help but remember a term he had last heard long ago before his collage years even. Meta Human. His son had become a Meta human with ghost based powers and had kept it a secret from them for so long. Jack didn't know how to react then and still didn't know now. All he could think about were the horrors he had put his sweet little son through. All the times he had offhandedly said he would tear him apart molecule by molecule. In how much fear did his son have to live until he gathered enough courage to tell them, most likely only because Jazz was there to support him?

Jack didn't want to imagine it anymore. All he wanted was to hug his little boy and tell him that everything would be okay but before he could do anything. Maddie, his until then wonderful, wife told them something in return they had an agreement over when to tell them.

"You're adopted. You are not my child."

Until then Jack had always thought Maddie loved Danny just as much as he did but as he locked at his wife and saw the steely coldness flickering in them with distress. He wasn't so sure anymore. Torn between being angry at Maddie for the first time after so long and wanting to comfort his boy, Jack could do nothing but sat frozen as his beloved family broke apart before his eyes.

Suddenly Maddie and Jazz got into a headed argument, Danny was starting to draw into himself, making himself smaller watching his mother and sister fight. Until Maddie stormed out fo the room. Jazzie gave him a challenging look but Jack didn't know what to say so instead, what he had planned to tell his son when he turned 18 he was going to tell him now.

"Danny you know how we have barely any contact with family from my side? There is a reason behind it. But the important part here is that the only one I do keep sort of contact with is my fourth cousin and even that is nothing more than a couple messages ever few months."

"And what does that have to do with Danny?" Jazz pressed on while his little boy finally got the courage to look up at him.

"Dann-no, I need for you to now that no matter what you are or what I am going to tell you, you are my little boy, my son." Jack did everything he could to stare reassuringly at his boy and smiled once he saw him smile just a little too, he was most likely relieved that he was taking the news better than his mother.

"About 16 year ago, my fourth cousin contacted me out of the blue, till then we had only exchanged a couple of words and theories and projects. But that time was different. She was panicked, unsure and distressed. I don't know the specifics, all she told me was that she had gotten pregnant with a child from a fling who she wasn't sure wanted a relationship with or not and that she couldn't take care of a child in a city as dangerous as where she lived."

Understanding dawned on his daughter's face and Jack smiled fondly, Jazzie-pants had always been a smart cookie. "She didn't want to put the baby into her system, nor let a stranger take care of it. So she asked me and the moment I saw the little baby the first time. I knew he would be my son no matter what or how long she would want for me to take care of him."

Danny blinked wide eyed at Jack as finally his boy also understood what he was telling him. "Technically you are my fifth cousin, but I would prefer for you to stay my son for as long as you want."

He left his children after telling Danny the truth of his origin. Jack new he would love his son no matter what he was or his reaction towards the truth of his origins. Still he hoped this would not tear his family apart and that it would only take a day or two for Maddie to cool off for things to go back to an adjusted normal. Jack mused that he would have to diele back on the ghost ripping comments, he wouldn't want for his little boy to live in fear in their own house.

That what he thought until he saw his wife stewing in their bedroom, muttering about theories and how their boy wasn't their boy. He knew his wife, and dearly loved her. But it was because he knew her that he did the next thing he felt like regretting the next moment.

Danny is no longer safe with us. - J

He didn't get an answer from his cousin and the next morning he knew why. He did expect for her to want to remove Danny from their care, but he did not expect her to visit him with barely any time delay the next day.

All he could do was to stare and watch as Selina appeared on his doorstep with a man that was glaring at him and Jack might have only seen in magazines before, asking if she could meet her boy and how much he had already told Danny about his birth. And when he saw his baby boy's reaction to the two he wanted to do nothing more than hug and cuddle his little boy but once again, he got beaten to it by his fourth cousin.

His poor boy looked so unsure when Selina hugged him that Jack really wanted to take him away again, but he had no other choice, if he wanted to ensure his boy's safety.

[wonwoonlight]

chocolate rum cookies | jeon wonwoo

➝ Wonwoo x Reader

➝ nonidol!au // friends with benefits to ?? // fluff // ...slice of life? // angst if u squint

➝ word count: 3.5k~

➝warning: no smut scenes but there are mentions of sex and implications of it so minor dni!! mentions of alcohol, food, curses. very self indulgent bc i write this for my birthday hehe. this wonwoo made an appearance <3

➝A/N: hi. so this wasn't exactly... planned. i was just randomly sitting down with my google doc open and suddenly i finished writing... this in one day. gotta say that, when you do write for yourself, it is much easier to write and it's been quite some time since i'm actually happy with what i put out. but also just to put it out there, this fic is actually finished somewhere before february ended but i decided to post it for my birthday because i did start writing it with the thoughts 'i miss wonwoo' and 'i kinda wanna post smth on my bday' so. enjoy. i'm happy to say i'm content with how this one turns to be. here's to turning 25 lol

[✾✾✾]

You hear the door open, signalling Wonwoo’s arrival, and when you feel his presence nearby, you don’t even look up from your phone when you say, “No.”

Wonwoo smiles in amusement, irking an eyebrow as he settles next to you. “I haven’t said anything though?”

“You’re gonna ask me out again.” You roll your eyes, already used to his antics. You don’t even pretend to care about his mock heartache anymore when he clutches his chest.

You’re not sure what Jeon Wonwoo has in his mind, but he’s been asking you out on dates everytime he sees you since last month. Problem is, you see him a lot. A little hard not to with the friends with benefits situation that has been going on between you and him for the last six months.

Even right now, you’re in his place. You’ve been here since almost half an hour ago, entertaining yourself as you wait for Wonwoo to get home because he’s out when you called, and when he said you’re allowed to use the access he’s given you some time ago, you decided to barge into his place like it’s your own.

You’re practically here more often than in your own dorm, anyway.

It almost feels like a second home to you.

But you don’t want to think too much about it. Not about the fact that you have access to Wonwoo’s place. Not about the fact that you’re basically exclusive. Not about the fact that you talk to him practically everyday.

Nope.

“You don’t even pretend to consider it anymore.” He sighs, and you hate that you can’t tell if he’s joking or not. You’ve been telling him to cut it out, but it surely doesn’t look like he has any plans of listening to you. “Here, I got this for you.”

Now that catches your attention, and you actually jump a little on the sofa before you take the small package, take Wonwoo’s face in your arms, and kiss him square in the lips as a thank you.

“You won’t go on a date with me but will kiss me over some cookies. Nice,” he grumbles, though the grin blooming into his face when you pull away betrays him.

Clutching the cookie into your chest like it’s the most precious thing in the world, you regard him with stars in your eyes. “Where did you even find this? I’ve been looking for this forever and I couldn’t find it! I don’t even know the name of the shop that sells this?”

“I’m just capable like that.” He shrugs like it’s nothing, telling you he was out with a friend and the packaging looked familiar so he got it just in case. You’ve been telling him about that craving of yours, a chocolate rum cookie that some random classmate offered some time ago–one that is so good but you don’t know the brand, only remember the flavour and the packaging.

And you can’t even ask that classmate again because she was an exchange student that you’ve only spoken for a total of two times in your life, and she has returned to her country.

You don't even know her name.

“You have to tell me where you got this.” The packaging just has to be so empty; a very simple but elegant design that doesn’t state the shop’s name whatsoever.

“Mmm. Perhaps if you say yes I’ll bring you there.”

“No.”

“Hard pass then.” He chuckles and messes your hair. “Eat. I’ll buy you some more if you’re a good girl.”

The innuendo is not purposeful on his part, and it’s two seconds later that he realizes what he’s just said and he cringes so hard that you laugh, because as much as it’s physical between the two of you, Wonwoo absolutely abhors that particular… moniker. It’s always been an on-going joke between you two, and you laugh some more when his frown deepens, launching yourself into his lap and peppering kisses on his jaw.

“You want me to be one?”

“Shut up.” He grunts, though his arms wrap around your waist anyway and he bends his neck to give you more access.

“I can be if you want to, you know?” You whisper against his ear, not missing the way his hold tightens around you. You’re suddenly very aware of the fact that the only thing separating you and him is the clothes you’re wearing.

“Shut up.” He repeats and kisses you some more. When it gets almost hard to breath, he doesn’t forget to get the cookie out of your grasp and carefully places it on the coffee table before hauling you up and carrying you into his room, your squeal and laughter echoes throughout his empty apartment.

You don’t get to eat your chocolate rum cookie until later that evening, already showered and dressed in Wonwoo’s oversized hoodie as you cuddle into his chest with a movie playing in front of you.

[✾✾✾]

You don’t know what’s taking Wonwoo so long, but he’s already fifteen minutes late without any text messages so you decide you’ll just get some drink first and let loose. He’s probably going to be pissed because he’s never liked it when you go to a bar by yourself (something about men looking at what’s his, whatever that means) but whatever, it’s his fault for being late and you’re currently not relaxed enough to wait for him by yourself in a place full of people. 

The whiskey burns your throat in a pleasant way, though now that you think about it, you shouldn’t have drunk everything in one go when you still have moments to spare as you wait for Wonwoo. But, then again, you can always just order more.

You’ve never been to this bar before, but after hearing how good the vibe is from a friend, you decided to go to check it out. Clubs have never really been your style–people are way too drunk and the music is too loud.

Your friend is absolutely correct when she said you would fit right with this particular bar; there are just enough people for it to be crowded but not really crowded that you get dizzy. Plus, the music is up to your taste and you find yourself nodding to whatever’s playing in the background as you scan through the sea of people while you lean on the wooden bar.

You were just about to order again when someone joins you by the bar, a tall, handsome man that doesn’t look sleazy at first glance. And he’s offering to buy you a drink. You subtly try to check him out; this guy is definitely taller and bigger than Wonwoo, though he doesn’t look harmful and he doesn’t look like he’s hunting for prey. His smile when he offers to pay for your drink looks… honest, if anything. The guy doesn’t even look flirty. Perhaps he thinks you’re interesting and are in need of some company.

The side of your lips lift in an amused smile, Wonwoo will be pissed as fuck if he finds out, but do you care? No you don’t. You’re not going to turn down free drinks from a handsome stranger that doesn’t look dangerous.

“So how come you’re by yourself?” He bends to your height, not too close that it makes you uncomfortable, and just enough for you to hear him over the music. “I’m Mingyu, by the way.”

Hmm. Handsome and with manners.

“Why do you want to know?” You answer with a teasing smile, sipping on your cocktail. Mingyu laughs when you say you’re not telling him his name, if only because he hasn’t earned it yet, and you’re pleasantly surprised when he says it’s understandable and he’s glad you know how to play your cards. “What about you, why are you by yourself?”

“Eh. I just feel like drinking tonight and you seem to be someone who doesn’t mind talking to strangers.”

“Ouch. Is that how I look like? Easy?” You pretend to be offended, and it’s almost cute how Mingyu laughs yet again and rephrases his words. If this was you six months ago, you’d definitely flirt with him and eat up everything that comes out of his mouth, perhaps you’d even end up going back with him. The guy is handsome and you can actually hold conversations with him, which is already a very big difference compared to a lot of guys that have tried talking you up in places like this.

But alas. Your eyes twinkle as you catch the figure of the man who’s the exact reason why you’re not flirting with Mingyu making his way towards you, why you don’t feel the excitement that used to rush through your blood at times like this, and why ‘handsome’ is the only thing you think of Mingyu even though he seems much more than that.

You don’t care enough to think about Mingyu in different aspects.

The way Wonwoo immediately grabs your waist is almost funny, and you have to actually bite your lip and clutch the cocktail glass between your fingers to stop yourself from grinning. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Your boyfriend?” Mingyu asks goodnaturedly–almost concerned, even–making sure he’s not some random guy who’s grabbing you without consent. 

“Yes.” Wonwoo almost growls, and you have to plant your palm on his chest to calm him down, telling him Mingyu is harmless even though your ears are heating up from his word. You’d need to get back to that boyfriend thing later.

Mingyu sends you a look, and you’re absolutely, thoroughly would’ve swooned if you’re… uh… single (you are) and you’re not seeing… anyone (huh?). But you send him a smile, an actual smile this time, and you nod before you tell him it’s nice meeting him.

Wonwoo refuses to look at the interaction, but you can tell that he’s more relaxed than he was seconds ago and his grip on your waist is now replaced with his thumb caressing you through the material of your dress.

Would it hurt to push his button one more time?

“Hey.” You call to Mingyu once again when he’s about to leave, making both guys turn to you in confusion–Wonwoo more so in betrayal–and when you tell him you’d love to see him again someday and finally tell him your name with a wink, Mingyu gets exactly what you’re playing at. Another laugh bubbles out of his throat and he returns the gesture with a ‘have fun!’ before making his way out of your sight.

“What the fuck was that?”

It’s not often that Wonwoo curses, and you know you’ve pushed just enough of his buttons for him to react this way. If anything, though, adoration fills your chest and you have to physically hold yourself back from squeezing his cheeks.

“What? You were late and he accompanied me. Nice guy, right?” You try to play innocent, placing your glass on the bar and turning in his arm to face him. He looks especially nice today, with his hair styled a little and a denim jacket that you haven’t seen him worn before. You can feel your heartbeat picking up the longer you stare at him, and you don’t register what’s coming out of his mouth because you’re lost in your head.

Your eyes fall to his lips, and it’s when he clicks his tongue that you finally look back at him, eyes meeting his in mock innocence.

“You’re not listening to me, are you?”

You shake your head to confirm his suspicion. The guy can't even get mad at you even if he wants to.

“So.” Wonwoo raises his eyebrow in question, urging you to continue. “Boyfriend, huh?”

Wonwoo opens his mouth to say something, but you don’t give him room to talk more because you already dive into his lips, your palms on his shoulders and his arms wrap around you once again–probably muscle memory at this point. There’s no rush in this kiss though, you really just feel like kissing him and you do exactly that. Wonwoo doesn’t seem to mind either, because his lips chase yours when you’re about to pull away.

“Won I–”

“Hmm?”

“I need to–”

“Mmm.”

“Need to–”

“To what?” He finally pulls away, annoyed that you keep on trying to pull away. Even in the dim lighting of the bar, you can tell that he’s a little flushed too and there’s something about it that makes your heartbeat speed up once again. Were you two just… kissing in a public space for no reason at all?

“Need to breathe, baby.” You finish your sentence, suddenly shy now that you’re looking at each other. You dive into his neck before he catches your embarrassment though, and he simply chuckles before he takes a sip of your drink, whatever annoyance in his chest from looking at you and Mingyu, whoever that guy is, disappears just like that.

God, it’s not funny how whipped he is for you.

“What are you doing tomorrow?”

“Nothing.”

“Let’s go on a date.”

“Not a chance.” You beam, though you reject him with a kiss on his cheek and you tell him to finish your drink because you don’t feel like being here anymore. You won’t let him ponder too long on your rejection though, your fingers caressing his neck and your lips finding his ear. “Actually, let’s go back to your place. I don’t have anything to do tomorrow.”

Wonwoo shudders a little at that, still not used to the way you’d get vocal about what you want when you’re tipsy. That’s your code of saying you want to have rough sex all night–or however he would have you, really.

So Wonwoo finishes your drink in one go and grabs your hand to pull you out of the bar, missing the way you exchange grins with Mingyu as you accidentally catch his eyes before you exit the place.

[✾✾✾]

“You know you’ll spend less money if you just tell me where to buy these cookies?” You pout, still trying to get it out of him.

He doesn’t relent though, simply shrugs and places your hot chocolate on the table. “I don’t mind buying you things.”

“But whyyyy.” You whine, crossing your legs to face him on the sofa.

“I told you I’d bring you there if you go on a date with me.”

You stare at him, mind wandering to how easy it is for him to say this over and over again. You still don’t know why he’s suddenly so adamant about that, and while you actually do feel butterflies in your whole body everytime he does it, sometimes you wonder if he’s just messing with you.

Does he really mean it?

But if he does, wouldn’t he eventually be done with you because you keep on rejecting him?

But if you say yes and he’s actually just joking–what does that make you?

What if you try it out and it… messes things up?

You’re happy with whatever you have with him now, and you trust each other enough to know you are exclusive. Is there really any need to put a label between you two?

“Hey, you okay?” He asks, snapping you out of your daze.

“Huh. Yeah, sorry. You were saying?”

You see the way Wonwoo presses his lips together and you can tell the gears are turning in his head. But he beats you to it before you can ask, and your heart breaks a little at how soft he sounds.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“What? No!” You sit straight, taken aback from the sudden turn of the conversation. “What makes you say that?”

Wonwoo sighs and repeats his words. But he faces you this time and, for the first time since he asked you the question he’s been asking you the past few months, it’s obvious how unsure he is, as if he’s suddenly questioning himself on what he’s been doing.

“Am I making you uncomfortable by asking you out on a date?”

“Oh… Wonwoo…” You take his hand, your desire to comfort him bigger than anything. You don’t like seeing him like this, and as much as your own thoughts have been haunting you, you suppose you do need to talk about it one way or another. “No, you’re not. But… Can I ask you something?”

He doesn’t answer, but you take the way he squeezes your hand as a ‘yes’.

“Why?”

He doesn’t seem to get your question, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. “What do you mean why?”

“Why do you suddenly want to date me?”

It’s almost comical the way he blinks slowly, then repeatedly, like he doesn’t get why you’d ask that. He thinks carefully before he says his next words though, and he mentally winces at what he’s about to say but there’s really no other way to say it.

“We’ve been… sleeping together for, like, six months.” He starts, and his face contorts like the words personally offend him. But the more you listen to him talk about all the things you’ve been doing the past few months, how you’re basically a couple without the title, the more you feel both warm and afraid about however this talk is going to end.

You don’t realize you’ve been holding his hand tighter, but he doesn’t say anything and you realize how protective you actually feel of Wonwoo because it doesn’t sit well with you that he seems to consider himself so small.

“It’s not… sudden. I’ve just finally gathered enough courage to ask you.”

“I’m afraid.” You throw it out there the moment you open your mouth, not sure how to tell him except to just go straight to the point.

“Of what?”

“Falling in love.” You cast your eyes down to where your hand and his are joined. “Of being attached to you.”

For a moment, the air around you seems to tense ten-fold that you’re sure you can cut through it with a knife. But when Wonwoo doesn’t say anything, you brace yourself for more honesty and continue.

“I’m… already attached to you more than I thought I could be with anyone. And it scares me sometimes. What if you leave me? I think I’d be able to cope better if you decide to end things with our current… relationship than an actual one. It scares me.”

You feel his hand letting go of yours, and you panic that he’s finally had enough, but he cups your face in his palms to calm you down, and as much as you’re anxious, you can feel yourself calming under his gaze.

“If you want me to be honest, I think I already like you more than whatever you probably feel for me.” He smiles so softly you almost cry. And when you’re about to refute his words, he gently places his finger on your lips to keep you silent. “And no, that’s not something I want to debate with you. I’m fine with liking you more. I want to like you more than you like me. Will you let me do that?”

You open your mouth to say something–anything, but nothing comes out except for your tears so you simply nod and fall into his embrace. Your tears dry up almost immediately after that, but you sniffle a little as his words echo in your mind. Wonwoo probably doesn’t know what he’s talking about, because you’ve liked him for as long as you can remember. Probably not long after you started your deal with him.

He doesn’t know how you melt every time he takes care of you. How you’d try to stay awake longer after he falls asleep after another night of passionate sex, his arm over your body and your back against his chest, just so you can pretend it’s real between you two. How you’d remind yourself that it’s not real when you wake up in his place even though you’d still drag yourself out to make breakfast for him, willing your heart to calm down when he wakes up moments later, hugging you from behind even though you tell him to move away.

You probably already love him more than he can imagine.

“What are you doing tomorrow?” You ask once you’ve calmed down, getting out of his embrace to look into his eyes.

“Nothing. Why?” He tilts his head, a little confused at the sudden change of topic.

“Let’s go on a date?” You ask shyly, though your eyes immediately cast downwards again once you realized you can’t handle looking him in the eye as you ask him this. But that’s why you missed the way his face blooms into a grin, missed the way his eyes suddenly twinkle brighter than every single star in the universe combined. “I think you promised to tell me where you buy those cookies if I go on a date with you.”

He laughs at that and throws his arms around you, so tight that it hurts a little. But you don’t say anything, happy that you’re here in his arms and a little giddy now that everything’s out of your chest.

Wonwoo pulls away and cups your face once again, then searches for something in your face before he closes his eyes and gives you the softest kiss you’ve ever experienced in your life. A promise. One that says he’s not going to leave and he’s going to try his best to remove every single doubt you have in your mind.

[✾✾✾]

©wonwoonlight – all rights reserved. I don't allow any translations or reposting of my works.

A/N 2: and for my birthday wish, hopefully i'll get to see you even once in this lifetime.

[anti-romantico]

[getaway car pt2] enhypen jake

warnings: riding, oral (m&f), facefuck, deepthroat, overstimulation, unprotected sex, fingering,

words: 2965

A/N: Not many people asked for a part two (only one person), but I think It's pretty obvious I was going to do it.

Anyways, hope you enjoy this!

Read part one here

A whole year. You let a whole year pass. 

But there wasn't a day you didn't think about him. Jake.

You’d found him on Instagram not long ago, but were too scared to just pop off in his notifications as if nothing happened. But there were no other option, 

Ney gave up on insisting you after a month, she knew you weren't ready. And you weren't sure if she still remembered to be honest. Sunghoon, the guy Ney met the same night you met Jake and now officially Ney’s boyfriend, told you he would follow him on a spare gaming account he had.

— There might be a chance he remembers me from that night. — He said as if you two were committing some kind of crime. But you appreciated the help.

Sunghoon and Jake weren’t friends when Ney and you met them. They just happened to bump against each other that night, spilling their drinks. Both bought each other a drink and an hour later they met you. They exchanged nothing but their names and ages, and a little bit of what they were alone at a club.

Jake was running away from his drunk friends and Sunghoon was supposed to meet someone, but she stood him up.

— And if he recognizes you? I don’t know a lot of people named Sunghoon. — You told him before you sent him Jake’s profile. 

— Isn't that the point?

It still made you anxious to think what could happen. Did you seriously commit a crime and didn't know? 

And the same day Sunghoon told you Jake followed him back, you almost deleted all your social media. 

— Wait! That’s perfect. — Ney said.Of course she had an idea. — Follow Hoon’s profile and interact with him. That way Jake would find your profile and make the first move. 

— Isn’t that… too high school? — You asked, causing her smile to disappear. 

— Do you have a better idea that doesn’t include lamenting your mistakes for the rest of your life?

Good point.

And you couldn’t believe it worked.

It was past midnight when you were texting with Ney about a camp you did every year when she interrupted the conversation.

“Oh shit!!”

“Don’t you dare to cancel, Ney”

“No! 

Jake sent Sunghoon a message!”

“What?”

“Yes”

“Are you sure it’s him?”

“Sunghoon showed me the message

It’s him!

“Perfect… Now what?”

She took a minute to answer, making you anxious.

“He’s inviting Sunghoon to play

??”

“So? “

“Wait”

You sat down on your bed, not being able to wait any longer.

“What happened?”

No answer. And sadly, you had to go to sleep without knowing, because she never answered.

The next morning, you were getting ready to work when Ney opened your door.

— Good morning! — She enthusiastically said as she walked to your kitchen.

You eyed-sided her. — You left me hanging the whole night.

— I know! I’m sorry. But you don’t have to wait for me to get updates, I have the whole story. So let’s go, I’ll tell you on our way.

Her car was being guarded by the security of your building. After thanking him, you two hopped up and drove away.

— Sunghoon made such a big deal and said he wasn’t going to answer immediately, he took his sweet 5 minutes to answer. — You rolled your eyes. — Then they talked a lot about gaming, I had to remind Sunghoon why he followed Jake in the first place. 

— I mean, you should’ve let him… It would be weird if he immediately asked about me. 

Ney smirked. — Jake mentioned you first. — You had to take a moment. — Sunghoon tried to smoothly take the conversation to that night, but Jake beat him. 

— What did he say? 

— Where do I start? — Ney stopped at a red light and looked at you. — He asked if he remembered you, to which Sunghoon said “Yeah, I’m currently dating her best friend” — Ney deepened her voice trying to imitate Sunghoon. — Then Jake realized how weird it was to suddenly talk about you, so he went back to “Let’s meet up to play” and sent him his address, but Sunghoon didn’t let me see it. He said until he knew Jake was “safe”, whatever that means. — Ney started to drive again, and waited for you to say anything, which you didn’t.

You stayed silent the whole way to your job. Ney didn’t talk about it either, she wanted to wait for you to process everything. 

And even though you did this to yourself, and involved Sunghoon in it, you were regretting it.

Maybe lamenting your mistakes for the rest of your life was a better idea.

Sunghoon kept in contact with Jake, but since neither Ney nor you asked about it, he didn't say anything.

He also forgot to tell you that he invited Jake to the camp. He waited until the day of the camp to tell Ney so she could tell you. Sunghoon was too scared.

— I'm gonna snatch his balls! — You stood up from your bed and started to get dressed. Ney didn't know how you would react, but she wasn't exactly surprised by your current reaction.

— So you made him contact Jake for you to chicken out the first chance you get to see him?

You stopped your tracks and turned around. — I made him? He offered to do it and you didn't help either. 

— Well, this is still your chance. — Ney made a face and crossed her arms.

— No, it's not, because I'm not going. — She already called you chicken, so fuck it. You grabbed the luggage you were going to take and took out everything.

— Are you serious? Since when do you act like this over a man? 

You ignored her and grabbed your pajamas, hugging them tightly and walking to your bathroom.

— I'm gonna take a very long bath, enjoy your trip, Ney. — You heard her calling you, but didn't turn around. 

After two door slams, you knew she was gone. 

And you were serious about the very long bath, because every time the hot water got a little bit cold, you would open the stainer and let some water go to open the hot water. 

You lost track of time, you felt too bad to even get out of the tub. A few strong knocks on your front door took you out of your trance. That couldn't be Ney. 

You rolled your body on your towel and put on your bathrobe and ran to open the door, regretting it immediately. 

— I accepted Sunghoon's invitation to that fucking camp because I knew you would be there, only for Ney to tell me you weren't coming. — Jake said out of breath. — I should be the one angry here, baby, why are you the one avoiding me? — But you couldn't answer, you didn't even know this was actually happening. — No answer? Really?

— Jake, I'm sorry…

Jake's eyes soften at your honest tone. — May I come in? — He asked, finally noticing your clothing, if one could call a towel and bathrobe clothing. 

You let him in and closed the door. — Let me... Let me change, I won't take long. — You rushed to your room and put some proper clothes on. You dried your hair a little and finally walked out. 

God, he was real. 

He was looking around the kitchen, his smile when he looked at you made your heart melt.

— Sorry, can I offer you something? — You walked to you fridge and opened it, only for Jake to closed it and grab your hand, pulling you closer to him.

— An explanation.

You backed away from him, walking towards the living room where you sat down. 

Jake followed you silently, — So? Do I get an explanation or not? —  He said softly, as he turned to face you completely. 

— Do you really want to hear it? — You replied coldly.

— Yeah, I think I deserve it. — You laughed sadly and leaned forward.

— Everything I wrote in that note is the explanation. I wasn't ready for whatever you were offering. I didn't even want it because a month before my boyfriend dumped me. I just needed the distraction. — You knew how bad that sounded, but it was the truth. 

— I was the distraction. — Jake sat down beside you, this time keeping his distance from you. 

— More like the sex was.

— Why didn't you leave your number or a way to contact you? — Jake tried to not get offended.

— Because I didn't want to keep in touch with you, I barely wanted to get out of bed. — You joked, but he didn't even react.

— And Sunghoon appearing on my instagram was totally totally a coincidence.

— He was just being a good friend, but I chicken out. — This time, Jake laughed.

Jake placed his hand over yours. — Not saying I wasn't upset, I was livid. But the more I read that note, the more I understood what you were going through. — You played with his fingers, too scared to look him in the eyes. — But you know what it means to me coming all the way to your place, so before I make any move, I want to know what's on your mind. — He got closer, waiting patiently for you to answer.

— I'm sorry for leaving like that, and for using you as a distraction, and for not being honest.

Jake's free hand went to your cheek. — And what does that mean?

Jake got closer to you, putting his forehead against yours, enjoying the way you closed your eyes. 

— I wanted to contact you for a whole year, I promise, but was too scared you would block me or… — You stopped yourself when you saw his eyes, you were overthinking.

— Does that mean I can make a move? — Jake asked, waiting for your permission. 

Instead, you were the one that kissed him, pushing slightly so you could straddle him. Your hands went to his neck while he held onto your waist, guiding your lips into his mouth. His tongue slid inside your mouth, tracing every part of your mouth as you moaned softly against his lips.

This seemed familiar.

You broke the kiss, needing air, but also needing another. And it came quickly enough, Jake pressing you closer against him. With your hands still on his neck, he wrapped his arms around you, lifting you off the ground. You wrapped your legs around him as his mouth found yours again. He began to walk towards the bedroom, kissing you harder as he reached the bed. Once there, you laid down on top of him, kissing his neck as you unbuttoned his shirt.

Jake pressed you back and started kissing your throat, causing you to lose concentration on the buttons, but by then it was already open. You continued unbuttoning until all the buttons were loose and you pulled it apart, throwing it aside as you attacked his skin with your lips and teeth. Jake groaned deeply as you bit lightly on his chest, moving lower to suck.

One of your hands slid down his stomach, playing with the belt around his jeans. Jake lifted his hips as you undid them, kissing his way down your body as you took off his pants and underwear. You rested between his legs, taking his dick in your hands as you stared right at his face. You felt him tense up slightly under your gaze and you licked his tip slowly.

Jake sucked in a breath as your lips touched his sensitive head. You moved your tongue in circles over his head as Jake placed his hand behind your head. He guided you down further as you opened your mouth wider, sucking him deep inside. You closed your lips around his cock as your throat worked to take him deeper.

As you made your way back up, Jake grabbed your hair, stopping you halfway. You watched him thrust inside your mouth as you closed your lips around him, sucking hard as he fucked your mouth. You could feel him growing harder in your mouth as you picked up speed, wanting him to cum soon. Finally he stopped, pulling out of your mouth.

Without warning, he rolled you underneath him, planting his lips on yours. Jake moved lower, biting and licking your chest until he reached your nipples. He took each one into his mouth, sucking them into his mouth. You ran your fingers through his hair as he trailed kisses downwards. You felt his breath warm your thighs as you waited for him to continue.

Slowly, he pulled your pants and underwear down, leaving wet kisses down your legs

You reached for him, wanting him to stop teasing you. He smiled at you before giving you what you wanted. Suddenly, Jake began devouring your pussy, running his tongue up and down your slit. You pushed his face deeper into you as you let out a gasp of pleasure. Jake growled against you as you moaned loudly.

He buried his face deeper inside your cunt, letting your juices drip down his chin. He slipped a finger inside your tight pussy as his tongue flickered your clit. You tightened around him as you dug your nails into his scalp. He added another finger as he increased his pace, licking and sucking your clit. You cried out his name as an orgasm hit you like a truck.

It shook through your body, forcing you to clench his fingers deep inside you. Jake lifted his face from between your legs, grinning at you.

Your breathing slowed down as you laid there, trying to catch your breath. Then suddenly, he moved higher up on the bed, positioning himself above you.

Jake bent down and captured your lips with his own, stealing your breath away. The feeling of his lips and tongue dancing against yours had your heart racing as you clung onto him.

He broke the kiss, looking into your eyes. Jake slid his thick cock inside you, both of you crying out at the same time. Jake gave you a few seconds to adjust to him as he began moving, filling you completely.

The sensation was intense, Jake seemed larger than normal as you felt yourself stretching to accommodate him. You clenched around him as you felt him stretch you further. Jake pushed his face against yours as he kissed you, slow strokes starting to build up a rhythm as he got deeper inside you. You curled your fingers into his shoulder blades as Jake moved faster.

You moaned louder with every thrust, arching your back as you tried to get more of him inside. Finally, Jake rolled over so that you were now lying on top of him. This position allowed him to fuck you harder as you rode him. You threw your head back as Jake bit down on your neck, gripping your ass tighter as he fucked you harder.

Every stroke brought you closer and closer to your breaking point as you gripped his shoulders harder. He wrapped his arms around you, holding you tightly against him as he filled you to the hilt.

— I'm going to cum!. — You whined, no longer able to keep quiet. Jake's response was to drive even deeper inside you, not slowing down or stopping. — Fuck! — You screamed out, clenching around him as you came violently. The sudden wave of pleasure had you grinding against him as Jake hammered you mercilessly. — Jake... I can't… — You managed to say before he grabbed your waist and flipped you onto your back again. Jake covered you once more, this time pounding into you even faster.

You were completely helpless, unable to move as he drove you mad with passion. His pace became rougher as he drove inside you relentlessly. The sound of flesh meeting flesh echoed around the room as your screams mixed with his animalistic grunts. You struggled against him as he slammed into you, wrapping your legs around him as you held onto his neck. 

— Oh god! Oh god!--- You kept repeating as you came yet again.

The incredible intensity of your orgasms made you cry out his name as you ground against him. Jake lost it, pumping his cum deep inside you. A mixture of your juices and his seed coated the insides of your pussy as he continued to fill you with every last drop he had left. Eventually, Jake collapsed beside you, still panting heavily.

Your body finally caught up with you as well, laying limply next to him. For several minutes, neither of you said anything. All you heard was your ragged breathing echoing throughout the room. When you finally looked at him, you saw him smiling at you. Jake leaned forward, capturing your lips with his own.

Gently, he kissed you softly, nibbling at your bottom lip.

— Does this mean you don't hate me anymore? — You asked once he parted his lips from yours. 

Jake laughed, really loud. — I never hated you, baby. — Jake pulled you closer and kissed you again. — Don't think I only came for this, though, I want to make things right this time.

— But I'm the one that fucked up. — You were confused at his kindness..

— Well... I do remember you said in your note you would make it up for me when we meet up again... unless this is what you meant.

You laughed and stood up. — Let's get cleaned up first and I'll see what I can do.

Jake watched you walk to the bathroom. — I think I have an idea. — He said before running behind you and carrying you to your tub, finding it in the same state you left it when Jake knocked the door. 

— Shit. — You suddenly cursed. Jake, who was draining the tub, turned around. — We didn’t use a condom. 

Cold sweat ran down Jake’s back. — Shit.

A/N2: there won't be part three, I tried to do a small bonus and only got a writer's block lol let's all agree that reader and Jake finally began their romantic relationship and lived happily ever after

Thank you for reading

[cre8inghavoc]

What are friends for?

PT. 5

Status: ongoing!!

Updates: no set date.

WC: 3252

Pairing: megumi fushiguro x FEM!reader

Genre/Warnings:[18+] Characters are aged up. This story contains toxic boyfriend, cursing, name calling, self-doubt/hate, angst, breaking up, post-breakup, alcohol, drug use, drunk moments, new friends, dating!au, college!au, no curses!au, dark humour, dark jokes. SMAU.

RECAP:

"Okay... how do you know Megu-" Maki starts to ask before you interject.

"He was the one walking his dog when he saw my ex and I... you know," you explain, your voice trailing off.

"No way. That was him?" Maki's eyes widen in shock as realization dawns on her.

Confusion ripples through the group as they exchange glances, processing the revelation. Then, Maki's words sink in.

"The one that saved her from her toxic ex," she clarifies, her tone tinged with awe.

As you and Megumi are settled on the couch, a boy with pink hair approaches, radiating a gentle charm. His smile beams as he extends his hand for a hand shake.

"Hi, I'm Yuji Itadori. Nice to meet you!" His grin is infectious.

You stand to greet him properly, but a sudden dizziness overtakes you, blurring your vision. Itadori's grip steadies you, while Megumi rushes to help from behind. Concern fills the room, drawing Maki to your side.

"Are you okay, y/n?" Itadori asks, worried. 

"Forgot your pills, y/n?" Maki chimes in, her concern showing.

You gather yourself, "I'm alright, thanks. And no, Maki, I didn't have time to grab them. We were in a rush..."

"Pills?" Megumi's curiosity peaks.

Maki explains, "She has anemia. Needs her iron supplements twice a day, or she feels a bit off. Guess standing up too fast caught up with her." She guides you back to the couch gently.

"Wait, rush to leave her house? What's going on?" Toge questions, his gaze shifting between you and Megumi.

Megumi meets Toge's eyes and explains, "I brought y/n home from the bar. She wasn't feeling well, and I didn't want her to go alone in an Uber, so I offered to take her. She fell asleep, and I was just watching TV when her ex showed up at the door. He was trying to win her back, I guess. He even threatened her, saying he'd make her life a 'living hell' if she didn't take him back." He scoffs at the memory. "What a piece of shit."

“What the fuck?!” The collective shock in the room is palpable as everyone reacts in unison, their eyes darting between you and Megumi.

"Y/n, are you alright? That's awful," Yuta expresses, genuine concern etched on his face as he moves to sit beside you, offering a comforting hug.

"Yeah, I'm okay, really! Thanks, everyone," you reassure them, feeling the warmth of your friends' concern as you lean into Yuta's embrace, appreciating his comforting presence.

As Megumi watches you and Yuta, a strange sensation grips his chest. Could it be jealousy? He's not familiar with such feelings, especially considering how you both recently just met, and Yuta being your best friend. Quickly masking his emotions, he returns to his usual expression, glancing up at Itadori. Itadori catches the subtle shift in Megumi's demeanour, and a knowing grin spreads across his face as he realizes Megumi's jealousy over Yuta's comforting gesture towards you. But he knows not to say anything.

"Wait, y/n!" Maki interrupts suddenly, as if recalling something crucial.

You turn to her, eyebrows raised in curiosity. "What's up?"

"I just remembered... you left your gym bag in my car a few months ago. I'm pretty sure your pills were always in there," Maki informs you.

"Oh, really? I thought I lost that bag at the gym a while ago! I just assumed someone took it," you chuckle at the revelation.

"It's probably still in the trunk. Want me to grab it for you?" Maki offers.

"Nah, I got it. Thanks, though!" you reply, flashing her a smile as you rise from the couch and head towards the door where Maki's keys hang on a hook.

"You want some company?" Megumi asks casually.

As everyone exchanges knowing looks and stifles smirks, Megumi catches on and rolls his eyes, realizing he's unwittingly walked into a situation.

"It’s okay Megs, I'll be back in a minute," you assure him, giggling as you step outside toward Maki's car.

Once you close the front door behind you, the others turn to Megumi with a mixture of surprise and amusement written on their faces.

"What's up with all the looks?" Megumi questions, irritation evident in his tone.

"Bro… she just called you Megs...!" Itadori practically shouts with excitement.

"Seriously, what the hell...?" Nobara is shocked that Megumi allowed you to call him that.

"I... so?" he stammers, trying to maintain composure, though the creeping redness on his cheeks gives him away.

"Megumi, are you hearing yourself right now?" Maki laughs.

"You never let anyone call you anything other than Megumi or Fushiguro," Nobara adds, smirking.

"Whatever," Megumi mutters in response.

Meanwhile, you've opened Maki’s truck and found your gym bag. Upon unzipping it, you uncover your forgotten sweatpants and gym top, prompting a laugh at your own forgetfulness. But then your fingers brush against something unexpected—a plastic bag tucked away in a hidden pouch inside the bag. Curiosity gets the best of you so you pull it out.

"Fuck…" you exhale softly, staring at the bag that holds memories from your past. It's a simple plastic bag, yet it conceals secrets that no one else knows except for your ex—the one who introduced you to it all. 

Your hand trembles slightly as you touch the familiar texture, revealing three edibles, each containing 35mg of marijuana, far more than what you used to take. It had started as a coping mechanism for your anxiety, at least that's what your ex made you believe… but then it gradually became a habit, an addiction.

"Shit... no," you whisper, the temptation resurfacing, the urge to indulge in the familiar sensation. You bite them bottom of your lip as you yearn for the euphoric feeling, the calmness, the escape from worry. But you know you can't. You've been clean for months, determined to break free from the cycle of addiction and pain. You can't give in, you can't do it… not again… You shouldn't. You can't. But fuck… with the bag in your hand, the struggle intensifies, the temptation almost impossible to resist… it's just so damn hard…

Your mind races with rationalisations, each one tempting you to give in to just one edible. Just one wouldn't hurt, right? You'll feel relaxed, sleep peacefully, and then dispose of the rest, never to touch it again. You've overcome it once before, so surely you can do it again... can you?

"Just maybe..." you murmur to yourself, feeling the weight of the decision as you unzip the plastic bag and reach for one of the edibles.

"one... and then I'll drift off to sleep," you convince yourself, raising the edible to your mouth, savouring the taste before you swallow it.

"Or maybe two... 35mg isn't enough," you reason, popping the second one into your mouth and swallowing it down.

"Y/n?" a voice calls out, pulling you from your reverie.

Startled, you hastily stash the plastic bag in your pocket, looking up to see Megumi approaching.

“Fuck… what am I doing..?” You think to yourself. 

"Hey, you okay? You were taking longer than expected. We got worried," he says, his concern evident in his tone.

Megumi's soft voice breaks through your thoughts. Damn it, why does he have to be so sweet all the time?

"Yeah, I'm fine!" you assure him with a smile, holding up the bottle of pills. "Just took a bit to find them, but I've got them now," you say, trying to sound casual.

He smiles back. "Good. Do you need me to get some water so you can take them?"

"No, it's okay. I already took them," you lie, the guilt gnawing at you for caving to something else instead.

"Oh, okay! Wanna head back inside?" he suggests.

"Yeah, of course!" you agree, closing the truck and locking Maki's car doors before walking alongside Megumi back to the front door.

"They put on a different movie and wanted to know if you wanted to watch with them," he informs you.

"Sounds great!" you reply, smiling as you enter the house with him. Everyone's faces light up as they see you both return, but they quickly turn their attention back to the movie.

"Want to watch with us?" Yuta offers, smiling at you.

You nod, and together you and Megumi make your way to the couch, with Toge on your left, Megumi on your right, and Itadori beside him. As you settle in, you feel a wave of relaxation wash over you, but hunger and thirst start to gnaw at you.

"Hey, do you guys have any snacks?" you ask, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Yeah, we have a few! I'm hungry too. Want to grab something from the kitchen?" Itadori eagerly suggests, his smile widens.

"Yessss, please!!" you chime in eagerly, flashing a smile as you and Itadori make your way to the kitchen.

"I'm coming too!! I'm starving," Toge announces, joining you both. 

While Itadori busies himself with preparing snacks, Toge notices something off about you. His observational skills kick in, and he pulls you aside to the corner of the kitchen. You're taken aback—Toge has never done something like this before.

"What's wrong with you?" he asks, his gaze piercing.

"What—what do you mean?" you respond, your words slower than intended, a clear sign that the weed is starting to affect you.

"Y/n... First, you took forever to find your pills, then you came back extremely hungry, and the way you said 'yes, please'—way too enthusiastic and giddy. And now your eyes.. Bloodshot red" Toge trails off, his suspicions evident.

"I—" you start to protest, but Toge interrupts, his gaze unwavering.

"Y/n... are you high?" he asks bluntly, examining your expression closely.

Your mind races, and your face betrays your shock. How did he figure it out so easily? Sure, your eyes are red, but couldn't that just be because you're tired? It's 4:21 in the morning, after all—red eyes could be a natural occurrence...

"What—no! What the heck, Toge?" you retort, a hint of anger creeping into your tone, despite knowing deep down that he's right.

"What? Why are you getting mad?" Toge asks, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"I'm not mad," you respond, your voice tinged with frustration. 

"Toge, seriously, what are you trying to do?" you sigh, attempting to maintain your composure.

"Admit it, y/n..." he persists, his tone tinged with disappointment.

You find yourself at a loss for words, staring at him in silence. You don't want to lie, but admitting the truth feels embarrassing. Yet, deep down, you know he's already figured it out. There's no hiding it from Toge—he's too perceptive for that. And now, you're left with no other option but to stay silent. There's nothing you can do.

Your heart drops as you catch a glimpse of Toge’s hand pulling out a plastic bag from his sweater pocket. It's like everything freezes for a moment, and you're left grappling with a loop of emotions—surprise, relief, and a tinge of guilt all rolled into one. You glance up at Toge, and he's already looking at you, a silent exchange passing between you. It must have fallen out when you sat down on the couch.. That’s why he kept questioning you.

There's a strange kind of understanding in that moment, a connection forged by the shared weight of your secret. It's both comforting and unsettling, knowing that someone else knows, yet also feeling exposed in a way.

Without a word spoken, Toge slides the plastic bag back into his pocket, his expression giving nothing away but somehow offering a sense of reassurance. And in that quiet exchange, you find a sense of solidarity, knowing that you're not alone in your struggle.

He's wanting to say more, to offer guidance or support, but he knows now isn't the time. Not when you're already intoxicated. With a silent understanding between you, you both rejoin the group in the living room. As you settle back onto the couch beside Megumi, you catch the way he glances between you and Toge, a silent observer to the unspoken exchange that just transpired. 

Your head starts to spin faster, anxiety creeping in like a shadow. Paranoia sets in, knowing Toge won't say anything now, but the thought of him possibly bringing it up tomorrow sends shivers down your spine. You're not sure if you're ready to confront your struggles, to dive into how you got addicted and everything that entails. It's a topic you've always avoided, buried deep within yourself.

Yet, aside from the mental chaos, there's a strange sense of relief that it was Toge who found the bag, not Megumi. You can't quite put your finger on why, but somehow, you feel a little safer with Toge knowing. Perhaps it's because you trust his judgement, his understanding, more than anyone else's in this moment of vulnerability… or maybe it's because you don’t want someone you just met to think you’re crazy and weird… 

As you feel yourself drifting off to sleep, your head leans unconsciously against Megumi's shoulder. He tenses up for a moment, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. Normally not one for displays of affection, he finds himself unable to resist the urge to be close to you, especially when you're alone together. It's a strange feeling for him, one he's never experienced before.

Despite his usual aversion to physical contact and closeness with others, being near you feels different. There's a warmth and comfort that he can't deny, a pull towards you that he can't quite explain. In that moment, he longs to hold you close, to protect you from whatever troubles may come your way.

Megumi's face grows even redder as he notices everyone's smiles directed at him. The attention makes him feel even more self-conscious about his uncharacteristic display of affection. As the late night continues, Maki and Nobora decide to head up to Nobora's room to sleep, telling everyone goodnight, the atmosphere in the room shifts. Itadori announces his intention to head to his own room, leaving just you, Megumi, Yuta, and Toge downstairs.

With Yuta already peacefully asleep on the second couch, it's just Toge and Megumi who remain awake. Megumi tries his best to stay still, not wanting to disturb your sleep. Toge observes Megumi's tense posture and decides to offer some reassurance.

"Hey, Megumi, you can relax a bit. She's a deep sleeper; she won't wake up if you move," Toge advises softly, hoping to alleviate some of Megumi's apprehension.

Megumi meets Toge's gaze and exhales softly, feeling the tension release from his shoulders as he settles more comfortably with you resting on his shoulder. "Thanks," he murmurs gratefully.

Toge nods in acknowledgment before asking, "You gonna sleep?"

"Yeah... I just don't want to move and risk waking her up. Though I'd prefer her to sleep in my room; it's more comfortable," Megumi admits.

"And where are you gonna sleep?" Toge inquires further.

Megumi considers for a moment before replying, "I was thinking about the couch, but since you and Yuta are already sleeping here, I guess I'll sleep in Itadori's room."

Toge chuckles softly before suggesting, "No need for that. You can both sleep in your bed so you're both comfortable."

There's a flicker of nervousness in Megumi's eyes at the thought of sharing a bed with you, but Toge quickly reassures him. "I promise, she won't mind at all."

"Okay, I'll take her upstairs. Night." Megumi stands up, lifting you in his arms as he carries you up the stairs slowly. He reaches his bedroom door and places you gently on his bed, his dogs are fast asleep in their cozy beds near his own. After covering you with a blanket, he goes to close the door but spots Toge outside, knocking softly. Megumi pauses, noticing Toge waiting there.

“Hey, you good?” Megumi whispers to Toge with a bit of confusion.

"Yeah... I just... I know this might not be the best time to bring it up, and it would've been better if y/n came clean first, but..." Toge hesitates, his words trailing off.

"Come on, Toge. Spit it out. What is it?" Megumi's confusion grows.

Toge lets out a sigh before revealing the plastic bag from his pocket, mirroring the moment he showed you earlier in the kitchen. Megumi's gaze shifts to the item in the bag, revealing that it’s a edible inside. He looks back at Toge, still confused. Toge realizes Megumi hasn't quite caught on yet.

"It's y/n's. I saw it fall out of her pocket when she sat down on the couch after coming back from the car. Then I noticed her behavior..." Toge says, a little annoyed.

"What are you getting at?" Megumi questions him.

"She's high... I think she might have taken one or two, I'm not sure. But I didn't know what to do... and... I thought you, more than anyone else here, could help with this situation," he admits.

Megumi glances back at you, peacefully sleeping in his bed, and then back at Toge. He pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration. "God, y/n. What are you doing?" he mumbles, a little exasperated, before turning his attention back to Toge. "Do you have any idea how long she's been taking them?"

"Didn't find out until today," Toge replies.

"Alright, thanks Toge for letting me know. I'll try to talk to her about it, but I don't want to scare her or make her uncomfortable," Megumi says, his concern evident.

"Please keep me updated if she says anything. I'm worried about her. She's been through a lot, and I’m not entirely surprised that she turned to drugs... I just hope it's only marijuana and nothing far worse," Toge adds, his voice filled with concern.

They exchange nods, and Toge slips the bag into Megumi’s hand before heading back downstairs. Megumi closes his bedroom door and sits on the edge of the bed, staring at the plastic bag in his hand. As you stir in bed and slowly open your eyes, you see Megumi sitting there.

“Meg-” You begin, but then notice what he's holding.

Damn it.

Megumi meets your gaze with a hint of concern in his eyes. He rises from the bed and approaches your side.

“Megumi… it’s not what it looks l-” You start to explain, but he interrupts you by gently cupping your face with his hand, silencing you with his thumb.

“Shh, it’s okay, angel,” he reassures you, locking eyes with you and tenderly stroking your bottom lip with his thumb.

Damn it, why is he always so understanding? You want him to yell, to tell you what you're doing is wrong and that you need to stop and fix it. But he doesn’t. He won’t.

"Why... why aren't you angry? Why aren't you yelling at me for this?" You ask, feeling a twinge of upset as you gaze into his eyes, tears threatening to spill.

"I understand you're struggling, and turning to drugs isn't the solution, angel. But I'll never raise my voice at you. You're not alone," he reassures you with sincerity.

"Why..." Your voice trembles with emotion. "Why are you so kind to me? You barely even know me..." you say, feeling a surge of sadness.

He holds your chin gently, tilting your head up to meet his gaze fully. A smirk plays on his lips, sending a shiver down your spine. He's so effortlessly attractive... his gaze alone stirs something deep within you, igniting a rush of desire. If only he knew the effect he has on you...

"And there's a lot you don't know about me, sweetheart."

You start to respond, but before you can utter a word, you watch in pure shock as he slowly brings his hand to his mouth, still locking eyes with you. With deliberate intent, he places your last edible on his tongue and swallows it. 

The way i’m screaming.

i have so many ideas i just don’t know which one to do or how to start it 😀

TAGLIST <3

@lavender-hvze , @xbarrjallenx , @atinymonbebestay , @1l-ynn , @chilichopsticks , @dr-fluff-meow, , @lostfracturess, @maya-maya-56, @ichorstainedskin

[tevanbegins]

Reposting this fic I had posted on Ao3 back during Pride month here on tumblr because I am missing all the cute hype over 118 x 217 from the BTS last week, and I suddenly remembered I had the two crews working together in this one 🥰...

_____

WINGS OF PRIDE

Read on Ao3

The adrenaline rush he felt pumping through his blood after a successful call was nothing new to Buck, after seven years of being an active firefighter. But knowing that today, Tommy and the 217 had been so near all the time, fighting these wildfires in the forest right alongside him and the 118, made his heart flutter with intense excitement.

This was a first for them, since they had started dating. Of course Buck and Tommy had worked together during the cruise ship mission, on the night they had first met. However, that whole adventure had been an unauthorized one, and this was the first time the two had worked together in an official capacity on the same scene, even though it was as a part of separate crews.

Being focused during the call wasn’t that big of a deal for Buck. He and Tommy were both thorough professionals and extremely good at their jobs. One of the ground rules they’d set when they started dating was that if they ever worked on a call together, they wouldn’t allow themselves to be distracted by each other and concentrate fully on the job at hand. And during this particular call, despite all the stolen glances and flirtatious smiles they kept occasionally exchanging from a distance, they mostly managed to keep their mutual promise.

But, there was also the hostile presence of Vincent Gerrard on the scene - the current captain of the 118, the obnoxious bigot with regressive views whom everyone despised. Under his captaincy, Buck had been kind of living through Tommy’s past in his own present, and boy, how he hated that vile old Gerrard. For how he was mistreating him because he was queer, for Hen and Chimney who were reliving their old traumas, for Eddie and Ravi who were being newly exposed to this bigotry like himself, and for being finally able to understand Tommy’s struggles from all those years ago.

But as difficult as it was to not fight back against this tyranny, Buck put up with it for the time being, as did the others. If they wanted Bobby to be reinstated at the 118, they had to be cautious with their moves. Any drastic steps against Gerrard and they might end all chances of getting their beloved Captain Nash back at the helm again. Bobby, and even Tommy, had advised them to be extremely careful, both being aware of the lengths Gerrard could go to if he was provoked, for messing with him was like poking the bear. And so, the 118 laid low around him for now.

Back to the present moment. Right now, their work here in the field was done. The wildfires were put out, casualties were nil, the few trekkers who sustained minor injuries were being administered first-aid by the paramedics, and the few others who could be tended more properly at a hospital were airlifted via air-ambulances. Their response to the call had been prompt, and the overall outcome had been good. So even Gerrard’s crap couldn’t take away Buck’s thrill of happiness over a job well done.

It was time for both the 118 and 217 crews to head back to their respective stations. It felt unfair to Buck that he had to wait until both he and Tommy got back home to celebrate today's win, when both of them were here this minute, in the same place at the same time. He desperately wanted to kiss Tommy right here, right now. In front of the whole world, and he didn’t give a damn if that meant it had to happen in front of Gerrard too.

So when he saw Tommy standing next to his chopper in the clearing, weary but waving and smiling his beautiful smile at him from afar, Buck’s feet seemed to act on their own as he briskly moved towards Tommy, no thoughts in his head except that he wanted to get close to him. He didn’t care about anything else. He just wanted to kiss his sexy, gorgeous beast of a firefighter-pilot boyfriend, who made him feel so happy and safe even when life at work was the worst kind of hellfire these days. When Buck was only a few feet away, Tommy also walked in his direction to quickly close the remaining distance between them. Soon, they were standing face to face, the smiles on both their faces to see each other up close, more precious and brighter than all the gems in the world combined.

“You know, I realized something today. My boyfriend Evan is obviously a very, very hot guy. But Firefighter Buckley in his element is another level of smoking hot. Being professional at work has never felt so tough before, I must admit,” Tommy commented in his deep baritone, playing around with the collar of Buck’s turnouts with his fingers.

“Says the man who is always a sight for sore eyes himself, in and out of uniform. Sooty or cleaned up. Or for that matter, with or without any clothes on,” Buck bit his lip and laughed, moving his right hand upwards to caress Tommy’s cheek.

“The fire’s out but we’re still at work, baby. There’s lots of people around; there’s that– that awful Gerrard,” Tommy said with seriousness, looking into Buck’s eyes.

“I don’t care. I’ve been tolerating all of his bullshit so far based on your and Bobby’s advice. But right now, all I want to do is kiss you. And I am not scared of anything or anyone to hold myself back from just one kiss to greet my boyfriend,” Buck replied, grazing his thumb on Tommy’s bottom lip. “Or if you like me so much in my gear, maybe I’ll steal these turnouts for the night, just to piss Gerrard off,” he giggled.

“Okay, take it easy, you rebellious kid. One kiss shouldn’t be a huge scandal, I guess. Please don’t steal the turnouts,” Tommy smiled affectionately at Buck again. He leaned in closer, their foreheads now touching, noses brushing, their breaths hot on each other’s faces. Unable to hold it in for even a second more, Buck tugged Tommy by his collar and kissed him fervently on the mouth. It was an eager, hungry kiss that he had been longing to give him for the past several hours. Tommy grabbed Buck by the waist and held him closer, kissing him back with equal passion as he realized that he’d been craving this just as much as Buck, momentarily forgetting that they were in full public view.

Tommy’s colleagues from the 217 hooted cheerfully and clapped as they saw this scene unfold. Meanwhile, the 118 were watching this from the other side of the clearing. Chimney, Hen, Eddie, and Ravi started cheering too, happy to see that two of their friends were so mad for each other. Captain Gerrard was the only one from the entire crowd of onlookers who lost it, when he saw Buck and Tommy making out unabashedly like that.

“Buckley!” he barked, angrily walking towards Buck and Tommy, causing them to break their kiss abruptly. “It’s time to go back to the station, not fuck around like a wh*re. Get back, right now! You bloody f—ts can’t just keep it in, can you?” he yelled, glaring scornfully at the couple.

Tommy tightened his fist in rage and was almost about to step forward and punch Gerrard in the face for speaking like that to Buck and using the f-word, nearly going against his own advice to Buck. But Buck firmly held on to his arm and stopped him. Instead, he turned around to face Gerrard and smiled innocently, but sarcasm was written all over that smile.

“Really sorry to offend you, Cap. But can you blame me? Tommy and I are people with wings, after all. It’s kinda hard not to spread them and fly when you have them,” Buck retorted and made a flying gesture with his hands, mimicking Gerrard’s own insulting move towards Tommy during the medal ceremony a few weeks ago. “But, I get it. Not everyone’s lucky enough to know or appreciate the beauty of what it’s like to have wings. So, we’ll try our best to keep it in before you, Captain Gerrard. I promise,” he added as a mock apology.

“Bye babe. We’ll take this further at home later tonight. No one’s gonna stop us there!” Buck whispered into Tommy’s ear, but audibly enough for Gerrard to hear and contort his face in repulsion. Tommy couldn’t help but laugh at Buck’s audacity and admire the spunk his newly out boyfriend had. He couldn’t have been prouder of his Evan, for giving it back to Gerrard in this sassy way.

“Go get it, guys!” Lucy Donato and a few more of Tommy’s friends from Air Operations howled in support, followed by louder cheers from everyone.

“Yes, baby. Can’t wait,” Tommy replied, gazing fondly at Buck. He gave the stunned Gerrard a death stare as Buck proudly walked back towards the 118’s firetruck, and then rejoined his colleagues and set off on his chopper back to Harbor station.

As enraged as Gerrard was with the incident, he was shocked and lost for words right now, seeing that he could no longer intimidate people or force them to obey him as easily as he could ten years ago, even in his position of power.

“C’mon Cap, let’s go!” Buck deliberately called out to Gerrard to shake him out of his homophobic reverie, and shared a good laugh with his friends about whatever just went down.

“Buck, I’m so proud of your brazen fruity ass right now,” Hen congratulated Buck with a handshake in a display of queer solidarity.

“I’m proud of you too, but right now I’m more proud of myself for being a matchmaker to you and Tommy!” Chimney tooted his own horn.

“That was so awesome! I was kinda hoping Gerrard would get a heart attack and die on the spot,” Ravi remarked with a chuckle.

“You’re such a badass, Buck!” Eddie beamed proudly at his best friend and gave him a high-five. “But I’m worried Gerrard’s going to make the next shift a special hell for you! I mean, look at him!” he pointed towards Gerrard, who was making his way back to the truck with the sourest expression ever on his face, like he’d swallowed a lemon.

“Let him. Whatever hell I go through on the daily, I now have Tommy to bring me right back to heaven,” Buck grinned, looking all moony at the thought of being with his boyfriend at the end of long, tiring days. All of them rolled their eyes at his corniness, but also oohed and aahed and teased Buck for being so hopelessly smitten with Tommy.

The ride back to the firehouse was a happy one for all, except for one person. But in the true spirit of the 118, no one cared. Especially not when that person was Vincent Gerrard, or the likes of him.

___

[dasher85]

Rain..

He theoretically understand the concept of love

Neuvillette x Reader | y/n | you

short story

Part 1 | Part 2

[ how can you love someone when you don't have a reason? ]

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

[ Two years ago ]

The first day of work you didn’t think to see the Chief of Justice but you did.

You were in charge of handling the new case files as well as writing specific paperworks for the court. It was your specialty so you’re confident to do a good job for those tasks.

On your way back to your desk after getting some refreshments, someone was walking ahead towards your empty desk. The first thing your eyes noticed was the man’s waist long white hair with two blue navy coloured strands. 

‘It’s just like an insect’s antenna but combed neatly’. You secretly thought after seeing those two blue navy strands of his hair. Fortunately, you didn’t laugh like a madwoman for thinking such bizarre thoughts.

His slow and calm footsteps have forced you to follow his walking pace until you could reach your desk. It was a little awkward because it feels like an eternity to you.

The sole of his shoes echoed through the place and somehow you couldn’t help but walk a little quietly. Just a few more steps he’ll pass by your table and your silent suffering will end.

Or so you thought.

Suddenly he stopped right in front of your desk and you halted as well. He turned, facing your desk and you could see his side profile from where you stood. Instinctively you feel like turning around and act as if you forgot to take something from the refreshment room.

But before you could move, the man wearing a formal navy blue attire turned his head towards you. There were other workers working on their desk accompanied with an ambience of a usual office atmosphere but to you the world suddenly fell silent.

‘Is that the Chief Justice, Neuvillette?’. You finally remembered that man whom you’ve seen before during trials in court. You’ve heard about him many times and see him from afar but never this close.

His enchantingly unnatural blue eyes met your gaze as he suddenly turned to face where you were silently standing. Reflexively, you politely bowed with a slight smile.

���What the hell?! What the hell!’. You nervously screamed in mind repeating those words like a chant.

Unexpectedly he expressionlessly slightly bowed back in response to you. Truthfully, you didn’t know what to do after that exchange of wordless courtesy.

“Do you perhaps know the person who’s occupying this desk?”. His deep voice rings in your ears.

“I uh… that’s-”. Taken aback for a brief second your mouth didn’t seem to cooperate with your mind.

“It’s… That’s me. What can I help you Sir?”. You quickly responded professionally.

That was your first encounter with that respected and yet mysterious man. Oddly enough despite harbouring various negative thoughts towards him, you didn't think it was all a false assumption until you've had enough encounters with him during work hours. 

Most of his direct visits would be because of the wrong things you've done in your work. Imperfections or flaws, things that even your colleagues couldn't distinguish. Despite that, he never scolded you and calmly corrected or advised what needed to be changed. Those frequent corrections last for three months. At some point you even thought of quitting just because he would complain about missing punctuation marks.

Fortunately, you did get better and become an absolute particular about everything before you send those papers to him. You couldn't afford to start everything all over again every time something was written wrong.

[ One year ago ]

A lady whom her partner was responsible for a crime was sentenced to serve a few years in the fortress of Meropide. It was rather serious but at the same time can be considered a normal case that has been conducted fairly. 

As one of the workers in court, the lady turns out to be an old acquaintance of yours from your previous work. So naturally she would refer to you, asking if you could help to reduce his sentence. Obviously things like that were impossible to change once the judgment of the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale concluded the trial. Everyone should know that but perhaps you were the only person she could share such meaningless concerns with. 

For a whole week she would visit your desk and all you could do was try to repeat the same thing in a calm manner. It was a professional process but at the same time it was unnecessary. Your coworkers didn’t know what to do either since she wasn’t being violent.

When Neuvillette learned of this matter from other workers who were talking about it during their lunch break, he went to confirm it with you. However, without even asking he had already seen what was happening.

You didn't think the Chief Justice would care about trivial things nor did you expect to see him standing there in front of your desk during lunch hour. 

"Ma'am. With all due respect, it is inconvenient to question the court's staff. As the Chief Justice, I shall assist you with an appropriate solution. Please make an appointment for a meeting with me tomorrow." Neuvillette expressionlessly spoke. 

You quietly stood there feeling relieved that someone would professionally reason with this pleading woman. As of late, you only wished to have a peaceful day but you didn’t think he would be the one who’ll throw himself into that situation.

[ Present time ]

"...will you keep it?". Neuvillette implored, looking at your face with a soft smile as he leaned closer to your face.

And here it comes without warning… he has yet again placed himself in a situation that you’d never imagined he would be in. That question he spoke circulating inside your head like a spell but you wonder why…

“Why now? Why?”. That question comes out of your mouth without hesitation and yet your voice was trembling with an evident quiver.

“That’s because…”. Neuvillette gaze falters away from you, he didn’t know what to say. Did he even have a reason in the first place? 

“It’s alright. I was being impulsive… I’m sorry”. You gently spoke, cutting his word short as you quickly removed his gloved hand away from your left cheek. It was unreasonable to ask these questions that you knew he wouldn't have an answer to. 

“Look at me, y/n! Tell me exactly what you want to hear, something to enlighten those ears.” He unhesitatingly questions with a solemn frown.

You scoffed. He's making you feel so much rage and disappointment but guilty at the same time. It's infuriating to think that he's only using your emotions to understand himself but you couldn't get angry either because he's not even human to begin with. If perhaps he did understand your feelings there wasn't much he could do for you anyway. 

The difference between him and you is not something you could easily go up against just for your own selfishness.

"It's nothing". You quietly looked away in response.

"I just think… if I tell you, it'll be meaningless. I don't want you to understand me just because I want you to." You slowly added as you unwaveringly met his gaze. 

"But I…". He looked at you pleadingly.

"...I really want to understand you. I still didn't have the answer to your question and I couldn't understand myself either. It pains me so much that I kept thinking about you". He adds soulfully.

"No books could tell me about your thoughts, about your feelings, about how you perceived this world or me… I want to know these things, these little things that you've kept secret from me. Please enlighten me". He spoke slowly but a hint of desperation was clearly evident within his deep voice.

"I know you're trying to understand me… I-". You tried to belittle his reasons yet again. 

“I'm denying all the deception you speak of… it is only fair to speak out the truth”. He voiced the disconcerting things that had been kept inside his mind.

[ Eleven months ago ]

“Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?”. You questioned him with a small smile.

"A glass of water would be nice". He responded with a nod.

Unquestioningly you nodded in response, not surprised since that was what he would often request over any other drinks. After washing the glass available from the refreshment room you brought back a glass of water for him.

You would sometimes do these little gestures while he checked your documents every few times in a week. It actually felt a little awkward whenever you just stood in front of his office desk as he reviewed your work. So the idea of taking small tasks such as that was better to pass up some time.

He looked up at you and you thought you've made a mistake yet again with your paperwork.

"I've been wondering if you've been adding sugar into the water?". He suddenly asked before handing you the file of documents.

You took it already wondering if you could file in the documents into the record room. "No, it's fontaine regular filtered water".

"Is that so…" He paused, seemingly thinking of the matter.

"Yes." You want to ask him about the status of the documents but you didn't dare to cut through his words either.

He suddenly stood up, "Are there macaroons?"

You nodded, "Yes, would you like me to bring it for you?"

He nods.

"And about these documents?"

He looked at you briefly before seemingly just remembering the matter, "Leave it on my desk"

You nodded and did as told before heading out to take some macarons from the refreshment room. As you were just a few steps outside, you heard the door to his office open again. You turned your head over your shoulder only to see the chief justice walking out.

"Do you perhaps need something else?"

"I need another glass of water"

You nodded and he only walked towards you which you least expected. Despite that you didn't think much and just proceeded with your given task. Oddly enough, he ended up accompanying you to the refreshment room.

'He should've just got the macaroons himself or asked me to get the glass of water as well'. You think to yourself.

It's one of those feelings where you'd feel awkward to be in a room with your boss at work. Despite doing nothing wrong, it just wasn't that enjoyable. Perhaps seeing his face reminds you of your unfinished work.

He immediately took a glass of water and slowly drank it as if it was wine.

"I shall send this to your office room now". You informed him after arranging a few macaroons into a plate.

He looked at you, "If I may ask, where did you acquire the water?".

He spoke of that same odd question again.

"It's from here".

"Hmm…". He seems to ponder seemingly thinking about matter with a slight frown. 

"Did you perhaps forget to wash the glass before filling it up with water?"

"Of course not, I'd make sure to clean it". You started to feel worried about these odd questions.

"Forgive me, I simply wanted to know why the water you gave me tasted so different from regular Fontaine water". He explained as if sensing through your troubled facial expression. 

You couldn't help but slightly laugh, "How would… how would it taste any different?"

[ Present time ]

The truth? You sighed at his request.

"Fine." You nodded before walking towards the bench nearby. There weren't many passersby but rather than standing you'd at least minimise the odd occurrence between him and you.

It was crazy enough that he's seen outside instead of in the court. 

"This feels so awkward". You admitted as he sat down next to you.

He sighed, he already did and say all those insane things just for you to listen to him and yet you still think the whole situation is awkward. He didn't quite get it. Was he the problem here? 

"Right, so the truth…" You subconsciously placed both of your hands to cover your face. Turns out it was difficult to say these simple things.

"You know it already, why are you making me say this". You whined, trying to escape from saying it.

"Whatever it is, I'll believe you. Please, go on ahead and tell me". His eyes glistened as he blinked his eyes to gently hold his gaze onto yours, but you couldn't read his thoughts and intentions as his expression remained gentle and calm, the only thing out of the ordinary was the way he looked at you, which couldn't seem to break its connection with yours.

Without a single word he moved his head close to your cheek, before softly kissing it as a sign to reassure you once more.

Your resolute thoughts to reject him crumble down into a hazy fog of lightness, as if your soul was being pulled into a realm of fairies where the sparkling pixie dust would blind your judgments.

You gasped, your own lungs forced you to breathe. It felt like he was veiling you with an enchantment and you couldn't help but doubt your feelings for him once more.

"I…". You turned to face him with your eyes closed. Somehow, you knew that looking at him directly would only eliminate your focus.

"I love you very much. I know it's silly, maybe I'm just infatuated and to be honest I have no plausible reasons behind these feelings." You sighed.

"Before it's too late, I'd rather-" 

A wide smile crept up his lips. That was exactly what he wanted to hear. He waited for a long time. 

"You..." He suddenly spoke and you opened your eyes to look at him. 

In that instant you forgot the sentence you wanted to tell him. 'Before it's too late, I'd rather let you go' was what you wanted to say but those damn beautiful eyes have left your mind devoid of thoughts. All that was left was your lingering fondness for him. 

He stared into your eyes before he gently placed his forehead against yours. His warm breath brushed against your skin, yet he was also as silent as you were for a few seconds. 

"It was you... It has always been you."

He brushed his thumb against your cheek, his gaze unshakably focused on you.

"You're everything I've ever wanted, please don't tell me otherwise because how am I supposed to believe my own judgements when I can't even understand myself."

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

A/N: intentionally wanted them to be emotionally difficult XD and here I am having a difficult time trying to put on their shoes. I hope his story quest (which I haven't do) will give me inspo for part 3. I want to reveal some truth about him towards her. But of course, let me know if I should continue this.

The Duke's story is halfway done but then I've started another Hai's story (the regular Elucidation Duo) and I miss writing the Inexpressible Duo.

[cozage]

The Daughter's Return Part 3

Chapter 14: Returning Home

Start From Beginning | Next Chapter | Table of Contents | Read on AO3

Characters: female reader x Portgas D. Ace Word Count: 1.4k

You loathed this little cottage house near the ocean.

And yet, as you stood facing the sea, you were overwhelmed with joy. 

“Hey.” Ace appeared behind you, kissing your cheek as you turned to look at him. You weren’t sure why, but seeing him here made you want to cry. 

He wrapped his arms around your very pregnant belly, and you could feel your stomach start to move in response to his touch. 

“Feels like the baby wants to get out pretty bad,” Ace cooed, rubbing his hands across your stretched skin.

“Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?” You asked. “We haven’t even thought of names yet.”

“I thought we’d have more time,” Ace said, laughing nervously. “Everything happened so fast. At least the nursery is ready.”

You looked at him, surprised. “The nursery?”

“Finished it this morning.” He paused to kiss you again. “Wanna see?” 

“No!” You cried. You weren’t sure why, but you knew you couldn’t go into that house. 

Ace looked hurt at your immediate distaste, and you rushed to rectify it. 

“I’m sure it’s perfect,” you said. “I just want to be here with you right now.”

He smiled, resting his head on your shoulder. “I think it’s a girl,” he muttered. “I hope she looks just like you.”

A ringing came from inside the house, and Ace kissed your cheek and ran to it. 

“Ace!” You cried, running after him. “Wait, don’t go in-“

You passed through the door frame without a second thought, only trying to save Ace. 

You were suddenly standing in the middle of a Marine Base, Marines rushing around. 

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Akainu’s voice came from behind you, and a strong hand gripped your shoulder as he turned you around to face him. “How did you-“

The cigar fell out of his mouth, and everyone in the compound stopped to look at you. 

His mouth twisted into a smile, his eyes darting down to your round belly. “Newgate. Looks like you’ve been keeping secrets.”

You pulled away from him, sprinting as fast as you could. But you were in enemy territory, and he was faster than you now. You didn’t even make it twenty feet before he grabbed you by the hair, yanking you backwards.

You screamed out, clawing at his arm as you tried to break free. But his grip on you was steeled, refusing to let you go. 

“Ace!” You screamed out. “Ace! Help!”

“You poor delusional girl,” he sneered, throwing industrial sea prism handcuffs over your wrists. “Portgas D. Ace is dead. He has been for months. And now you and your child can join him. And finally, two wretched bloodlines will end.”

He shook you like a ragdoll, laughing maniacally at his victory. Just like he had told you long ago, he would get the last laugh.

“Wake up!” Shanks shouted, and your eyes flew open.

Your body was being held down and shaken, and you panicked as you thrashed to get out of Akainu’s grip, still thinking of your dream. 

“Get off!” You screamed, pushing people away. “Stay away from me!”

Hands quickly receded, Shanks and Beckman exchanging a worried glance. 

“You had a bad dream, kid.” Shanks reached back out, but you cowered away from him, your mind still groggy. “You’re okay. It was just a dream.”

“No.” You searched the room, eyes crazed as if you were a trapped animal. “No. Where’s Ace?”

“He’s not here,” Shanks reminded you gently. 

You felt your stomach. It was no longer large and swollen like your dream. It was as you remembered it now, just a small bump. 

“It felt so real,” you whispered. But your reality was slowly coming back to you. “Where’s Ace?” You asked again. You were afraid of the answer. 

“Impel Down,” Shanks said. “We got news that he arrived there this morning.”

“How long until-“ you couldn’t finish the sentence. 

“Eight days,” Shanks told you. “You should really get some-“

“I need to go find my father.” You sat up, ignoring the queasy feeling in your stomach. Your bracelet was still on, so you had to assume this was a result of your own nerves. 

“Your boat is ready for you,” Shanks said, accepting your determination to go home. “You should be able to reach Whitebeard by tonight.”

You knew that it should’ve been a longer trip home. Shanks must have been sailing towards Whitebeard while you slept. Towards someone who was supposed to be his rival. Just so you could get home faster. 

Tears filled your eyes and you lunged toward him, wrapping your arms around his neck. “Thank you, Shanks.”

“I’ll see you in Marineford,” he whispered. You gave a tearful nod and got out of bed, eager to get back to your ship. To your family. 

The sea was kind to you on your return journey, and you had the feeling Shanks and his crew followed you back to your ship, always just out of view. 

The setting sun painted the Moby Dick in a beautiful glow. You took a chance to admire it, throwing away your fear and dread just for a moment to stand in awe of the massive ship. 

Your father stood at the bow of the ship, clearly waiting for you. You almost wished he would use his ability and send a tidal wave your way. It would be less scary than his silent stare. You saw Marco next to him, and he shot into the sky and towards you. 

Marco dropped down onto your ship, staring at you in disappointment. 

“You knew that day, didn’t you?” He asked. “That’s why you left so fast.”

“I was pretty sure,” you whispered, staring at your feet. 

You couldn’t look him in the eye. You couldn’t help but feel like everything that had happened was your fault now. 

“Do you not trust me?” Marco asked, his voice breaking. “After everything we’ve been through, you really don't-” He let out a shaky breath, unable to continue his sentence. 

“I knew you would have to report it.” Your heart ached. You wanted to go back and change everything. To go to Marco earlier. To question Teach in the hallway. To make Ace realize he needed to stay with you. To hug Thatch again. 

“I see.” Marco pulled out some sea prism handcuffs from his bag and held them out to you. 

“I have a bracelet already.” You held up your arm, showing him the leather cord with sea prism stone. 

“It’s not for that,” he said. “You’re a prisoner now.”

You took a step away from him, your mind clouded with confusion. 

“You disobeyed orders, Y/N. Several times. There has to be consequences.”

“Marco-“

“Please don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”

“I’ll behave,” you begged, taking another step away from him. If you put those cuffs on, you weren’t sure when they would be taken off. “Please don’t put those on me.”

“Just listen to me!” Marco shouted, stepping towards you. “Stop arguing for once!”

“Please no.” You took another step back, your back pressing against the railing of your ship. “I just wanted to help. Please don’t-“

He took another step toward you, pinning you against the side of the ship. He was close enough to force you to look at him now, and you could see he had dark bags under his eyes. You couldn’t imagine the amount of sleepless nights you had caused him. 

“Please,” you begged. “I’ll listen to everything you say no matter what.”

He held out the cuffs silently, waiting for you to put your hands in them. 

“You’re going to have to do it yourself,” you said, tears filling your eyes. “Please Marco. Don’t-“

He grabbed your wrist and snapped it into a cuff, and then your other one. You could feel all of the energy drain out of your body at the contact of the Marine-grade stone, and you stumbled from the exhaustion. 

“You never did make things easy,” he said. His words were sharp, but his hands were gentle as he carefully scooped you off your feet and held you close to him. You stifled a sob as he extended his Phoenix wings to carry you back to the Moby Dick. Back home.

--

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[gifti3]

WOOO more arranged marriage AU stuff 🎊 (last thing i made)

I kinda wanted to do like, oh MC runs into some of Asmos fans and theyre like haters but it felt too simple if that makes sense.... maybe another time. I need someone who has had a stronger history with Asmo so it carries more weight, also someone who has a higher status too probably! (maybe some type of sabotage could happen this way) so today this writing is just MC interacting with some "fans", being a bit of a worrywart and interacting with Asmo at the end 🫡

(btw i use Duke as a gn term here for MC)

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Being Asmodeus's spouse was definitely something confounding so far. What you had hope to be a walk in the park, where you both lived your lives separately, had turned out to be more complicated. It came with surprises, and it came with expectations. Those expectations being from every single person in the world who knew he existed.

Really is that them?

Gods, they're so lucky!

To be honest, I was expecting something…more.

For most of your life, you had managed to live near the wall, out of the center. Even as your family was becoming more influential due to several beneficial connections and business successes, most people didn't really know you. So even though dealing with Asmodeus wasn't too bad, becoming a spectacle wasn't something you think you'd be able to get used to so easily.

You feel yourself retreating to your mind as you walk. You just wanted to go outside for a little. Asmodeus's home was so beautiful, and you wanted to see some of the areas near it too, so you came to this nice-looking village. But maybe you should have stayed home if people were going to stare at you like this. You even dressed down so you wouldn't stick out but apparently everyone already knew you.

"Duke MC."

You're forcefully taken from your thoughts as two people suddenly were blocking your way.

"Oh hello."

You had no idea who these people were. Hopefully no one "important". You only started living in Asmodeus's home about a month ago and didn't exactly remember all the people you should know off the top of your head. Though they looked like locals so you were probably safe.

"Such a lovely day today. Are you out enjoying the weather with Duke Asmodeus?" The first person asked. She gives you a polite smile.

You smile back. "Yes, it is however I'm just out alone today. I thought it would be nice to have a change of scenery with something new."

She quirks an eyebrow. "Really, so you're here on your own?"

"That's strange. Showing others around is usually something the Duke would be excited to do too." The man beside her added.

Is it? Some of the staff had actually volunteered to go with you. Though that was nice of them you waved them off. You didn't need to take up their busy schedules with something frivolous. They were quite persistent though now that you think of it.

"Well, the Duke was busy so perhaps next time he'll accompany me. I'll be fine on my own today though. And if I get lost I can just think of it as an adventure…" You trail off taking note of where you could probably ask for help if you did actually get lost.

The two of them look at one another and suddenly you feel like an anomaly. They grin as if they've exchanged a silent joke before looking back at you.

"Sorry we got ahead of ourselves and forgot introductions. I'm Annabelle Lockridge and that's my brother."

"I'm Johnathan Lockridge but you can just call me Johnny."

Oh, they were siblings. That would explain the similar behavior. They didn't look too alike though.

"Do you both know Asmodeus personally?"

"Ohh of course. We spend a lot of time with him when he decides to come down this way!" Annabelle said.

Her brother nodded. "He really knows how to have fun."

So they're his friends? Or maybe those fans you hear about. Wait…does he come to party here? ….That did not seem like normal behavior for a Duke. You'd always imagine him partying with those of similar status. So his night life extended past gentry shenanigans.

"Interesting…."

Johnny continues. "It's so nice that we finally get to see his spouse in person! We were expecting you to be the type to hide away in a fancy home and only mix with your class."

Not a farfetched conclusion. That was the norm for a lot of the upper class, but it looked like Asmodeus had set a different precedent here. You weren't exactly sure how you felt about it, but you didn't have any adverse opinions at least. It did make Asmodeus seem more ordinary in a way. If you ignored almost everything else about him.

You look off to the side a bit and notice that some people are trying to inconspicuously listen in.

"Well I won't hold you two up anymore. I need to be back by a certain time."

You manage to part ways though you could tell the siblings wanted to talk more. Honestly you felt a bit strange talking with them, but maybe it would be a good way to get more information about your husband.

Outside of that, your trip had been mostly quiet and uneventful.

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

As you return, you plan on staying in your room for the rest of the day. You didn't have anything else planned so why not rest.

While walking through the hallway you surprisingly run into Asmodeus.

"Asmodeus? What are you doing here?"

"….I live here?"

Well yes, he did live here. But he usually stayed elsewhere or with one of his brothers. At first you thought it was because of you but were reassured by some of the maids. Asmodeus spent a lot of his time away from this residence. But you were sure that your presence kept him away even more now.

"Right." You shake your head at yourself and continue to your room. You didn't really want to talk to him right now. Those fans(?) were easy to deal with but you still felt tired after that interaction. And the more you thought about it on the way home, the more you dwelled on possible future interactions. The few times you heard about Asmodeus's fans it was because something insane had happened. So wouldn't it only be a matter of time?

"Hmm you look off. Did something happen?"

"Not really?"

"You don't seem sure."

You don't respond.

"Okay I won't pry then…"

"Asmodeus…" before he could walk off you call his name. "You have fans right? I mean I'm assuming they're your fans. Are they usually so friendly?"

"Oh! Did you meet one of my little darlings?"

His what?

"…"

Asmodeus smiles at your confused expression. "Aren't they adorable? They're very sweet, though they do get excitable sometimes. But nothing that can't be handled with a little talk."

"I see…" You didn't see the point of bringing up Annabelle and Johnny.

Nothing bad had happened. In fact, most people would consider it a regular conversation.

"Well I was just curious. I'm going to go rest I'm tired from going out."

"Aw you went out and didn't say anything? We could have gone out together."

"It's fine I wanted to go right then, and you weren't here. Some of the staff volunteered but I wanted to go alone."

"You went alone?"

"Yes?"

"Hmmm" Asmodeus frowns and looks like he's thinking. "I don't want to tell you what to do but maybe you should consider taking someone with you. At least until you get used to being here."

"I guess." You were used to wandering around places on your own so it wasn't too big of deal of you. Though your parents would reprimand you for it sometimes since you would leave without warning. But you never had any issues though and telling the coachman when you would be back seemed like enough. Though there were usually more rules the higher the title…

Your brows raise. Was your husband was actually showing you some consideration right now?

You never really knew what you would get with Asmodeus each day. Some days he'd be unnecessarily passive aggressive with you. A few rare days he'd try to gather your attention for hours at a time, in need of an audience for whatever he wanted to do that day. Most days though, it was like you didn't exist as he would be nowhere in sight.

It was all so confusing, but you couldn't say you hated this particular moment.

"Well, hope you had fun regardless. I'll see you later MC~"

As if sensing your thoughts he cuts the conversation short. He was probably heading back out soon anyways. You sigh. At least you both a had a somewhat friendly interaction.

[combeauferre]

trust you've got time on your side

les miserables, rated t, 2.6k words

“You think I’m on top of everything?” Courf says, smiling sadly. “I haven’t even started this essay yet. The reading is impossible. You’re not the only one struggling.”

“I-I shouldn’t be str-struggling at all.”

-

Enjolras should be made for university life, and instead, he's falling behind. Sometimes he needs reminding that that's okay.

Here is my submission for this year's @drinkwithme-exchange! This is for @spicypotstickerbliss I hope you enjoy!

read on ao3

By all measures, Enjolras should be perfectly cut out for university. He’s dedicated, he’s passionate, he cares. He's wanted to study law for as long as he can remember, it's his heart and soul and life's blood. 

He's not like half the people on his course, who took law because their rich parents want them to become rich lawyers. They're not here to learn the intricacies of a system they want to tear down. 

His own rich parents want nothing less than for him to study law. If they had their way he'd be studying medicine or dentistry. Not that he would ever do something just for them.

This is the start of the rest of his life - where he lets go of everything behind him and works on all he's ever cared about. This should be a breeze. 

There’s a voice in the back of his head, his guidance counsellor’s patronising, grating voice, telling him, “you have to be sure before you enter a law degree. Becoming a reputable lawyer does not happen across a three year Bachelor's degree. A lot of people don't make it." As if he’s ever been unsure about anything in his life, as if he ever struggled in school, ever been anything less than a solid A-grade student, or ever gave the impression that he couldn’t keep up with a heavy workload.

The pile of untouched readings on his desk stare at him in the same tone as his guidance counsellor spoke to him a year ago. Between attending classes, making connections with other students, writing essays and trying to create an activism group from the ground up, reading has taken a backseat. In theory, it's the least important part of his course. He shows up to class on time, he answers questions, he readily takes part in debates. For a while, he thought he could get away with doing the bare minimum of reading, and make up for it in every other area.

But slowly, he's been finding that when reading falls apart, his classes don't make sense. His arguments have no depth. Only a week ago, a professor pulled him aside at the end of a class to check he was keeping on top of his studies; it was embarrassing. His essays have no sources, the students he felt connected with a couple of months ago are suddenly miles ahead of him, and everything has come grinding to a halt. 

In his shared living room, Courfeyrac is curled up on the couch with a re-run of the documentary series the three of them have been watching together. Combeferre is at the stove, cooking dinner for the three of them. Tomorrow, it’s Enjolras’ turn. Another thing to add to the list of things he has to do. 

Courf takes almost all the same classes Enjolras does. They read the same papers, they write the same essays. Courf takes on almost as much work in their yet-to-be-named group as Enjolras and Combeferre. Courf, who had been terrified of the law workload, where Enjolras has never faltered in his surety to keep on top of it all. Now look who’s dragging behind.

A paper sits open in Enjolras’ lap, a few lines highlighted and an essay open on his laptop. If he can just finish reading this paper, find a decent few quotes to add, maybe he can at least get a decent first draft of this essay. It’s not due until next week, he has time, surely. Although, in that time, there will be two more seminars focused on different papers, a couple of multiple-choice tests, and a meeting of their now five-member group, in which they will discuss expansion. Enjolras will explain a plan of action for the next few months. A plan of action he has yet to make.

A soft knock at the door makes him jolt up.

“Bas?”

He sighs, scrubbing his hands over his face.

“Come in.”

Courfeyrac’s face pokes around the door and they smile.  

“Gabriel says dinner’s almost ready, are you joining us?”

“Yeah,” he says, sighing, “I-I just have t-to finish something first.”

Stepping inside, Courfeyrac drops down on the other end of Enjolras’ bed.

“Which essay is this?” Their head cranes over Enjolras’ laptop to look at the paper he’s reading. “Oh, that one.”

“I-I know you’ve pr-probably already fin-finished it,” he says, sighing and ignoring Courf's amused shake of the head, "all th-this reading is s-s-so hard to get through.”

“Well, some food and a break will help, right?”

Chewing his lip, Enjolras shakes his head.

“Maybe I-I’ll have dinner in here, I really w-want to get th-this draft done.”

“Bas, come on.”

“I-I don’t have t-time, Jules,” he says, firmer, glaring at his computer screen. “Just b-because you can s-sit and w-watch TV all night, d-doesn’t mean I-I can.”

He reaches up to tug at his hair, scowling down at the paper.

“Th-this reading is s-so hard,” he continues, “I-I can barely get my-my head around it, an-and we have so much t-to do w-with the group, and-” he takes a few quick, sharp breaths, “I-I can’t just get th-through it all like y-you can.”

Courfeyrac sighs fondly.

“Do you really think I’m watching TV because all my work is done?”

Frowning, Enjolras looks up.

“I-is it not?”

“No.” Gently, Courf pulls Enjolras’ laptop away. “I know it’s hard, Bas, but you’re gonna burn out if you don’t take breaks.”

“I don’t have time to- to take breaks.”

He avoids Courf’s face. He has the stern look memorised, and he's sure Courf learned it from Combeferre. 

“Do you want me to get Gabi in here?”

Scowling at nothing, Enjolras shakes his head.

“I-I just don’t know h-how you do it,” he says eventually, quietly. “All I e-ever do is w-work, and I jus-just can’t do it all.” He takes a breath and picks at his fingers. “You two are on t-top of everything, all th-the time.”

“You think I’m on top of everything?” Courf says, smiling sadly. “I haven’t even started this essay yet. The reading is impossible. You’re not the only one struggling.”

“I-I shouldn’t be str-struggling at all.”

A throat clears in the doorway, and they look up to see Combeferre leaning against the doorframe.

“H-how long have you been th-there?” Enjolras asks nervously.

“Long enough,” Ferre says, smiling sadly, “Jules was a while getting you, I was worried. I should’ve known you’d be working yourself to death in here. Still.”

Blushing sheepishly, Enjolras looks away.

“Come and get some dinner,” he says, “you need to eat, Bas.”

He huffs, folding his arms. 

“Y-yes, dad."

Combeferre laughs.

“Yes, come into the living room and think about what you’ve done.”

Taking his laptop, Courfeyrac saves Enjolras' work and closes it down. They reach out a hand for him and tug him up.

“Maybe we can bring all our work out and study together tonight, yeah?”

“I have some reading to do too,” Combeferre says, guiding them both out into the living room. Grinning, he adds, “we can always swap and you can read about metaphysics instead.”

“I-it’s probably more in-interesting than property law,” Enjolras grumbles, allowing himself to be guided to the couch. A bowl of stew and couscous is placed in his hands and he sighs softly as the smell reaches his nose.

“I loved this episode so much I had to watch it again,” Courfeyrac says as they settle down on one side of him, pressing play. Combeferre sits on the other.

“Wh-why do I feel l-like th-this is going to be an-an intervention?” he asks, eyeing them both suspiciously.

Laughing, Courfeyrac links their arms.

“Well, it’s too late now, you’re stuck here.”

"I-I really am gonna n-need to go back an-and finish my w-work, Jules,” Enjolras says, trying again to squirm out of their grip.

“Nope, you’re not going anywhere,” Courf laughs, leaning their weight against him, “you’re going to take a break and you’re going to fucking enjoy it.”

Sulkily, Enjolras sighs and stops, taking a mouthful of stew.

“Success!” Courf cheers, finally settling in. 

Throughout their meal, Enjolras tries to slowly drag his arm free of the loop it’s made with Courfeyrac’s, but every time he's close to getting free, they shoot him a sly grin and clamp their arm back down against his.

"You two are children,” Combeferre comments dryly, after a solid ten minutes of practiced patience. He finishes his stew and loops his own arm through Enjolras’ other with a smirk.

“I-I’m staying, I’m staying,” he grumbles, “I c-can barely even eat m-my stew anymore.”

Combeferre releases him gently and takes his bowl into the kitchen.

“You’d better still be there when I get back,” he calls.

“He will be,” Courf shouts back with a laugh.

“I-I really need t-to get back to w-work, Jules,” Enjolras says quietly, “I-I’m so behind.”

“You work too much, Bas,” they say, kindly, “you’re not behind, you’re burning out. You need to take more breaks.”

“I-I don’t!” Enjolras insists, “If I can just- just get out of th-this slump, I’ll be al-alright again.”

Walking back in from the kitchen, Combeferre drops on the other side of him and passes them each a cookie.

“Jules is right,” he says, “you’re going to work yourself into the ground.”

“N-nothing is done!” Enjolras insists, “I have s-so much to d-do and no t-t-time to get it all d-done!”

“Well clearly,” Combeferre says, taking his hand and gently rubbing the back of it with his thumb, “working down to the bone isn’t helping.”

“You’re not even behind,” Courfeyrac adds, “you’ve done way more than me. I haven’t even started that essay, I’m working on group stuff right now, I haven’t even had time to think about it.”

“Th-that should not be getting i-in the way of your w-work-”

“Bas,” Courfeyrac lays a hand on his shoulder, “I’m managing fine. You clearly are not, you need more rest.”

Enjolras folds his arms petulantly.

"You know Jules is right," Combeferre adds, putting an arm round Enjolras' shoulders, "We're both worried about you, we haven't properly seen you in days."

"I'm fine," he grumbles, leaning into his side all the same. "I-I just need to catch up on- on this one th-thing and I'll be b-back on tr-track."

"How about this," Ferre says, pausing the documentary again, "Tonight, we just relax, we finish watching this and then we can just hang out or something, and tomorrow-"

"I-I can't-"

"Tomorrow," Combeferre continues with a stern look, "we take our stuff and we go check out that cafe you were telling us about, and we can spend the day studying there. And I'm sure you'll get more done than if you lock yourself in your room tonight and force yourself to write that essay."

Huffing, Enjolras glares between them.

"Fine."

"Good." Combeferre goes to relinquish his hold, but Enjolras rests his head on his shoulder and sighs.

"Comfy there?" Ferre asks, smiling fondly. Nodding, Enjolras' eyes slip shut and Ferre gives Courfeyrac a soft look.

"I'll get a blanket," Courf says, getting up and taking theirs and Enjolras' empty bowls, pressing a kiss to Enjolras' temple as they go.

"You t-two fuss too much," he says quietly, when Courf has disappeared into their room. "I-I would be f-fine." 

Stroking his hair, Combeferre shrugs lightly. 

"Maybe you would be," he says, "but you don't seem fine. Working yourself down to the bone isn't going to always give you perfect grades, Bas. Do you really think you would have been able to finish that essay tonight? Or would you have sat in there and stared at that paper all night and beaten yourself up about how you couldn't focus on it?" 

Huffing, Enjolras scowls straight ahead. Ferre doesn't need to see it to know the expression. 

"You know I'm right," he says gently. 

"May-maybe," Enjolras concedes. 

"So, what about," Courfeyrac says, pulling two blankets out of their room, "we get all our cushions and duvets out here and have a sleepover?" 

"I-it's already a sl-sleepover every night," Enjolras says, "w-we live i-in the same house." 

"We don't sleep in the same room, though," they reply, setting down the blankets on the floor, "this will be like the good old days, the three of us all cuddled up together, watching a movie." He throws Enjolras a smirk. "And that way, we know you won't skulk back to your room and work on your essay until four in the morning." 

"I-I wasn't going t-to do that." 

"Sure you weren't." 

"I w-wasn't!" 

"Well then it doesn't matter, does it?" Courf asks, taking his hand and pulling him down on to a blanket. "You're not missing out on work, and we get to spend time with our bestest friend." 

Enjolras can't help the soft look that comes over his face at that. 

"Y-you really don't h-have to do th-this," he says quietly. 

Courfeyrac cradles his face gently with their hands and smiles, kissing his forehead. 

"We want to." 

And then they're off again, carrying back and forth duvets and pillows from each of their rooms and making a nest on the floor in front of the TV. 

"Gabi," they say, on their second duvet run, "Will you help Bas pick out a movie?" 

"I-I don't need help w-with th-that," Enjolras grumbles. Combeferre laughs and rolls his eyes.

"Are you going to be grumpy about this all night?" he asks fondly. 

Scowling good naturedly, Enjolras considers. 

"Maybe." 

"Go on then, pick us out a movie." 

Reaching down to their TV, Enjolras pulls out their shared box of DVDs and rifles through until he finds what he's looking for. 

Courfeyrac laughs quietly and rolls their eyes. 

"You don't even know the half of it," Combeferre says as he takes The Neverending Story from Enjolras and sets up the DVD. "When we first met, this was the only movie we were allowed to watch for the first two years of our sleepovers." 

"I-it's a beautiful st-story about hope and p-perse-perseverence," Enjolras grumbles, slinking back on to the couch and huddling into Courfeyrac's side. 

"As far as comfort movies go, it's pretty good," Courf concedes, pushing a hand into Enjolras' hair and scritching gently at the scalp. 

Combeferre comes back to the couch and settles into Enjolras' other side, leaning into him and accepting an arm around his shoulders. 

Eventually, Enjolras' tenseness ebbs away and he settles back into Courf's lap, Combeferre's head ending up in his own. A "th-thank you" is almost silently drawn from his lips as his eyes slip closed. 

"Any time," Combeferre says, just as quietly, from where his head rests easily on Enjolras' thigh. He and Courfeyrac follow in sleep shortly after. 

It's early morning when Courfeyrac wakes to a gentle jostling coming from their front. Opening their eyes and letting them adjust, they see Enjolras gently trying to pry himself away from the sandwich they've trapped him in. 

"What do you think you're doing?" Courf whispers, making Enjolras all but jump out of his skin. 

"Jules, I-I really need t-to get this w-work done." His voice is groggy from his own sleep and his eyes are bleary but he doesn't let up.

Rolling their eyes, Courf whips their arms around him and they pull him back into place. 

"Don't make me wake Gabi," they say sternly. Enjolras sighs and begrudgingly relaxes back into Jules' lap. 

"You're not going anywhere until morning," they whisper, pulling Enjolras closer and snuggling back into place. 

"I-if I fail this paper," Enjolras mutters, "I'm b-blaming you." 

"Well it's a good job you're not going to fail then, isn't it?" 

Glaring at them, Enjolras settles down and finally closes his eyes again. 

"Just get some proper rest, Bas," Courf murmurs, stroking his hair once more, "in the morning, I promise I will help you with the paper."

This seems good enough for Enjolras, who rests his head back on Courfeyrac's stomach, and slowly falls back asleep. 

[imagine-a-life-like-this]

Veil of Shadows : Chapter 19

Word Count : 1.9k

Warnings : swearing, homophobia mentioned briefly, murder, death, police, mostly sad angst

A/N : Originally I was just going to jump right into the epilogue after the last chapter, but I thought I'd give you this one last chapter before the crazy mess that will be the epilogue. Enjoy loves!

⚠️Minors do not interact⚠️

            The detective moved from his relaxed position, leaning forwards to check if he heard correctly. “You’re admitting to killing all of them?” The person in front of him shook their head and leaned back in their seat, holding the small cup of coffee he had given them hours ago. It must have gone cold long ago yet they were still sipping it like it was hot.

            He took another once over of the only person found alive at the scene. Blood spatters on their clothes, clearly exhausted as if they haven’t slept in days, completely dishevelled. It looked like an open and shut case of a person gone mad slaughtering all their friends. But when he looked closer he could see the sadness in their eyes. Their hands were shaking. Originally he thought it was nerves from being caught, but he can see now that they’re coming down from an adrenaline rush.

            “You didn’t kill anyone, did you?” The detective said suddenly. They looked up to meet his eyes, a tear rolling down their cheek as their resolve broke. They quickly wiped it away, acting like it never happened, and took another sip of the coffee that couldn’t taste good anymore. “Did you want something else to drink? Tea? Hot chocolate? New coffee? Water?” The detective asked, standing from his chair, walking towards the door.

            He was mid leaving the room when they finally spoke again. “I killed Kang Yeosang.”

~

            Seonghwa tearfully returned to the group in the living room, handing Des her puffer, and falling onto the couch he was sitting on before. Everyone else was exchanging looks with each other, wondering what happened upstairs, wondering where everyone else is.

            But they all quickly came to the conclusion that they were the final five. Their friends, their lovers, they were all gone. “I’m sorry.” Seonghwa said suddenly. Everyone shook their heads, telling him it wasn’t his fault. “I shouldn’t have let him go down alone. I should have fought him harder.”

            “Hongjoong is a stubborn ass bitch. That’s why him and Y/n worked so well together.” Des joked with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood a little bit. There was nothing any of them could do now.

            “They both were so stubborn. It’s no wonder why it took them so long to get together.” Yunho added. Everyone chuckled as they remembered how long it took the couple to finally make their relationship official. The months of telling everyone they were just friends but rejecting anyone that showed even the slightest amount of interest in them. Months of stealing glances, lingering touches, and secret meet ups that everyone knew about. It was a celebration when almost a year later Hongjoong announced that Y/n was his girlfriend.

            “They honestly should have just started dating the day they met.” Seonghwa said with a smile and a far away look in his eyes. He remembered vividly the way Hongjoong was immediately crushing on Y/n. The way Hongjoong’s life began to revolve around her. Seonghwa knew they were perfect for each other, it’s why he introduced them after him and Kayla started dating.

            “The way you and Kayla did?” Mae teased. It was no secret that Seonghwa and Kayla wasted little time in getting together when they met all the way back in the summer before high school. Y/n, Kayla, Mae, and Des were already friends at this point, having known each other basically their entire lives, or at least that’s what it felt like. Des was skeptical at a young love lasting, but she also wasn’t going to tell Kayla no. Mae and Y/n were just giddy at the thought of Kayla dating someone, teasing her when she blushed at the thought of him. All out of love of course.

            “Hey, hey. We started dating after a week thank you very much.” It was harder than both of them thought, dating in high school. Both of them wanted to make it into university so studying began to take over their lives. And even though they tried to make time for each other, their relationship almost fell apart multiple times during that time. But they never talk about that time. Only ever reliving the happy points in their relationship. Seonghwa wouldn’t change a single thing, though. Because at the end of the day, he knew she was the one he would spend the rest of his life with the day he met her, and he was right.

            “Mae and Wooyoung were the same.” Jongho teased. “Pretty sure that’s why the three couples meshed the friend groups.” He wasn’t wrong. When Kayla met Wooyoung for the first time, it was the middle of high school, and she knew immediately that Mae would love him and he would love Mae. Seonghwa and Kayla tried a few times to get them to run into each other, but something always went wrong. Y/n and Hongjoong got together on graduation day and she met Wooyoung too, quickly agreeing with Kayla. But still they were unable to get them to meet.

            “Apparently they were trying to get them together for years.” Des said. “But when San and I got together and both Mae and Wooyoung were demanding for the groups to mesh, they realized the answer was obvious the whole time.” Kayla and Y/n had told Wooyoung multiple times that they knew someone who was absolutely perfect for him, begging him to allow them to set him up on a blind date, but he was determined to meet someone the way they did. Which is why they kept trying to get the two to just run into each other.

            “If Wooyoung just believed Kayla and Y/n to begin with, it wouldn’t have taken so long.” Seonghwa explained. Mae giggled, knowing that her boyfriend regretted not letting them set him up on that blind date. He told her all the time that if he knew it’d be her, he would have agreed in an instant. Because they were right, she’s absolutely perfect for him.

            “You know I think the only love story I don’t know is Yunho and Mingi’s. They were already engaged by the time I met them.” Mae said, turning her attention to Yunho. Yunho looked down at his ring, twisting it around his finger. He never expected to get married early in life, but when he met, and later fell in love with, Mingi, everything just fell into place.

            “I don’t think it’s anything special. We met during lunch in junior high. He’s a slow eater, so all his friends had already finished their food and left. I had finished my food too, but I felt bad for him. No one should have to eat alone. So I went and paid for a second lunch and sat with him.”

            “Did you have a crush on him right from the beginning?” Jongho asked, cocking his head to the side. Yunho thought for a minute. Did he like Mingi from the beginning? He always played off their first meeting as him being taught to treat everyone with kindness, and that everyone should have someone to eat with. But the more he thought about it, maybe he was just trying to play off that he always had feelings for his best friend. They didn’t just form gradually.

            “I don’t know. Maybe. All I know is we continued to eat together everyday during junior high, and by the time we reached high school, he was nervously coming out to me. And then a month later I came out to him and he kissed me. The rest is history.” There was more to it, but their friends didn’t need to know. They didn’t need to know that Mingi didn’t actually come out to Yunho. He confessed to Yunho and Yunho told him he wasn’t gay, that he only saw him as a friend.  They didn’t need to know that it wasn’t until he saw Mingi getting confessed to by another guy that he realized how stupid it was to hide his true self away because of prejudice. Yeah, that part he can keep to himself.

            “How did Mingi get the nickname princess?” Mae asked. Yunho smiled to himself as he thought back to that day.

            “Because he’s a princess.” Yunho chuckled. “He’s so clumsy which leads to him getting himself hurt a lot. I started carrying a first aid kit because of him. It was this one time he had fallen and scraped his knees, so I was patching him up as always. He kept wincing from the pain, and I was just teasing him with the name, but he kept blushing every time I called him princess, I just couldn’t stop.” He smiled fondly as he remembered that day. He was going to miss Mingi’s clumsy antics.

            “You two were soulmates.” Mae said softly. Yunho looked up and met her eyes. “I think we all were. We were all supposed to meet.”

            “You think we would have ended up here no matter what choices we made?” Seonghwa asked. Mae thinks for a moment. Thinks back on everything that happened. How everyone met, how everyone fell in love. How their group ended up here.

            Kayla and Seonghwa met and started dating before high school. Y/n and Hongjoong were next, beginning their relationship on graduation day. Des stopped waiting for San to ask her out and asked him out during the first month of university. Which would lead them to meshing their friend groups for Mae and Wooyoung to meet and start dating only a few weeks later.

            Yunho and Mingi had met in junior high and slowly fell for each other over time, leading to them starting a relationship in high school, and getting married in university. Jongho and Yuri were childhood friends separated by Yuri’s sudden move abroad in high school. They both unfortunately realized their feelings were more than platonic too late. But as fate would have it, they would end up going to the same university, neither of them wasting any time before confessing, not wanting to miss out again.

            Yeosang was working at a café owned by Jia’s family. She was a regular customer there, taking a liking to Yeosang. Or at least that’s the story they told everyone. That he piqued her interest and she wanted to know more about him, so she kept returning to the café despite it being out of her way to work. She was meant to be married off to another rich family when she started dating Yeosang, but was that fate or something else?

            “Jia was the only piece that didn’t fit.” Everyone nodded in agreement. “I’m not going down without a fight, but just know that if this is my last night, I’m glad it was spent with you guys.” Mae said.

            “Me too.” Des chimed in. The three boys agreed. And they know that the others, the ones they’ve lost, would have agreed as well. “So we all know that Yeosang’s the killer, right?” There was a chorus of oh yeah’s from the group.

            “I wish I could apologize to Y/n. Yeosang had me tricked with his texts with Yuri.” Jongho said. “I should have known she wouldn’t have done all of this.”

            “That punch was her forgiving you.” Des told him. “So don’t let it kill you. Pun intended.”

            “Thanks Des.” He chuckled. “So what’s our plan? We just sit here and hope he doesn’t come back? Or do we go on the offensive?”

back to masterlist

@mxnsxngie @maeleelee @hgema @itswaffleberry

[littlegaybean1]

So I had a dream a few weeks ago and I thought you good omens Tumblr people would want to hear about it.

What was this dream, I hear absolutely none of you cry?

Good Omens Season Three of course!

It begins with Crowley, with his hair just above the shoulders and wavy, very similar to the 2000s Crowley hair. He's in his house, wearing sunglasses and dressed in his final fifteen outfit. Somehow my dream self knew that this was a month or two after the final fifteen. Crowley is lounging in his chair, looking depressed, with a glass of wine balanced on the arm somehow.

Then, we cut to Heaven. Aziraphale is sitting at the desk that Michael is seen at in S2, with stacks of paperwork on the desk. He's smiling, but tears are pooling in his eyes. The Metatron comes over and says something that I can't remember, to which Aziraphale says "yes of course" in his polite way with a smile. He shuffles the papers and then gets up and walks away, the Metatron looking on with an expression that I can only describe as villainous.

Then, we cut to... Hastur? Who is narrating? Subconscious brain, what are you doing? He stares straight at me (which is basically like staring at the camera) and monologues, which boils down to

"Our great heroes are separated, grieving the loss of each other when neither are dead" (sarcastically)

"Well," *chuckles* "neither are dead yet."

Cut back to Crowley. He's angry, tears streaming from underneath his glasses. He throws his wine glass at the wall before collapsing on the floor. Looking up at the ceiling, he speaks to someone above, we all know who.

"Why did you go? Why'd you have to go and leave me you adorable little bastard. You left me, I needed you! I still... I still need you. Come back. Please come back." Or something similar to that. His voice breaks and he just lies there crying.

Up in Heaven, Aziraphale can't hear him but something upsets him. He buries his head in his arms, crying.

Then, back to Crowley's flat, but this time he's not alone. Hastur, Dagon, Shax and Eric burst in through the wall, grab him and drag him out of the door whilst he's screaming and cursing at them.

Cut to Hell, in the room that Beelzebub teleported Crowley to in S2. Crowley's on a black throne, but he's chained down and his head is forced into a bowed position. The four aforementioned demons stand before him, cackling. One of them holds a sword to his throat.

Cut back to Heaven, and Uriel comes over to Aziraphale and says that they've been sent a message from Hell. The message is a live video call, showing the previous scene. Aziraphale gasps, suddenly going from mildly confused to purely terrified. His eyes flood with tears and he appears paralysed, standing stock still and eyes glued to the image before him.

The demons laugh and hiss, before burying the sword in Crowley's shoulder. It glows brightly and Crowley screams in pain. A bucket is seen next to them, and I somehow know that Aziraphale is certain that it's full of holy water. Aziraphale seems to break out of his daze, stutters a bit then says, to nobody in particular

"I'll just be two ticks"

The demons are visibly confused, as is Uriel. None of them really know what to make of this. Then, still on the video, Crowley starts to shake, and is suddenly not chained. He collapses and rolls off the chair. One of the demons shove him onto his back, where we see that Crowley is... Laughing???

"Oh, we're all seriously fucked. That's his 'I'm going to pretend that everything is fine then turn into an absolute raging maniac' voice."

He then starts laughing even harder. The demons exchange worried glances. Has he gone off his rocker?

One of the demons is getting seriously pissed off by the laughing, and stabs Crowley in the other shoulder. But this time, he doesn't scream, he just keeps on laughing.

Suddenly, the room rumbles and an extremely pissed, immaculately dressed Aziraphale appears, wielding his flaming sword. His eyes are glowing the purple of Arch-Angelic power. With two strokes of his sword, Eric discorporates and the sword pointed at Crowley is knocked away. Aziraphale stands over Crowley's bleeding form and growls in the same tone as in the bookshop

"Stay back."

He waves his hand over Crowley's body, and a shield of light splits him off from everyone. Somehow my dream self knows that Aziraphale isn't only protecting Crowley from the demons, he's protecting Crowley from him. With that, Aziraphale thrusts his sword deeply into the ground, the room shaking violently and filling with pure angelic light. When it fades, Aziraphale is covered in soot and bears several burns, and is carrying Crowley through the light, up and up back to

The bookshop.

Crowley looks up at Aziraphale in a bit of a daze, and weakly says

"Did you... Stop to change before charging down to hell?"

"I wanted to be dressed appropriately! It's not every day one fights off demons in their home territory." Aziraphale sounds defensive, but also worried.

"You idiot angel." Crowley smiles at him affectionately.

"Yes, he very much is."

DUN DUN DUN!

The Metatron appears in the bookshop, an expression of fury on his face.

"I gave you power, I gave you status, I gave you a name for yourself. But still, you throw away all this for some, failed angel who couldn't even be a demon right! I won't have it!"

The Metatron snaps his fingers, white light flooding the bookshop and Crowley cries out in alarm. The husbands grip each other tightly, refusing to let even the Metatron's power separate them.

My dream ends with Hastur's laughter, as the two wake up in Heaven, still clutching each other.

[nanda-writes]

Paternity Test

“I think my dad is a demon.”

“Not unheard of.” Carlos, the exchange demonology student, replied.

Liz frowned.

“I'm serious. My mom never talks about him and now there's this weird… spirit thing, following me.”

“Do you feel hot?”

“What?”

“Hot, angry, headaches, skin reddening?”

“No?”

“No signs of a hellspawn then, you're clear.”

“Come on Carlinhos, help me here, you're the only one from that weird magic uni I know.”

Carlos sighed.

“Okay, tell me what happened.”

“It all started 3 months ago.”

I had just arrived home from school. Mother sent me a message saying she wouldn't be home but lunch was in the fridge. So you can imagine my surprise when I saw Mom in the kitchen, frying rice. (my favorite!)

When she noticed me walking in she turned to me with the brightest smile I ever saw on her face. She rushed me to the table saying I should eat my lunch before going to work. And that's when I started to notice some weird stuff.

First of all, her fried rice didn't taste the same. It wasn't bad, but it didn't taste like mom's fried rice.

Second, she would not eat with me, just… stare. It freaked me out. She kept smiling while looking at me, and when I asked if she was going to eat she said:

“Oh no, human food give me stomach aches.”

She said that with a straight face, I didn't know whether to believe she was joking or not.

Once I finished my food she stood up and gently held me by my shoulders. With tears in her eyes she said:

“My daughter, my beautiful daughter.”

Do I need to say that's not something my mother does regularly? She continued:

“I missed you so much.”

And kissed me on the forehead.

It was at that moment I heard the entrance door being unlocked and the distinct voice of my mother saying:

“I'm back early sweety, did you eat already?”

My “mom” froze.

When my real mom finally reached the kitchen, they stared at each other for a moment.

“You again?!” My real mom yelled, throwing the shopping bags on the floor “I told you to leave us alone! Get away! Go! Go!”

She was slapping my “other mom” in the back and rushing her out of the house. I remember the pitiful look on my other mom’s face, she was silent as she left the house.

When I, rightfully, asked my actual mother what the hell just happened, she said we should talk after my shift, so I went to work. When I got home that day, she simply acted like nothing ever happened! She's gaslighting me to this day!

***

“Oh!” Carlos interrupted “Was it that day? The one you were so tired you thought your hand was turning gray while working the coffee machine?”

“Yeah”

“Hm…” he squinted his eyes at her “Crazy, sorry, go on”

***

And then I started to notice weird stuff happening.

First, suddenly I noticed a strange aura on the snake that always follows me around…

***

“Wait, wait, sorry again, the hell you mean the snake that follows you around? Are there even snakes in this region?! Isn't Ireland a snake free country?”

“Yeah, I didn't notice at first, there were plenty of snakes in my hometown, I hadn't realized they weren't common here.”

“And you were not worried that a specific snake followed you around?”

“It wasn't a venomous one, it's a milk snake, cute, like a pet.”

“Holy Shit.”

“Can I?”

“Yeah sure, go ahead.”

“Okay so…”

***

There was this weird aura around it.

Out of nowhere the snake tried to curl around my leg so I grabbed it gently, I looked at its face and I shit you not — I recognized it! The way its mouth stood… it looked like it was smiling, the same smile my “other mother” had at that time!

No need to say I dropped the snake and ran away.

Three days later my math teacher started acting weird as well. You know, don't you? Mr. Walker hates my guts! But suddenly he was being very nice to me. He wouldn't complain about my lateness anymore nor scold me for sleeping in his class. A sudden change of heart was weird but I wasn't complaining. Until I noticed.

His smile. He would always smile at me, with the same smile.

The same as the other mother. The same as the snake.

I wasn't having it.

After school, I cornered him in the parking lot.

“Who are you and what did you do with Mr. Walker?!”

He looked surprised for a moment.

“What do you mean, Miss Ferreira? I'm Mr. Walker.”

“No, you're not.” I rebuked “Mr. Walker can't pronounce my last name for shit. You're not him. What did you do?”

He smiled. The same sly snake-like grin.

“I believe we should discuss this in a place a bit more… private.”

“I'm not going to your fucking second location, you weirdo.” God knows what he had done to Mr. Walker. I wasn't risking it. I watch true crime documentaries, I'm not dumb.

He looked genuinely hurt. Maybe I was being rude. But fuck politeness.

“Maybe you could… choose a place and time? So we can discuss it properly. I swear your teacher is fine.”

He looked pathetic at this point. I was starting to feel bad.

“Okay…” I said and gave him a place and time.

***

We met at a diner. It wasn't late, I had just gotten off work. The sky was gleaming orange on the horizon, streets busy with workers heading home. It was fine. I was fine. I was not nervous. Not a bit.

I wiped the sweat out off my hands as I waited for him.

He showed up. At the exact time we planned. He had the same big smile on his face, it felt… silly.

“I'm glad you chose a more isolated seat,” he said to me and winked, “Let me show you a trick.”

And then the man wearing Mr. Walker's skin suddenly wasn't anymore.

I'll spare you the details of the transformation, but you know how snakes shed their skin? Yeah. That's what happened.

The new… person in front of me was very pale, although their skin had red and black spots all over, very androgynous also, and very lanky. Their hair and eyes were black as the night sky, I could not see their pupils, but I was sure they were slits and I just knew that if I touched their skin it would be cold and damp. The smile was the same though. It felt… comforting, for some reason.

I was shocked of course. And disgusted. Not by their appearance but the “trick” was nauseating to watch.

They grabbed my hands. As I expected, cold and damp.

“Lizzzzz…” they said “I know this is weird, but it's been 17 years and you need to know the truth.”

My mouth dropped to the floor as he said:

“I am your father.”

***

18 years ago, Maria, my mother was living in the Bahian Caatinga. She lived a simple life. Not so good, not so bad. Her parents wanted her to have a good education, so she went to the capital to study biology in college.

Mother had a special interest. Growing up in the caatinga she was used to seeing and handling a fair share of regional snakes. But what most people thought as just a regular inconvenience was her deepest passion.

She loved snakes and would never let her father kill the ones that sometimes sought shelter in her house. She would always hold them carefully and release them back to the wild, leaving the old man to pout and rant “They'll just keep coming back!”.

And that's cute, right? I'm all for helping the local species but… it caused her to receive some… unusual attention.

Suddenly, — no matter where she went — there would always be a snake around. She didn't notice at first, after all, what are the chances? But it was the same snake every time. A male milk snake, very common in the area but, That's weird… she thought, yet, what could she do? Even if she was superstitious, wouldn't that be a good sign anyways?

She got used to it eventually. And everything was normal. At least until St. John's day.

It was during the June holidays. Her village was going all out for the festivities that year: colorful banderoles from pole to pole, stands of all types in the street, the laughter of the children in their costumes filling the air together with the winter smells of corn, peanut, stews and alcohol brought by the cold breeze, the music never stopped, from the sanfoneiros at the plaza to the home speakers blasting all genres of music.

It was night, but the village shone as if the sun had never set.

It was during the festivities that a strange man, who later claimed to be called Conrado, approached her.

Extending his hand he said:

“Care for a danssssssce?”

Oh, he must be nervous, Mom thought, how adorable. And took his hand.

The dancing leads to flirting, and that leads to kissing, and kissing leads to… well, you know.

He promised to go see her the next day, at the cathedral by morning. She accepted, of course, after all, she had to explain that she had a boyfriend in the city… oopsies. But when she went there… there was no man, only that same snake that always followed her around.

And that was when he realized, and oh boy was she pissed.

Seriously? A snake demon?! A STALKER SNAKE DEMON?!

The snake did its best to be understood, to explain itself. But it could not talk, so I guess it didn't work.

What made Mom angrier was the fact that she didn't get her period the month later… neither the next month, nor the nine months that came after. And then I was born.

Years later, when I was… uh… five? she moved to Ireland — the only place with no snakes she could think of — to further her education, claiming I would also be safer here.

It took a while for “Conrado” to find us, most specifically, me. But he is very happy he did. He's been watching over me ever since.

***

“Wait, you said she had a boyfriend back in the city?” I asked.

“Hm? Yessssssss… I didn't mind though…”

“That means I could also be his daughter.”

He gave me a sad look.

“Yessssss but, I feel you aren't…” He looked even sadder. “But you musssst have notisssssssed, right…? That you are different.”

“No. I didn't.”

Was my skin a little weird? Yes, but I'm a teenager. Do I have some speech impediments related to s and z sounds? Yeah, but lots of people have it too! Was my sense of smell stronger? Yeah, but that's not out of this world. Was I a bit stronger than normal for my build? Yeah, well actually no, y’all are just a bunch of wimps.

He looked at me with the saddest expression I ever saw on a man, he looked… pathetic. Exactly my mom's type, that I can't deny.

“Okay, then…” he sighed, “but if you notice something… anything, you can call me, alright? I'm staying in the woods next to your house, just scream into a tree and I'll find you.”

He was about to leave, but then realized something and turned back to me.

“Also, take this,” he handed me a rock with a hole in the middle “You might not be my daughter, but I still want Maria's kid to be safe.” aw

And he left.

***

“And that’s it.” Liz finished her story with a sigh. “He can’t be my real dad, right? I would have noticed it…”

“Liz,” Carlos said in a deep voice “Did you notice that you didn’t blink a single time in this conversation?”

“What?”

“And that your hands and arms have camouflaged themselves on the table?”

“What?!” Liz looked down and sure thing, the color of her hands was completely changed, blending in with the table. Liz's mouth was on the floor.

“Also, everyone thinks I am enrolled at a regular university, no “weird magic uni”, for the institution is spell protected.”

Liz was flabbergasted “Then how? I…?”

“Only special humans or magical beings are able to know the truth about the university.”

“...”

“You should call your dad.” Carlos said “Also, you're almost finishing high school, right? I think you'll be getting an email soon…’’

“I… don't I need to apply first?’’

“The mystic arts university works differently, it's more like they come for you, no application needed.”

“I… I'll get going.” Liz stumbled.

Needless to say, a certain snake was very happy that evening. And feelings aside, Liz could not help to feel relieved to have a uni waiting for her already, admission exams were such a pain in the—.

[ihavenocarinsurance]

ObeyMe! angst

I cannot sleep and have suddenly been hit with some unreal motivation and dedication

CHARACTER: Lucifer

GENRE: angst

READER: genderneutral

CONTEXT: established romantic relationship

WARNINGS: none

EXTRA INFO: this is my first time writing for ObeyMe! and as always I am open for any criticism ♡ I wrote that like months ago and forgot- I can't remember writing this; At first I was convinced that this isn't mine...

Lucifer

Lucifer, a demon with a high status is expected to be a busy one. From managing RADs school events to signing an endless amount of papers is all entrusted to him. Responsible, stoic, dedicated and reliable. That is the Lucifer everyone knows.

But in your eyes, when it is just the both of you he becomes a Lucifer only you have seen before. He becomes a compassionate, romantic and loving Lucifer. He becomes yours truly. You Lucifer, recognised in both worlds.

However, both worlds need him and while you do your best to be understanding and support him doing what brings him happiness, the heavy feeling of loneliness in your chest is undeniably strong. Most of your days have faded into an excruciatingly long repetitive routine, almost tiring you to sleep while everything around you seems to have lost colour. One would assume you were simply under the weather. You on the other hand were very well aware that this was simply a result of your unmet desire to be with Lucifer. You simply wanted to spend time with him, to feel him. And most days would pass exactly like that. If you were lucky you'd see him during breakfast and dinner, exchange smiles and kisses but your chances of meeting him fell all the way to 0 once you left HOL in the mornings.

On days where you did have the chance to meet Lucifer it was mostly in forms of a dinner date. And while the entire week was spent looking forward for that single dinner date it was worth waiting for once you finally got to wrap your arms around him and finally feel him embrace you in a hug in return.

And today was finally the day.

"I'll see you for dinner then" you kissed his cheek to which he pulled you closer by your waist, placing his other hand on your neck. "I can't wait, my love" he replied before you left for RAD.

The day went by smoothly, faster than usual and the excitement was hard to contain.

Once you arrived at HOL you immediately got ready, no longer being able to hide just how excited you were and soon enough you were seated at your reserved table. You had messaged Lucifer about your whereabouts on your way aswell as once you had arrived at the restaurant. So far you hadn't received any reply. It was safe to assume he was presumably on his way.

And just like that the first 30 minutes passed. With no call neither any new message in response to your previous ones.

After 15 more minutes you started typing more messages, asking about his whereabouts; if he was alright. No reply.

Throughout the next hour the stares of the customers and your waiter became hard to ignore. Each and every pair of eyes took its turn in sticking to your silhouette, sitting by itself.

He had stood you up. And as embarassing it was to admit you seemed to be the last person in the restaurant to realise.

And just like that, the world was once again drained of any kind of colour it previously had. Your messages still unopened and unseen you made your way home.

I don't remember writing this and neither do I think did I ever save that heart gif up there....but here we are?? my alzheimers is becoming worse

[merrybloomwrites]

Call Your Mom

Summary: When life becomes too much you have a plan for a way out. What you don't realize is that a simple text to your childhood friend Noah won't only save your life, but turn it around for the better.

Word Count: 1.6K

CW: suicide attempt, depression

AN: This fic is very heavy. Please protect your mental health. If the topic of suicide and suicide attempts are upsetting or triggering for you, please do not read this story. Your health comes first!

I suddenly became obsessed with the song Call Your Mom and could not rest until I'd written this.

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

You start the day like you’ve started every day for the past few years. A shower, a cup of coffee, some cereal and a long, slow commute to work. 

It continues in the same monotonous way it always does. But today you actually have something to look forward to.

A bottle of pills, waiting for you once you get home. A simple fix, something to stop this boring life, full of hurt and loss and bad news and bad days. 

Every year it gets worse and worse. You have a theory that the world would actually explode if something good happened to you. Because nothing good ever does. It’s always inconveniences, problems for you to solve, or even worse, problems you can’t solve. Hopeless causes. 

And you’re tired. Just so damn tired of fighting every single day, just to make it through the day. It’s exhausting.

But finally, it’s all about to be over. 

Driving home takes even longer than usual, and you realize why when you reach your neighborhood.

It’s Halloween, and kids are out trick or treating with their parents and their siblings and their friends. Having fun. Laughing. Enjoying life.

You remember what that was like. You remember how much you used to love Halloween. You and your best friend Noah always hung out that day, running around and collecting candy in your fun costumes. You’d go back to his house after to trade candy, you giving him your Whoppers in exchange for all of his Milk Duds. 

When you finally make it home you have some dinner, then clean it and put away the dishes. Feeling slightly nostalgic you pull out an old photo album, flipping through it and focusing on the Halloween photos.

It’s so amazing how happy and carefree you were. And so sad that you haven’t felt that way in years. 

It hurts to look at Noah, thinking back to all the good times you had as kids. You’re proud of him and happy that he’s been successful and is out there living his dream. You’d gone to one of his shows, and it was the best night you’d had in years. But then you woke up again the next morning, back in your lonely apartment, and that post-concert depression left you even more glum than normal. 

You look between the photo album and the stacks of notes you have written for your family members. There isn’t one there for Noah, but you want to say one last thing to him before you go. So you send him a text before opening the bottle and downing the pills inside.

**********

Noah’s out with some friends when his phone buzzes with an incoming text. He’s surprised to see your name pop up. He hadn’t heard from you since you’d come to one of his shows, and that was nearly six months ago. 

He smiles, happy to see you message him, but then he reads the text. He’s immediately on edge, worried by what you’re saying. Because it sounds like a goodbye. 

He knows that you’ve had a lot happen to you in the past few years, a lot of setbacks and things to cause you grief. But you always seemed so upbeat. He never had a reason to worry, until this moment. 

Stepping out of the bar he takes a deep breath of crisp, fall air. He reads the message again. And again. 

He doesn’t know what to do. He feels like he's overreacting. But he cannot get over the thought that something bad might happen, could be happening at this very moment. He tries calling you, calls three times, but gets no answer.

Wracking his brain, he tries to think of anyone in his phone that still lives by you, but he can’t come up with anyone. Finally, he scrolls through and sees your mom’s contact. It’s been years since he’s called her, and he just hopes that she hasn’t changed her number. 

There’s once again no answer. He calls again and she doesn’t pick up. He leaves a voicemail, telling her he thinks something is wrong and she needs to call him back.

After leaving the message he goes back inside to tell his friends he’s leaving. He runs to the garage where his car is, thankful that he hadn’t even finished his first beer and can get on the road immediately. 

Noah drives as fast as he safely can, and by the time he’s out of the city and on the highway he gets a call back from your mom. She received his message and went to check on you, finding you unconscious in your apartment. She updates that she’d called 911 and is now at the hospital waiting to hear an update on your condition. 

That’s all he knows as he continues to speed through the dark, thankfully empty streets, all the way back to Vermont. 

His mind swirls between happy thoughts, like memories the two of you share, and sad thoughts, like the fact that you could be gone, never to make memories again.

Noah keeps his emotions in check and concentrates as he maneuvers the back roads into  your shared hometown. 

Finally, after what feels like days, he arrives at the hospital. As soon as he enters the reception area he sees your family. Your mother sits, worry clear on her face. Your father paces the room, anxiously waiting for any news. 

But it’s your sister who notices Noah first, running over to hug him. 

“Thank you so much for calling mom,” she says through tears. 

“How-” he tries to ask but a wave of emotion chokes off his sentence. 

Understanding what he was trying to ask, she answers, “They think she’ll be okay. She took pills but they said she got here in time. They pumped her stomach and are monitoring her now.”

“Thank god,” Noah says. 

Your dad comes over, placing a firm hand on Noah’s shoulder. He doesn’t say anything but Noah understands the gratitude he’s relaying through the gesture. 

Finally he goes and sits next to your mom. She takes his hand in hers, again a silent show of appreciation. 

It isn't too long after that when the doctor comes out and tells everyone that you’re awake. 

You close your eyes and try to hide your face when your family files in, ashamed by what you’d done. But they don’t hesitate, all of them crowding you to hold you. 

You apologize numerous times, your family taking turns to tell you it’s okay, everything is okay, they’re just glad you’re alright. 

When they finally back away and give you room to breathe, you see one more person standing shyly against the wall. You feel even worse now, making Noah drop everything and drive all the way back here. 

“Mom, can I have a minute with Noah please?” She nods and ushers your family out of the room, saying they’ll be back in a few minutes. 

After they leave Noah walks closer, standing right by your bed. 

“I’m sorry,” you say again. “So sorry you had to come here and handle this. I’m sorry I inconvenienced you.”

“Hey, no. Stop. You did not inconvenience me. I am just so relieved to see you alive and breathing.”

“I mess everything up. Everything is so messed up and it’s all my fault. I wanted to make it all stop.”

He sits down on the bed and wraps his arms around you. 

“Do you remember that night senior year when you showed up at my house with a stack of DVDs and like, every snack you could find?” He asks. 

“Yeah. You’d seemed really down that day and I wanted to cheer you up,” you reply. 

“I was down. I’d been struggling with my mental health, and I also wanted to make everything stop. I had gotten pills, just like you. I was going to take them that night. But then you showed up, forced yourself into my room and put on a movie marathon. Y/N, everything I have, all my success and happiness, that’s all because of you. That wouldn’t have been possible if you hadn’t saved me that night.”

He pauses to wipe the tears streaming down your face and says, “I know what you’re feeling. I’ve been exactly where you are. And I know you won’t believe this now, and it seems like such a cliche, but I promise it gets better. Not all at once, and not all the time, but it will stop feeling so overwhelmingly awful. You’ll get your light back and little by little it will get better.”

Somehow, you believe him. Knowing he’s experienced this before and came out the other side proves it’s possible. 

“Thank you for saving me,” you say. 

“Thank you for saving me first,” he replies. 

You sit there together and think about what he’d said. If there’s one thing tonight has taught you, it is that you matter. There are people who would be devastated if you were gone.  

Not only that, you owe it to yourself to stick around and experience life. 

It takes work, always will. But after months of therapy and accountability plans and late night calls to family when things feel too much, you’re able to tell Noah you have dreams again. 

A couple months after that you report to him that you have a new job, one that brings you joy and fulfillment. 

A few weeks after that you adopt a pet, someone to share life with and who depends on you. Needs you to survive so they can survive. 

When you feel healthy you get into a relationship. It doesn’t work out, but it’s not the end of the world. 

And when Halloween comes around back around, you’re spending it with your best friend once more. 

It’s been a year of hard work to get better, but as you watch movies and eat snacks hanging on the couch with Noah, you’re so happy that you were here for it. Everything could have ended a year ago. But you’re so incredibly happy it didn’t.

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

AN: Thank you for reading! I probably won't write more for Noah unless inspiration strikes like it did for this one, so requests are not open for him

[bphantom01]

ARC V MONTH DAY 2 - Kahyoreigetsu

A/N: Uhh this is so very late and rather rushed, but here’s my take on @arcvmonth day 2 - a fanfic of the girls having a sleepover of sorts. This is at least a 15 min read btw.

Pairs: Anything between the girls is platonic.

Warnings: None. Expect some OOCness & ridiculous moments.

It's been a year since the war ended. Even better, a week ago, Yuzu, together with Yuya, were separated from their counterparts.

It would've been terrible if they weren't…

Anyway, tonight, Yuzu invited Serena and Rin for a sleepover at her and Ruri’s room.

Since after the war, that's where all the other three lived, as they—-together with Shun—were adopted by Shuzo with Yuzu and Ruri sharing a room and Rin and Serena sharing another.

As for Shun, they made a whole place for him in part of the attic upstairs, amd he was fine that way. 

Anyway, back with the girls, Yuzu, had already planned everything that she wanted to do with them for the night: play board games, video games too maybe, duel, watch a movie…

She could tell that it was gonna be a fun night

“So Yuzu, what're we doin’ first?” Rin asked, biting into a chip.

All four were gathered on two large shikibutons that were spread over the floor, which was also where Rin and Serena would each sleep later.

“Rin, stop eating on the bed; it might attract ants,” Serena muttered as she had a  table duel with Ruri.

And by the look on her face, it was getting intense.

…also that she was losing.

“I'll make sure not to leave any crumbs, so don't worry.”

“Alright, then.” Serena went back to focus on her duel.

“Well, Rin,” Yuzu finally said, rummaging through her shelf, “we'll first be playing something…”

She pulled out a small cardboard box which, as soon as it hit the ground, made a sound that came when wooden bricks hit each other.

“Jenga!” Yuzu went on.

“Ooh, I've heard of it but have never played it before, so I'm totes down,” Rin uttered, taking another chip.

“I won, again!” Ruri declared cheerfully while Serena pouted; she lost a good three times to Ruri now. “Yuzu, I'm in too, by the way.”

“Sure, but what about her?” Yuzu asked, motioning to Serena.

Ruri sighed. “She's a bit… Salty right now, so I'm not su—”

“I'm joining!” Serena announced suddenly. “And I'm not losing to anybody.”

“Well, okay then. Just let me set the tower up…” Yuzu sighed.

She opened the top of the box and placed her hand on it to prevent it from falling when she flipped the whole thing upside-down and placed the thing onto the table before she took her hand off and gently removed the box after. 

“First time I've seen anyone do that,” Ruri complimented, nodding.

“It's easier and more convenient this way,” Yuzu explained. “Also, before we start… The person who loses to this will have,” she smiled, “consequences.”

“Tell!” Rin prompted, moving closer to the group.

“The loser… They'll need to perform a prank call,” the former finished.

“Then I'm game! I'm sure I won't lose this time!” Serena assured.

Rin and Ruri agreed as well.

Yuzu nodded. “Alright, then! Let's start… We'll do this in rotation. Since I set it up, I'm going first, then Serena because she's at my right, then Rin, and last, Ruri, before me again.”

She went on, “Of course, the rules are pretty basic: take a block from anywhere in the tower—except the top, of course—and place said block on the top, and be sure to turn it 90 degrees from the block from the bottom of it. BUT whoever lets the tower fall loses. Anyway, let's begin!”

Yuzu started by tapping on a block at the center of two others softly. Sensing that it was loose, she gently pressed it out to the other side and placed the block at the top.

“See that? It's easy. But, remember, the loser—or the one who makes the tower fall over—will have to prank call someone.”

The other three nodded, and the game officially began.

It started off as quite a friendly game, taking and placing the blocks of wood and exchanging turns…

Until literally just about four minutes later.

The whole thing was almost a skeleton now, and it looked as if it was about to fall any time.

The whole room was quiet, save the sound of the air rushing from the AC.

And the tense atmosphere made the room feel even more chilly than it was.

It was now Ruri’s turn, and poor she was the first to witness what people would do to win Jenga.

She was lightly tapping on a loose block at the bottom when Serena went, “Oh. Oh. Oh. It's so gonna fall.”

“Stop it,” Ruri scolded, very gently trying to take the block off.

“Boo!” Rin yelled, making Rin almost stumble her hand. “Ack!”

And the tower…

Sway,

Ruri held her breath,

Sway,

Yuzu froze—literally,

Swaaayyy…

The skeleton of wooden blocks stood very, very still.

Ruri gasped a breath of relief, and with a swift pull, she got the block needed out.

Now, the only thing she had to do was place it on top.

She gulped; she thought it was over, but then there was still that.

So, with utmost care, she placed the block gently.

The tower didn't fall.

“Woo!” Ruri yelled, taking in the sweet breath of relief once again.

“Nice one, Ruri!” Yuzu yelled, raising her hand and hitting a block from the tower.

They immediately shut up, and Serena yelled, “Timbre!”

“Oh, come o—” Yuzu complained as the tower fell.

“Yuzu lost, Ruri won,” Rin concluded. “And, Yuzu, as you said: prank call.”

Yuzu groaned. She just HAD to mess that up. “Alright, fine… who should I call?”

“Hm… Yuya,” Serena stated bluntly.

“…what? No,” Yuzu protested. “Plus, he knows my voice.”

“Ah, but he won't!” Rin said. “Here's a voice changing device. As its name suggests, it will change your voice.”

Yuzu sighed. It was… Ironic that she had to suffer the consequence of something she started. “You sure it'll work?”

“Yep! Yugo and I have used it before, so don't worry,” Rin assured.

“Okay, here I go, I guess.” Yuzu took Ruri’s duel disk—the one she originally had in Xyz, not the Fusion one—and plugged the device in, as that was one disk whose number Yuya didn't yet know.

After that, she went on and typed his number, which was followed by a ring.

Not long after, he answered. “Hello, this is Yuya Sakaki. Who's this?”

Yuzu thought of what to say. Hm… Maybe she should act as if someone was kidnapped.

So, with the mic, she started. “Good evening, Yuya. We've called to inform you that we have someone you care for with us. We've kidnapped Yuzu Hiiragi and taken her hostage.”

“Wait, what!? What proof do you have?”

Yuzu put the mic down and, while covering her own mouth to muffle her voice, screamed, “Yuya! Help me, Yuya!”

Beside her, two of other girls giggled silently, while Ruri was contemplating on whether this was a good idea or not.

“Yuzu! Oh, come on! Again…” They heard Yuya sigh. “Okay, then, what do you want?” They heard him get off his bed.

Yuzu picked the mic up. “Well, a bargain, of course. 5 million yen in exchange for Yuzu—”

She and her sisters shut up when they heard Yuya saying quietly, to whom they guessed is Yugo beside him, “Yugo! Can you track this number?”

Oh no. They forgot that all the Yu’s are currently sharing a room.

“Rin! Can you do something about that?” Yuzu asked in a whisper.

“Oh, yes, but it will… Take a while—hacking is not as easy as they make it in TV.” Rin got up to take a laptop from her and Serena's room.

(A/N: i only have very lil idea of how hacking works so this is… Random.)

She got back and opened her makeshift computer. “Alright. I should be good in a few, as both Yugo and I have done this kind of thing before.”

Yuzu nodded and, taking the mic, went on with the call. “Oh, by the way, we have Ruri, too!”

Ruri followed what Yuzu did earlier to muffler her voice with her hands and said, “Yuto! Are you there!? Yuya, please, call Yuto!”

From the other side of the call, Yuto got up from his place on a couch, yelling, “Ruri!?”

And, in the attic where Shun resided, he jumped out of his bed, ran off the ladder, and slammed the door to Ruri and Yuzu’s room open. “RURI! Are you alright!?”

The girls were surprised at the sudden intrusion and they all gasped. Yuzu had to put the call on hold.

“Oh Ra… Nii-san! You scared us,” Ruri exclaimed. “Yes, I'm all right. We were just prank-calling Yuya, which ended up pranking Yuto and Yugo, too.”

“Oh.” Shun actually felt… Embarrassed. “Sorry, then. Do your best with pranking Yuto.”

“We will,” Ruri assured.

“Yuzu’s pretty good, to be honest,” Serena commented, pointing to her.

“Yeah. The guys actually seem like they were falling for it,” Rin laughed, typing on her keyboard.

“Hey, you know, mind if I join?” Shun asked. “I'm gonna be fun, promise.”

“Well,” Yuzu began, “It's a b-girls-only sleepover—”

“So, I'm sorry, Shun,” Ruri interrupted. “Maybe next time?” she suggested, getting up and closing the door slowly.

“Oh, come on, please…?” Shun continued, begging. “Sigh, never mind, then. But I better be included next time!”

“Maybe!” Ruri said, finally closing the door.

“We almost got caught,” Yuzu sighed. “But it's fine. I'm gonna call them again.”

“Alright.”

And it went on.

In the Yu’s house, the boys, excluding Yuri, were now thinking of ways of how to get the girls back.

Then, Yuto noticed something. “Wait…” he muttered, leaning closer to the screen of Yuya’s disk.

The number, it was…

It was Ruri’s!

It was possible that the “kidnappers” were using her disk, but there's also another possibility of…

“I don't know who this is,” he said into the disk, “but… Ruri, please be honest, are you… Prank calling us?”

The girls were silent. But Yuzu thought to just end their suffering. Sighing, she spoke without the voice changer. “I've had my fun so—this is Yuzu, by the way—yes. It's a prank, don't worry.”

They heard Yuya and Yuto sigh happily on the other end.

Rin then went on to explain to Yugo how she made a program to prevent him from tracking them as well as giving Yuzu the voice-changing device, which resulted in the guy giving compliment after compliment about how great Rin was.

This lasted a few minutes until she found a way to make Yugo stop and end their call ultimately.

“Okay, what do you all think we should do next?” Yuzu asked. “Hmm… Serena, what do you sugge—”

“She got interrupted by a pillow to her face.

“Pillow fiiight!” Serena screamed, tossing more pillows to Rin and Ruri.

“Hey—! Of course…”

“OOMPH—!”

For the next thirty minutes, they had a pillow fight.

At some point, allegiances were formed: Fusion and Standard, Synchro and Xyz; alternatively, youngest siblings vs. older siblings. (In order of eldest to youngest w/ the girls only: Ruri, Rin, Serena, Yuzu.)

The Rs (Imma call em that) had the upper hand, as they found some old toy guns from Yuzu's closet and were using those to their advantage.

“That's cheating!” Serena growled, her bandana now tied onto her head like she was some rebel.

“And we'll admit it!” Rin smiled, firing another dart in their direction.

“Here, Rin, a bullet.” They heard Ruri say, and saw Ruri giving Rin another dart.

It wasn't fair anymore. Ruri and Rin made use of the shikibutons and pillows, making some fort sort of thing, while Yuzu and Serena only had the beds.

“Hey… Yuzu, let's make use of the blankets!”

“Good idea.”

They lifted the blankets to their front and began to walk to the other two.

Ruri and Rin’s bullets had no effect anymore, and when Yuzu and Serena were close enough, they put the blanket down and slammed pillows onto the others’ faces, but they did it too hard and they fell.

“Okay, you win! I can't breathe!”

“We give!”

“Haha! It worked!” Serena said proudly and let Rin go.

Yuzu also stopped pushing the pillow to Ruri’s face. “Hah…”

They both fell to the ground.

All four were a bit sweaty now, and they decided to do something less rough: play “Truth or Dare”.

“Nah, shit, anything but that,” Serena grumbled.

“We will play and so will you,” Ruri chastised.

“Fine, then.”

Yuzu stepped up. “I'll ask first.”

The other three nodded.

“Hmm…” she eyed the three in front of her. “Rin! Truth or dare?”

“Uhm, truth?”

“Alright, do you like Yugo?”

“WHAT!? Oh, come on! Dare, dare!”

“You chose Truth, though,” Ruri brought up.

“I know,” Rin growled. “So please stop adding fuel to my burning fire.”

Yuzu grinned. “Alright then. I… DARE YOU TO TELL US HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT YUGO!”

Rin pouted. “Sigh. Okay, he’s… He's nice.”

“Go on.”

“And, well-he’s cute too, I guess, especially when he just-just begs me to let him do something stupid and makes those adorable blue puppy-dog eyes. Yeah.” She put a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “I… Like him, I guess.”

“And she admits!” Serena exclaimed.

“Geez, I do! And you're fuckin’ next.” She glared at Serena.

Said girl instantly shut up.

“Serena,” Rin began, “Truth,” she smirked, “or… Dare?”

Serena was in a pickle right now. She knew both choices were not good… And no doubt it would be something about making her kiss Yuri the next day or the like.

“Uh… Pass.”

“Nah-uh. No passes in this game.”

“Please! I'll do all your chores for a week!”

“TRUTH, OR DARE!?” Rin repeated.

“Dare!” Serena finally said cowardly. Rin was much too persuasive for her.

“Alright, I dare you to… Tell us if you have any feelings toward Yuri!!” Run cackled.

“NOOOOO!”

“YEEEESSSSSSS!”

“Just the second round and it's already intense,” Ruri sighed. “Should we stop them?”

“Nah,” Yuzu said, eating some chips.

“NO! FUCK NO! ANYTHING BUT THAT…!” Serena begged. “Seriously! Why is it always the boys…?”

“Ugh, you know what? Fine.” Rin thought of something else. “I dare you to… hm… dab for 3 minutes.”

Serena looked at her boredly. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope.”

With a sigh, Serena got up and surprisingly dabbed way cooler than they expected.

“Oh, wow, not too shabby,” Yuzu commented.

After the three minutes ended, Serena sat down. That somehow still felt embarrassing even if it was just the three other girls

She then looked at the two who still weren’t asked yet: Ruri and Yuzu.

Ruri looked eager to be next, while Yuzu, noticing Serena was looking towards her direction, looked away.

“Fine, Ruri. Tru—”

“TRUTH!” the aforementioned girl yelled without hesitation.

Serena was shocked at that. “Uhm, okay. Have you and Yuto ever made out?”

Ruri shot a glare at her, making her sit straight. “Yes.”

“Woah,” the other three said in sync.

She was then bombarded with questions like: “When?” “How?” “Does Shun know??” and “What does it feel liiikke?”

“Okay, stop! I was only dared to answer that specific question, so I’m not answering any more,” Ruri said calmly.

At that, the questions stopped to a halt.

“Anyways, Yuzu! You’re the only one left.”

“Sigh, it’s fine. I knew it was bound to happen.” She shrugged.

“Yeah,” Ruri nodded, “now, truth or dare?”

“Dare.” Yuzu sat straight. “Alright, go ahead now! I’m ready for anything!”

Ruri thought for a while.

“Ah! Call the last person you texted, and only bark at the phone!”

Yuzu gaped, then she accepted her fate with a face-palm. “Augh, fine…”

She went on to check her messages.

Of course, the last person was… Yuya.

‘This is gonna be crazy,’ she thought before pressing the call button.

At last, Yuya answered, and everyone else was silent. “Hey, Yuzu. What’s up? Enjoying your sleepover?”

“...woof, ruff.” She-she just wanted to melt into a pool of liquid right now. She facepalmed.

“…what?”

“Bark bark, borf.”

“Yuzu, what’s wrong? Why are you barking?”

“Arf arf! Bark woof bark.” She felt like she sounded like a damn chihuahua at the first part.

Eyeing the others, Rin looked like she was gonna burst any minute, and to stop herself, she buried her face into a pillow.

And as laughing was psychologically contagious, Yuzu had to breathe hard so as not to burst out herself.

“Yuzu, what's going on!?”

“WO-HOOEEERFFFFF, ppffffft…” She had to look away and cover her eyes. “Pfffffvvvvt—!”

Ruri looked like she was gonna die. Tears caused by laughter dropped from her face, and she literally just fell to the floor laughing while covering her mouth.

Serena, meanwhile, did not really get what was happening and just sat there at the side silently.

“Yuzu, you were dared, weren’t you?” Yuya guessed.

Everyone fell quiet.

“Might as well bark too! Woof worf, amirite?”

“It’s off! The dare is off…!” Ruri yelled in laughter. “Oh, dear Ra…”

“Y-y-yeah, I was dared,” Yuzu revealed. “It was actually fun, though.”

“I knew it, haha! Why always me though…”

“Mhm. You guessed it right. And maybe it's ‘cause you're special,” Yuzu said, giggling.

“Alright now, that's enough before you both flirt,” Ruri said.

“Oh, right. Bye, Yuya!”

“Night, Yuzu~!”

“Niiight…”

“Aaand that's enough,” Ruri warned, even if her face looked kind.

“Okay, sheesh…” Yuzu ended the call.

After a while, the girls finally decided to go to watch a movie to help sleep.

Three of 'em were now watching as a pack of microwavable popcorn rotated in the microwave, as well as listening to the satisfactory sound of the corn popping in it.

“Movies aren’t the same without popcorn,” Yuzu muttered.

“I agree,” Serena added. “And cheese flavor is best.”

“Girls, you don’t have to stare at it the whole time,” Ruri said.

“But we have to!” Yuzu insisted. “Plus, it’s better this way.”

“Sigh, fine…” Ruri walked back to the room.

When she got there, she saw Rin going through some movie recommendations in a browser.

“What're we gonna watch?” Ruri asked, sitting down beside her. “Also, you can't exactly find everything in like Netflix only, so I don't recommend looking for stuff from random places.”

“Oh no, it's fine. We'll be watching… Illegally, from those pirating sites throughout the web. And don't worry, we won't be tracked—I'll make sure of that.”

Ruri nodded. She wouldn't normally be fine with anything that mentions "illegal," but for now, she won't mind.

“The other two still downstairs?” Rin asked.

“Yeah… For some reason, they are very fascinated by rotating microwave popcorn,” Ruri stated, amused.

The door slammed open. “Guys! It's finally done!” Yuzu declared, a bowl of popcorn in her hands and Serena beside her with some juice boxes and cans of soda.

They then spent the next almost two hours watching “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”, for some reason.

The night then went on well for the girls.

Though, after the movie, there was an instance of a not-so-friendly tag duel (on a table, not with their disks) which somehow ended in some Uno match…

But alas, it ended way better than Yuzu expected it to, and she was happy to know that the girls were as well, and especially that they all had a blast.

Now, while hoping none of the others were gonna draw on their faces (they may be girls, but they're still quite the unpredictable bunch, especially Ruri—they never let her kindness fool them), they had to go and rest through sleep and get ready for what the next day may bring.

---

A/N: I may or my not post this on ao3. Ah well. If anyone notices a mistake I make, please tell. Constructive criticism is also ok.

See yall. -01