#i live in a two bedroom apartment so i knew i hadn't lost it

[arinrowan]

*thousand yard stare* Found my sun lamp

[flemingology]

first time ─ jessie fleming x reader

in which: you and jessie take the next step in your relationship

warnings: smut (18+), g!p sex, oral (r receiving), penetrative sex (r receiving), dirty talk

wc: 4.6K, used a couple prompts from @delusionisaplace!

a/n: Let's say jessie is still at chelsea here, just to make sense of the tiny bit of plot there is at the beginning of this fic, lol. also, this is... pure filth. I don't know why this was the fic that got me out of my writer's block but yeah, have it. also if the whole g!p thing is NOT your thing, then don't read it! the warning is there for a reason. it's my first time writing this dynamic, so I'm sorry if it's kinda shitty. as usual, not proofread. sorry for any mistakes.

You kept rolling your hips down into Jessie's lap, another whine escaping your lips as you could feel her growing cock pressing into you with every brush against her hips. Your head was buried in your girlfriend's neck, lips parted and softly panting as you fisted your hands in her hair. "Fuck, Jess, if we don't stop now we are not making it in time to Leah's," you said, with the last remaining bit of dignity lingering inside of you.

Leah had invited some of her Arsenal teammates and their plus ones over for a big dinner at her place, to which you'd eagerly agreed when you first got the invitation. After a bit of convincing, you'd managed to get Jessie on board too – the self-consciousness about being the only Chelsea player in a predominantly Arsenal-covered living room quickly washed away with the prospect of a little mingling with old and new friends in sight.

Right now, though, a dinner with friends was the last thing on Jessie's mind. Admittedly, it wasn't really at the front of yours either. Your every thought now laced with pleasure, you tried your absolute hardest to keep a little bit of self-control before you lost yourself completely in Jessie's touch, in the feeling of her burgeoning hard-on pressing against your awaiting core.

"Yeah", Jessie breathed against you, forcing her eyes closed because your blissed out face was pushing her towards an edge she didn't want to be at yet, "yeah, you're right," she said, but made no move to stop or get up, if anything she pushed your hips harder against hers.

You lifted your head from her neck in a vain attempt to regain some control, but seeing Jessie's baby hairs sticking against her forehead that was covered in a sheen layer of sweat, a frown etched upon her face as she concentrated on being good for you with her eyes closed, there wasn't a single cell in your body that wanted anything else but this.

"Fuck it," you mumbled underneath your breath, "we'll make up an excuse later," it was the last bit of encouragement that Jessie needed, already lifting you up from the couch before you even got a chance at finishing your sentence. You squealed as she lifted you up and you put your legs around her waist, hanging onto her while she manoeuvred the two of you up the stairs and into her bedroom.

You and Jessie hadn't gone much further than a few heated make-out sessions on either of your couches yet. The relationship was fairly new and as much as you were completely infatuated by her, you'd promised each other to take it slow. But the past week, anytime Jessie did anything but breathe near you, you wanted nothing more than to jump her bones – you were ovulating, in your defense. So when you rang her doorbell that night, having gotten ready in your own apartment for Leah's dinner, and Jessie opened the door in a white button-up shirt that was tucked into a pair of black slacks that perfectly hugged her muscular thighs, you knew you wouldn't have the self control to restrain yourself tonight.

Jessie's button-up shirt and your dress long forgotten – not without the promise that you'd wear it again for her – your girlfriend placed you on the bed and crawled on top of you. "You drive me crazy, baby, honestly. I need you so bad," she said, pulling a moan from you. Jessie had always been – and still was – quite reserved. She had her moments with you where she would turn into herself, but those were rare. With other people, though, it was rare that they would see Jessie let loose. So when you discovered that Jessie was quite the dirty talker in bed, it's safe to say you more than were surprised. Pleasantly surprised, that's for sure.

Your Canadian peppered kisses all over your face, your cheek and jawline until she reached the base of your neck, where she let her wet tongue glide over the sensitive skin all the way back up until she reached your ear, where she softly nipped on your earlobe. All your senses were overwhelmed with Jessie – you saw, heard, felt and smelled nothing but her. And you loved it.

A couple moments later Jessie still found her face nuzzled into your neck, sucking, kissing and licking all over the skin there. And as much as you liked it and it felt good, you were starting to feel quite the throb between your legs – and you wanted, needed, her to do something about it.

"Jess", you said breathily, to which she lifted her head. "Please, I need you," you continued, to which a small smirk tugged at her lips. "What do you need, love?" she asked. You groaned and threw your head back. "Your mouth, your fingers, your dick. Anything, Jess." A shiver rolled down Jessie's spine as you finished talking, purely due to the excitement of what was about to come.

The Canadian wasn't particularly someone for one-night stands, she simply loved too hard to be able to fuck someone without catching any sorts of feelings for them. That, combined with her busy schedule, meant she hadn't dated in a good while. Meaning that, for the last couple of years, the only relief Jessie could give herself was the pumping of her own hand. Merely the thought of her length being enveloped in your warm tunnel had her almost bursting.

She slowly made her way down, pressing open-mouthed kisses all over your body. You could feel her sucking your skin and marking you up, but you didn't have an ounce of self-control left in your body anymore to tell her to stop. She reached your underwear and teased you by dipping one finger underneath the waistband, but not trailing further.

"Can I take this off?" she asked softly, earning a nod from you. "I'm gonna need words, beautiful," she said, when you didn't speak up further. "I know you can do that for me," she continued, which caused you to blush. "Yeah-, yeah, that's okay. Only if you undress too," you replied. Jessie glanced down at her own body and noticed that she was still half-dressed, her lower body still covered. She stood up quickly and kicked off her trousers and socks – her swollen cock a little less restrained which caused her to sigh a breath of relief – before settling her body between your legs again.

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips when she pulled your underwear down your legs, a string of your arousal connected to the garment. "You're soaked baby, god, you're so hot," Jessie mumbled.

Your girlfriend skipped the teasing and torturing and delved straight in, your scent way too intoxicating for the Canadian to wait any longer to taste you. Jessie licked a long, slow stripe from your entrance up to your clit, gathering your arousal in her mouth and spreading it all over your lips. You couldn't hold back the moan that escaped your lips upon the feeling of Jessie's warm tongue against your heat.

"Fuck, Jess, that's so good," you said breathlessly. You had been uncertain and insecure about this moment for a long time, but you couldn't have wished for a better time to take the next step in your relationship. You were pulled out of your thoughts when Jessie took your sensitive nub in her mouth and teasingly flicked her tongue across it, earning a grunt from you. You tangled your hands in her curls and gave a sharp tug when you felt her teeth graze your clit, the sting subsiding quickly when she started sucking on it again.

It wasn't long before you started to feel a tightening sensation starting to bubble up inside of you. Jessie's tongue was working wonders against your core and you were seriously questioning why it had taken the two of you so long to get to this point. The room was filled with the sounds of your moans and the squelching of your drenched core, riling you up further – if that was even possible. Jessie hadn't even used her fingers yet and she had you teetering on the edge.

"Jess," you breathed, trying to form a coherent sentence while the Canadian was sucking and licking on you at a relentless pace. "I'm close, baby, you're gonna make me cum," you continued. Jessie hummed into your pussy, not relenting by any means. In response, she squeezed your thighs that were resting on her shoulders. Your moans rose in pitch as she brought you closer and closer to your high, not letting her pace waver once you started squirming and bucking underneath her.

"Oh fuck, Jess, fuck, I'm cumming," you mustered, right before you felt the coil in your belly snap. You arched your back off the bed and threw your head back, your thighs locking around Jessie's head whose ministrations kept going. You let out a loud moan as you started to come down, your girlfriend guiding you through your orgasm and eventually releasing your lips with a pop as you started growing sensitive.

You dropped your legs from Jessie's shoulders and rested them on the mattress, trying to catch your breath from the mind-blowing orgasm you just had. "Fuck, that was good," you said, not needing to glance at Jessie to know there was a smug smirk plastered on her face. She rested her head on your thigh and pressed soft kisses, waiting for you to come down from your high.

A couple moments later you managed to catch your breath, and opened your eyes to look at her. "You're amazing", you said, a light smile tugging at your lips. You couldn't miss the small blush that crept upon your girlfriend's cheeks at your words. "Thank you, baby, I love making you feel good," she replied.

Another few moments of silence went by before you spoke up. "What about you?" you said, wanting nothing more than to return the favor but not really knowing how to approach the subject. After all, you were quite nervous, to put it lightly. You had never had sex with a dick before, and you definitely didn't know whether you were going to be any good at it – whether you would like it even. Jessie and you had talked about it countless of times, talked about what you thought you would like and not like, because the last thing she wanted was to make you uncomfortable or to hurt you in the moment.

"What about me?" Jessie quipped back, but you didn't miss the glint in her eyes. She climbed up your body and laid her head on your chest before you replied. "I want you to feel good too," you said softly, to which she let out a little chuckle. "Pleasuring you is more than enough, baby," she said, to which you rolled your eyes. "I'm not having that, Fleming. You know what I mean."

Jessie chuckled and looked up at you. "Are you sure? I know we said we'd take things slow on this regard," she asked. She was right. You had told her that you wanted to take things slow. You were more than comfortable with the Canadian but you didn't want to rush into things. You nodded, taking a deep breath before continuing the conversation. "Yeah, you're right. I did say that. But this feels good. It feels right," you said, tucking a strand of hair behind Jessie's ear. "So if it feels right for you too, I'm more than willing to try some things."

"It feels more than right, you know that, but I just want to make sure that you feel okay with all of this. I'd never want to rush you into doing things you'd rather not," Jessie said softly, tracing patterns on your bare chest. You pressed a kiss against her crown and took her chin between your thumb and index finger, tilting her head up towards you. You gave her an appreciative look before you spoke. "You're perfect, Jess. I love how mindful you are being, but I promise that I'm okay with this. I'd tell you if I wasn't."

Jessie gave you a nod and a warm smile before rolling off your body and sitting up, seemingly a bit nervous about her next step. She looked around hesitantly around the room. "You okay, Jess?" you inquired, now sitting up against the headboard. "Y-yeah, I was just," she breathed, voice slightly wavering. You frowned, wondering what had gotten Jessie visibly upset. "We're on the same page, right?" she asked. You cocked an eyebrow at your girlfriend. "I think so, yeah? I don't know what you mean, but I don't see how we couldn't be."

Jessie seemed to relax a little at your words. "Is it okay if I grab a condom, then?" you chuckled at her question, shaking her head in disbelief before speaking up again. "Of course, Jess, why are you so nervous about that?"

"I don't know, we hadn't verbally agreed on what we wanted next and I didn't want to just grab a condom if I wasn't sure that this is what you wanted," she explained. A small smile tugged at your lips as you leant in and cupped her cheek, pressing a tender kiss against her lips before you replied. "You're adorable. Thank you for checking in. But yeah I can confirm that this," you gestured towards Jessie's hand that was resting on the nightstand and then down towards her still-hardened member, "is what I want."

Jessie's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red and she cast her gaze away from yours, slightly embarrassed at her own uncertainty. Nonetheless, she opened her nightstand and rummaged around until she found an unopened pack of condoms. "It's been ages since I've used these, but I'm pretty sure they're not expired yet," Jessie said with a toothy grin on her face. "Well, we should make sure to get some new ones then next time we're grocery shopping," you said, a teasing smile adorning your lips as you spoke to your girlfriend. "Big plans huh?" she inquired, before bringing the condom packet to her mouth and ripping it open.

You watched on in awe as Jessie slipped the top of the condom over her tip and rolled the rest down her length. It was safe to say that Jessie's member was above average length. It was quite wide and thick. On another day, if your heart wasn't pounding in your chest, you would've probably made a comment about it. You had never had sex with a dick before, so it was safe to say that you were quite nervous about taking her, if you were going to be able to at all.

Jessie made her way back over to you and spread your legs again, settling her body in between yours as she sat back on her heels. She caressed your thighs gently and relented from doing anything, letting you set the pace for now. She could tell you were nervous. She offered you a warm, small smile before speaking up. "I'll be gentle with you, I promise. I wouldn't want to hurt you, ever," you nodded and gave your girlfriend an appreciative nod. She knew you'd never had penetrative sex with a dick before. She also knew you were nervous, so it meant a lot to you that she was reassuring you like this.

"I know. I trust you," you said, before you scooted a little closer to her, trying to wordlessly let her know that you were ready. Jessie got the hint and pushed her body towards you, hovering over you on her knees as she adjusted so her dick was lining up with your entrance. You watched on between your bodies in awe as Jessie grabbed her length and softly pushed it up and down between your folds, repeatedly bumping against your clit. You couldn't suppress the soft whimpers that escaped your lips. A couple moments later, Jessie looked up to you and searched your eyes for any signs of uncertainty. She wanted to make sure that you were fully comfortable before she pushed further. You grabbed her hand that was situated on your hip, keeping herself up, and gave it a tight squeeze.

Jessie took it as encouragement and lined herself up with your entrance, ever so slowly inching forward. She kept her eyes trained on your face as she entered you, making sure she didn't miss any signs of discomfort as she stretched you out. You closed your eyes and bit your lip as you focused on the feeling of Jessie's hardened member entering you. Despite a first orgasm, you hadn't loosened much and you could feel the way she was stretching you out. A frown was etched on your face as you tried to compose your breathing. You tried your best to relax and to loosen up for her, but Jessie couldn't push further.

"Just let it happen, baby, don't think about it too much. I can feel you tightening around me," Jessie spoke up softly. You nodded wordlessly, taking a deep breath in and trying to relax further. Jessie was still on her knees between your legs, patiently stretching you out. She, too, was having a hard time at remaining composed. Not so much because of discomfort, but mainly because she lost herself in the feeling of being wrapped up in your heat. She wasn't in deep, by any means, but your warmth was enveloping her tip and she loved the feeling.

A couple minutes, a lot of trial and error and deep breaths later, Jessie's hips were finally flush against yours. It hadn't been easy, but the feeling of being filled by your girlfriend was nothing like you'd ever experienced. Jessie was hovering over you now, wanting to be close to you instead of on her knees between your legs. "Does this feel fine?" Jessie whispered in your ear, not wanting to disturb you too much while you were adjusting to her length inside of you. You nodded wordlessly, letting your nails rake over Jessie's back. "Yeah," you breathed out. "Yeah, this is okay."

A couple more moments passed before you spoke up again. "I think I'm ready for you to move," you said tentatively. Jessie lifted her head and looked at you, searching your eyes for any discomfort. "Okay," she breathed, pressing a tender kiss against your forehead. Jessie slowly pulled her hips back, pulling out of you just until she reached the tip. She moaned softly at the sensation, pushing back inside of you and filling you to the hilt. "Fuck," you whimpered, "do that again, please."

Jessie eyed you curiously and pulled back once more, making sure her tip stayed inside of you. "Like this?" she asked, earning a wordless nod from you. She grinned slightly, pushing back inside of you and letting your warm tunnel envelop her length. "You feel so tight around me, darling, you're so hot."

By now, you had comfortably adjusted to Jessie's length. Even though you could still feel her stretching you out with every thrust, most of the uncomfortable feeling was now replaced with pleasure. Jessie found a steady rhythm that felt good to both of you, pushing in and out of you while making sure you were comfortable.

The room was now filled with the sounds of your shared moans and the squelching of your core every time Jessie pushed inside of you. You were undeniably wetter than you'd ever been. Not only the feeling of being fucked by your girlfriend and being so close to each other, the thought of her filling you up again and again was doing things to you too.

Jessie's breathing became slightly ragged the longer you continued. You could feel her thrusts were becoming a little less regular and you wondered if those were the telltale signs of her growing closer to her orgasm. You wished you could say the same, though. Although it felt good, you didn't know whether this was doing it for you. You realized that you should tell Jessie, because she wouldn't forgive herself if she came and you didn't.

You pressed your hand against Jessie's chest which caused her to halt her movements, looking up at you worriedly. "I don't think it's going to work like this, Jess. This feels good, but I don't know if it's going to get me there," you said, an inevitable blush creeping up your cheeks. "I'm sorry."

Jessie shook her head and spoke adamantly. "Don't be sorry, please. We have all night, okay? No need to rush," she said, while leaning down and pressing a loving kiss against your lips before she sat back on her heels and slowly pulled herself out of you, watching on amazedly as your core tried to suck her back in. "Like what you see?" you teased, a smile tugging at your lips. "Yeah. I do, this is hot."

Jessie pulled out of you completely and took your hands in hers. "Is there anything you would like to try? Something you think might feel better?" Jessie inquired. You shrugged, dropping the eye contact and looking away from your girlfriend. You had an idea, but you were slightly embarrassed to voice it. She frowned, grabbing your chin between her thumb and index finger and tilting your head towards hers again. "It's just me, baby, please tell me what you've got on your mind."

Your already-red face turned a shade darker, another blush creeping on your cheeks as you locked eyes with her. "Do you maybe want to, uhm, try a different position?" you asked softly, uncertainty laced in your voice. Jessie chuckled lightly and smiled brightly at you. "Of course I want to try a different position, love," Jessie reassured you, giving your hands an appreciative squeeze as you looked up at her.

You didn't really know how to progress further. You could tell that Jessie expected further explanation from you, probably an insight to what position you wanted to try. You were still feeling quite apprehensive about the whole situation, but you mustered up the courage to go further. "Maybe... uhm, do you maybe want to try from the back?"

Jessie's face lit up at what you said, a smug smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yeah," she chuckled, "I'm more than down to try from the back," Jessie sat back a bit to give you more room to work with, you shuffling from underneath her. You rolled your body over and pushed yourself up, holding your body up on your hands and knees. Jessie moved too, positioning her body behind yours and making sure the both of you were comfortably in the middle of the mattress.

"God, I wish you could see how good you looked from this angle," Jessie whispered. Her eyes were trained on your entrance, that was clenching around nothing. Your folds were sopping wet, your arousal smeared out all over them adding to the sensations. You turned your head and looked at your girlfriend over your shoulder, chuckling as you noticed her staring at you in awe. "You're a dork, you know that?"

Jessie let out a breathy laugh and shuffled closer to you, her dick lining up with your entrance again. "I know I am, that's why you love me" she said, not wasting another second and pushing herself inside of you again. "Oh," you said, your breath hitching in your throat at the feeling of being filled again. "Oh, yeah, that's good."

"Fuck, that's so much better, Jess. Keep going, please," you whimpered, Jessie's dick hitting your sweet spot repeatedly from the renewed angle. The Canadian propped one of her legs up next to your body for extra leverage and held your waist and started pushing in and out of you at a relentless pace. Now that she knew for sure that this felt good for you, there was no longer that mental barrier.

Your moans and whimpers only spurred her on, pleasure taking over her thoughts as her dick was enveloped in your warmth. "God, you feel so good inside of me, Jess, fuck," you got out. "Nothing will ever come close to the feeling of you around my dick, baby."

You started moving your hips back against Jessie's in time with her thrusts as a long moan escaped the Canadian's throat. "Fuck, you're incredible," she said, as you were adding to her pleasure. "You look so good like this baby, taking me so well. You're doing so good.

Her praise did inexplicable things to you. To know that you were making her feel good was working wonders on your ego. You'd been worried that you weren't going to be good enough for her, especially in the beginning as you'd have to find your footing in sex with Jessie, but tonight had blown all your doubts away.

Just as before, you could tell that Jessie was growing close to a release. This time, though, you could feel the same for you. The familiar tightening sensation started boiling up again, your breaths becoming uneven and your thrusts back against Jessie losing their strength.

"Are you close, baby? You wanna cum for me?" Jessie asked, seemingly reading your mind. You groaned deeply and mustered up a response. "God, yes, please Jessie, let me cum," you begged her. "Begging already, huh? I wasn't even denying you of anything," Jessie said with a touch of degradation in her voice which turned you on further, if that was even possible.

You threw your head down against the mattress and groaned again, not having the strength to muster up a smart response. "Go ahead, baby, cum for me, cum all over my cock," the Canadian said, finishing you off with a few harsh thrusts before you bursted all over her length, spitting out moan after moan. It wasn't long before Jessie came too, rutting harshly into you as she spurted ropes of cum into her condom. She groaned as she pulled your body flush against hers, now both of you on your knees as she fucked you through both of your orgasms.

Jessie brought of you down against the mattress when you had both come down. She laid wordlessly on top of you as she tried to compose herself and regain her breath, her dick softening and falling out of your still-drenched core. She rolled over onto her back and opened her arms for you to fall into, your head resting on her chest. You listened to her heart that was rapidly pumping.

You were the first to speak up after a couple moments. "God, that was amazing. You were amazing. I love you so much," you accentuated her words with a couple tender kisses against Jessie's lips. She smiled into the kiss. "If anything, all credit goes to you. You told me you'd never had sex with a dick before, but honestly I couldn't tell. You're everything and more," Jessie said, pulling you closer to her.

After cleaning each other up, you spent the rest of the evening in comfy clothing in each other's arms, sprawled out over the bed watching some tv. "We're gonna have to find a good excuse for Leah, by the way. I checked my phone earlier and noticed a couple missed calls."

Jessie chuckled and continued rubbed soothing patterns up and down your back. "Next time we'll make sure not to miss a dinner you agreed to. I just really couldn't withstand you this time," the midfielder confessed. "Well, that makes both of us," you pressed another tender, lingering kiss against Jessie's lips. Before long, you both drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

[bamfkeeper]

Reunion.

RQ: 'I was hoping for some hurt/comfort 🙏🏽. I was never really satisfied with Kurt and Amanda's reunion after he came back to life(aside from the fact that that ship gives me a major ick for ibv reasons). It was so anticlimactic! You would think a woman who knew him all his life would she'd a few tears. I was wondering what your take on a reunion scene with Kurt would be? Like the reader was a member of the X-Men and saw Bastion kill Kurt. Because of her grief she leaves the team unable to cope from the loss. And then after years of being without him he just shows up at her apartment just like he did with Amanda.' - @gildedjerk

Pairing: Kurt Wagner x GN!reader

Warnings: Major character death | Descriptions of injuries | Mourning & grief | Happy ending ofc

A/N: Wooo I had a lot of fun with this one. Angst and comfort, yum. Anyway I did try to give a realistic response to him coming back from the dead. I was stuck between two reactions but I think this one is good. I hope you enjoy! Unedited hehe WC: 3.0k

It had only been a week. A week since your heart became slow, dull, and empty.

The mansion took a hit. The team broken into pieces.

It was unusually quiet around the manor. Normally, the sound of padding footsteps and excited laughter and voices filled the halls, but now...it was silent. You weren't' the only one that lost something, but by all hell, you deserved to grieve.

You hadn't left the bedroom you shared for days, your body curled tightly on the bed, clutching his suit against your chest as if it were a lifeline. Tears flowed endlessly, soaking the pillow beneath your head. The salty streams seemed inexhaustible, leaving your eyes red and swollen, leaving you with a constant headache you ignored. You were likely severely dehydrated from the constant outpouring of grief, but in your state of mourning, those concerns held no importance to you. All you desired was to be left alone with your sorrow, to process the loss in solitude.

His suit bore a large, jagged hole, Kurt's dried blood stained the fabric, a sight that simultaneously pained you and kept you connected to him. You couldn't bring yourself to wash it, fearing that doing so would erase the last tangible traces of his presence. The suit still carried his distinct scent, a bittersweet comfort that you clung to desperately. No amount of spraying with cologne could ever bring back his natural musk that he had, and you would rather die than get rid of it.

Embedded within the flexible fabric were tufts of his fur, some parts adhering more stubbornly than others. As you ran your fingers over these patches, you recalled with a mixture of fondness and anguish his playful complaints about how the suit would cause him to shed. Those light-hearted moments now seemed like echoes from a distant, happier time, making the overwhelming ache of his absence feel much worse.

The team struggled to regroup, attempting to rally support and formulate a plan of action in the aftermath of the blatant slaughter they endured. However, you found yourself emotionally paralyzed, unable to contribute to their efforts. The weight of loss and despair settled heavily upon your shoulders, making even the simplest tasks seem insurmountable. In a daze, you rose from your seat, your movements mechanical and detached from conscious thought. You were on autopilot, nothing else mattered, you couldn’t even think.

You began to pack your belongings, carelessly tossing clothes into a small bag without regard for order or neatness. Your fingers then ghosted over the familiar fabric of his suit, the last tangible remnant of Kurt's presence in your life. With reverence, you gently lifted the garment, cradling it against your chest as if it were a fragile, living thing. This suit, once a symbol of his strength and selfless heroism, now served as a poignant reminder of all you had lost. As you held it close, memories of Kurt flooded your mind, intensifying the ache of his absence and solidifying your decision to depart.

You had no tears left. Not right now.

You took your bag and you left.

The nightmares were relentless, haunting your sleep with disturbing frequency. Night after night, your subconscious mind replayed the horrific scene of Kurt's demise, each detail etched with painful clarity like you were reliving that exact moment over and over again. The vivid imagery of Bastion's merciless act - the brutal impalement - refused to fade. You could still see, with sickening precision, the crimson spray erupting from Kurt's azure lips, staining his chest in a macabre pattern, the life essence dripping down his skin and mocking you. The memory of his lithe form, once so full of life and grace, suddenly tensing and then crumpling lifelessly to the ground as Bastion withdrew his weapon, was seared into your mind.

The physical sensations were equally intense. You distinctly recalled the disorienting waves of heat and cold that washed over you, and the violent tremors that wracked your body as adrenaline surged through your system in rage fueled torrents. The emotional trauma was blatant, manifesting in physical symptoms that left you feeling drained and vulnerable, pathetically and frantically scrambling to get to his side in the middle of the battlefield.

The image of your final moments with Kurt were the worst of it all, your eternal Hell that never ceased. Holding his rapidly cooling body in your arms, you watched helplessly as the light in his beautiful, golden eyes gradually dimmed. Even in his last breaths, Kurt's selflessness shone through, as he valiantly attempted to offer you solace and comfort, despite his own dire circumstances.

Your grief and suffering was a wound that never healed. Each night proved that it would only reopen from the desperate scab it tried to become.

As the years passed, your close friends from the mansion persistently attempted to maintain contact with you, but you deliberately distanced yourself from them. The desire to communicate with them had completely faded, and you found yourself wanting to sever all ties with the X-Men.

Your sole focus became an attempt to carve out an existence devoid of the tumultuous chaos that had been an inherent part of life within that unconventional, misfit family. You couldn’t stand any more pain, the loss you took had been severe, thinking about any of your old friends losing their lives was too much to bear.

You retreated into a life of solitude, taking on a mundane and unremarkable job that offered little stimulation or fulfillment. It wasn't so much living as it was merely existing - a bare-bones survival that felt hollow but required.

Yet, in your current state of mind, this was all you felt capable of managing. The weight of your grief remained a constant companion, refusing to lift even as time marched relentlessly forward. The passage of years did little to alleviate the profound sense of loss that had taken root in your heart, leaving you trapped in a perpetual state of mourning that colored every aspect of your isolated existence.

You tried therapy, for a while.

It didn’t help much.

You were constantly bombarded with well-intentioned but ultimately unhelpful advice. People would tell you to move on, as if it were a simple switch you could flip.

They'd say he was in a better place now, as though that somehow lessened your pain.

They'd remind you that years had passed, implying that your grief should have an expiration date.

But none of these platitudes actually provided any comfort or solace. In fact, being told to move on was perhaps the most infuriating of all. It felt dismissive, insensitive, and completely disconnected from the depth of your loss.

The suggestion to move on ignited a spark of anger within you. How could anyone possibly understand the magnitude of what you'd been through? You couldn't even share the full story with them, the pervasive discrimination and prejudice against mutants still ran deep in society, and you weren't ready to expose that part of yourself.

But regardless of the details you had to keep hidden, the fact remained that you had lost the person who brought light and love into your world. It was as if the sun had been extinguished, leaving you in perpetual darkness. The audacity of someone demanding that you simply move on from such a profound loss was both hurtful and enraging. How dare they trivialize your grief and dictate the timeline of your healing? Your pain was yours to process, and no one had the right to tell you when or how to do it.

You came back from a rather dreary work day, annoyed and angry with the world. It felt so unfair. You wondered if Kurt would be disappointed in the sheer amount of hatred that you allowed to consume you. Did it matter?

As you closed your door, you trudged through your barren apartment, your footsteps echoing in the emptiness. You hadn’t bothered to decorate, it was just you, and when you were home all you did was sleep. No reason to waste money on furniture.

Suddenly, a familiar scent wafted through the air - brimstone. That sharp, smoky odor that had haunted your senses for years now made its presence known once again. The acrid smell tickled your nostrils, bringing with it a flood of memories you'd rather forget. At first, you dismissed it as another phantom smell, a lingering remnant of Kurt that your mind conjured up in moments of solitude. After all, these olfactory ghosts had been your constant companions over the years, taunting and mocking you with their ephemeral nature.

You continued your way through the apartment, your mind wrestling with the reality of the scent. The logical part of your brain insisted it was just another trick of your senses, a cruel joke played by your subconscious. Yet, a small voice in the back of your mind whispered that something was different this time. The smell seemed more tangible, more real than the fleeting wisps of memory you were accustomed to. Still, you pushed the thought aside, convincing yourself it was nothing out of the ordinary.

You were just tired. It had been a long day.

As you rounded the frame of the door, preparing to step into the next room, an inexplicable chill ran down your spine. In that instant, you felt everything around you freeze up. The air grew thick and heavy, as if time itself had come to a standstill. Your muscles tensed, your breath caught in your throat as you looked at the familiar figure laying on your couch.

Kurt smiled at you, his familiar figure rising from his seat. His arms extended in a welcoming gesture, a warmth radiating from his presence that you hadn't felt in what seemed like an eternity. "Liebling...I've missed you so much," he murmured, his voice carrying the same tender inflection you remembered.

Every detail about him was overwhelmingly authentic - from the timbre of his voice to the subtle cologne mixed with that harsh brimstone that always clung to his clothes. Your senses were inundated with evidence of his reality; he wasn't just there, he was undeniably real.

A maelstrom of emotions surged through you, leaving you utterly bewildered.

What the Hell is happening?

The thought ricocheted through your mind, unable to find purchase in the face of this impossibility.

You found yourself frozen, incapable of formulating a coherent response. The shock of the moment had completely blindsided you, leaving you reeling as if you'd been struck. It was as though you were face to face with an apparition, a specter from your past that had inexplicably materialized before your eyes.

But this was no ethereal vision - this was tangible, corporeal.

The absurdity of the situation wasn't lost on you; if this was indeed some sort of phantasm, it certainly had a sick sense of humor.

Your lips parted as you let out a soft, trembling sound, his name barely a whisper escaping through the opening. Your eyes, wide with disbelief, were glued on him, taking in every detail of his familiar yet seemingly impossible presence. His demeanor faltered slightly as he noticed your lack of enthusiasm at his sudden appearance, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features.

"Ah, liebe...I...understand this might be quite shocking to you..." He mumbled out shyly, his voice a mixture of hope and apprehension as he slowly walked towards you, each step careful and measured. "But, I am back. I am truly here, alive and breathing. Can you see that?"

You remained rooted to the spot, unable to bring yourself to move a single muscle. The overwhelming tsunami of emotions that crashed over you felt like it was too much for your body and mind to handle. A wave of nausea washed over you, making you feel as though you were teetering on the edge of consciousness, your stomach churning violently. The sheer impossibility of the situation threatened to overwhelm you completely.

You couldn't fathom how he could be here, standing in your apartment, flesh and blood, after years of believing he was dead. The grief you had painstakingly lived with, the torturous reminders that mocked you every day - it all came crashing down around you in an instant, leaving you reeling in a maelstrom.

Kurt opened his mouth to speak, sensing the overwhelming shock that had gripped you. He anticipated a joyous reaction, but instead, a heart-wrenching, soul-shattering sob escaped your lips, echoing through the air and piercing the silence between you.

Taken aback, Kurt's body tensed, his eyes widening with a mixture of concern and confusion. This unexpected outburst was far from the jubilant reunion he had envisioned in his mind. The stark contrast between his hopeful expectations and the raw, emotional reality before him left him momentarily stunned.

You had always been strong and level-headed with your emotions, but seeing you like this made him realize his absence and sudden appearance again had clearly done some psychological damage. "L-liebling," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, thick with uncertainty and worry.

Hesitantly, Kurt extended his hands towards you, offering comfort and desperate support. However, the fear of exacerbating your distress held him back from actually making contact. His fingers hovered in the air between you, trembling slightly as he grappled with the desire to console you and the apprehension of potentially making matters worse.

Kurt bridged the gap between you with a single, desperate motion, not wanting to watch you sob any longer. His arms enveloped you, strong yet gentle, pulling you against his chest. You felt the solid warmth of his body, a sensation you had been deprived of for what felt like an eternity.

As he held you close, Kurt became your anchor to reality, proof that this wasn't just another cruel dream. His familiar scent washed over you, a mix of brimstone and something uniquely him, further cementing his presence. "I'm here, liebe... I'm here," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Es tut mir Leid... I never intended to be absent for so long, but... the circumstances of my return are a mystery even to me. Perhaps this is a divine gift, a second chance from Gott…a miracle. Ja?"

His words were soft, barely above a whisper, yet they resonated deeply within you. "I cannot imagine the anguish you've endured in my absence," he continued, his accent more pronounced in his emotional state. As he spoke, his hand moved in soothing circles on your back, a gesture so achingly familiar it threatened to unravel you completely.

In the safety of his embrace, years of bottled-up emotions finally found their release. The dam broke, and you allowed yourself to experience the full depth of your agony, your body shaking with the force of your long-suppressed grief. Kurt held you through it all, a steady presence as you wept the tumultuous sea of your emotions, whispering words of comfort and love in a mixture of English and German.

You don't know how long you cried for.

You felt your body gradually succumbing to exhaustion, your strength ebbing away with each passing moment. What seemed like mere minutes to your grief-stricken mind had, in reality, stretched into over an hour of uncontrollable sobbing. Throughout this emotional display, Kurt remained steadfast, his arms encircling you in an unwavering embrace, not daring to let you go. He bore witness to your anguish, listening intently to every heart-wrenching wail that escaped your lips, each cry a testament to the depth of your sorrow and mourning. He felt so horrible, seeing just how much you loved him and how the grief had overtaken your being.

Kurt did everything in his power to provide solace. He held you close, gently squeezing you with his arms, whispering soft reassurances, each gesture carefully crafted to soothe you.

"I'm here now," he murmured, his voice a balm to your frayed nerves. "I'm not leaving. I promise..." His indigo lips grazed your sensitive temple while he whispered gentle nothings against your skin. The contact was feather-light, yet profoundly comforting. He peppered your clammy skin with tender kisses, unable to hold back on his affections.

The sudden nature of Kurt's reappearance left you reeling. After enduring the agonizing belief that he was gone forever, his unexpected return stirred up a complex cocktail of emotions - happiness, relief, anger. A part of you yearned for the joyous reunion he seemed to expect, but another part bristled at the simplicity of such an notion.

How could he materialize out of thin air, after all the grief and pain you had endured, and anticipate an uncomplicated, happy welcome? You supposed that is his specialty…appearing suddenly in a rapid purple cloud with that happy smile exposing his fangs.

Kurt wanted that happy reunion. He wanted you jumping in his arms and that loving, passionate kiss he dreamt of and missed since his departure from this plane of existence.

But you couldn't give him that. Not now.

For now, you needed his comforting presence more than anything else. Recognizing your emotional state, he gently lowered himself onto the couch, cradling you in his arms. His embrace was firm yet tender, providing a sanctuary where you could finally release everything that had been weighing heavily on your heart. As he held you close, you continued to sob and cry into his chest, each tear carrying with it a fragment of the pain and stress you had been harboring for so long.

Time seemed to stand still as you remained in his protective embrace, your sobs gradually subsiding as exhaustion began to overtake you. He made no move to interrupt this cathartic process, understanding that sometimes silence speaks louder than words. His steady heartbeat and warm presence served as a lullaby, slowly lulling you into a state of tranquility you hadn't experienced in years.

The conversation you needed to have could wait.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, you found yourself drifting into a deep, peaceful slumber - a luxury that had eluded you for far too long. His presence alone had snuffed out the vicious plague that infected your mind, the nightmares that were forced upon you over and over of his gruesome death were destroyed.

For the first time in years, you actually slept.

Thanks for reading.

*BAMF*

Dividers by @/adornedwithlight & @/strangergraphics

Cover image from Nightcrawler #1 (2014)

[barcaatthemoon]

everlong || lucy bronze x reader ||

you and lucy spend some time together after a few months apart.

minors dni, 18+, smut ahead

it felt nice to be back in europe after so long. your american club teammates liked teasing you that you'd been over there so long you were eligible for their national team. being away from home had been hard at first, but that wasn't the part that bothered you. you had played all over the world, but you had never left a girl back home before.

your relationship with lucy had been a bit like a whirlwind. one moment, the two of you were screaming at each other outside of a nightclub. the next, she was pinning you against the wall kissing you more intently than you'd ever been kissed before. after that, the two of you had spent the rest of your time at the world cup sneaking around with each other.

lucy had been a bit apprehensive about entering a relationship with you. of all her reasons, the distance hadn't been a factor for her. she had tried to give you a million stupid reasons as to why it was a bad idea for the two of you to date each other. however, as you walked over towards her through the airport, you knew that she had just been afraid then.

"hi," you greeted lucy with a soft kiss and smile. lucy immediately reached to take your your suitcase from you. it was rare for lucy to be able to sneak away and pick you up like this. usually ella or alessia would have come running alongside her to see you. it was hard being away from your best friends, but that was a big part of what made international breaks your favorite part of the year.

"hi lovely." lucy put her free arm around your shoulder. a part of you would have liked to hold her hand, but having lucy that close was even better. "how was your trip?"

"decent. i got a good nap in," you answered. lucy smirked as she glanced down at you. the look in her eyes was unmistakable. lucy wanted you, and now that she had you in her arms, she was going to have you in every other way that she'd been thinking about since you left her three months ago.

"good, we've got a long night ahead of us." there was a reason that you had flown in on the earliest possible flight. the team would fly in at the end of the week, giving you and lucy a few days to just spend some time together. you knew that lucy would keep you in her bedroom for as long as she could, doubtful that the two of you would get to room together for camp. usually, you ended up in georgia's room for camps, and your best friend was not the type to give up a moment of her time with you for anybody, including lucy.

you had expected feverent kisses and lucy's hands clawing at your clothes in a desperate attempt to get you out of them. instead, she moved slowly with you, like she was trying to savor every second. it was you who ended up pushing kisses further, more than a little desperate to taste her on your tongue.

"can we take this slow?" lucy asked you. she seemed almost nervous to ask, so you were quick to reassure her. you cradled lucy's face in your hands as you leaned in and placed a feather-light kiss to her lips.

"as slow as you'd like," you said. lucy pushed forward until she was laying on top of you. she was careful with her kisses, savoring every little sigh and moan that she pulled from you. lucy spent a lot of time kissing up and down your neck, but you knew from the feeling that there wouldn't be marks everywhere. lucy was simply enjoying the feeling of your skin against her lips.

"can i take this off?" lucy asked as she reached towards your shirt. you nodded as you lifted your arms up to help her get it off of you. lucy's head dropped down again to pepper your skin in kisses. "i don't ever want this to stop. can i stay with you like this forever?"

"as much as i'd love that, we have lives to lead outside of your bedroom," you sighed. lucy chuckled as she shook her head. it wasn't like her to get so lost in her head like that, and even less like you to pull her out of it. being around you again after so long was making her sappy. if it was anybody else, lucy would have tried to run away, but there was something about you that kept lucy stuck in place.

you placed your hand in her hair, softly combing your fingers through as she trailed kisses all along your ribcage. she worked around your bra until you decided that it was too close to teasing for your liking. lucy didn't say anything when you unclasped your bra and flung it across her bedroom. there wouldn't be much need of it for a little while anyway.

"god, you're so beautiful. you're like a work of art, or something." you noticed the sheepish look in lucy's face. it was endearing, how she still got awkward giving you genuine compliments like that. you tugged her head up gently to give her a kiss, one that had lucy pushing her hips against yours just enough to make your jaw drop.

"lucy, please," you whined. the last thing that you had needed was the reminder of how badly you'd been wanting her. lucy seemed to understand and moved down your body a little quicker. she took your pants off, but left your underwear on as she focused her hands and mouth on your breasts. her fingers teased and tweaked your nipples while she pressed kisses and a couple of little bites elsewhere.

lucy could feel your wetness pressing against her thigh as you ground against her. the feeling of it made her head spin a little, nearly distracting her from her goal of going slowly with you. still, she persisted slowly with a trail of kisses moving down your stomach and across your hip bones. the feeling of her hands settling on your thighs made the muscles flutter with excitement.

"can i take these off?" lucy asked as her fingers hooked into the waistband of your underwear.

"please do." you sounded breathier than you had originally thought you were. lucy's touches had always been methodical, apparently even at a snail's pace. you were certain that she could have secrectly had you coming undone if she had wanted to. instead, she drew out the entire experience so that by the time that she took your underwear off, you were absolutely glistening.

"oh you're such a pretty little thing when you're soaked like this," lucy said. that sounded more like the woman that you were used to. the dirty words mixed well with the extra husk to her voice. the only thing that seemed to be missing was the look that lucy was going to blow your back out. you noted that she hadn't given you that look once, instead choosing to look at you with complete love and adoration. "my pretty little babe."

lucy rubbed her hands along the insides of your thighs as she licked her lips. you sat up on your elbows to watch as lucy moved one of her hands in between your legs. she cupped her hand over your center, fingers just barely pressing against your entrance. she could feel a little bit of your wetness drip down just from that. she rubbed her fingers back and forth, slowly pulling little whines from your lips.

"do you want me to beg because i'll do just about anything to feel you inside of me." you were usually too proud to admit whenever you needed lucy like this. lucy shook her head before she dipped it down to lick between your folds. her fingers kept teasing at your entrance as she continued with the languid strokes of her tongue.

her name was on the tip of your tongue, spilling out each time that she pressed a little harder or let her tongue venture a little further. lucy's fingers pushed inside of you slowly, going all of the way in before she pulled them out of you almost completely. lucy pumped them in and out of you at an almost maddening pace. the saving grace for you seemed to be the way that her lips wrapped around your clit as she gently sucked it into her mouth.

"shit, luce, don't stop!" you cried out loudly, uncaring of the way that your voice echoed around her room. lucy seemed to double down on her efforts a little as she began curling her fingers inside of you. she still moved them slowly, but the added sensation was more than enough to have you crying out as your body began to shake.

"shh, it's okay. it's okay," lucy repeated again and again as she worked you down from your orgasm. it wasn't violent or anything, but the trembling continued far longer than what you were used to. lucy managed to calm you down enough for you to catch your breath and pull her up to lay beside you. usually, she would have moved to hold you, but all you wanted to do was hold her instead. you peppered her face in kisses before capturing her lips in a searing kiss. you were exhausted, but the energy from feeling relief after so long was starting to kick in.

"where did that come from?" you asked her. lucy shrugged as she pulled your thigh over her body. she started to trace little patterns on the outside of your thigh as you ran your fingers through her hair.

"was it something that you enjoyed?" lucy seemed a little nervous, like she was still out of her element. "because we don't have to do stuff like that if you don't like it."

"i liked it, i promise. i don't know how to explain this, but that made me feel really loved, luce. it was nice, not that everything else you do isn't," you said quickly. lucy smiled as she tilted her head to press a kiss over your heart. "i love you."

"i love you too." lucy said it with much more confidence than she had ever told you that she loved you before. the distance was hard, but if it helped lucy come to terms with how she felt about you, you'd endure it for a bit longer.

[satorusugurugurl]

Pairing: Geto Sugurux FAB!Reader

Warning: dirty talk, a little knife play, no blood, squirting, degradation, kitchen sex!

Word Count: 4,740

A/N: A modern college AU!! I just kept thinking of two things. Suguru Geto and a Ghost-Face mask! This is my first post!!

Summary: When you fall asleep waiting for your boyfriend Geto Suguru to get home, you pass out holding your book. The dark romance smut book. The same book your boyfriend picks up and reads. A masked stalker? Geto can give you exactly what you want!

MINOR DNI!!!

The second Geto walked into your shared apartment, the tension in his shoulders seemingly vanished. The stress of his night classes and future exams didn't matter. He took his shoes off. All that mattered was being here at home with you.

Treading into the kitchen, Geto blinked, stunned not to find you sitting at the counter—the spot you had claimed for the last three nights. You sipped on a cup of tea while reading the pages of your newest book, where you asked about his day and seemed hesitant when he asked you about yours. But that had to be because you were lost in your book.

Heading into the bedroom, Geto grinned, finding you curled on your side. Upon hearing your soft breathing, Geto treaded carefully toward your side of the bed. From the book barely in your grasp to the entire cup of tea on the nightstand, Geto could piece together what had happened.

You tried staying up late for the fourth night to welcome him home. It came as no surprise that you had fallen asleep. You were so selfless and caring; those were a couple of the many things Suguru loved about you. You deserved a good night's rest. Grabbing the book, Geto glanced around for your bookmark. He reached over your body, mindlessly searching for it under the blankets.

The second he pulled it out from the blankets, he opened the book to place it securely where you'd left off. But just before he closed the book, a particular line caught his attention. ‘My masked stalker bent me over the counter, tossing his knife to the side before he buried his cock inside of me.’ Suguru read the line over and over again before peering down at you.

What kind of book were you reading? You were his sweet, high fantasy fairy romance-loving girlfriend? The same girl that gets flustered over the couple having to share a bed at an inn?

Well, this was a pleasant surprise.

With his interest peeked, Suguru sat in the living room reading the first few chapters of your dirty, dark romance. Calling it that was an understatement. This book was filthy. The stalker wore a Ghostface mask, fucked the heroine with the handle of a knife, and killed anyone that touched her. The sex scenes were so dark, gruesome, and arousing. He could see why you hadn't been able to put it down.

And why you were always flushed when he came home.

He wasn't an idiot; he knew why you liked it. The author described the stalker character as tall, long dark hair, and incredibly strong. You saw him in this character. Was that why you were so hesitant every night he had come home? Did you want something from him? Perhaps some role-playing?

The more he read, the harder his cock throbbed. This book was what you had been squirming and fantasizing about. And if his assumptions were correct, these were things you might want to try out. How cruel would it be to allow you to continue to suffer in silence? What kind of boyfriend would he be?

With a few taps on his phone, Suguru smirked as he got the notification that his package would arrive tomorrow. There was no going back now. All he could do was wait.

(~)(~)(~) (~)(~)(~) (~)(~)(~)

“Did you finish it?” Shoko asked through your phone as you stepped off the elevator on the third floor.

“No, I passed out reading last night. I'll finish it tonight, though.”

“Are you going to ask Suguru to buy a Ghost-Face mask?”

The teasing tone in your friend's voice made you blush. Not because it was embarrassing, but because you fucking wanted to. Reading Leo’s Throne had awakened things you didn't know you were into. Like choking, biting, rough sex, and being chased by a sexy masked man.

Sighing heavily, you stopped, “Shoko, please,” she giggled at your pain, “it's embarrassing! I don't want him to think I'm some fucked up delinquent.” The line grew silent as hushed whispers bickered on the other line.

“Uhm, I hate to break it to you.” Gojo chimed in, “But beating your meat to a girl getting fucked with the handle of a kni-”

“Shut up!”

More laughter erupted from the other line. “Look, we're not kink-shaming you. We're just encouraging you to talk to Suguru.” Shoko continued as Gojo cackled.

“That doesn't make me feel any better.” A whine worked its way up your throat.

It wasn't like sex with Geto was dull! Not in the slightest. You had never squirted until you met your fantastic boyfriend. The man left your legs trembling and tears running down your face whenever you were intimate. But you just wanted something different. Different as in your boyfriend acting as if he was your masked stalker. Doing that meant you would be asking him to be rougher than he ever had been before.

Oh yeah, how could that ever be mortifyingly embarrassing?

“Just go at your own pace, Y/N. Don't force yourself if you're not comfortable.”

“Yeah, yeah, I just got home. I'll see you two later.”

With a final goodbye, you shoved your phone into your pocket as you unlocked the door to your and Suguru’s shared apartment. It was Friday, so he would be home tonight, seeing as he had no night classes. Now would be the ideal time to discuss the kinky things you wanted to try. For Suguru to be rougher, possibly wear a mask. . .and to chase you around the apartment before he fucked the air out of your lungs.

No holding back! Shoko and Gojo were right. There was no harm in asking!

As you stepped into the apartment, you knew something was different. The sun had just begun to set, and the living room light was off. Which was strange, seeing as it was on a timer. Did the apartment lose power or something?

“Suguru?” No answer. “Suguru, I'm home!” you announced as you slipped your tennis shoes off.

“Welcome home.” Hearing your boyfriend's voice from within eased your nerves.

“Hey, what's going on with the lights? Did we lose power or something?” Without Suguru’s response, you found your answer, noticing the stove clock and refrigerator buzzing hum. “Babe?”

Silence passes by before his chuckle resonates from down the hall. “I turned them off.” That was the only response you got back.

“Why?”

“I thought I would set the mood.”

“I'm sorry. What mood are you trying to set?”

“I'm thinking we could play a little, angel~.”

Your body stiffened, not from his tone or the way he was acting, but because he called you Angel. Never once in your two-year relationship or your five-year friendship has Geto Suguru called you Angel. But Leo Rainsworth, the stalker from Leo’s Throne, called the heroine Angel all the damn time. Because she was so pure, he saw himself as a dark demon.

You were fucked.

“Ohh fuck.”

Another dark chuckle echoes from down the hall. “Oh, fuck is right. You fell asleep with your book in your hand last night. I just happened to read a couple of chapters.” Floorboards creaked from the dark hall. “I just have to say, I didn't know you were into kinky shit like that.” Another creak had your heart thundering against your ribcage.

“I-I well, it was—” you stuttered, trying to find the right words. There was no denying Suguru had found your smut. So you might as well tell him the truth. “It was so fucking hot.”

“Was it now?” You hummed in response. “Were you wanting to try some of that stuff? Is that why you stayed up late waiting for me this week? You were hesitant to ask, weren't you? Didn’t want me to know how fucking kinky you are?”

“Y-Yeah, I wanted to ask, but I was nervous. I didn’t know if it would be a turn-off?”

Suguru sighed heavily. “Well, seeing as someone doesn't know how to communicate their wants.” The sound of something, hard, being dragged over the wall made your pussy clench. “I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands.”

A whimper passed through your lips. Holy fuck, the anticipation of what was to come was almost too much to handle. Shifting your legs, you felt just how wet you were. Your panties were utterly soaked with your arousal. Fuck this hot.

“Fuck.”

“Do you want this?” There was no trace of teasing in Suguru’s voice. He was serious, wanting to know if you were okay with this continuing. “Are you comfortable?”

“God, yes. I-I want this Sugu.”

The response was so sudden it took both of you off guard. No hesitation, no questions asked. Just a simple answer. One that was about to rock your world.

“What’s our safeword?”

“Pineapple.”

“And our safety colors?”

“Green for good, yellow means I need you to slow down, or I need to take a break, and red means stop.” You recited, stepping out of the kitchen to look down the dark hallway for your boyfriend. The eagerness was moving you a step closer to his voice.

“You use them if things get too intense. It doesn't matter how far we get. I could be inside you, but if you say red, we stop.”

“Right, I understand.”

A tall silhouette strutted forward as your eyes finally adjusted to the dark hallway. “Good girl,” he says, taking another step forward. “Now, do me a favor.” Suguru stepped out into the living room, and you swear your heart dropped into your stomach. “Run.”

Your boyfriend is shirtless, black jeans clinging to his hips. Dragging your eyes up, you bite down on your bottom lip. Every fantasy you had in the last four days comes true in seconds. Suguru’s handsome face was hidden behind a Ghostface mask. Making it impossible to read his expressions, which made this ten times hotter. The uncertainty of what was going on through his head had you clenching your thighs together.

“I said run,” he repeated, holding up a large plastic prop knife, “Angel.”

You turned, running towards the kitchen, your socks sliding against the hardwood floor. Just as you slid, a rush of air grazed your back. Looking over your shoulder, you inhaled, seeing your boyfriend on your trail. He didn’t even give you a head start. Goddamn, he was playing the part well. Ducking slightly, you pushed forward, stumbling, only to hear Suguru curse as he missed you again.

“Holy shit, what happened to a ten-second head start?” You gasped out, standing at the far side of the kitchen island.

“Tsk,” he ran his thumb over the knife's hilt, “and give you a chance to get away? I don’t think so.”

Suguru moved, walking towards you as you stepped back. He was like a great white shark, circling the kitchen island, stalking his prey. Which just so happened to be you. Knowing that at any moment he could charge you, it had your pussy throbbing in need.

“Oh shit.” You looked around, thinking of what to do. Heading to the living room would result in a short-lived chase. If you took it to the bedroom, you might just end up begging for him to fuck you. “Fuck, fuck me.”

“Oh, I intend to. I’m going to fuck you so hard you’ll have to cancel all of your plans tomorrow.” He smirked. “Not only will you not be able to walk, but I will mark you up. Make you even prettier than you already are.”

“T-That can only happen if you catch me.”

Hearing those words made Suguu’s body stiffen. His ab’s were rising and falling with labored breathing. Your eyes darted towards the prop knife, watching his fist clenched harder around it.

“If?” He asked, placing his free hand over the marble counter. “Baby, it’s not a question of if.” He leaned towards you. “It’s a question of when.”

Mouth dry, you gulped before slowly smirking. “Yeah, I’d like to see you try.”

“Ooh,” Suguru scoffed, “remember those words when my cock is slamming into your cervix.”

It happened so fast that it made your head spin. Like a predator, Suguru gracefully leaped, sliding over the marble countertop. Your jaw dropped as you stumbled back, staring at Suguru as he towered over you. He didn’t even give you a chance to process what was happening. His large hand grabbed you by the back of your neck. Suddenly, Suguru had you turned around and bent over the counter.

“What was that about seeing me try?” His voice was thick with need. “Well, look at you now, bent over the counter just like the heroine in your nasty. . .little. . .book.”

You knew that your inner thighs were slick with your arousal. “Oh my god.” You squirmed under Geto’s grasp, which made him push down on your neck harder.

“It was hard to imagine my sweet vanilla girlfriend getting off on something so dark and demented.” You jolted as he kicked at your ankles, spreading your legs further apart. “But seeing you like this, squirming, breathing heavily, I can see you aren’t as vanilla as I assumed.” His knee slid between your legs, pressing his knee firmly against your clothed cunt. “Tell me~ are you soaked, you nasty slut?”

“S-Sugu~!” You cried out, rocking your hips back against his knee.

“As pretty as my name sounded coming out of your mouth, it wasn’t an answer to my question.” His left hand slowly grazed under your shirt. “Perhaps I need to be rougher~?”

Before you could fathom that, cool steel grazed over the small of your back. The metal barely touched you, but it was still a sharp contrast against your rapidly heating skin that grounded you. Being grounded made things clearer as you realized that the prop knife Suguru was holding was, in fact, not a prop.

It was real.

“S-Suguru, is that real?”

Upon hearing your words, Suguru pulled the cool blade away. “Yeah, it is.” Suguru stared down at your bent form, waiting for you to respond. Your body had tensed up when he confirmed the steel was, in fact, real. “Are you okay? What color are you feeling? Talk to me, baby.” He wasn’t going to assume just because you hadn’t used your designated safe word or a color that, you were okay. “Babe, I need an answer.”

For just a moment, he assumed that maybe he had crossed a line. Before the doubt could settle in his gut, he watched as your stiff body melted against the kitchen island. Your hips rocked harder against his knee as your cunt throbbed through your leggings. A breath caught in his throat, seeing how you desperately humped his knee. Gritting his teeth, he fought against the urge to rock his hips against you. Despite your body’s actions and the desperation in your movements, he still needed an answer.

“Princess,” he groaned, “color.”

“Green!” You cried out, rocking harder. “Fucking green!”

“Good girl,” he fisted you t-shirt. “I’ll buy you another.”

You cocked an eyebrow, trying to look behind. “Another who—“You were cut off when Suguru stabbed the knife through your shirt. “Holy shit!” You slowed your movements as you listened to Suguru rip our shirt up the middle of your back.

“Oooh~ look at how pretty you are.” The knife slid under the hem of your leggings. “Bent over the counter.” With the jerk of his hand, you listened as your pants became his next victim. “Surrounded by the clothes I ripped off of you.”

He repeated the process, your thong and bra following your leggings, and that littered the floor. The whole situation was erotic; you felt your slick seep out of you, dripping shamelessly to the ground. You’d never been so fucking aroused. You needed Suguru so bad.

“S-Sugu, please!”

“Please, what?” His right hand left your neck, fingers trailing down your back. “Use your words.”

“Please, touch me!”

He hummed, training his fingers lower and lower before for inched over your ass. “Please!” a loud smack flooded the kitchen, followed by a sharp stinging pain over your ass.

“I told you to use your words, angel!” He snarled, pressing his body against yours. The knife pressed firmly against your cheek. “Tell me what you want slut.”

“F-Finger me! Fuck m, please! I need you!!” You cried out in desperation. Pleased with your begging, Suguru slapped your ass again before he wrapped his right arm around your waist, dipping between your legs. His fingers quickly began rubbing quick circles around your throbbing clit. “Fuck!!”

“Fuck, you’re soaking wet.” he increased the speed of his fingers, “it wouldn't take much to make you cum would it?”

He was right; it wouldn't take much to make you cum. “M-More!” You begged as he removed his knee. “Please don't te-AH!” Two thick fingers plunged inside your tight cunt.

“Heh,” he chuckled, “fuck your pussy is clamping down on me!” Suguru immediately set a brutal pace, curling his fingers up, reaching a little further as he rubbed your g-spot. “My dirty princess,” he fucked into your sweet spot over and over and over again. Not once letting up. “Does that feel good? I can feel your cunt twitching.”

“S-So good~! S-Sugu! Ah fuck, fuck!” his thumb reached up, rubbing your clit in time with his thrusts. “I-I’m gonna~!”

The cool steel of the knife pressed harder against your face. “Yeah?” Weakly, you opened your eyes, coming face to face with the Ghostface mask. “You look at me when you cum on my fingers.” His words made the coil in your abdomen tighten. “Eyes on me, angel~ you be a good girl and cum for me.” How could you deny him?

“C-cumming! I'm c-cumm—” A scream left your lips as you came. Your pussy clamped down on Suguru’s fingers as a stream of clear liquid squirted out of you. Feeling your juices hit the ground, spreading under his bare feet, ignited a need in Suguru.

“That's it!” He all but yelled. “Fuckin’ good girl~ so good.” Seeing you squirt always riled him up. Good god, he needed to see it again.

You had thought that he was going to work you slowly through your orgasm like he usually did. But not once did he slow down. Instead, he curled his fingers deeper, his pace not flattering, moving in and out faster and harder. All you could do was lay there, legs shaking as he finger fucked you.

“S-Suguru, w-what?!” you cried out as he growled in your ear.

“Again, I need you to fucking squirt again.”

“B-But Sugu, I want you!” Tears flooded your eyes, the pleasure becoming more intense with each thrust of his fingers.

“I know, I know, baby, give me one more and I fuck you.”

Seeing the tears spilling over your cheeks made Suguru throb harder. “Sugu~! I—” Suguru pressed the knife harder against your cheek.

“I don't remember asking. I’m telling you, you're going to squirt again.”

The chill of his words and the knife had your eyes rolling back. It was so overwhelming, so much pleasure. Your thighs were shaking, knees buckling in as he slammed directly into each g-spot. The coil tightened harder and harder until it snapped.

“That’s it!” Suguru praised, growling as your pussy fluttered around his fingers. “Come on, cum for me, cum on my fingers. Make a mess!” Your screams were music to his ears as he felt you cum. You squirted hard, coating your thighs, his jeans, and the floor.

He pulled his fingers out, glancing at your cum, that was dripping off his fingers. The two of you were breathing heavily, not saying a word. Suguru’s cock was so hard, the tip leaking pre-cum, painting the inside of his boxers. He knew you were enjoying this, but holy shit, he was enjoying it just as much, if not more.

“S-Sugu-”

Hearing your shaking voice brought him back to reality. His right hand gently rubbed up and down your back. “You okay? Need a break?” He watched as you shook your head. Your Y/E/C eyes were glazed over with lust as you pressed your ass back against his hips rubbing slowly against his cock.

“No fuck me, please fuck me. I-I need your cock.”

You listened to him growl deep in his chest. Suddenly, you heard his belt being undone, followed by his zipper. You didn't know what to expect. He seemed so calm and collected. But any average, calm person would not have tossed a knife to the ground. He most definitely would not have grabbed your hips so tight before suddenly slamming his cock deep inside your tight cunt.

The sudden fullness of his cock caused the air to escape your lungs. Your mouth formed an ‘O’ shape as Suguru pulled nearly out before slamming back inside you. Feeling your tight twitching walls hug his cock so snuggly had Suguru feral. He had no control over himself as he pounded your pussy, harder and harder with each thrust. He was so deep his tip gently pressed into your cervix.

“Oh, my fuckin fuck!” You cried out, his left hand gently pressing your head against the counter. “S-Su—gu—-ru!!” each syllable of his name was fucked out of you by his thrusts.

“Yeah~?” His hand left your head. Instead, his long fingers wrapped around your throat, gently squeezing. “Feels good? You like it like this?”

“Y-Yeah!! Deep so fucking deep!!”

“Fuck yeah, I am~ I feel your pussy clamping down. Did you imagine this~? Imagine me fucking you just as rough?” all you could manage to do was nod. “You like your stalker fucking your tight cunt?”

That sweet, smokey tone of his voice, your boyfriend's voice, had you clamping down harder on him. He was right; you did want this, and you fantasized about asking him to do precisely this. And he had fulfilled your fantasy, going above and beyond to make it perfect. He was perfect, so fucking good to you.

“Sugu~ Suguru~”

“Yeah? Tell me what you want~? Faster? Harder?” When you shook your head, he slowed his thrusts just a tad bit. “No~? What do you need.” His hand squeezed harder around your throat, cutting some of your air off.

You almost told him to keep going when he choked you like that. With a shaky moan, you turned, staring into the eyes of the Ghostface mask. “I-I want a kiss.” Out of all the things he had expected you to say, that wasn't one of them. But Get Suguru wasn't the kind of man to deny Y/L/N Y/N.

A whimper sounded from deep in your throat as Suguru gently pulled out. His hand slid down your curves, turning you around to face him. In the dying twilight light, you stared at the sweat beading against his skin, slowly running down his ab’s. Trailing your eyes up, his skin was illuminated by the soft pink and lilac tones from outside. After taking in his body, your Y/E/C landed on the mask.

His hand left your hip, tugging the mask off his head. Suguru’s dark eyes were glazed over with love and desire. His dark bun was messy; his bangs were sticking to his face by the sheen of sweat beading on his forehead. He was such a stunning man. And he was yours.

Tossing the mask to the side, Suguru’s hands grabbed your hips, placing you on the counter. As soon as you were settled, his lips slammed against yours in a heated kiss. One that made your toes curl as you matched his pace, kissing back with the same enthusiasm and force. It was the kind of kiss that made you moan into his mouth as he gently pulled you towards the edge, his free hand easing his hot cock back inside your pussy.

“Suguru.” You moaned against his mouth, allowing his tongue to slip inside. “Mhmm.”

Your tongues massaged each other in a slow sensual kiss as he fucked you deeply. It was so good. He tasted good, felt good, god, he smelt so good. Everything about this night was good.

“Fuck, Y/N-“ he growled, pulling away, “I love you. You feel so good, so perfect. You’re such a good girl.” His words made your heart race as you kissed him again.

“Love you too~ so much, thank you for this~” Your praises had him groaning deeply into your mouth. His thrusts increased in speed and power as he kissed you like you were the only thing keeping him alive.

Suguru slid his hand down between your conjoined bodies, rubbing your clit in fast circles. “Cum for me, Y/N, milk my cock, baby~ I wanna cum inside you.” Arching your back, a string of moans erupted from your mouth as you wrapped your legs around his waist. “Y/N fuck, yes, just like that~”

“I'm gonna cum!” you cried out against his mouth. “Sugu, I'm cumming baby~ c-cu—” Your warning was cut off by a scream as your walls clamped down on his cock, milking him.

“Fuck~! Fuck! You're so tight~ tighter than ever.” Suguru grunted, kissing and nipping at your neck as he bit down on your skin. “Focus on my cock~ feel me~ feel it~ Fuck! I'm cumming!” Pulling you tighter against him, Suguru’s thrusts became messy before you felt his cock throb hard. Ropes of hot cum filled your pussy, and he kept thrusting, fucking it deep inside you as he rode the waves of both your orgasms.

By the time he stopped, the sun was long gone, and the entire apartment was enveloped in darkness. Not that either of you cared. Nothing mattered as you two basked in the afterglow. Your heart rates and breathing went from ragged and fast-paced to shallow and calm. The entire time you came down, Suguru had you firmly pressed against his bare chest. He was holding you as close as he could as you both recovered.

Hours seemed to pass before Suguru slowly lifted you off the counter. You rested your head against his shoulder as he carried you to the bedroom, gently laying you on the bed. Without a word, Suguru left the room and returned with a bottle of water and a warm rag. He cleaned you up, his eyes occasionally meeting yours as he smiled fondly.

Your cheeks burned as you returned his loving smile. “Drink some water. I'll be right back,” he said, handing the bottle to you before heading back to the kitchen.

He was gone for several minutes before he returned. “Where did you go?” You asked, watching as he came back in just in his boxers.

“I wanted to clean up real quick,” he responded, crawling into bed and wrapping his toned arms around you. “Tossed my stuff in the washer, yours in the trash.”

“Damn,” you giggle, “I loved that shirt.” Suguru chuckled, pulling you tighter against him.

“Sorry, I'll buy you another.”

“Nah, it's okay.” you hummed, “it was a sacrifice I was willing to make.” You turned to face him. “Thank you again, that was so much fun.”

“Yeah, it was.” Suguru gently cupped your face in his hand. “I love you very much.”

“I love you too.”

He gently pressed a kiss against your lips. He was holding you firmly again at him. This evening was the perfect way to end a week. Fantastic sex snuggling your boyfriend, you couldn't ask for a more ideal night—a night where your fantasy had come true.

“So,” Suguru started, “I bought you the rest of the series of Leo’s Throne. We need to reenact some more scenes, I think.”

Pulling back, you couldn't stop the laughter rising in your chest. “Baby, seriously? Did you buy them for me or yourself?” you cocked an eyebrow as your boyfriend's cheeks flushed.

“What a silly question,” he pulled you on top of him, “I bought them for us!”

“You read the whole book, didn't you?”

“. . .”

“Oh my god, you did.”

“. . .I will say the ending had me running to the bookstore this morning. To have the hero—” You clamped your hand over his mouth.

“No spoilers!”

[jogetsobsessed]

Dominos (Part 2 of The Prophecy) - Paul Lahote x reader

Could technically be read as a stand-alone!

I'm so sorry for the long wait for this, I simply could not figure out what I wanted to do. Also, the two OC characters are simply random and are just there as space fillers (but I did choose the name Evan from 911 #wewillgetbuddie). P.S. This has a lot of dialogue and I don't know how to properly write dialogue so oopsie.

My present to all of you for hitting 200 followers!!

Always enjoy, I hope this lived up to all your expectations!

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

It hurt for a long time.

It felt like you were drowning and that you were never going to be able to surface. Life was moving in slow motion, as you grappled with the sudden change in your life. 

You lost everything. 

Everything important to you was gone. Your friends, your support system, the man who you loved. People tried to reach out at first. Emily and Kim called you every day for weeks, but after a while, the calls stopped coming. Embry and Quil both texted you, checking to see how you were doing and if they could help anyway, but like the calls you ignored the texts. 

You felt pathetic. 

They all felt bad for you and you know it. They knew how in love you were with Paul and they were all witnesses to the tragic ending. And you hated it. 

Hated how people would look at you. You felt that you couldn't go anywhere without someone looking at you with sympathy in their eyes. And you could only take that for so long. 

So after months of hiding in your bedroom and wallowing in your despair, you decided to make a change. You were going to do something for yourself. Something that was going to be hard, one of the hardest decisions you had ever had to make. 

You found an apartment 250 miles away. Growing up you had made the almost five-hour car ride to Portland, Oregon a couple times a year, so you knew that you liked the city well enough. It was a massive change, going from small-town living to city life. But it's what you need. Being somewhere where no one knew you, where no one knew about the unnatural life that the people of the tribe lived. It was your chance to live a normal life. 

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

Normal life suited you well. 

The move had been hard at first, you left behind your parents and the few friends outside of the pack that had still been in contact with. It took a while for you to start feeling like yourself again. But that's because you didn't know who you were without Paul. Moving to Portland was a chance for you to find who you were. 

Six months after you moved you experienced your very own meet cute. 

It happened at work, you had blindly reached out to hit the button for the elevator when your hand met someone else's. Quickly your phone was away from your face and you looked up and swore you almost swooned.  

His name was Evan. 

The company he worked for had just opened up a Portland office and was renting space on the third floor. You told him you worked on the seventeenth floor when he had asked and watched the number seventeen light up. Immediately he started a conversation. It was small talk, you told him that you also had not been in Portland long and chose the simple way out by saying that a long-term relationship ended so you wanted a fresh start. 

It hadn't occurred to you that he never got off on the third floor. 

He rode up to the seventeenth floor just to talk to you. And once the elevator stopped and the doors started to open he asked you out. He insisted that he needed a tour guide to find the best ramen that Portland had to offer. 

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

5 years later 

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

“And after that the rest is history”, you laughed as you felt Evans's arm slightly squeeze your waist in affection. 

You wouldn't believe where you were, back home in Forks. You had managed to avoid it since you left because your parents moved down to just outside of Portland after they realized that your move was permanent. 

Your engagement to Evan had come just over a year after you met him. After swearing up and down that after Paul you were never going to let yourself love someone again you found yourself drowning in the love that you had for Evan. And when he got down on one knee you didn't even let him finish what he was saying before you were throwing yourself in his arms shouting ‘yes’. 

But your parents hadn't moved down until you Facetimed them a year after your wedding holding up ultrasound photos. They screamed and cried tears of joy, they were going to get to be grandparents. You hadn't told them everything that had happened with Paul but they knew enough. They knew that he had broken your heart and now saw how your husband was putting it back together piece by piece. They saw how happy you were. 

And you are happy. 

You were getting everything that you wanted, everything that he had promised you. 

Marriage, a big house with a white picket fence, and children.

That’s why when you received an invite to Emily and Sam’s wedding you gladly accepted. There was no reason for you not to go, you learned a long time ago that letting the thought of Paul control your life was no way to live. If after all these years Emily still sent you an invite obviously she wanted you here. 

So here you were, standing with Jared, Kim, Embry, and his imprint Ava. Kim had just about burst into tears when she saw you sitting with Evan and your son in the back of the ceremony. She was standing beside Emily at the altar and you could have sworn she almost ran back down the aisle to scoop you in her arms. And that's what she did as soon as Sam and Emily were announced as Mr and Mrs Uley. 

There was so much catching up to do, that was evident. Five years of not talking to one of your best friends, especially at the stage of life all of you were in. You could see it in all of their eyes when you introduced Evan to them that they approved, it was almost a look of relief like they were glad that you had been able to move on after everything that had happened. You had both apologized for not inviting each other to your weddings but that could be forgiven. Especially when you both realize that you had young sons. Her and Jared’s son is three and your son is almost two. 

The two of them quickly got along and were off playing in the designated kid's area of the field where the reception was being held. You were having so much fun laughing with old friends and introducing your husband to everyone that you almost didn't catch the moment she walked by. 

Rachel Black had her arm hooked through the extended arm of some man, one that you recognized but didn't know quite where from. All you knew was that it wasn't him. 

Embry was the first to clock your glance. He followed your gaze and quickly noticed who you were looking at.

“Who the hell is that?” 

You had cut Jared off in the middle of his story about getting thrown out of the Mariners game and saw his eyes bug out of his head when he followed your gaze. She moved carefree throughout the wedding, stopping to say hi to people here and there as she and her mystery man made their way to a table near where her father was talking to Chief Swan. 

“Her fiance”, Kim mumbled over the rim of her champagne glass. 

“What!”, you were definitely louder than you had meant to be, guests nearby turning to look at you and your friends. Sheepishly you gaze at them all, a smile wincing at the sudden onset of attention. 

“It’s a long story Y/N”, Embry said pleadingly. He did not want to get into this right now, you know he didn't. However, there is absolutely no way for you to let this go. 

The woman who had unintentionally wrecked your relationship was now hanging off the arm of another man. And now you were wondering if that's why you hadn't seen the said man at all tonight. As far as you know he’s still one of Sam’s best friends, not that you cared to double-check. 

One look from you Embry’s way was enough for him to huff and motion to an empty table a little further away from the impromptu dance floor. Pulling your husband behind you, you marched your way over plopping down on one of the empty chairs. 

“I’m gonna go check on our boy”, Evan said, emphasizing the word as he kissed the top of your head and started to cross the field. You knew what he was doing, he was making everything easier. You were sure that your old friends had assumed that you had let Evan in on the pack's secret (which you had after you had gotten engaged). But you figured that he thought they would want to talk as freely if he was around. That's why you love him so much, he knew how to read a room and understood the special circumstances surrounding your past relationship and the baggage that followed you because of it. 

After everyone else had made it back to the table, barring Ava who had gotten swept into a conversation with Leah and her mom, you shot them all looking waiting to see who was going to start. 

“They got married…six months after you moved” 

This information was shocking, I mean Paul had always been one to move fast, but six months? 

“And everything was okay for a while. They seemed like they were really in love”, you flinched at Jared's words and Kim, noticing your actions, slapped her husband's chest with the back of her hand, rolling her eyes at his carelessness. Jared however wasn't phased and kept going. 

“And then the fighting started. It was small things at first, we would see them bicker when walking up the steps at Em’s, or when Paul phased we could hear him replaying their argument over what to have for dinner the night before”. 

He paused, taking in a deep breath, resting his hand on top of Kim’s where she had it laid on the table in front of her. Lucky for him Embry decided to take pity on his brother and cut in. 

“Y/N things got bad. Paul and Rachel both have very strong ummm…personalities”. He chuckled nervously as he bit his lip. You knew this made him uncomfortable and part of you felt bad for making him tell you all of this but you needed to know. You needed to know for the sake of knowing, it's not like anything in your life was gonna change because of it. Happiness had finally found you, and part of you felt bad that Paul’s had only been temporary, even though he had shamed your heart. 

“The small fights turned into screaming matches, and they weren't always private. And umm at some point the screaming escalated to the two of them breaking things. Rachel would throw glasses and beer bottles and such and Paul broke one too many kitchen chairs for them to keep replacing them”. 

“Eventually we had to step in, I mean the boys had to physically step in Y/N”, Kim cut in, the look in her eyes telling you that she was reliving the drama. “Sam, Jared, and Embry let themselves into Paul and Rachel's place one day when he was home and she wasn't and they had to drag him kicking and screaming out of there practically”. 

“It's not like he was abusive, it 's just that they are both so damn toxic”. Jared chuckled as he struggled to describe what it was like watching their relationship from start to finish. 

The three of them filled you in on specific instances of when the crazy started to show, while also reiterating how sorry they felt for how they handled everything that night years ago. 

“So where is he now?”, you blurted out. The wine finally made your head feel a little fuzzy and your filter started to thin. This question caught them off guard, the three of them exchanging awkward glances back and forth. 

“I don't know, none of us do. He was supposed to be here but since last night it's been radio silence. No one has heard a word from him”, Embry said. 

----------

You felt like you were being watched. 

After finishing your conversation with your friends the four of you walked over to where the kids were running around. Evan and Ava had been making small talk as they gave the four of you space. 

And now as you watched your friends interact with your son and husband you were trying to have a good time and appreciate the moment. 

But you couldn't, because someone was watching your every movement. 

You tried to brush it off, but the longer the night went on you could still sense it. Trying your best to act nonchalant you looked at the outskirts of the field and just beyond the tree line. You didn't want to worry anyone, especially your husband. Evan was having such a good time, he and the boys got along well and you knew that as soon as you got back home he was gonna start bugging you to come back up here. 

You were scanning the tree line again when you saw something or someone. And as you squinted to get a better look your heart stopped beating. 

Paul. 

He was hidden (not very well) in the trees, just past the makeshift dance floor. He looked disheveled, his pants and partially unbuttoned white shirt were wrinkled and slightly dirty, no doubt from spending the entire night stalking from the trees. 

He looks different from the last time you saw him, he looks…older maybe? No longer clean-shaven, some scruff was clear even from where you stood. Lines and marks litter his face and his eyes. Oh, his eyes look so tired. 

His body stiffened when the two of you made eye contact and he realized that he had been caught. But he didn't skitter away like a scared animal when you excused yourself from your group, promising your husband that this should only take a minute. 

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

You couldn't believe it, here you were face to face with the man who you swore up and down that if you ever saw again you would kill. But here you were, face to face with him and you couldn't even think of anything to say. 

Because the thing is you weren't mad at him anymore.

No, you felt bad for him. 

You had everything and he had nothing. 

He looked like a scared little boy as he stood before you messing with his fingers, something you remember him doing to try and relax. Gone was the macho-man personality. He looked embarrassed. 

“Hi”, his voice was shy, even more unlike him than acting embarrassed. 

“What do you want Paul?” he startled at your tone but you didn't care. You weren't going to give him the time of day. This conversation was not between two old friends catching up after now seeing each other for a few years. No, you were having this conversation out of necessity and necessity only. 

“I just wanna talk, it's been a while”. 

“Yeah I know, last time we talked you dumped me over text and when I went to try and talk to you about it hours later you didn't even look phased. Already cuddled up to your imprint”, you made sure to lace your words with venom, you wanted to make it hurt. Make him relive his actions and decisions. 

His nostrils flared at your last word. He hated being reminded of her, of that bond that they still shared. The stupid bond that had ruined his life. The same bond he thought had ruined your life. But seeing you here, walking hand in hand with a man, a small child in your arms he realized he had been wrong. 

The only thing that had gotten Paul through all his fights with Rachel and all the time he spent alone after was the thought of you. How after he worked through everything he could get you back. Paul knew how devastated you had been. He had never told anyone but he knew you were there that day at Emily’s. He knew you had started up the porch and decided to put his arm around Rachel, to send you a message. 

In some sick way, that thought of you being alone and missing him got him through the darkness. But now he realized that he had been wrong. 

You hadn't spent the past five years moping around and waiting for him to confess his love for you. The love for you which almost killed him. He had tried to shove it down, he had been blessed with an imprint, and he should be happy. 

But that wasn't the case. 

He hated himself for it, dragging Rachel into the mess that was his life. Because she wanted him to love her, she wanted a happy marriage and a long life with Paul. And that's what Paul thought he wanted. The bond did make Paul feel for Rachel, he wanted to protect and keep her safe. He didn't want to see her sad. But those feelings didn't stop his love for you. 

You had become the center of their marital problems. 

Hundreds of miles away, completely moved on and completely oblivious to the stake that you held in their relationship. 

Rachel learned very quickly that she wasn't the only woman Paul loved. And she had tried to live with it for a while. Growing up she had learned how special it was to be an imprint for one of the shifters. It was devastating to realize that she would never get that from Paul. 

And after a while of trying to make it work and a little intervention from their friends, they called it quits. She had moved on, meeting someone who truly loved her and could put her first. 

Paul however hadn't. 

“I’m sorry about that Y/N. I just wanna…” 

“You wanna what Paul? I’m not playing these games, it's late and I don't wanna spend the rest of the night arguing with you, because guess what we have nothing to argue about anymore because we are nothing”

“Don't say that Y/N”

“Don't say what Paul said? Don't say that we are nothing, are you crazy? Like generally have you lost your damn mind?” 

“Y/N I love you and I know you still have to feel the same, I know how upset you were after we broke up”, his voice cracked as he pleaded with you. And you couldn't help but laugh. 

“We didn't break up Paul, you dumped me…over text. Five years ago might I add, and you really must have lost it. I’m fucking married Paul, I have a child with a man that I love, someone who isn't like you, he isn't a coward”. 

“No, no don't say Y/N, please”, he was begging now. Full-on begging. 

“Paul I have nothing to say to you because I’m not going to say anything that you wanna hear. I don't love you”. 

Time seemed to stop at your admission. 

The forest seemed to be still, the soft breeze dying down and the rusting of the animal inhabitants went silent. And the light from Paul's very sad eyes seemed to dim even more if that was even possible. He truly had spent all this time that you still loved him and believed that the two of you could happen again. 

What happened next was something you could have never predicted, not after knowing Paul for as long as you had. 

He dropped to his knees, blubbering like an infant and pleading with you. 

“Y/N please, we can make this work I know we can. Just give me one more chance, I still love you”. 

He was making a scene. People were starting to notice the distressed man at your feet as he sobbed into his hands pleading with you to come back to him. Luckily Jared noticed the mumbling of some people near him and immediately saw what was happening. 

“Shit”, he muttered under his breath as he grabbed a fistful of Embry’s suit jacket to pull him with him as they took off jogging trying to act nonchalant. This was still their friend's wedding and there was no chance they would let Paul and his inability to get a hold of his emotions ruin it. 

The rest of the pack spotted the incident and quickly jumped into action. Sam had noticed what was happening and was putting all his trust in his friends to handle it, the last thing he wanted for Emily’s day to be ruined. 

“Come on buddy, I think you need to calm down”, Jared told Paul as Jacob helped him pull Paul off the ground. Paul was still breaking down, it was like the floodgates had broken. Every emotion that he had buried for so long was just pouring out of him. It was hard for the pack to watch as one of their own, someone who was normally so stoic and cocky completely broke. 

“No, stop, I'm not going anywhere. She’s not listening”, he protested, trying to shove off the various sets of hands trying to control him.

“I think she's listening perfectly fine Paul, I mean come on man, she has a husband. This isn't new news”. Seth said from his spot next to you, his body slightly angled in front of yours, ready to defend if Paul lost control and shifted. 

“But I still love her”, he wailed. The boys were shoving him back now, deeper into the forest, for the sake of the wedding but also partially for his dignity. 

And that was the last you saw of him, getting half-carried, thrashing around like an angry toddler sobbing as he disappeared into the woods. 

Once he was gone you couldn't hold it in anymore. It was your turn to sob. 

Even after all the pain and suffering he had put you through you hadn't wanted to hurt him like that. Seeing someone usually so strong shatter and at your words devastated you. 

You don't know how long you stood there before Kim darted in front of you and pulled you into a bone-crushing hug. 

It's confusing, you didn't know why you were crying. You had no reason to feel bad after what he had done to you and everything you had said was true, after everything he had done even if you weren't happily married you wouldn't get back with him. However, you felt so guilty, like you had been the one to ruin his life, even though Paul had made his decision. 

Paul had been the one to knock down the first domino and start the chain reaction. He had made his bed and now he has to lie in it. 

However, while you knew all this to be true you couldn't help but call out to him, you knew he was listening, wherever they had carried him to. 

“I’m sorry Paul, I’m so sorry”. 

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

blobsblobican (you asked to be tagged in part 2!)

[isaidlandowecanbeworldchampion]

I’m sorry, I love you - Lost the Breakup Part 2

OP81 x reader, ex!LN4 x reader

Warnings: swearing, slut shaming, poorly written angst

A/n: hi, I'm sorry it took so long for a part two, I wasn't expecting part one to do so well and I hadn't decided where I wanted to take it .

Previous part // Next part

You shuffle into the kitchen around 7am. Oscar is sitting at the breakfast bar drinking a protein shake. 

“Morning.” You mumble, still half asleep. 

Oscar chuckles lightly and stands up. He grabs you a mug and pours a coffee for you.

“Milk? Sugar?” He asks gently. You shake your head and pull the mug towards yourself.

Oscar fiddles with the hem of his shirt before sighing. “So uh…” He rubs the back of his neck. “Can we just forget about what I said last night? Not the winning for you part, I, uh, meant that bit, But the other stuff. It was just a lot of adrenaline, you know? And I-” 

“It’s fine, Oscar” You cut him off, “Already forgotten” 

He smiles and nods. “I’m about to go on a run, but if you want to put a list together we can do some groceries later?”

“Can we stop by my old place? I need to grab some stuff.” You ask, sipping the warm coffee. 

“Of course”, Oscar heads for the door, “I’ll see you later.”

–

You slide into the passenger seat of Oscar’s Mclaren Artura, one of the perks of his job. In one hand you hold a list of groceries and the keys to your and Landos flat, in the other is your phone. Oscar seamlessly steers the car onto the road heading towards the closest grocery store. 

You glance down at your phone fiddling around to avoid saying anything to Oscar. Things had been tense since last night, despite Oscar’s apology this morning. 

Oscar glanced towards you. He cleared his throat. 

“So I need to give you a heads up about something, “ He began, focusing on the road. “Someone managed to get some photos of me dropping you off at the airport and the media is making it seem like something it’s not.” 

Your head whipped towards Oscar but he didn’t look back at you. 

“I am so sorry Oscar” You looked towards your hands on your lap, “I never should’ve gotten you involved. I can move out and find a hotel. You don’t need to be dealing with this on top of everything with Mclaren and the championship battle.” You began to pick at your nails absently, pulling up hotels on your phone. 

“Hey, whoa whoa, I never said you had to move out. I just wanted to tell you so that you’re not blindsided.” He reached over and squeezed your knee. “ I don’t care what people think. You’re my friend, I'm not going to leave you homeless.”  

Oscar smoothly pulled up outside your old apartment building. 

“Do you want me to come up?” 

You shook your head and opened the car door, “I’ll be quick” 

– 

The flat was quiet when you opened the door, maybe you got lucky and Lando was out.? You heard footsteps approaching and you knew that you had no such luck.  Lando leant against the doorframe to the living room. 

“Are you done fucking my teammate then?” 

You scoffed and rolled your eyes, making your way towards the bedroom. “I’m not going to even answer that question, given how ridiculous that accusation is.”

It was Lando’s turn to scoff, following you towards the bedroom where you had dragged a suitcase out of the closet and were now shoving the contents of your wardrobe into it. 

“I think it’s a perfectly reasonable assumption” He snarled, “There are photos of you basically sucking his face off and you moved in with him before we were even officially done.” 

You stood up straight and stalked towards him, “ Last I checked, I wasn’t the one who called their girlfriend who has only ever tried to support you -” Your hands come up in quotation marks. “- exhausting …on live television nonetheless  You were barely a foot away from him now, your voice seething with rage, “For your information, I have no interest in Oscar that way, but even if I did, It’s not your business anymore because we are done.” 

“Whore” Lando hissed. 

“I’ll ask you once not to speak to her in that way, Norris.” Oscar stood behind Lando, the look on his face showed that he’d heard what you said about him. 

“Or what, Oscar? You’re behind me in the championship,” Lando seethed, “and now you’re fucking my leftovers. Guess you’ll always be in my shadow, huh?”

Oscars fist cracked across the side of Lando’s face and he doubled over in pain, “Fuck!” 

“I asked you once not to speak to her in that way.” Oscar turned to you,  “Are you done? What else do you need?” 

You nodded, “I’m okay, I have everything I need”

Oscar gently took the suitcase and carried it towards the door. You bent down and lightly touched Lando’s cheek. 

“I’m sorry.” He murmured, “I love you.” 

“No,” You reply, gently “You don’t. If you loved me you wouldn’t have said it” 

You stood up and followed Oscar out the door. 

Please send a ask or comment if you want to be added to tag list

Tags:

@amz824 @cmleitora @herexpertcollector

[shardsofmarxx]

Lost | Spencer Reid x GN! Reader

Criminal Minds Songfic based on/inspired by the song Lost by Dennis Van Aarssen. (This is a cover of the song "Lost" by Michael Bublé)

Summary: After a long case, Spencer decides to surprise you with a visit to your apartment. Once he arrives, he realizes that you've been struggling, and he does his best to comfort you.

Warnings: Talk of medication, and bipolar II. Reader is clearly going through a depressive episode.

Word Count: 1.8K

A/N: So sorry for the delay in getting a new fic out!! Between my busy college schedule, my mental health, and writers block, it took me wayyy too long to come up with a solid idea for a fic. I was randomly listening to this song one day and was suddenly hit with the inspiration for this, so I ran with it! I really hope you guys enjoy this one :)

Spencer rushed to his car, excited to see you after dealing with a long case in Florida for the past two weeks. He didn't tell you that the team finished the case because you two just hadn't talked much today. Now that he was thinking about it, he realized you two hadn't talked much at all these past two weeks, aside from casual good morning and goodnight messages. Regardless, he was sure you'd be happy to see him.

Spencer drove out of the parking garage, whistling some tunes and tapping his fingers as he winded down the road to your apartment. He got there relatively quickly, seeing as you only lived a 5 minute drive away from the BAU. He parked his car, got out, and eagerly headed up the stairs to your apartment.

Once he got to the door, he fished out the spare key you had given him when you two first started dating and unlocked the door, opening it very slowly so as not to startle you awake. He walked in, quietly taking his shoes off and placing his messenger bag by the door. He carefully walked through the hall and saw light coming from the living room, accompanied by the low sound of the TV. He stood in the doorway and found you asleep on the couch, watching Friends reruns. As he walked towards the couch, he noticed miscellaneous wrappers and bottles strewn around the floor. He furrowed his brows and diverted his path over to the kitchen, only to find the sink full of dishes and the trash slightly overflowing, along with takeout containers spread across the counter. He walked back into the living room and over to the couch, kneeling on the floor beside you. He looked over at you and moved some stray hair strands out of your face, being careful not to wake you. He saw your eyes were puffy and your cheeks were still a bit wet, which he deduced was from crying.

Spencer’s profiler brain quickly began putting everything together. He knew you had been struggling with bipolar II for a while, but things had been getting better. He made sure that you were seeing the best people in the field for your treatment. Your therapy sessions, along with the current medication you were on, seemed to be working fine, so he didn’t understand why this was happening. There was no way you would have hidden your symptoms that well from him; after all, he was a profiler. He sat there, racking his brain, trying to figure out what could’ve gone wrong.

Suddenly, it hit him.

Spencer quickly, but quietly, got up and walked to the bedroom. As he walked in, he turned on the lights and went straight to the nightstand on the right side of your bed. He quietly looked through the cabinets until he finally found your medication. He picked up the bottle and saw it was much fuller than it should be, confirming his suspicion.

You hadn’t been taking your medication since he left.

Spencer knew this feeling all too well from all the times his mother would refuse her medication. He felt a wave of guilt rush through him as he sighed and returned the bottle to the nightstand. He slowly trudged back to the couch and sat on the floor so that he was right by your face, completely enthralled by your beauty as you slept soundly.

As Spencer stared at you, his mind began to wander. He felt guilty for not realizing the implications of your distance from him over the past two weeks. Although he loved his job, he hated how busy it could get and how it could cause him to neglect the things he cared most about, like you. Most importantly, he felt guilty that he couldn't be there for you. He did his best to push all these thoughts out just as quickly as they came, telling himself that he should just focus on the present. He was here now, and he was going to do anything and everything he could for you. He sat by your side, gently caressing you until you finally awoke, stirring for a few moments until your eyes fluttered open.

“Spencer?” You croaked, your voice slightly raspy from sleep, “What are you doing here?”

“We landed a while ago, and I figured I’d come surprise you,” he replied softly, accompanied by a warm smile.

You sat up and rubbed your eyes for a few moments in an effort to wake yourself up. As you looked around, you realized the mess that was your apartment, and memories of how you'd been spending the past two weeks began to flood your brain. As this was happening, you came to the realization that Spencer has seen all this too, which means he’s definitely figured out that you’re off your meds. You immediately stand up, and Spencer does the same, a look of concern forming on his face as you lead him to the door.

"Well, Spence, this was a lovely surprise, but I have a busy day ahead of me. You really should get going,” I said, handing him his messenger bag. As you reached to open the door, he grabbed your wrist, his warm touch causing you to turn back around.

“Unfortunately for you, I can't be fooled that easily.” His voice trailed. “I'm not leaving you, darling.”

He grabbed the messenger bag from my hand and kneeled down to place it back by the door. He stood back up and placed his hands in yours, giving you a soft look with his warm, hazel eyes.

You couldn't bring yourself to meet his gaze. All you could do was stare at the floor and mumble. “Nothing's going on, Spencer, really.”

“I doubt you would go off of your medication for nothing,” he replied matter-of-factly, taking a deep breath before speaking again. “Listen, I understand that dealing with this kind of stuff is hard, really hard, but you can't keep me in the dark forever. I'm your boyfriend, and I'm always going to be by your side, no matter how hard things get. We're a team, remember?” He paused for a moment and cupped my face, making sure you were looking him in the eyes for his next sentence. "You're not alone, honey. I promise.”

As his words echoed in the room, you felt tears form in your eyes. It had been so long since you had heard those words— so long since you had someone express such genuine care and concern. You were so used to the shame, disgust, and scolding from others in moments like these, yet he displayed none of that. It wasn't long before sobs began to creep out of your mouth, and you stuffed your face into Spencer’s chest. He just held you tightly in response, rubbing his open palm on my backside and whispering words of love and care in your ear as you wept.

Eventually, you lifted my face and met his eyes once more. He gave you a small smile as he gently wiped the tears off your cheek.

“I say we go over to the bedroom and talk; does that sound good?” He asked softly.

“I think that's a good idea,” you answered.

He held your hand tightly as he led you to the bedroom. When he entered, he lay down on the bed first, motioning with his hand to the empty space beside him. You laid down, and he immediately wrapped his arms around you, pulling you in and completely enveloping you in his warmth. You both laid there silently for a few minutes, basking in each other's company. You lost yourself in the sound of his gentle heartbeat for a bit before you remembered what you two were here to do. You took a small breath, lifted your head from his chest, and began to speak.

“I didn't like the way I felt when I was on my medication; nothing felt right once I started taking it. I felt like I was a robot or something.” you began. “One morning I woke up and had enough, so I stopped taking them, and I felt great; I felt alive... Well, at least I did for a bit. After a day or two, it felt like reality just came crashing down and-” You paused, feeling a sob creep up your throat once more. "Suddenly, any trace of happiness was gone, and I crashed. I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed, leave the house, or talk to anyone, especially you. I just felt empty.” You stopped for a couple more moments, glancing over at Spencer, before speaking again. “I was lost and didn’t know what to do, Spence, I’m so sorry…” You finished, your voice trailing.

Spencer never stopped comforting you as you spoke, raking his fingers through your hair and kissing your forehead. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for him to speak up once you had finished.

“Unfortunately, that happens a lot to people when they're on medication. I’m really sorry I couldn’t be there for you, honey,” he said, holding you tightly. “We can make an appointment with your psychiatrist to discuss changing your medication as well as looking for other treatments that might benefit you.” Spencer began rambling about various treatments for bipolar II that he had recently read about. Once he got word of your diagnosis, he poured countless hours of research into learning everything there was to know about it. He wanted to make sure that you received the best treatment possible, and, most importantly, he wanted to make you feel as understood as he could. After all, he knew all too well what it was like to not be understood by anyone around you.

He began rambling about things he had found in his most recent research on bipolar II, and you felt your heart swell with joy. Even though all you could really do was nod your head every once in a while and let out a few “mhms'' and “hmms” to assure him that you were listening, mainly because you didn't understand what he was talking about half of the time, you appreciated this more than he would ever know. After all, it was his way of making you feel loved and understood. Eventually, Spencer ran out of things to say and stopped talking. He turned his head down to look at yours, moving some stray strands of hair out of your face before he spoke once more.

“Y’know, because this case took so long, we got a 3-day weekend from Hotch,” he said softly. “I could help you clean up the apartment and keep you company these next few days, if you’d like.”

You met his gaze and smiled warmly at him. “I would love that, darling.”

Spencer smiled back at you and jumped up from the bed. You were barely able to get a word out before he bent over and picked you up, wrapping his arms around my waist and holding you securely against his chest.

“Spence, what’s gotten into you?!” you said, trying to stifle a giggle.

“C’mon, let’s go get breakfast,” he said, wearing a wide grin on his face as he carried you out of the bedroom.

Thank you so much for reading! If you have any ideas for fics you want me to write in the future, feel free to send them in my ask box!

[friend-crow]

Hi Crow! Sorry for the late ask but I'm sending you 2 stories and they're both weird for different reasons. For some backstory, Weird Shit™ has been happening to me since I was ~4. Not regularly (and I don't have any conditions where hallucinations/delusions are symptoms) but every once in a while something weird and unexplainable happens. But because of that, I have a lot of weird stories. One of the entities/phenomena that has stuck around is that something moves and finds things for me occasionally. I think that this story is one of those times.

This story happened when I was in high school and tentatively getting into witchcraft. High school wasn't a great time for me and to cope with stress I would carry around some crystals with me as worry rocks. One day I was in my favorite teacher's trailer for class and fiddling with my only piece of angelite in the pocket of my hoodie. The class ends and I leave the trailer, before realizing my hoodie has a hole in the pocket and the angelite is gone! I rush back and look around with no success before running to my next class. At this point I was pretty bummed out because I knew that I was just not going to get that angelite back. One, that class trailer was a black hole in terms of lost stuff (in the 4 years I was there that trailer was only cleaned out and sorted through once at the end of my sophomore year and it was full of lost things) so I knew I was never going to be able to find a little blue rock in there. Two, my teacher kept his room fairly dark (lamps/fairy lights instead of the overhead lights) and anyone else could've pick up that angelite and just kept it. Tldr the angelite is gone and I'm never getting it back. So I went home and then over the next few days I was able to get a new angelite that is totally different than the one I had lost because what else was I going to do?

The following week comes and as I'm grabbing something from in my bedroom before I rush onto the bus for school, with the new angelite already in my bag, I see the angelite that I had lost sitting on my made bed. I lived in a 3rd story apartment miles away from my high school and had made my bed (and hadn't noticed the rock while making the bed). When I asked my mom she had no idea what I was talking about. Anyways, I just picked up the angelite, thanked whoever brought it back, and I've had it ever since. The picture below shows the angelite that came back circled in purple with the replacement piece. I still can't explain how I got it back.

This second story happened when I was living in a (now-demolished) house when I was in middle school. The house was in an area of woods that was just...odd (we had previously lived in a different part of those woods where I saw a shadow person for the first time). The house was this big, old three story house in the woods and was always kinda dark and sleepy. Some parts of the house felt like you shouldn't go into them or like they 'belonged' to someone else (specifically, the third floor felt like being stuck with a territorial dog if you were alone) and otherwise sort of felt (to me at least) like energies or spirits would pass through every so often. I had a fair amount of one-off or random odd occurrences happening there.

On this particular night, I was staying up late waiting for my mom to come back home from her job (she was working nights) and reading/listening to music in my room. I had heard what sounded like an adult man's footsteps coming down the hall to my room. My light was off but I could see into the hallway, so I sat up thinking my mom had gotten home and checking on me. I couldn't see anything so I laid back down and the footsteps started up again. This time I noticed that whatever was walking would take a few audible steps, pause as I looked into the hall or reacted, and then start back up again. The first few times I would look, but eventually whatever was walking got past all the other rooms in that half of the hall and got to my bedroom door and I still saw nothing. At this point I'm freaking out. Then the footsteps entered my room, made their way around my bed to the opposite side of the bed, and almost walked into the middle of it? Like if it was a person it would have been standing where the middle of my bed should be. Not wanting to find out if anything else was going to happen, I ran out of my room at that point and my poor parents had to deal with a terrified 12 yo at 1 in the morning. How fun for them :)

I hope these were weird/spooky enough for you Crow! Happy Halloween🎃

.

[purple-crusader]

Third day of Stephcass Week is here. I had a few ideas what to write that would be compliant to the DC canon and decided on an interaction that I think totally should've happened during pre-New 52. With a sprinkle of angst, because such were the times.

STEPHCASS WEEK Day 3: Canon compliant

Word counter: 885

@stephcassweek

Cass leapt from rooftop to rooftop, soaking up the Gotham atmosphere, that she hadn't felt for so long. She returned to the city for the first time in over a year, since she had left to Hong Kong, to work with the Batman Inc. under the name Black Bat.

But before she was Black Bat, she was Batgirl. The name has not been left alone, Cassandra gave the moniker, earlier sported by their mentor Barbara Gordon, to Stephanie Brown. Cass did not have many friends before leaving Gotham (and even now that list wasn't that long), but Steph had a special place among a little group she did have. She saw her as an incredibly resilient woman, who could be trusted with the mantle.

She also knew that the blonde woman was kinda lost on life at the moment. Leaving your friends and family after a fake-out death for a year, returning home and getting hit with the rest of their little dysfunctional family drama from Bruce's passing was a lot to endure. Cass thought that maybe being Batgirl would give her a foundation she needed in her life at that moment.

The dark-haired vigilante did not contact Steph during her time abroad, which was probably a mistake. A bigger mistake would probably be seeing the woman, without warning, especially since she was supposted to leave the city yet again the next day. It would all probably lead to a bigger mess inside her best friend's head but... she could not resist checking if she's doing alright.

She got info from Tim where the woman lived at the moment, a small apartament in downtown Gotham, near the Gotham University. She sat on the external side of the window and knocked on it. She waited a minute, before the blonde woman finally showed up in her PJs. She was visibly pulled out the middle of her sleep, but a strike of energy went through her body, when she was her friend.

"CASS?!?!" The woman screamed, letting her friend in. She did not let her say anything and immediately hugged her tight. Cass could feel that blondie spent some time on gym when she was not around. "Oh my God! Cass... Cassie! What are you doing here?!" She said enthusiastically. "Why the fuck did you not speak to me once during the last year?!" She said a bit less enthusiastically. Cass saw that her body went through a plethora of different emotions - happiness, anger, shock, excitement. She knew it's gonna end up like this.

"I think... we need to catch up." The dark-haired vigilante said and pointed to the window. Stephanie should have probably propsed staying in her apartment to make the talk quicker, so she could soon go to bed and get a much needed sleep before the big exam she had the next day. She did not do that, instead went straight to her bedroom, changed into her costume and soon the two women glided through the air.

It brought back memories of when they were younger and played rooftop tag, which became a routine for them during patrols. As they jumped from building to building around the city, without concrete aim, Stephanie was talking non-stop, telling Cass everything that happened in her life during the woman's absencję, at times maybe even too much. Cass wasn't complaining, she genuinely missed hearing her friend talk. It was their dynamic, Steph was the talker, Cass was the listener.

They finally stopped on the top of the clocktower, from where they could see the whole city. Cass has carefully plopped on the verge, her legs hanging freely, Stephanie joined her.

"And what about you?" The blonde woman asked. "You found any nice guy in Hong Kong? Or maybe a girl?" Steph smirked, nudging Cass with her shoulder, the dark-haired woman blushed.

"No... I didn't find anyone." She started. "I met new friends. From Batman Inc. I... worked with my mother, for a bit. We're getting better finally I think." She finished her sentence, Steph still smiling.

"Don't want to tell more? Okay, I'll push it out of you tommorow, or some other day. We have time." Steph said. Cass quieted down, feeling embarrassed. Stephanie could feel something was wrong. "Everything alright?" Steph felt a slight sting.

"I'm coming back to Hong Kong tommorow." Cass finally muttered. Steph felt worse.

"W-what? Again? And what, you're gonna be quiet again for the next year and then come back here to give me some hope, then leave?!" Steph did not want it to sound as offensive as it did, but she could not stop herself. Cass felt the guilt settling in.

"I had to get data for a mission back there. And... I wanted to see you. See Tim." Cass said. Steph saw her friend was torn and decided to tone herself down. She still felt like someone stabbed her in the heart.

"Well then, it was nice seeing you..." Steph stood up, getting ready to jump off the tower. "And one more thing, if you wanted to ta-" She did not finish her sentence, as she noticed Cass already vanished into the night. Probably when the blonde woman turned her back while standing up. "I could expect that." She said to herself sadly and pulled out her grapling hook.

[jessjad]

Unexpected

Chapter 1

Summary: After a Halloweenparty Y/N actually didn't want to got to, her life seems to be turned around. The reason is a very stubborn Supe that seems to have her in his visier. Is it just a coincidance or more?

Pairing: Soldier Boy/Ben x Reader

Word Count: 2041

Warnings: None really, some language

A/N: Hello! 😊 Finally, we're here. I'm still working on and changing the plot of the story, 'cause I have so many ideas in my head. ^^ I put my twist on the story and make my own out of it. Since we still haven't gotten a season 4. So, I hope you like it. We start out slow, but it will pick up pace. All mistakes are mine. Let me know what you think.

My Masterlist Series Masterlist

The cold november wind was blowing through the streets of New York while Y/N was on her way to her favorite café. She needed a good caffeine fix and a delicious croissant to calm her nerves. Since this stupid halloweenparty she felt somehow on edge. Almost as if somebody was following her, but she could not be sure about that.

It did also not help that her best friend Caroline was on the phone with her, trying to get as much information out of her as she could. They hadn't seen each other since the party. Luckily for Y/N she had two weeks off of work and used the first couple of days to hide in her apartment, still not believing herself for what she had done. Or better said, what she had let happen to her.

"Oh c'mon, girl! Spill the details! You can't hide forever." the other woman said with a laugh in her voice and Y/N had to smile.

"There is not much to tell." she tried, but her friend knew her to well.

"Of course there is! That guy was sooo hot! If I would have not been so busy with my man I would've take a chance with him too."

That Y/N believed right away. But not like her, Caroline was a little more blind about the supes, Vaught and everything that was related with it, than other people. She never really cared about those things. Maybe because she never lost someone to one of those cruel, reckless bastards.

"So? Did he ring your bell?"

"Oh god, Care! You wont give up, right." now Y/N had to laugh.

"No, I won't! That's why it's probably best for you to start at the beginning."

Y/N stepped through the door of the café and got in line.

"Let me get my order first and then I'll talk." she negotiated which Care agreed on.

It took almost ten minutes until Y/N took a set at an empty table in the back of the café where she was somewhat undisturbed. After the first sip of the rich coffee and a bite from the delicious croissant she was ready to tell her friend about the evening.

"If I wouldn't have drank that much nothing would've probably happend, but... somehow he got... under my skin."

Which was not a lie. She detested Soldier Boy and all of his kind. You were nowhere safe from them and if you did nothing but just look the wrong way at one of them, you surely would pay with your live. They never gave a fuck about normal people like she was.

"He seemed like a man who knows what to say and how to handle himself." said Care more serious now that she got the tea from her friend about her hot night.

"Yeah..." with that she was right. "We talked and talked and all of sudden we were looking for a place more quiet. I... I didn't want that at first but the alcohol got to me and the next thing I knew, we were in a bedroom, making out."

"Uuuhhh, now comes the good part." Caroline giggled.

"I'm not going into detail, but he knew what he was doing. Oh yeah... he definitely knew..."

And she didn't know why she was so surprised that Soldier Boy actually wanted her to have fun too. Even now when she thought about it how he made her cum three times, her core still started to quiver. Like he was in no rush to get it over with. It was something Y/N never had in her mind, not after the woman learned the hard truth about the supes and how they really were. But that night the "all american hero" seemed to have all the time in the world. Which was probably pretty true.

"See? I knew it was a good idea to drag you out of your apartment and go to this party. And I'm pretty sure the costume did help with that a lot. I told you you looked hot in it!" a very triumphed tone in Carolines voice was heard over the phone.

"Or maybe it was just luck... if you can call it like that."

The croissant was already devoured and she was in the last sipps of her coffee. At first she did not see it as luck that Soldier Boy had appeared, and even more less as he tried to get her attention. Y/N didn't understand why he wanted her, of all people there, and not one of the women that fitted more to the beautystandards these days. However, with every new drink her defense falterd and she gave in. It didn't help that he was so fucking attractive and the smile he had on his plush, sexy lips seemed to promise so much more. Or... she was just to drunk to say no in the end.

"When did you come home? I was kinda worried when I didn't hear from you and you did not pick up my calls."

"I know, Care. I'm still sorry for that. But when I wrote you back in the morning I just went through my door. Like I said, I totally forgot it that night."

And she had felt really bad about it. Y/N had promised to call her later that day but all the alcohol in her system had knocked her out all day and then it was Caroline who was busy with work. Hence, they had this conversation now, three days later.

Thinking about it, Y/N actually didn't want to stay with the supe in the bedroom all night, but he really tired her out and she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow while their heartbeats came down. When she woke up some hours later it was still dark outside and, to her surprise, Soldier Boy was still there, sleeping and with his arm rapped around her middle. It almost felt kinda possessively to her when she thought about it now. Gladly she didn't wake him up when she left.

"When will you see him again?" Care wanted to know, but Y/N just huffed.

"Never, I hope." and Y/N really meant it.

The night was really good, but she wouldn't want to risk another encounter with the supe that potentially could cost her her life. Not that he caused her much pain, but her body was covered in bruises and hickeys and on her right hip she had a blue and green mark that almost looked like a handprint from him.

"Oh, now that is pretty fucking hurtful to hear." rumbled a deep voice behind her suddenly.

In an old, dark and empty basement somewhere outside of New York, almost cut off from the world, gathered a group of men infront of multiple monitors and sifted through the footage from the surveillance cameras that were scattered throughout the city. On a table in the middle of the room were plans laid out and places marked. It looked like they slowly narrowed down an area around the Vought Tower.

"Still nothing?" said one of the men to another who was sitting infront of the monitors.

"No. It hasn't been long since they got him out of the tank or whatever they had him trapped in. It's not unusual that he hasn't been out in the public that often until now."

"But it won't be long until they will bring out the news of him being back in the buisness and when that happens, we won't have much time."

"I know, but what else are we supposed to do when..."

A loud bang rang through the room and all the heads turned to the source of the sound. Another man stood by the table and had slammed his hand down on it. Silence filled the room and some of the men changed some tense looks with eachother.

"Shut up talking and consentrate on the task here!"

"YES, SIR!" responded all the other men in the room and got immediately back to work.

"It doesn't matter if they tell the world that Soldier Boy is back or not. Once we have him in our hands... nobody will care for him anymore."

"Caroline? I... have to call you back."

Y/N hung up on her friend before she even could respond to that. The shock was written all over her face when she finally looked up and into the face of one green eyed supe that grinned cockily down on her. He was in normal clothes, the cowl of his hoodie was pulled over his head and he tried not to look around to much. Y/N knew why. He didn't want to be recognized by the other participants in the café. And she obviously took to long to answer him, 'cause he sat down on the other side of her table, the open space of the café in his back.

"What... what are you doing here?" now Y/N started to look around, but she didn't see anyone else from Vought. "Did you follow me?"

"Well, that doesn't sound quiet right, does it? As if I would've fucking stalked you. A real man doesn't do that."

Y/N just looked at him with wide eyes, still not really believing that she was sitting here with Soldier Boy. Again.

"I was just checking in on you. Seeing if you would walk around telling everyone that you had the best night of your live with the one and only Soldier Boy. But apperantly walking is now problem for you. Should've fucked you a little harder." Now Y/N knew it was definitely real that she was sitting here with the Supe. "Especially after you just left in the middle of the night and we didn't have time to discuss things."

"What is there to talk about? It was just a night, nothing else." an eerie feeling creeped up in her stomach, not knowing what the man infront of her actually wanted.

"Yeah, well... that might be true, but..." Soldier Boy leand a little forward. "... you know who I am. And that is the key here."

"I... I don't understand why this is a problem. It was halloween! I don't think that anyone recognized you. And I really have no intention whatsoever to keep contact to you. I mean, why even would I?"

Y/N saw in his eyes how a little anger flared up, but he kept himself in check. "You have a big fucking mouth for an ordinary girl that I could kill within seconds without even standing up."

Soldier Boy didn't raise his voice, but the threat was undoubtedly noticeable in his voice. During the halloweenparty Y/N had felt more comfortable to defy him, but now fear was starting to rise within her. It would not be a good idea to upset him here in a public place. A blast from his chest would not just kill her.

"Look..." she tried way more calmer. "... I don't think that we need to make a big thing out of this. I'm not gonna tell anybody. I really don't have the need to do so. And you can just go back to the way you lived before all that. Okay?"

She did not wait for his answer, grabbed her bag and got up. There was a bigger group of people that looked or a free table and Y/N was more than willingly to give her seat up. She smiled to them and pointed at her table. One of the men thanked her and made his way over. So, Soldier Boy had to get up too and while he was still trying to get away without being recognized, Y/N was already out of the café and looking for a taxi. She almost made it, but a big hand closed around her underarm and kept her from getting away.

Grumbling under her breath she turned around. "What else?"

"This is not over. You're can't just fucking leave like this." he growled.

"Oh, I think we're done here. I really don't want to see you again." answered Y/N and freed her arm out of his grip.

"Unfortunately that is not for you to decide." a female voice came from behind her.

Let the games begin. 🤭 See you next time!

@lyarr24 @leigh70

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

roommate's ex. ( mason greyback x reader )

gif belongs to me

Your relationship with Mason, while fairly new, came at an unexpected time, which you appreciated more as you both helped each other heal old wounds. He hadn't mentioned his ex-girlfriend's name, and you knew he would always care about her in some form, but he made it clear that you were the girl he was in love with. In the early days of your relationship, you spent talking about your exes, and Mason found it odd at first, but believed it really strengthened your relationship early on as neither of you had any secrets.

When you found out he was a werewolf you were shocked, but you surprised him with how supportive you were and Mason adored you for how understanding you were when his moods would change leading up to the full moon.

You often stayed with him during the transformation and while he endured a few dog jokes, Mason had never felt so close to anyone before - Alex included.

Your parents moving away from the city spurred your decision to find a roommate and Alex Russo was the perfect candidate, although you learned quickly that her friend Harper was a package deal, not that you minded. You spent most of the day helping them move into the apartment, clearing space for their belongings by packaging away your parents' things. When there was a knock at the door, you glanced at the clock and grimaced when you saw you were running late for your date with Mason who had yet to find out about your roommates as the process had been very quick. The two girls had viewed the apartment at nine a.m and deciding to move in right away, made you lose track of time.

You opened the door, greeting Mason who smiled at you. "Come on in." You pressed a chaste kiss to his lips before stepping aside, and Mason closed the door as he followed you. "I'll quickly get changed then we can go."

"You have no idea." You muttered, making him smile. "I won't be long. They're in the guest bedrooms right now."

"You look like you've got your hands full." He nodded to the boxes and clothes overtaking your living room.

Mason sent you a smile, "Take your time." He reassured you.

You went to your bedroom to get changed and less than a minute later Harper left the bedroom she and Alex were sorting to collect her clothes when she saw Mason, a scream leaving her lips.

"Harper?" Mason looked at her in disbelief.

"What is it?" When he heard Alex's voice Mason was sure the universe was working against him. "Mason? What are you doing here?"

"Okay, keys check. Hair check. Dress check. Lip gloss." You muttered to yourself, almost bumping into Harper as you left your bedroom, finding the three staring at each other. "Oh, you've met. Mason this is -"

"Alex." He cleared his throat. "Yeah, we've met."

You noticed the tension in the room and quickly put the pieces together. "You mean you both used to -"

"Yes."

"Oh." You paused briefly. "Well, this is awkward." You remembered your lip gloss was on your nightstand and excused yourself, glancing over your shoulder as you left the room.

"You're dating our roommate?" Harper whispered poorly.

"I was dating her before she became your roommate." Mason pointed out.

"You aren't seeing her because of me, are you?" Alex spoke up. "Because we're over, Mason. I thought we -"

"I know." He interrupted. "Like I said. We dated long before you knew each other."

"This isn't going to work out." Alex looked at Harper who frowned.

"It's been months since we've seen each other, Alex," Mason stated. "I have no problems with it."

"Of course not because you want us to get back together."

"I don't want to get back together." Mason interrupted before she could continue, silencing the wizard.

"What?"

"I said I don't want to get back together with you," Mason repeated. "When I met Y/N I was so lost for a long time and meeting her was so...incredible. So ordinary. And being with her makes me feel...at peace. I'm happy with her. Content in ways I never could have been with you, and that is what makes it so unique. A mortal understands a werewolf, not knowing the world like you did, but understanding more. And she's amazing in ways I can't even begin to describe." His lips formed a smile before falling slightly as he met her gaze. "So, no, I don't want to get back together. But if you want to stay here, I have no problem with it."

"I don't either." You spoke up, entering the room. You looked at Mason and he knew from your gaze that you had heard his speech. "The rooms are yours if you want them."

Alex considered it for a moment before nodding.

You sent the wizard a smile, "Great. If you feel like having takeout I have menus in the kitchen drawer by the sink."

"You moved them remember." Mason reminded you with a fond smile. "The clear out last week? They're by the door now."

You shared a smile with him before looking at Alex and Harper who could see the love and devotion between you both simply from the way you looked at each other. "He's right. It's annoying when he's right."

Mason walked over to open the door and you looked back at Alex when she spoke, "Have fun on your date."

"Thank you." Your eyes twinkled mischievously as you glanced at Mason. "We're going to the park. I got him a new squeaky pig -"

Mason rolled his eyes as he walked away and you giggled as you followed him, closing the door. He sent you a smile when you wrapped your arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his shoulder.

Harper looked at Alex when the door closed. "Will you be okay?"

"They look so happy together," Alex commented with a smile, taking a deep breath before levitating clothes from the sofa. "Come on, we can order something after we finish the closets."

Harper smiled as she followed her friend. It was a new beginning and while it would be awkward at first, Alex could see that you would become one of her closest friends. And your relationship with Mason was a happy one, your smitten expressions telling her all she needed to know.

[avegool]

Music to listen to while reading Celestial Complex

+ Little scenes to each song

Beach House - Space Song

It was dark in the apartment. The only light was the moon streaming through the open window. The winter breeze swished your hair around your face, but you dared not get up from the edge of the bed. You were stuck thinking about Lolly. About Marcy. About every one you lost. You were trapped in your own mind.

You stared at the curtains blowing back and forth. You shivered at the cold breeze and gripped the sleeves of your sweater.

You didn't hear Moon come into the bedroom. He had been out in the living room feeding Star and putting her to sleep out there. You hadn't slept in days and he figured it would be best if she slept out there tonight.

He watched you from afar. Your hair whipped around your face, but you didn't move. Your lips were purple. Fat, warm, tears fell down your cheeks.

Your whole world was falling apart around you all over again.

Moon approached quietly and gently dried the tears away with his sleeve. You finally moved and looked toward him.

Then you fell apart in his arms.

----

I Monster - Who is She?

The Eclipse stared at you. Only one eye was bright enough to illuminate the darkness of the aisle the two of you stood in. They held a dripping arm in one hand and an equally wet head in the other. But their gaze focused on you, and only you.

An amalgam of your two friends. Both of them at once, yet also neither of them. They stare with unknowing eyes. All they knew was that they wanted to protect you at all costs. But at the same time, your face was foggy. Misty. Who were you? Why were they here?

"Sun..." you whispered, "Moon...please, you're scaring me."

Your tiny voice. Your terrified face. The blood on your throat, head, and legs. Eclipse looked down at the head of the man they held and felt a surge of anger and relief in the same breath. One of them dropped the head. Sun, probably.

They call your name. A weird staticky voice at first that clarifies when they repeat your name again. Gentle. Calm. Endearing.

You sob out in relief at their response.

----

Disturbed - The Sound of Silence

The dreams were the worst part of the end of the world. Some were bittersweet. You would be walking up the pathway to your house to see Lolly. You would be sharing a snack with your brother. Just little, mundane things you normally wouldn't think about in daily life. But when everyone is dead, you supposed the mundane was abnormal.

Most of your dreams were nightmares. You would wake in the middle of the night, and Moon would hold you as you sobbed about whatever it was you saw. That silence was peaceful. He pushed his warmth onto you and whispered in your ear sweet nothings and reassurances.

But he never spoke above a whisper. Neither of you dared break the silence. If you broke the silence, the outside world would come creeping back in. In this apartment, in this bed, in Moon's arms, you were safe in the silence.

----

Teen Suicide - Haunt Me, Haunt Me, Haunt Me

Sun sat on the rooftop, knees against his chest as he watched the little creatures below meander around the streets. Moon was whispering in their head space about something Star did, but Sun was content to just watch the creatures mosey around. Sometimes, he needed a break.

Sometimes he needed air.

He didn't need air in the Daycare. He didn't need a break in the Daycare.

The real world was more terrifying than he always dreamt it to be. But at the same time, it was beautiful. Though he wasn't alive, the thought of being free made him feel so. It was easy to breathe on the rooftop.

Especially when you were leaning against him, kicking your feet off the edge of the roof. He could sit in this peace for the rest of his non-life. He wondered if you felt the same. He wondered if you were going as crazy as he was about this newfound freedom.

But maybe, he would keep his thoughts to himself a little longer.

----

Mother Mother - Problems

Sun watched you dance and twirl around the living room as you cleaned up Star's toys strewn around. The radio he stole from January was a godsend. You had been so happy just listening to music and dancing around.

He wanted to dance alongside you. But something irked inside his head. Sun was on that special edge where he might just snap. Moon had nearly lost control the night previous just looming over you as you slept. He had been so close to just wrapping his fingers around your neck...

And Sun still felt the remnants of that impulse.

He was scared if he got too close, he might just snap.

But you were having so much fun. He had never seen you smile so much. He had never seen you so lively.

Sun didn't know the song, but it was catchy and lively. The message was a little...strange, but not something he didn't agree with. In fact. He agreed with a lot of it.

Then, you offered him a hand.

He hesitated, but the smile on your face was enough to persuade him.

He accepted your hand and let you pull him to his feet. He robotically danced back and forth with you until all the anxiety dripped off.

Then, he was spinning you. And singing along with you. And smiling. Fans whirling. Rays spinning.

----

Youtube Playlist

Spotify Playlist

(When I find new music that relates, I usually add it! So these update frequently!)

[aviandtheseals]

The Rowntrees Ultimate Decades Challenge - 1369 Winter & Spring

Content warning for death yet again, also famine and war, I love this challenge

The rumored famine came quickly, and the fields were bare soon after the beginning of 1359. The chickens had to go and the Rowntrees started fretting for their financial situation. With the entire village penniless, spending all their money on food on the rare occasion it was available, their shop was losing traffic. The second floor of the house still needed to be rebuilt after the fire, and that seemed unlikely.

During the famine food was scarce, and the family resorted to eating gruel for almost every meal. The Hedgecocks were especially struggling, and Kymmie was grateful she didn't have any young children to care for. Everyone was always hungry and exhausted.

Soon, Gilbert's sister Clarice passed away. Although she was often rude, her passing greatly affected Gilbert, who was now left to take care of a toddler and an entire house by himself.

This event completely destroyed Gilbert, and Kymmie did her best to help him. In the past two years, Gilbert lost his wife, sister, and two children. Gilbert couldn't imagine living on as a serf, with no crops to farm and no food to feed to his daughter.

In May, news arrived at the village: war was coming. The war from their parents' childhoods against France had returned again, and English peasants were wanted to go fight for the king. Gilbert came knocking at Kymmie's door that night with big news: he wanted to go fight. There seemed to be no point in staying at the village anymore. But he needed to make sure Sabina was taken care of. Would Kymmie take her in?

Kymmie had gotten close to Gilbert since they were the only two alive adults in their families, and despite the dangers of war, she knew this was the best thing for him. Kymmie was scared to take care of a toddler during a famine, but knew that with the store still somewhat functioning, she was the best parent Sabina could have.

Sabina moved into the household that night, and Kymmie was excited to have a kid to take care of in the house again. Now that Finnian was a teen, the two of them were growing apart.

Finnian was busy helping out in the house since the fire, so when Regina sneaked him into her bedroom, they hadn't seen each other in a couple of months. Finnian had been feeling complicated about his relationship with Regina, and they only amplified when he went into her house for the first time. Regina lived in a castle, and people cooked and dressed her and made her bed. Her bedspread probably cost more than Finnian's house. But he tried to be polite.

"I'm sad you haven't been around," Regina told him. "Especially with the war going on, I really need this relationship as an escape right now."

This annoyed Finnian. He tried to be polite but sitting in this bedroom, hearing Regina complain, reminded him of how much easier her life was.

"My sister died and my house got burned, and I had to spend all my time working so we can fix it. Sorry I couldn't be your escape, but unlike you, my family can't afford to have someone else fix our problems," Finnian spat. "And the war? My brother-in-law is going there, and unlike your wealthy relatives he's probably going to die."

Regina rolled her eyes. "You take everything so seriously! My dad is at war too, and I'm not complaining about it all the time because I try to find happiness in things and have belief in God. If you weren't always focused on the things going wrong around you, you'd be happy too."

"You only care about your own happiness, and you've just been using me this whole time for yourself!" yelled Finnian. "You always put me in dangerous situations that you know you'd be able to wiggle out of! You don't care about me or anybody else! And you made me waste my youth on somebody I could never have a future with!"

"If you hate me that much, you don't have to see me," said Regina in disgust.

"Fine. I won't."

Finnian sneaked out the same way he came in.

[useless-bi-otch]

Cookies'n Cream - Chapter 13

Last chapter / MasterList / art by @aneenasevla

Chapter 13 - Camellias and Chocolate

"C'mon, Okubo, stop with that nonsense…," Himuro mutters, raising his voice to be heard from the living room, while Kaneda prepares the coffee table to receive the snacks and a bored Rihito looks for anything good in the Netflix catalog. "It's as if you're trying to ask our opinion on a dress for the prom..."

"Shut up, Himuro!," They hear Okubo scream, the sound coming out muffled through the locked door. "When I called you to spend the Saturday night at my apartment, it was to help me, not to annoy me!"

"I thought it was to make up for lost time and solidify our bonds of friendship through snacks, alcohol and a 'manly movie'," Kaneda underlines the last words by forming quotation marks with his fingers, placing the bowl full of salted peanuts on top of the coffe table. "At least that was what you said in the group chat..."

“It was all excuses, can't you see? We were deceived, misled, cheated, whatever you call it," Rihito grumbles in an eye roll. "Now we're all trapped in the rom-com limbo. Soon we'll be painting each other's nails, plucking out our eyebrows, making a list of the cutest boys in school and syncing our menstrual cycles."

"You shut up too, Rihito! Now give me your honest opinions...," They hear the bedroom door open, and soon Okubo appears, coming out of the corridor, carrying a bouquet of flowers in each hand. He shows them to his friends, anxious. "Which of these two is the best? Roses or camellias?"

Rihito, Himuro and Kaneda can only stare at him, exasperated. They knew how determined their friend was to regain Tomori's trust, after doing wrong by her. They knew and were willing to help him, their spirits being renewed after Okubo and Rihito had made up and the four of them were again hanging out together. But holy shit, how did he expect them to help him if he wasn't helping himself?

"... Aargh, don't look at me like that! You'll make me feel even more torn!," Okubo flinches before their unimpressed looks. "Just answer me, which one is the best?"

"The best would've been if you hadn't wasted your money. Flowers, Okubo? Are you serious?," Himuro snorts impatiently as he brings a tray with a bottle of sake and four glasses. "Don't you think it's still too soon to start bribering the girl?"

"It's not bribery, damn it! These are guarantees, my guy. Guarantees that I want to be better and that she is the one who motivated me to do so," He declares, raising the bouquet of camellias in the air. "What better way to symbolize this than a bouquet? You've never heard of the language of flowers, have you?"

"Sorry, but I only speak Japanese and a little English. ‘Fagish’ is not in my dictionary," Lihito snorts, dodging when Okubo tries to hit the back of his neck with his foot. Kaneda just shakes his head.

"I've heard about it, but in this case, there is no subtlety in the messages. Roses and camellias? And both red? You wouldn't be more obvious even if you wrote a haiku on a little note and put it inside one of the bouquets..."

"I thought about doing that, but I flunked in Literature during highschool. I'd only embarrass myself if I tried," He confesses nervously, and that brings out a chorus of frustrated groans from the others.

"You're already embarrassing yourself, damn it! Seriously, Okubo, flower bouquets are so fucking cliché," Rihito gestures with the remote control, and Himuro nods.

"Yep. If you are so keen on giving her a gift, you could at least try to be more original."

"More original, you say?," He puts a hand under his chin, bouquet and all, seeming to have grown a very flowery beard. "I already got something like that, but I don't know if it's good enough..."

"You do? What a prepared little boy you are," Rihito jokes. "Show us what you got then. And get a vase for those flowers, otherwise they'll wilt before Miss Uta even lays her eyes on them."

"Alright. Gimme one sec!," Okubo leaves the bouquets on the sofa and runs down the hall, returning to his bedroom. The three of them wait until they hear the door close before turning their attention to the bouquets, grimacing.

"Seriously, how much did he spend on these things?," Rihito wonders, and Himuro and Kaneda pick up a bouquet each, inspecting them.

“There must be a price tag somewhere… fucking hell!," Himuro hisses suddenly, dropping the bouquet as if it were covered in ants. "I found the tag, but I wish I hadn't…"

"Oh, for the love of...! Where did he buy these flowers?," Kaneda wonders, a bit astonished, when he also finds a price tag. "I've seen flower shops that make arrangements like this for a quarter of that price. Maybe not with that quality, but still..."

"Seriously, I know that money is not a problem for him, but this is getting ridiculous," Rihito makes a face at the flowers. "Miss Uta might think he's trying to buy her forgiveness or something. Then all his efforts will go down the drain..."

"Yeah, but try telling him that. If Mr. Big Mouth didn't turn this into a mega production, we could send him to the bughouse 'cause he'd be insane...," Himuro comments, to which Rihito laughs and Kaneda puts a finger on his lips, hissing.

"Shh! He will hear you! Is everything okay there, Okubo?," He looks over his shoulder, raising his voice a little. "Need help finding anything?"

"No, Kaneda, it's fine!," They hear him reply. "I already found what I was looking for. But..."

"But what?"

“I don't know… what I have here falls into the 'original' category, but maybe it's too original…,” He sounded indecisive, to which Rihito snorted.

"Anything's better than flowers, man. Just show us what you have there, c'mon!"

"Alright then...," They hear the bedroom door open again, and it doesn't take long before Okubo appears, coming from the hallway, carrying what looks like a pile of folded clothes. He places the pile on the marble kitchen counter, picking up the top shirt and unfolding it, showing it to his friends and asking, "Do you think this is good enough? Be real."

There's a silence of about five seconds before Rihito stammers, sounding a little horrified, “I take what I said back. Flowers are so much better than this."

"Oh, fuck you! It's not that bad!," Okubo exclaims indignantly, shaking the shirt a little, his own face in black and white scale printed on it, "It's from the exclusive Ultimate Fight fashion line, and they're hella pricey if you buy 'em at licensed stores! I'm giving it to her for free!"

“I don't even know if it would be worth getting something like this for free,” Kaneda moans while Himuro stares at him and Rihito, frowning.

"And you say I'm the narcissist..."

"You guys are such assholes!," Okubo grunts while folding the shirt carelessly, putting it back on top of the pile. "Anyone can give clothes as gifts, but who else besides me can give clothes from their own licensed line, huh? You want more originality than that? And I hand picked them, they're just the right size for her."

"Wait, how do you know her size?," Kaneda frowns, and Okubo looks to the side, looking suddenly conscious of himself.

"Uh… I don't know, I kinda deduced it from seeing the types of clothes she wears. She's small, has curves and a waist that I can hold in my hands, like this...," He illustrates the gesture by drawing curvilinear shapes in the air with his hands, very concentrated. "And she has nice-sized tits too, I've seen it by her cleavage, so I just looked for the sizes that matched my memories and... stop looking at me like that!," He shouts, blushing hard. "I'm a gentleman but I'm not blind!"

"Okay, whatever. It doesn't change the fact that this gift doesn't cut it," Himuro gestures to the pile of shirts. "First of all, it smells of self-centeredness."

"Oh, go take a look in the mirror, gigolo!"

"I look at myself in the mirror every day and I really like what I see. Guess you don't know the feeling."

"You're not going to like it after I bust that pretty face of yours all over, you man-whore!"

"Alright, alright, calm down, you two," Kaneda places himself between them, sighing as he raises his arms. "Don't take this the wrong way, Okubo, but Himuro is right."

"No, he fucking isn't! I like what I see in the mirror, even if it's a little fucked up-"

"I'm not talking about that! He's right that this gift seems self-centered!," He raises his voice. "If you want to give a gift, you should give her something she likes, not something that immediately refers to you."

"But…," That makes Okubo hesitate, his posture changing from angry to uncertain. "I mean, she- she's a fan of mine, so I thought this would be something she'd like…"

"After what happened that Saturday?," Lihito makes a face. "She might make a ball with those shirts and shove it down your throat, man."

Okubo swallows a little, his right hand automatically going to his neck.

“Do you… do you really think so?”

"I'm completely sure. I spent a few hours with her last Sunday, remember? I got out of there with a bump in my head and everything. Listen to the voice of experience," Rihito warns.

"And that's where my second point comes in," Himuro raises an index finger. "She gave you this second chance to prove that you really care about her and are willing to be better for her. If you give a gift that literally has your face on it, you would be implying that you are more concerned about how it affects you. With how you want her trust just because it benefits you in some way. You'd be pushing your luck, man."

Okubo looks at the pile of shirts on the counter. Then he look at friends. And then he groans loudly, grabbing his head in his hands and going to sink onto the smallest sofa in the living room.

"Damn… what do I do then? I don't know how to please her, I don't know what she likes besides martial arts and confectionery, I...," He raises his head a little, shrugging. "I know almost nothing about her. But I still want to do something, and it's not because I want to get on her good side again... okay, that's partly why, but that's not the only reason!," He assures quickly when he sees the expressions of disbelief from the other three. "I really want to get closer, to know more about her… I want to build something that goes beyond those idol-to-fan interactions, I don't know! I'm tired of playing the badass part whenever I'm around her, man! There's a limit on how many cool lines I can say in a single afternoon and I'm almost out of them!"

"Who knew that Okubo Naoya, Ultimate Fight's biggest chatterbox, has a limit for the dexterity of his tongue?," Himuro jokes, and Kaneda laughs softly.

"Yeah, live and learn, as they say… but seriously, if you really want to get closer with her and you think gifts will help with that, it's better to stick with the flowers. It's cliché, but if you don't know her tastes well, it's also the safest option."

"Yeah… and I still have the box of chocolates I bought for that first date," Okubo smiles, a little more hopeful. "They melted a bit, but they're still good to eat. It's real Swiss chocolate, it would be a waste to let it go bad..."

"Another classic cliché, but still safe," Himuro nods. "Just try to be discreet when giving all this to her, so as not to kill the girl with embarrassment…"

"Embarrassment? Flowers and chocolate are mid stuff next to these monstrosities here!," Lihito laughs as he goes to pick up the shirt at the top of the pile, stretching the fabric with a mocking smile. "What was your plan, man? You wanted to get your head between her tits, even if metaphorically? In that case I don't blame you, hahaha!"

"Fuck you, Rihito! And cut tha out, the store won't give refunds if the shirts got damaged! Seriously, bro, give it back!," Okubo jumps up from the sofa to take the shirt from the Rihito's hands, who runs behind the counter with an idiotic laugh.

Himuro and Kaneda just watch the chase while shacking their heads. As silly and childish as those antics were, it was good to have them being a part of their routines again. Okubo and Rihito were on good terms with each other again and their group was still going strong, as it should be.

* * *

On Monday, just before her lunch break, Tomori sees a small commotion through the kitchen pantry window. A few of the customers had huddled together facing one of the windows, whispering to each other, looking agitated. She even hears a woman giggle.

"Kanny?," She calls, without taking her eyes off the scene. "Take a look at that. What do you think is going on?"

Kanami, who had been showing Koga and Ryuki how to brush the crusts of the croissants with beaten eggs, lifts her head to look over the sous chef's shoulder. She frowns.

"I have no idea. Maybe it's one of those street artists who decided to take advantage of the traffic on our sidewalk," She snorts a little. "If he starts to disturb the customers' meals, I'll go there and fix it..."

"Doesn't seem to be a street artist," Koga also peeks, interested. "For these guys to get all excited like that… hey, maybe Seki and the SJPW crew decide to visit again! Surely they would at least recognize him."

"They'd be a lot more excited if that were the case, I think," Ryuki comments, not taking his eyes off his work with the culinary brush. "And sis, I've brushed twice as many croissants as Koga brushed. I think I won again..."

"Hell no! Gimme that roasting pan, you jerk!"

"Shh!," Kanami and Tomori hiss together, fingers in front of their lips, and Koga shuts up, but not before casting a death glare at Ryuki, who had cupped his hand over his mouth, making a low fart noise. The cooks look out the window again.

"Can you hear what they're whispering?," Tomori asks, to which Kanami shakes her head, giving her a reproachful look afterwards.

“No, and we shouldn't try to. You hang out with Hiro so much, you're picking up his bad habits. Get a grip..."

"You say that, but you're here, hanging from the pantry window with me, trying to listen too."

"Can you hear what they're whispering?," Tomori asks, to which Kanami shakes her head, giving her a reproachful look afterwards.

“No, and we shouldn't try to. You hang out with Hiro so much, you're picking up his bad habits. Get a grip..."

"You say that but you're here, hanging from the pantry window with me and perking your ears.”

"I'm the boss, perking my ears up is a must to ensure the bakery's smooth running!"

"Yeah, sure," Tomori nods sarcastically, leaning out of the window a little and hissing, as low as he can manage, "Hey Hiro! Can you see anything from there?"

"Ooh, does that mean I've become the official scout now?," Hiro arches an eyebrow from the cashier area. "You speak horrors about the gossiper, but when you want quality spy services, then you need him, right?"

"You're the one in the best angle to look out the window! Do us this little favor, in the name of the bakery's smooth running...," Tomori pouts a little.

"Alright, alright. What would be of these women without me...," The cashier rolls his eyes before getting up, stretching his neck while looking at the window where some of the customers were still huddled. "Okay, it's hard to see anything, there are too many big-heads for such a little space..."

"Keep it down, the customers will hear you!," Kanami hisses through her teeth while Tomori smothers a chuckle by putting a fist in front of her mouth. Hiro responds, though, by widening his eyes.

“Oh, Sugar Honey Iced Tea…”

"What? What is it?," Tomori and Kanami lean over the edge of the window, eagerly, and from inside Koga's voice can be heard, warning worriedly, "Careful, you two will end up falling from there..."

"Just when I thought things couldn't get any more ridiculous… okay, Tomori, don't freak out now," Hiro finally turns to them, still wide-eyed. "But you have an illustrious visitor, apparently."

"Visitor...? Wait, is it Mr. Okubo?!," Tomori's eyes widen as well when she realizes the implications in his voice. "But he didn't say he would come by, neither by call nor by text..."

"Are you still allowing him to contact you?," Kanami asks, a little disapproving, to which the sous chef pouts.

"I imposed rules and limited the number of messages and at what time they can be sent… but really, why would he cause all this commotion?," She asks herself in an attempt to disguise her reaction, "He's known in the country, but not as much as Seki..."

"It's not him they're interested in, necessarily," Hiro arches an eyebrow. "It's what he's brought. Get ready to be embarrassed, honey."

"Huh?," Tomori blinks, confused. They hear another chorus of giggles as customers turn their heads, following the trajectory of the person on the other side of the glass, who apparently wanted to have his view of the bakery interior unobstructed by onlookers. She finally sees Okubo, looking very embarrassed, trying to hide something from prying eyes... and Tomori feels her stomach do a somersault at the glimpse of a flower bouquet and what looked like a box of chocolates.

"Oh, my god...!" She claps a hand over her mouth, her face flushing and burning. Kanami's jaw drops.

"You gotta be kidding me... what is that idiot doing?!," She hisses, her voice rising a few octaves. "He doesn't think I'm going to let him into the bakery just for that, does he?"

"Who knows how the trains of thought work in that bald head of his...," Hiro blows a strand of his bangs away from his eyes. "I'd find that extremely cute if the situation were different. But since it's not, it smells of manipulation and blackmail..."

"Manipulation and blackmail by whom?," Koga approaches, placing himself between Tomori and Kanami, after hearing the conversation and not being able to resist his curiosity. He then widens his eyes. "Wait, isn’t that Okubo? And he's carrying flowers? He...," The boy blinks. And then he opens an insinuating smile, turning to Tomori while lowering and raising his eyebrows. "Wow, Miss Uta, look at you! You managed to wrap Ultimate Fight's heavyweight champion around your little finger, eh! This is going to fuckin' break the internet after it goes public-"

"No! I mean... uuugh...," Tomori groans, still very red. "I don't know what's worse, his attitude or the fact that I'm a little moved by the gesture..."

"Well, don't be! Resist, dammit!," Kanami commands imperiously, her green eyes sparking. "You let yourself be carried away by his bravado once and look where it got you!"

"I know, you're right… uugh, stop thinking he's cute, Tomori, stop right now! You idiot!," Tomori hits the sides of her face with her hands, moaning in frustration. Koga blinks again, dumbfounded.

“Uh…did I miss something? Weren't you fancying him too? Or did I get it all wrong?"

"No, honey, you just missed a few essential chapters of the soap opera," Hiro rolls his eyes. "To summarize it, baldy over there asked Tomori out, but he showed up at the date drunk and ruined everything."

"Say what?!," Koga's jaw drops a little. "Are you serious? That guy over there, who was almost as desperate as Rihito to get a girl's attention?"

"You should take that as an example of what not to do," Ryuki comments, still concentrating on brushing the croissants, but his tone had become slightly accusatory. "Anyway, what an idiot. To make Miss Uta sad like that..."

"Fuck off, Ryuki, I'm not that stupid! But damn, now I understand this manipulation and blackmail stuff," Koga peeks out the pantry window again, frowning. "But even though he's an idiot, he never gave me the impression that he was that type of guy. He's nice in general..."

"No! Stop right there, Koga! Don't try to defend him, not after what he did to Tomori!," Kanami points to the boy, who shakes his head quickly.

"I'm not, sis, I swear! He screwed up big time, I agree. But I really don't think he's trying to blackmail her to be forgiven. I've known him for about two years, you know," He scratches the back of his head. "Anyway, if he really wanted to manipulate Miss Uta, he wouldn't be trying to hide like he's doing right now, would he? Bro...," He lets out a mischievous laugh. "It's like I'm back to elementary school, seeing the teacher's favorite student hiding from the girl he has a crush on, hahaha..."

Kanami snorts, not quite convinced. Hiro nods, and Ryuki doesn't even feign interest in the conversation. But Tomori only had eyes for Okubo, who was grinding his teeth, irritated and embarrassed by all the eyes on him. It's then that their eyes meet through the glass, and Tomori feels her stomach do a little somersault again. He, on the other hand, turns even redder, grinning eagerly and waving... and seeming to have forgotten he's holding the bouquet of flowers, which practically flies out of his hand in the excitement of his wave. They hear him give a muffled scream through the glass, running to get the poor flowers, which the customers watching him burst out laughing as if they were watching a live rom-com.

Tomori had to fight back the urge to laugh too, but not for the same mocking reasons the customers did. Jeez… he really wasn't very good with things involving romance, was he? It was so different from the facade of the self-confident badass he'd tried to put on in her presence... and when he stood up with the bouquet in his arms, fussing as he made sure the flowers weren't dirty or squashed, she decided that, once again, she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Well… as long as he isn't planning to make a public confession to pressure me or anything…," She sighs, and not resisting, returns Okubo's nod, albeit briefly. "He still doesn't have permission to come in, right, Kanny?"

"Yep. He'd need a lot more than romantic gestures and acting like a cute dork to soften me up," Kanami stares at the man on the other side of the glass, her gaze dangerous. Okubo, who had been delighted that Tomori had responded to his wave, flinches as he locks eyes with the baker. She crosses her arms, lifting her chin a little. "What would I give to be able to punch that stupid face again..."

"You punched him, sis?! Damn, I can't believe I missed that!," Koga laments. "Why do these things always happen when Ryuki and I aren't working? This really is like school, where you skip a day and end up missing lots of good shit! Gimme the details, c'mon!"

"We're in the middle of our shift, the most inappropriate time possible to gossip. I heard that giggle there, Hiro, that goes for you too!," Kanami growls over her shoulder. "And you, Mr. Narushima, please get back to work before Ryuki beats his record and consequently you for the third consecutive week," She commands, and Ryuki again makes that muffled fart sound, without turning around. Koga curses under his breath, rushing to grab another cooking brush. She then turns to Tomori, serious. "Anyway, he's still not welcome here. And you? Do you intend to waste another lunch break on him?"

"Well…," She looks out the window again, seeing a flustered Okubo make it all the way to the front door, the tips of his ears red as the customers continue to giggle, enjoying his misery. "I want to at least hear what his explanation will be this time. Call it morbid curiosity if you like..."

"Or maybe it's the hopeless romantic within you, who simply can't resist a sappy gesture," Hiro jokes again. "You haven't been given flowers since college, have you?"

"Me? I haven't been given 'em since highschool." Tomori pouted, blushing a little "Anyway, if this is blackmail or not, I want to find out for myself… and I gave him a chance to prove that he can be better, after all. So... Tomoyo?"

"Yeah?," Tomoyo, who was coming down the narrow corridor of the bakery, returning from her bathroom break, raises her head when she is called. "What is it? Did I take too long on my break? And... what' going on? What they're looking at?," She frowns when she sees the customers whispering to each other. Even though they had sat back down, they continued to lean over in an attempt to peer out the window. Tomori and Kanami sigh in unison.

"Guess what, honey," Hiro rests an elbow on the counter, and then rests his chin on one hand. "Tomori's baldy came back, and this time her brought gifts. Or 'colourful bribes,' if you will."

The waitress rolls her eyes at this, her expression darkening. She looked a lot like Kanami when she got mad like that, Tomori concludes in an internal rush of cuteness.

"Again? Can't this guy get a hint?," She puts a hand on her waist. "Or did you call him here again, Tomori?"

"Not this time," The sous-chef shakes her head. "It's a surprise visit for me too. Still, I want to hear explanations. Can you do me a little favor?"

"Will I get something for it?," She asks, half joking, half serious. Kanami lets out a low laugh.

"Don't look at me. I'm not responsible for transactions made without my imput," She jokes, arching an eyebrow at Tomori. "The cost is all yours.

"A complimentary box of cookies and donuts, how about that?," Tomori puts her hands together, smiling invitingly. And when Tomoyo shrugs, she continues, "Can you go tell him to wait for me near the back door area? He's getting the customers' attention and that affects the movement a little bit-"

"It already did. Everyone's going to be disappointed that there won't be a public love confession. We'll be branded as a cursed establishment, which prevents love stories from coming true."

"Bit your tongue, Hiro!"

"Anyway... can you do that, Tomoyo?," Tomori asks again, to which the waitress rolls her eyes again.

"I will. I just don't understand why you're asking me this. A guy like that doesn't deserve all that consideration from you..."

"Yeah, that's right! Those clueless idiots, screwing dates up left and right!," Koga leans out of the pantry window, smiling agitatedly, and Kanami, who hadn't heard him approaching, jumps. "But not all guys are like that, you know! I, for one, am not-"

"Didn't I just tell you to get back to work, you Goku wannabe? C'mon, don't make me repeat myself!," The baker gives a warning pat on the boy's neck, who lets out a yelp and runs back to Ryuki, a little red at Tomoyo's unimpressed expression. Kanami then huffs, turning to the waitress, "Do what Tomori asked, Tomoyo, please. That fool wouldn't know how to be discreet even if his life depended on it, apparently."

Tomoyo just nods, heading towards the bakery's front door and leaving through it, the bell ringing overhead. Tomori plays with a lock of her hair that has come loose from the net.

"I'm sorry about that, Kanny..."

"Don't be. It's not your fault," Kanami waves a hand, reassuring her. "Well, you already know the procedures. Call me if he starts to be too inconvenient. Or if you see yourself falling for those cheap tactics, because you and I know that these things are your weakness..."

"Don't say it like that. I have a lot more conviction than that, give me some credit," She puffs out her cheeks. "Let's get back to work, then I don't have to think about this until my lunch break."

Kanami nods; the need to concentrate on work so as not to let her mind wander was one she knew well. She returns to Koga and Ryuki, while Tomori goes to take care of the orders that were in the ovens. Hiro just goes back to his assigned spot by the cash register, bored once again.

"Baldy is an idiot, but I'd be lying if I said I'm not envying Tomoh a little..."

* * *

In the alley behind the bakery, while trying to hide from passers-by, Okubo cursed himself in his thoughts. Shit, he hadn't meant to draw attention like that, but it seemed he lived in a world full of gossipers who thought other people's lives were soap operas that existed to entertain them. He just hoped he hadn't given Tomori the wrong impression...or more wrong than the ones she'd been having from him.

He leaned back against the alley wall next to the back door, sighing heavily. His fingers loosely grip the bouquet, a couple of red petals having already floated to the ground. It would be so much easier if he had permission to enter the bakery... or if Rihito, Himuro and Kaneda had come with him, then he could have the flowers and chocolate delivered on his behalf...

“Hell fucking no, you idiot! You don't just send your pals to do your dirty work! You have to fix these mistakes by yourself, not by outsourcing the service! That way, you'll end up with a reputation for being a coward, in addition for being a jerk...”

Fuck, why did winning someone back have to be such a tiring and bureaucratic task?! And on top of that, there were no guarantees that he would get her forgiveness, as Rihito put it...

He lifts the bouquet a little, staring at the camellias with a frown. He remembers how Tomori, inside the bakery, returned his wave, a little flushed. He ends up smiling. Even with all those obstacles, he felt it was worth trying, for her...

"Oookay, that's the last garbage bag, now I'm free to take my afternoon nap and- who the hell said you could stay there, you hobo?!"

Okubo jumps when he hears the back door open, followed by the squeaky, indignant voice. And he has to put his arms in front of his face when he's viciously attacked by a garbage bag, which would have hit him square in the face, but didn't because it was cushioned... by the poor flowers in his hand. Holy crap!

"Shit!," He widens his eyes, red petals flying everywhere. "Calm the fuck down, gramps-"

"Get out of here, you troublemaker! The back of the bakery is no place to bum around! Buzz off before I call miss Oomori-"

"Wait, stop! Time out, time out!," Okubo needs to shout for the old man to cease fire and stop tearing the poor bouquet even more; he was desperate to save the few surviving flowers "I'm no hobo, gramps! Chill out, I- aargh, fuck, look what you did to them!," He laments, devastated, embracing the mortal remains of the bouquet as if it were the collapsed body of a maiden. "They were a gift for Miss Uta, damn it!"

"What...!," The old man, whom Okubo recognized as the bakery's janitor, blinks. And then his expression darkens, eyes full of contempt. "Oh. It's you. That good-for-nothing drunkard."

"Screw you! You really don't have to like me, but there's no need to commit a massacre like that!," He shows the destroyed bouquet, indignant and covered in red petals, one of them even balancing on the top of his head. "Flowers should never be hit, not even with a girl! ... No, wait, that came out wrong."

"Huh?," The janitor blinks again, stunned. "Are you drunk or what? Just get out of here before I call Miss Oomori so she can beat your ass again!"

"Hell no!," Okubo stomps one foot while growling, pointing to the old man with the splintered bouquet. "I got permission from the management to wait for Miss Uta at the back of the bakery, and I'm not moving a foot from here!"

"Yeah, like I'd believe that!" The  janitor snorts. "When are you going to see that nobody wants you here, huh? You're just making Tomori feel worse by showing up like that. Don't you think you've already made her suffer enough?"

That makes Okubo put the mangled bouquet down, the urge to keep arguing draining from him like water from a sieve. Paikon glares at him intently, his hostile expression turning suspicious as he watches the bigger man deflate little by little, and he slowly lowers the garbage bag as he sees that he wouldn't have to get into a physical altercation with an almost seven-foot tall gorilla.

"I…," Okubo's voice gets hoarse, and he has to clear his throat before continuing, speaking in a low, unhappy tone, "I'm aware of that. You have no idea how much. And it's precisely because I know this that I want to remedy it. I know I was a piece of shit, gramps," He touches his own chest with the destroyed bouquet, making more loose petals float away. "You'll never hear me deny that. But to fix a mistake, we always need to addmit to it first, right? This is what I'm doing now. And I'm only doing it because I received permission to do so," He holds the box of chocolates in the same hand that the bouquet was in, putting his now free hand in the back pocket of his pants. "I can prove it to you right now. I have messages from Miss Uta right here."

"What- I don't want to read private messages from a co-worker! Are you crazy?," The janitor takes a step away, making a face. "It's personal, dammit, you should've known that!"

"… So you believe me now?"

"What the... aargh, you tricked me!," He exclaims, between indignation and embarrassment. "And no sir, you can wipe that smile off your face right now! Even if that's all true, why should I let you stay here? I swear, these things only happen when I'm about to take my mid-shift nap..."

Okubo wanted to ask what kind of salaried worker took naps in the middle of the day, but then he remembered that he had arrived drunk on a date, so he'd be one to talk. He sighs again, scratching the back of his neck.

"If I leave, could you tell Miss Uta that I'll be waiting in the square nearby? I can just give her her gifts... or what's left of them...," He stares at the destroyed bouquet with a melancholy expression. "And then I'll be gone. I really don't want to impose myself or get in anyone's way."

"Hunf… don't you dare think you can fool me with this 'repentant good guy' persona," The janitor snorts, still suspicious, while looking him up and down. "You sub-celebrities are all the same. I tried to warn Tomori, but sometimes you'll only learn the hard way."

Okubo almost swears at the old man, his patience hanging by a thread, but he holds back as best he can. He didn't want to make a scene and make things even more difficult for Tomori. Not to mention that... he comes to a conclusion that makes him open an involuntary half smile.

“You… you really care about her, don't you? Miss Kanami, the girl who works as a waitress, the cashier, you... she must be the sun of this whole fucking bakery, to be protected like that. I shouldn't be surprised, she's really amazing."

The janitor's sour expression fades, surprise visible in his eyes, in the way the lines in his face had smoothed out. He opens his mouth, looking like he wants to say something, but is interrupted when the back door opens again.

"Eh, I wouldn't say that. Kanny is the one I'd call the sun, since she supports the planets that orbit her by signing paychecks."

Both turned around and saw Tomori, who was leaving through the door with her arms crossed, without her apron and with her hair free of that net. Okubo immediately straightens his back, widening his eyes and blushing hard, the petals that had landed on his shoulders falling to the ground.

"Miss Uta! Sorry about what happened earlier, I swear I didn't want to draw attention to myself, but with a guy my size it's kinda hard, hahaha..."

"Hunf… It's hard to believe that, with all this extravagance...," The janitor indicates the bouquet and the box of chocolates, to which Okubo hugs them as if wanting to protect them from him.

"An extravagance that your coworker deserved, but you blew it! You heartless monster! The poor flowers didn't deserve this...," He pouts, and Tomori turns her face to the side, clenching her mouth tightly to keep from laughing.

“Then the next time I want to hit you with a garbage bag, don't use them as a shield."

"It was a reflex, man! I wasn't expecting to be ambushed like that!"

“I didn't ambush anyone. I was just getting rid of the garbage, then I bumped into a freaking gorilla lying in wait at the door, so I also acted reflexively."

"Gorilla? Would a gorilla have brought this, by any chance?!," Okubo practically shoves the bouquet under his nose, and Tomori can't hold back her laughter when the old man sneezes hard.

"Don't shove that crap in my face, dang it! I'm already too old to have an allergic attack... yes, girl, have a good laugh at the misfortune of others, especially when one of 'em was trying to protect your honor," He mutters, also pouting, and Tomori shakes her head.

"Hahaha, sorry, Paikon! It's just that the exchange between you guys was too funny to interrupt," She puts a fist to her mouth, clearing her throat to control herself. "And thanks for trying to defend me, but there's no need. Tomoyo asked him to wait for me here at the back door."

"And you're just letting me know about this now?"

“You were too busy back in the pantry, napping between restocking."

"Hah! Told you so!," Okubo turns to the other man, smiling victoriously. Paikon blinks, unimpressed, to which Okubo flinches as he remembers that Tomori was still there. "I -I mean… I tried to explain, but he wouldn't listen to me! And the poor flowers had to pay the price..."

"Ooh…," Tomori looks at the destroyed bouquet, seeming to think a bit before turning to the janitor, saying, "Can you leave us alone? I want to talk to him privately."

"Hunf... if he tries anything funny-"

"He won't, Paikon," She assures, smiling a little, "I may not be sure of many things about him, but I'm one hundred percent sure of that."

Paikon didn't look too convinced, but Okubo couldn't care less. He even hugs the torn bouquet closer, staring at Tomori with an expression half fascinated, half hopeful. The old man takes a good look at his face and, with a shrug, seems to conclude that he didn't pose enough of an immediate danger.

"Okay. If you need any help, scream. I think there's still enough trash accumulated for one more bag like the first one," He grumbles as he opens the dumpster, throwing the bag inside, and then walking back in through the back door, ignoring the Okubo's sarcastic laugh.

"Haha, how funny! Don't worry, I'll make sure to get an even bigger bouquet to cushion the impact! Hunf...," He touches the petals of the remaining flowers. "Look, it's nice to see how they care about you and I don't blame any of them for not liking me, but these flowers were innocent. At least I managed to save some..."

"I told Rihito this and I'll tell you too: we're all like a stepfamily and we take care of each other," She says as she approaches, closing the door behind her, still with her arms crossed. "They're still not very… receptive, if you know what I mean. It's still very recent."

"I know. That's why I apologized for the scene I caused earlier. These people were so freakin' nosy, goddamn," He snorts. "The customers, not your coworkers. It's like they've never seen a guy trying to be a gentleman before..."

“Nope, they've already seen that. Valentine's Day is usually one of our busiest days," She comments, then blushes a little. "Full of chocolate, flowers… y'know, the whole package. They must have thought that... that there was going to be a love confession or something..."

Okubo feels heat rising up his neck, burning in his face and ears. He has a brief coughing fit, looking away. And the two of them just stand there next to each other, embarrassment clogging their throats. Hell, it was a good thing there weren't any paparazzi around...

"Uuh... sorry about that, I didn't mean to...," He murmurs, shily, and she nods, still not looking at him.

"Yeah, I guessed it. But you could've texted me that you'd show up anyway. It was kinda sudden."

"I know, but I wanted to surprise you and… oh, yeah! Here!," He immediately turns to her, holding out the bouquet, agitated, only to remember that the arrangement was destroyed. He grunts. "Dammit…," And puts his hand over his face. The hand that held the box of chocolates. The thud is accompanied by the sound of several small objects rattling around inside the box. And of course, his scream. "Ow! Holy shit...!"

Tomori can't help it, letting out a nasal laugh while averting her face so as not to be hit in the face by the flowers, offered with so much enthusiasm. "Ahahaha, damn... take it easy, I don't judge gifts like I judge amateur rice balls. You don't need to get nervous, Mr. Okubo... pffft," And she had to hold back her laughter again as she lifted her head and saw him rubbing the spot where the box had hit him. He looks at her with a half-amused pout.

"I-I know, it's just that the surprise was masterfully spoiled and that frustrated me a little," He tries to justify himself, shrugging. "But I think I kinda deserve it for having messed with that retired Yakuza, now janitor..."

Tomori laughs harder, and dammit, Okubo would never complain about seeing her have fun like that, even if it was at his expense. He preferred a Tomori laughing at his particular misfortune than a Tomori treating him with coldness or animosity, however much he deserved it.

"The- The funniest thing is that you're not the first one to think that Paikon used to be a yakuza, hahaha! But relax, you won't find any tattoos or phalanxes missing from him. Anyway...," She extends her arms, accepting the bouquet. "Thank you. They are beautiful... or they were. Poor things..."

"Did you like 'em? I thought of roses at first, but decided it was too cliché. Although camellias look a little like roses, so I don't know if it makes any difference... well, I don't know anything about flowers, I just know that I remembered you as soon as I saw them," He smiles a lot, proud of that line ... until he looked at the flowers again and gulped at the memory of how they'd been destroyed. "I mean, when they weren't wrecked! When they were still pretty, like you... but you're still pretty! They're aren't anymore, but you still are and... damn it, just kill me already, please...," He moans in a defeated tone, hiding his red face with one hand. Tomori bites her bottom lip, looking like she's trying really hard not to smile.

"Haha, relax, I got it. It was a tragedy, but at least some were saved," She points to three of the flowers, which miraculously remained intact. "So it was worth the effort. And that other box...?"

"Uh- Oh yes!," He straightens up, holding the box of chocolates with both hands and offering it to her too. "You said once that you got sick of eating sugary stuff because of your work, so I brought dark chocolate! It’s pure cocoa..."

"Oh, you remembered? That's very thoughtful and...," She goes on to say, picking up the box and inspecting the gifts with a half smile, but her next words die in her mouth when she sees the logo emblazoned on the box. My God, wasn't that... wasn't that a famous and very expensive Swiss brand? She and Kanami used to buy quality chocolate for the bakery's recipes, but nothing on that level. And with the flowers now crumpled and torn apart, she could see better inside the cellophane. Was that a price tag? Holy shit, all those zeros...! "Uh... yes, it's- it's very thoughtful... my god, Mr. Okubo..."

"What? You- You don't like dark chocolate?," he asks, leaning toward her nervously, to which she shakes her head.

"No, I like it! It's just that..."

"Is it the flowers then? You don't like camellias? Goddanmit, I knew I should've chosen the roses, they're a classic, you can't go wrong with roses...!," He laments, putting a hand on his forehead. "Or is it because they’re all mangled? It was an accident, I didn't intend to use the bouquet as a shield, the fighter reflexes just kicked in-"

"No, it's not that!," She needs to raise her voice to make herself heard above his babbling. "I have no problem with camellias, and I know you didn't ruin the bouquet on purpose. It's just… this is all…," She looks from one gift to the other, embarrassed. "Mr. Okubo, how much… how much did you spend on these things, in total?"

"Uuh… hey, come on, you don't just ask the price of a heartfelt gift," He tries to dismiss the conversation, gesturing vaguely. "What matters is the intention behind it. Isn't that what they say?"

"Yes, but it's hard not to ask when you see the price tag firsthand." Okubo widens his eyes.

"Oh… holy shit, I… I swear I didn't see that tag there," He shrugs his shoulders a little. "But the price doesn't change the fact that it was bought with consideration-"

"And isn't this chocolate brand not imported?," She asks, not giving him time to keep talk. "The kind that we could never use in the bakery except for private orders, it's so expensive..."

“Well… yeah, but that just shows even more consideration, don't you think?," He tries to smile, hands on his hips. "It's some fancy stuff, so it must be really good, right? I'll have to rely on your feedback because I haven't tasted any of ‘em, they're all yours!"

Tomori doesn't respond. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, looking to the side, the smile on her face looking much more like a grimace.

"Heh... th-thanks, that was... very kind of you..."

Okubo stares at her, his stomach dropping a little at her expression. He might be a total zero when it came to interpreting expressions and body language outside the fight rings, but he'd have to be blind not to notice her obvious discomfort.

"... You didn't like it, did you?," He asks, but it came out more like a statement. He felt himself deflate like a balloon, his excitement replaced by sadness and anger at himself. Damn it, why did he always have to screw up the simplest things when it came to her?! He stares at the floor, not seeing when she shakes her head.

"No, it's not that I didn't like it. I mean, who doesn't like to receive gifts like these?," She hurries to say, bringing the box close to her chest. "It’s just that… look, I’ll be real," She sighs heavily. "I know I gave you carte blanche to try to prove to me that you can and want to be better, but... but to start like this, with such expensive gifts... oh, damn, now I sound like an ungrateful bitch," She groans, throwing her head back a little. "But well, you can't blame me for thinking this smacks of bribery. You, trying to buy me, I mean."

He jerks his head up, blinking in astonishment, his jaw dropping a little.

"Buy you…? Just because of some gifts?"

"They are not simple gifts! One is a box of fine Swiss chocolates and the other is a bouquet that costs... jeez, I don't even have the brains to count all those zeros right now!," She gestures with some frustration. "They are expensive and a bit extravagant, you know?"

"Uh… no," He shakes his head, perplexed. "It wasn't expensive for me. I didn't even look at the prices, to be honest. I just... I just thought you'd like ‘em so I decided to buy ‘em. It's that simple."

Tomori stares at him intently, seriously, and it was Okubo's turn to shift with some discomfort. The silence stretches out for a few more awkward seconds before she relaxes her posture a little, her expression contemplative.

"So… you didn't buy all this focusing only on the fact that they are expensive things?"

"Well… I kinda went to more fancy establishments, so to speak, but I focused more on the things that reminded me of you. Y'know...? Pastry chef who definitely works with chocolate, flowers for a flower, you know what I mean, haha...," He blushes some more. She stares at the gifts again.

"And you didn't conclude, not for a second, that I would be more inclined to forgive you if I got a pricey treat? Really?"

He turns back to her, blinking… and yeah, now he was starting to take offense.

"Of course not! Damn, I know I screwed up badly, but seriously, does that have to mean that every action I take from now on is going to be a bribe?," He gestures in frustration. "Can't this just be a nice gesture from a guy who is sorry and wants to fix his mistakes?"

"Yeah, it can, but it's hard not to doubt it, considering so many guys think they can buy women if they're open-handed enough!," She raises her voice in the same tone. "I don't want you to think I'm that kind of person! I don't want you to think getting my forgiveness is that easy!"

“I don't! It's just- aargh!," He grabs his head with his hands while throwing it back dramatically. "This isn't working! We're not going anywhere if my every attempt to get closer is met with suspicion!"

"Yeah, and whose fault is that?," She points at him, snarling, and even though she had to stretch her neck to look him in the eyes, she didn't look fearful in the slightest. "You gave me reasons to be suspicious! I'm trying to be more open, but it's hard when you're showing off your bank account like that, Mr. ‘Heavyweight champion of the biggest fight promotion in the world’!”

"Wait, is that your problem then? The fact that I have money?," He snorts angrily. "Lady, don’t you think that, if I really wanted to buy you, I would've brought something much more elaborate than flowers and chocolate? Like a necklace made of real pearls..."

"Argh, no! I don't even want to think about it!" She shudders, horrified, but Okubo doesn't stop there.

"Even better! A pair of white gold earrings, eighteen carats!"

"No!"

“Twenty-four carats is better? Boy, you're a tough one, huh!"

"This is even worse!," She screeches, and all that desperation was, for Okubo, satisfying, hilarious and adorable.

"Ooh, not a jewelry connoisseur, I see. How about clothes then? An Undercover jacket or pants from Yohji Yamamoto's exclusive line..."

"My God, no!," She grabs his arm in reflex, which takes him by surprise but also makes him even more excited.

"Do you prefer overseas brands? Let's do overseas brands then! A Louis Vuitton bag, a Dolce & Gabbana dress..."

"Nooooooo...!”

"Coco Chanel shoes! A Jimmy Choo perfume! I can do this all day, lady, expensive stuff is plentiful!"

"Okay, okay, stop! I get it, it could've been much worse! Oh my gohohohod!," She doubles over herself a little, falling into a fit of hysterical laughter, and he can't help himself either, accompanying her, the two of them laughing like idiots in the middle of that alley, attracting the confused looks of those who passed by the sidewalk further on and heard them.

Damn... That way, it was very easy to forget that she still hadn't forgiven him for his attitude. He allows himself to fantasize for a few seconds that everything was fine between them again, until he is brought back to reality when her laughter fades, interrupted by coughing, until it stops altogether. She holds the bouquet and box in one hand and puts the other in front of her mouth, clearing her throat.

"Okay... Maybe- Maybe I exaggerated a bit," She admits after taking a deep breath. "Maybe that wasn't your intention, but there was no way for me to be sure. I...," She blushes a little, looking up at him. "I'm still in the middle of the healing process, Mr. Okubo. And for you to arrive like this, with gifts like these, it kinda overwhelmed me. I liked it, really, but at the same time...," She gestures uncertainly.

Okubo sighs, closing his eyes and scratching the back of his neck. He never imagined that a box of chocolates and a measly bouquet of flowers could cause all that confusion. Now he felt a little guilty. He just wanted to prove how serious he was when he said he wanted to regain her trust more than anything...

“Yeah…again, sorry about that. But I swear my intention was never to buy you or anything like that. I...," He leans his back against the alley wall, close to the dumpster, looking at the ground with embarrassment. "I just thought that this would be a good way to demonstrate that I want and that I can be better... that and the fact that I don't know how to show interest in any other way."

"... What do you mean?," Tomori asks after a few seconds of silence, approaching and leaning against the wall beside him, still hugging her gifts. He turns his eyes to her with a small pout.

“It's just… I told you that day, remember? I'm an idiot who can't have a normal conversation with a girl to save his life," He rubs his left arm with his right hand. "I've never had the slightest knack when it comes to dealing with women, when it comes to showing them when I'm interested. I always make a fool of myself or come on too strongly, and I end up scaring them away. It was kind of one of the reasons Rihito and I became friends, you know?," He smiles shyly. "He also doesn't know shit about wooing women, and misery sure loves company, haha."

Tomori ends up laughing, shoulders shaking a little. "Hahaha, damn… a few weeks ago I would've found it hard to believe. But you guys aren't that bad. Just..."

"Just inconvenient and desperate, I know," He nods, resigned. "That's exactly why I try to approach women in safer ways, you know? Everyone likes to get gifts, it's an easy way to show how you're feeling, how much you like the person you're giving them to... even more so for losers like me," He puts his hands in his pants pockets, looking upset. "That's the only way I know how to do it and the only way I've managed to not screw things up…until now."

Tomori tightens her mouth a little, now as embarrassed as he was. She looks back at the gifts in her hands, bringing them to her chest again as she shrugs.

"No… you didn't screw it up," She murmurs at last. "I said I liked them. Camellias aren't my favorite flower, but they're still beautiful. And a brand of quality chocolate like this is not something I could eat whenever I wanted. I appreciate the intention, Mr. Okubo, I swear. But..."

"But...?," He instigates her, a little recklessly, and she again makes that gesture of tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

"But expensive gifts make me embarrassed. I'm left feeling like I'm in debt, and I couldn't buy you anything on that level without blowing some of my savings."

"But you don't have to! I'm not giving you these things expecting something of equal value in return," He assures, leaning down to bring his face closer to hers, his gray eyes intense. "I don't expect anything in return, really. I just..."

“I just want to see you smile at me like you used to. I want you to enjoy my company like you used to, before I let you down.”

He didn't voice that thought, but from the way Tomori was looking at him, he didn't have to. Her eyes, large, brown and expressive, hold his intently, her full lips opening as if she wanted to say something but doesn't know how. He wanted more than ever to reach down and touch that mouth with his, holy shit...!

"Well, if…," She licks her lips, bending her left leg and resting her foot on the wall behind her. "If this is just your way of showing how you feel, then… then you can give me gifts, if you like.

"Really?," He widened his eyes, which were shining brightly in his excitement, and she blushed again.

"Yeah, really. But don't go off the rails, okay?," She raises an index finger at him, her expression serious. "No expensive and extravagant things, please. If you really want to give me a gift, give me something that better demonstrates those feelings you talk about so much. Flowers and chocolate are always nice, but those aren't the only things a girl can like, you know?"

"Ooh…okay then," He nods in understanding. "Something more sentimental, then? Alright, I got it. The thing is, I don't know much about your tastes outside of confectionary and martial arts...," He gestures sheepishly, looking sideways at her. And then he smiles, turning around and leaning sideways against the wall, crossing his arms and arching an eyebrow. "How about enlightening me a little, huh?"

She rolls her eyes, but her half-smile looks affectionate, "I haven't even given you carte blanche and you're already trying to cheat? It’d be too easy if I just told you."

"Oh, c'mon! At least give me some clues," He complains, but the smile hasn't disappeared from his face. "Camellias aren't your favorite flowers, right? What's your favorite then? What letter does it start with? It rhymes with what? What are the most common allergies associated with it? Help a poor bastard out, lady, please..."

She lets out a fart-like sound from her mouth, turning her face to the side in an attempt to hide her laughter.

"I- I haven't seen any reason to make your life that easy so far, so give it up! You'll have to find out on your own."

"You're a difficult woman…," He sighs theatrically, closing his eyes. "It's a good thing that Okubo Naoya never gave up on things just because they were difficult," And he smiled, opening his eyes again, which were soft and tender when focused on her . And he is elated when she blushes even more.

"C'mon, I'm not that difficult," She bats her eyelashes at him. "I'm letting you get closer to try to figure it out, aren't I? So... keep trying. Surprise me. I'll be here, waiting for more of your attempts."

For him, it was as if she had offered him the winning lottery ticket. More attempts... he was entitled to more attemps! And to think that she willingly wanted to give him those chances made him want to start dancing right there in the alley.

"O-Okay! So can I interpret this as an invitation to show up here more often?"

"With prior notice," She points at him. "That way I'm not caught off guard and Kanny and the others don't get too upset. They still haven't forgiven you either, you know."

"Jezz, does that mean I'm also going to have to win them back?," He snorts. "Can I know their favorite flowers, at least?"

She laughs out loud, putting a hand in front of her mouth. She didn't usually hide her laughter this much when she was still on good terms with him. But Okubo was determined to change that.

"My god, hahahaha...!," She wipes away a tear from the corner of her right eye. "If- If you tried to give Kanny flowers, she’d punch you again and there would be no bouquet able to cushion that impact. It’s better to not even try."

"I won't. There's only one person I want to bring flowers to, if she's nice enough to nudge me in the right directions..."

"Nah-ah. I'm not falling for that," She shakes a finger at him, smirking, but the flattered blush on her cheeks was unmistakable. "You said yourself that you never gave up on things just because they were difficult, didn't you? I want to see this with my own eyes."

"But you've seen it, if you've really been watching me since the times when I practiced wrestling."

"Fighting arenas and the real life are different places. People can be one way in one and another way in the other. And I said I want to get to know you better here," She points to the space between them. "I want this from you more than I want gifs."

He nods, embarrassed, but still happy. If that meant more opportunities to be with her like this, then dammit, he'd be happy to let her know every single thing of him.

"Ahaha… alright then. But you know what I want from you now?" He leans toward her again, smirking, and she looks at him suspiciously, a warning in her gaze.

"What?"

"You, trying the chocolates I brought you."

She clearly wasn't expecting this, considering how her expression went from wary to stunned.

"Uh… That's it?"

"Yeah! Having my amateur rice balls judged by a professional made me feel spoiled and I got used to it. Now I want it again," He turns his head to the side. "Only with dessert this time."

"Ahaha, but that wouldn't make sense. You didn't make these chocolates, so I can't judge your cooking based on them," She shakes the box a little, which makes that rattling sound. His smile widens.

"Judge my taste in them, then. I particularly think it's great, considering how much I like your cookies."

“Grunf… I already told you to keep that silver tongue of yours in check…” She snorts, making an absurd effort not to smile. He raises his hands in surrender, his smile becoming more pleading. And with a sigh, she concedes, tearing the seal that held the box closed and opening it. The chocolates had come out of their respective compartments, scattered around the box, and he remembered with embarrassment that they had melted a little before he put them in the fridge. The handmade truffles were now a little misshapen. But she didn't seem to mind, picking up one and biting it in half, slowly, savoring it. He watches her intently, waiting with some trepidation.

"So? Too bitter?"

She looks up at him, finishing chewing. And then she smiles; that lovely smile he had missed so much.

"Yes! Just the way I like it!"

And even if he wasn't the one to make those chocolates, the compliment made him as happy as if he was.

* * *

"So? How was it with your bald sucker?"

Tomori smiles awkwardly as she returns to the kitchens, having returned from her lunch break. She brought with her the box of chocolates and the three camellias, the only survivors of the accidental massacre that Paikon had committed. She shrugs, trying to look calm.

"Better than I expected. Can I put these flowers in the water, Kanny? I don't want them to dry out."

"Sure. You can grab any container we're not using," The baker nods, watching as she goes to look for that container. Tomori felt her eyes glued to her back, knowing full well that she couldn't escape her friend's questions, and wondering if she could hide enough the conflicting feelings that battled inside her. She fills a measuring cup with water and places the flowers inside, setting them in a corner and admiring them for a moment before going to retrieve her apron and hairnet. Kanami kept following her movements attentively.

"So... what happened to the rest of the bouquet?"

"Paikon destroyed in an attack worthy of a yakuza ambush."

"Uh... I was going to say it serves him right, but then I remembered that they were a gift for you, so...," She makes an uncertain gesture, to which Tomori shrugs.

"He managed to save three of them, so that's something," She puts the chocolates aside too, and when she sees her friend looking at her with a mixture of distrust and interest, she invites, "You can have one, Kanny. You recognize the brand, right?"

"Yeah. It's the kind of brand that we could never use on the bakery's cakes, otherwise no one would have the money to buy 'em," She comments while picking up a truffle. "Thanks, Tomoh… hnnn, wow…," She puts it in her mouth and sighs while chewing. "Pure, quality cocoa. It’s delicious!"

"I know, right! Damn, I had to hold back from having a culinary orgasm in front of him to keep some of my dignity," Tomori laughs, and Kanami joins in, despite still being wary.

"Haha, I can imagine. But speaking of dignity...," She frowns, trying to stay serious. "I know I have no right to demand anything, but I hope you didn't get carried away by some expensive gifts and the snap of a silver tongue. I worry about how this might affect you..."

"Don't worry, I stood my ground," She assures. And then she looks at the floor while putting on her apron. "But… I admit it was hard to resist. We had a very enlightening conversation, you know. And when I said that I won't accept any attempt to buy me, he understood and didn't try to argue. He even made it clear that this wasn't his intention."

"… And what was your verdict?," Kanami asks after two seconds of silence. Tomori bites her bottom lip.

“That he really wasn't who I thought he was. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing either," She concludes. "I really want to see how far he's willing to go, Kanny. How much he values ​​what we have, even if it's nothing serious. I want to test the waters more... and make him suffer a little while trying," She admits, smiling when Kanami laughs heartily.

"A she-wolf in sheep's clothing, as Akane always says. Go for it, that's what that stupid gorilla deserves."

"Hehe, leave it to me! And... uugh...," She groans suddenly, turning her attention back to the flowers. Kanami blinks.

"What is it?"

"He brought me red camellias. I wonder if he knows about the symbolism behind them...," She blushes a lot, pressing her hands to her chest. "You know? That they represent romantic love..."

The baker didn't know what she wanted to do more: to laugh in her friend's face or to grunt and roll her eyes at her obsessive romanticism. She opts for a middle ground.

"Girl, I doubt it. A man like that doesn't care about these things. A flower shop employee probably suggested camellias when he said he wanted to impress a girl, nothing more than that."

"Yeah, I guess you're right… let's just get back to work, thinking about it will only distract me," She sighs, and Kanami nods satisfied.

Tomori wanted more than anything to stand firm in her convictions and not give in to Okubo's wooing so easily. He really had to earn her forgiveness. But dammit, if he kept being cute like that, showing her a side of himself she hadn't even dreamed existed, forgiving him would be easier than she wanted it to be.

NEXT CHAPTER

[the-writer-nerd-ro]

New series alert but it's still about Sara Pena and Hunter Richardson bc you can't teach an old dog new tricks

I wanted to do a prequel series about Hunter and Sara before they knew each other. The first two fics (this one and one coming soon) will be about Hunter, then maybe we'll dive into Sara's backstory some too.

The Girl Behind the Camera

On the day of the memorial for Steven and Rhonda Richardson, Hunter completely froze up.

She'd been running on fumes for a week, unsure in every situation what she was supposed to say or do.

She was supposed to be their legacy, to step up when they could not. Instead, she found herself hiding behind a camera.

All day she told people that she wanted to remember the memorial, later, when it was less painful. And that was true, so many people who she loved had come to celebrate her parents’ lives and grieve with her and she wanted to document that.

But the other reason wasn't as noble or sentimental. The other reason she kept her camera close was that she was afraid if she set it down she'd be setting down her perfect mask and she'd crumble in front of everyone.

Her cousin/best friend Marian stayed close, an extra shield against the emotions she couldn't let in. He was like a guard dog, eying people as they approached to make sure they were safe before he let them in the inner circle. It was a fair reaction; he didn't know half of these people. Hunter's California Cousins were new and unpredictable and had to pass an unspoken test before they could give their condolences.

It was a little silly, but Hunter was grateful for the guard dog maneuver. Marian hadn't asked, he'd just posted up next to her and followed her around from group to group. He had been there for her almost from the moment she'd heard about the accident. The past few nights, when she'd slept on a futon in the room above her parents’ funeral home, Marian had gone as far as to sleep in a bag on the floor.

Hunter would have done the same for him of course, but his immediate family remained intact. Her Uncle Shaun, who had just lost his brother, was talking to the California Cousins now, making small talk about weather and sports. Hunter snapped a picture and looked around.

There was her Aunt Dee, Marian's mom, with the two youngest Richardsons, 11-year-old Maddox and 17-year-old Morgan. They both looked super sad and uncomfortable, so Hunter didn't take a picture. She knew how they felt, she didn't need to immortalize those feelings.

Her aunts Shelley and Pat, her mom's sisters, were over by the spread of food, helping serve finger sandwiches to mourners. They'd always been those kinds of people. If there was something to be done they would do it. They'd even been helping Hunter go through and pack up the Richardson family home.

The first night after the accident Hunter had slept there, in her old bedroom, but it had felt so empty and suffocating that she'd been staying in the spare room at the funeral home instead.

It seemed like she'd been given five seconds to decide between keeping their family home or keeping the funeral home running. She certainly didn't have the means to do both.

In reality, she'd been allowed to sleep on the decision, and sleeping had made the decision for her. It became obvious very quickly that she couldn't stay in the house without her parents.

She'd barely even gone back to her own apartment, though her roommates had sent their thoughts and prayers. She'd have to pay a fee for cutting out of the lease a little early, but she couldn't stay there anymore, either.

She had to be their legacy now, she had to take care of the dead so that the living could rest easy.

At least she would go to sleep every night close to them. There was a little window in the attic and she could see the family plot from there.

Suddenly, a pair of arms surrounded her, and Hunter nearly dropped her camera. Fortunately, she was wearing it around her neck, but she was still startled.

Marian looked sheepish, distracted by a text long enough to let his guard down.

“Oh, H, I'm so sorry this happened,” her cousin, Brooklyn “Brookie” Martin, said, sounding heartbroken. Brookie was three years younger than Hunter and had always been her mom's secret favorite niece. Ronnie and Brookie against the world.

“Yeah,” Hunter said, relaxing enough to hug back, “me too.”

“I still can't believe it,” Annabelle, Brookie's older sister, said. Annabelle was a year older than Brookie and newly disillusioned with reality.

“No, me neither.”

Hunter felt like a shitty echo, parroting back all the sad, sappy sentiments people had said all day. She stepped back and held up the camera, and Annabelle and Brookie snapped into an appropriately somber pose.

“If you need anything at all while we're here,” Brooklyn offered.

“We're going back home in two days but we're down to do whatever until then if you need help with the house or a distraction, anything at all,” Annabelle added.

“Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.”

Marian looked at her, silently asking if he needed to run interference.

Hunter shook her head quickly. Her cousins meant well, there were worse things than awkward interactions with well-meaning family members.

“Is Irene here?” Annabelle asked, glancing around, “I wanted to meet her.”

There it was.

Hunter physically cringed, and Marian rolled his eyes so hard that it was impossible not to notice his disdain.

“She's actually um, we're actually… She's not here.”

Brookie frowned. “She should be here supporting you.”

“We're kind of on a break.”

“I'll break her fucking leg,” Marian muttered under his breath.

“I'm sorry, H, I didn't mean to make things awkward,” Annabelle apologized.

Then, like a heat-seeking missile, the harbinger of awkwardness descended upon them.

“Hmph, it's just a phase,” Hunter's maternal grandmother said with a huff.

Marian, who was already pissed off, looked like he was about to explode. And since he wasn't related to this woman, there was really nothing stopping him.

Hunter acted fast to stop him.

“Can you get me some water?”

Marian nodded, making sure to glare at the old bat before walking away.

“Grandma, you can't say things like that,” Annabelle said quickly, putting a hand on Hunter's shoulder.

“It's true! Your mother had a little phase like that and then she met Steven and straightened right up. I'm sure you'll meet a nice man soon enough and forget about this little experiment.”

Hunter couldn't even begin to formulate an answer to that. The bigoted digs at her nearly 25-year-long “experiment” didn't even rattle her, she was too focused on the comment about her mom.

What had that meant?

Sure, her mom had always been pretty progressive and accepting but there had never been any indication that she was also queer.

And now Hunter was left alone in a room full of people who had known her parents better than she had. With so many questions they could never answer.

Marian came back with a water bottle and her Aunt Pat, who steered her mother away before she could say something worse.

“Oh my gosh, Hunter, that was awful, I'm sorry.” Brookie sounded super apologetic.

Hunter shrugged rigidly.

“Mm-hm. I think I'm gonna go upstairs. I want to be alone for a bit.”

“Oh, okay. Let us know if you need anything,” Marian said.

“I will. I'll see you guys tomorrow at the house.” There was still so much to go through, to give away or pawn or put in storage. So many memories that Hunter couldn't hang onto.

She went upstairs, feeling bad about disappearing from the memorial and for all the people she had barely talked to, but she was drained.

The futon welcomed her without any condolences or pity. She settled in, drank her water bottle, and began uploading the photos from the day onto her laptop. She wanted to get some of them printed to hang up in the space, as well as mail out some to the people in the photos. Her California Cousins -Brookie and Annabelle and the triplets- and her hardworking aunts, and of course, her guard dog.

It was overwhelming, but Hunter was so grateful that so many people had come to pay tribute to her parents. She didn't quite measure up yet, but these photos showed their legacy.

Hunter could hear the memorial continue downstairs. There was an old upright piano in the “event center” and someone was playing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’, from Oklahoma. Her mom had taught her that song when she was little. There were so many beautiful mornings Hunter could remember where her mom had sung that as she did the dishes or got Hunter ready for school.

Tears stung her eyes and she focused on editing photos so that she wouldn't start crying again. Now that she was alone there was no reason to keep up the facade but she was so tired of crying.

When she had a few photos edited she placed a test order with Walgreens using a very enticing coupon. If they did a good job printing the photos she'd order some more the next time there was a coupon.

Then she changed into a nightgown almost as nice as the dress she'd been wearing and went to bed, trying to forget about the people down below or the grief welling up in her chest.

She was exhausted so it wasn't hard to fall asleep, but as she slept she kept coming back to that song, and the look of absolute peace on her mother's face when she sang it.

The next few days passed in a blur. They finished packing up her old home and Hunter finalized moving into the spare room at her funeral home and then most of her family left.

Marian took some convincing but eventually, she forced him to go back to his normal life on the condition that she would call him if she needed him.

She could have called him to go with her to pick up the photos, but it felt like the first day in April when it wasn’t pouring, so she biked. Biking in a vintage dress was never easy, but Hunter had years of practice.

The ride over to the Walgreens was so nice that Hunter briefly forgot what she'd gone there to do. She floated through the aisles, picking out heavily discounted Easter candy before going to get her photos.

It wasn't until she'd gotten back to the funeral home with her Cadbury mini eggs that she noticed the envelope containing the memorial photo.

It said, in bright, cheery script “Smiles Inside.”

Hunter nearly choked on a mini egg.

It wasn't Walgreens’ fault, but she resented them for mocking her moroseness.

She'd actually had a good day today, had woken up humming Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’, and had put on a nice dress to run errands in. She had smiled at the pretty girl who had rung her up (her and Irene were toast). But here was this stupid envelope, sneering at her, reminding her that joy was just a snapshot, a flash of a camera and then it was gone.

There had to be other print shops in town. Ones that didn't have smarmy envelopes and discount chocolate. It might cost a little more but it would be worth the cost if she could avoid the reminder that joy was temporary, that every easy breezy day in April was followed with weeks of rain.

Of course, Hunter couldn’t see it now and wouldn’t be able to see it for a while, but her snapshot theory was a little off course. If joy was temporary, then pain was too. And one day, she would be able to look back at the photos she'd taken at the memorial and really, truly smile.