#i moved into my house with my friend/roommate yesterday

[arionawrites]

1. it’s my 24th birthday today, so my goal of being published by the time i’m 25 is now a one year looming monster, but i never specified what kind of published and am currently looking in various literary magazines that are recommended for writers who have yet to be published, so i’m surprisingly confident that i can make it work? and tbh even if whatever i write isn’t officially published before my 25th birthday, if i have someone in the process of being published then i’ll be happy!! no matter what though, i’m gonna try to be proud of myself for at least giving it my best shot!!

2. i honestly love that my birthday is on the ides of march because the ides of march meme shitposting is only a thing on tumblr but it also being my birthday makes it easier to like. be excited about the ides of march outside of tumblr. like even in person i can be like “it’s my birthday! i’m an ides of march babe (:” and if someone is like oh what’s that? or if they say something along the lines of oh like julius caesar? i can be like yep!! and even if it’s a small thing outside of tumblr it brings me immense enjoyment and amusement being able to bring it up off of tumblr

3. transportation situation has been very rough since june 2023 when i totalled my car, my gap insurance are being assholes and i ended up putting my foot down on the phone with them yesterday which i’m pretty proud of because i am NOT a confrontational person (something i’ve been working on this past year, so seeing some improvement with my ability to hold my ground and not be a pushover yesterday was very cool!!) i was told i’d get a response from them by friday next week no matter what, and if i don’t then friday of next week i will continue to wreak havoc upon them. but my moms car which i’ve been using since my accident broke down yesterday, hopefully it’s fixable but my parents were saying it might be done for, so trying to think of how i’m gonna get to work next week is kind of stressing me out lmao, but for now i’m just gonna focus on enjoying my birthday the best i can because i don’t want to start off being 24 with an overwhelming anxiety for something that won’t be a potential issue until monday. plus i already messaged my boss today to let her know that i’m going to do everything i can to make it work out but just so she’s in the loop and knows of the potential of me not being able to make my morning shifts (one of my coworkers said she’s more than happy to give me a ride for our afternoon shifts which does help relieve some of the stress!) and i told her i’d let her know for sure sunday so that if necessary she can have time to figure out someone to fill in for me in the mornings!

overall: life is weird and i ended being 23 yesterday with a shitty situation but a positive outlook and i am going to enjoy my first day of being 24 no matter what because honestly i fucking earned it. happy friday everyone, i hope it’s a good day for you and me both!

[rowanjasper]

.

[satache]

The past two days since moving in with Lindsay I have made us sit and eat my food together at the table and it’s actually like so awesome I want to make/share food for her everyday

[safetypin-louis]

.

[tatoda]

Wanting You || conrad fisher x fem!reader

masterlist

request

summary: you get a call and it happens to be your drunk boyfriend just wanting your love and attention

pairing: conrad fisher x reader

warnings: stressed conrad and mostly just fluff

wc: 800 (i think)

put some drunk conrad in to help with the storyline!! not majority edited just wanted to get this out

It was supposed to be a boy's night. To drink and talk about sports or just hang out in general. But here conrad was, looking at your pictures on his phone showing the guys around him. Even if they were at a party where there were over 100 people, you were still the first thing on his mind.

“she’s just so pretty guys,” he told steven and jeremiah who were sipping on beers

“oh we know, for how much you talk about her.” jere muttered over his drink

“man, as much as i love how you’re in love with my sister, but please spare all details.” steven rolled his eyes

“she’s just so sweet, she’s helped me with so much. like that one time she snuck me into your house because i missed her and my roommate was having sex,” he admitted

“oh god! you snuck into our house. if laurel ever hears this you’re dead meat.” steven leaned forward

“relax steve, i’ll have you know your mom likes me too much.” conrad took a sip of his beer when he should have stopped drinking for a while now “i miss her.”

“he’s so whipped.” jere laughed watching his brother be lovesick for you

“do you think she will answer if i call her?” his eyes lit up

“she’s probably sleeping.” steven looked over his shoulder to the crowd of people spotting taylor dancing with some of the volleyball girls

“just make your move already.” jeremiah pointed out

“you know belly would absolutely murder me if i touched her best friend.” steven sighed and looked away

“hey! look at me man.” conrad put a hand on his shoulder “you haven’t murdered me yet.” he smiled

“that’s because i’m building up to it.” conrad shook his head

“i’m gonna call her, i miss her.”

“dude-“ it was too late he already clicked your contact.

Meanwhile, you were on your bed watching netflix and having a self-care night. With conrad with the guys, you felt like he needed to get out of the apartment they all shared because all they did was play video games and sleep. Your phone rang on the comforter causing you to jump not expecting any calls. You turned the phone seeing conrad’s name on the screen.

“hey.” you paused your show leaning back on the pillows

“hi baby.” he slurred. this wasn’t the first time occurrence he’s called you drunk, you soon found out he was clingy and wanted your attention when drunk

“hey you, how’s the boy's night?” he sighed on the other side of the phone

“it’s good, it’s good. i wanted to call and say i miss you, like a lot.”

“you just saw me yesterday dummy.” you laughed into the phone

“i just really love you.” your heart fluttered as he said the words, you don’t usually say it because it meant a lot to the both of you with what happened to your parents

“can you do me a favor baby?” he hummed on the other side “can i talk to my brother really quick?”

“yeah! here, steven she wants to talk to you.” you heard him hand the phone over

“hey sis.”

“hey can i come get him? i think he’s had enough and i know he’s gonna want me to come get him soon enough.”

“oh yeah please,”

“thank you for taking him out tonight, i know he’s stressed with everything with adam and everything.”

“no yeah i understand, see you soon.” the phone was pulled away from him and back in the hands of your boyfriend

“hey lover.” he chuckled “i’m gonna a come get you okay?”

“yeah, thats sounds good.” you knew after a while he would start overthinking and then the stress would come back

“just stay with the guys and no more drinking, okay?”

“okay, see you soon baby.” you both hung up and you got out of bed

The drive over to the house was over 20 minutes. But you didn’t mind you wanted to see conrad. There has been a lot of stuff going on recently with his dad. you knew their relationship wasn’t the greatest and it really got to him sometimes.

You parked the car in search of your boyfriend. Steven texted you saying they were in the backyard in some chairs, and you saw the back of your boyfriend's head as he talked to the boys in front of him. You wrapped your arms over his shoulder and leaned your head down on his shoulder.

“i have a girlfriend!” his head snapped and he relaxed seeing it was you “oh. sorry.”

“that’s okay, you ready to go?” he nodded “you boys have a ride back?” you looked towards jere and steven

“yeah, taylor said she would take us.” you smiled at steven “when are you gonna ask her out?” conrad moved his arms to rub against yours that were draped over him

“chill, i just don’t wanna upset belly.”

“for fucks sake i’m dating your best friend and you didn’t beat me up.”

“told you.” conrad muttered

“this is different.” he sighed rubbing his face

“it’s not really.” conrad moved to lay his head on your arm giving you the signal it was time to go “just do something at least, con and i are gonna head out.” you pulled your hands away and the man stood from his seat “ready.” he nodded taking your hand in his “be safe tonight, call me if you need anything.”

As you drove home, conrad kept a hand on your thigh but he didn’t say anything and you knew the quietness and depression were slowly coming back from the side effects of his drinking. The whole ride was quiet up until you made it into your room closing the door facing him.

“come here con.” he walked towards you slowly and dipped his head into to crook of your neck and wrapped his arms around you “let’s sleep okay?” he nodded but didn’t let go “con?”

“hm?”

“let’s lay down handsome.” he stepped away from you and you helped him take off his shirt as he slipped out of his jeans left in his boxers and slid into bed “ill be right back, going to get you water.”

“okay.” he softly spoke into the pillow he was laying on

Walking downstairs your mom was also grabbing a midnight snack. She knew he would come over and she also knew he was going through a lot in your 2 years together.

“how is he?” she leaned against the counter as you opened the fridge to grab a water bottle

“it’s a lot, he won’t really talk to me about some of it and i understand.”

“you’re a great girlfriend for him. susannah always loved the thought of you two together.” she grabbed your hand and squeezed it “speaking of conrad.” she nodded behind you, turning around you saw your boyfriend standing at the end of the stairs

“hey, what’s wrong?” you walked towards him

“you left me for a long time.” he rubbed his eyes and you smiled

“come on you big baby, good night mom.”

“night laurel.” conrad muttered

“night kids.” you could hear the humor in her voice

Back up in your room you were both now in bed with the light of the tv shining on the both of you. Conrad’s eyes drifted but he just stared at you.

“can i cuddle you?” he asked softly

“you don’t need to ask.” he moved closer to you hugging you to him, his head on your shoulder and you moved your hand to run though his hair “con?”

“yeah?” you moved to look at him and leaned down to kiss him for the first time that night

“i love you.” he smiled genuinely the first time since you saw him

“i love you.” he closed his eyes and kissed your neck

Soon enough his soft snoring filled the room as you continued to watch your show until you followed him into the dream state.

[kissenturine]

𝐓𝐎𝐎 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐄 kazuha x m!reader — 5.1k words, not proofread, minors do not interact

TO NOTE: strangers to lovers, mentions and use of alcohol (no drunk sex though), kazuha and reader are roommates, sort of college / modern au, morning sex / sleepy sex, praise, pet names (good boy [?], angel, uh i cant remember sorry), aftercare is not written but it is given, praise teehee, reader rides kazuha, kazuha jerks reader off, lmk if i missed any thanks :3

KAI SAYS: GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! birthday post im now 20 that sounds so old euugghh

Rent was hell.

Your minimum income, which was mostly spent on necessities and college fees, was barely able to pay last month. And now with inflation, you weren’t sure how you were going to make it through another year.

But, there was always hope. It was only the beginning of June after all.

Last week, your friend introduced you to a website to find roommates. Having a roommate would solve a few of my problems, you thought as you scrolled through the site on your computer. For one, the rent would be split between the two of you, which was much more manageable than right now. And, for two, you would get to actually talk to someone every day.

It would be a win-win situation if the two of you got along.

After a few days of thinking everything through, looking at different people’s profiles, because the site was a “Tinder for roommates,” as your friend had put it, you found a man that matched your preferences.

Kaedehara Kazuha.

From what you could tell by his profile, he looked like a sweet man. His profile picture was set to a white cat, and you can see his hand atop its head, gently petting against the cat’s ears. You hadn’t met him in person yet, but through text, you’d managed to get to know him a bit.

The two of you texted about your hobbies and Kauha told you about his life. He was getting a degree in poetry at a college near your house, which is why he selected the area. He told you earlier today about himself. He liked to eat fish and go drinking out. He liked staying with animals he liked warm weather and sunny days, and he liked to spend time with his loved ones and friends.

To be honest, he seemed a bit too good to be true.

But, you think, I suppose some people are just like that.

With a content sigh, you shut your computer. You’d texted Kazuha and the two of you had planned for him to move in today. It seemed a little quick to you, but Kazuha said he didn’t really have anything big to move over. According to him, he’d only be bringing one suitcase and backpack.

Yesterday, you cleaned out the guest room—well, know his room. It was tedious work, something you hoped you wouldn’t have to do again. Ever. But, you supposed it would be worth it in time.

So now here you were, sanding proudly with your hands on your hips smiling at your spotless house. Kazuha better like it here… You think. Your hand goes to run through your hair gently, combing it back. You’re about to flop down onto the couch and maybe take a nap—only for the familiar tune of the doorbell to ring through the house, echoing and bouncing off the walls.

Your head snaps backwards, a nervous smile making its way onto your lips.

You rush to the door, ignoring the slight shake in your step. Your heartbeat quickens and you don’t know why. Kazuha’s a nice man. You remind yourself, though you don’t think that’s why you're nervous.

Slowly, you unlock your door and turn the doorknob with your other hand. And there, standing to greet you is your new roommate. Kaedehara Kazuha.

You greet him with a polite smile, cracking open the door just enough to let him inside. The roll of his suitcase from the sidewalk outside up onto the flooring of your house sends a loud ‘Clunk! Clunk!’ sound and you wince a little.

You shut the door behind you, schooling your expression as you turn back to Kazuha. He trunks to you quickly and smiles gently. “Ah,” he says and his voice is so soft when he speaks, “I’m Kazuha, but I suppose you already know that.”

You introduce yourself, finishing off the same as him with a short, “but I suppose you already knew that too.”

He nods politely a small laugh flitting out of his lips. You lead him to his new bedroom, helping him carry his backpack as he lifts his suitcase, not wanting the wheels to dirty the floor. Kazuha takes a look around, his smile being ever present as you drop his backpack by the door.

“It’s nice here.” He comments, turning his gaze from you to his bedroom.

A bashful grin makes its way to your lips. “Thanks.” You murmur. “Cleaned just for you.”

With that, he’s looking back at you. “Just for me?” He responds, and there’s an edge of playfulness that lies beneath the overlaying gratefulness in his tone. “Thank you.”

You just nod, not fully trusting your voice.

After a moment, Kazuha sits down at the edge of his bed, tracing his hands over the expanse of the duvet. “We should go out sometime.” He says and you blink. You’re face feels warm and you hope Kazuha doesn’t see.

“Like…” Your voice trails off, leaving your sentence unfinished. Like a date? You wanted to say, but your lips don’t seem to work.

Kazuha seems to take note of this, chuckling softly. “Just to get to know each other better. Doesn’t have to be anything fancy.” He gives you a comforting smile and your nervousness seems to dissipate when you look at him.

“Ok.” You agree. “We can plan something for after you’ve gotten more… settled in.”

Kazuha’s smile widens and he gives you a nod. “Thanks.”

You take a deep breath, before speaking up again. “I’ll leave you to it then.” You turn on your heel before walking out of Kazuha’s new bedroom. You shut the door gently before speed-walking to your room and collapsing onto your bed.

Your breathing comes out in soft puffs as you bury your face into a pillow, curling yourself on your bed. What the fuck was that? You cry mentally. You grip onto the bedsheets tightly. Your heart is beating fast and you think it’d beat tight through your ribs if you don’t calm down soon. You bring your hands to your face, dragging them across your eyes. “I’m fucked.” You curse quietly. Kazuha’s so nice! You know you probably won’t even last a month without developing some sort of feelings for him and that scares you. 

You… don’t want to ruin what little the two of you had managed to build up in the past week. As little as it was, you like what you have with Kazuha. In the back of your mind, though, there’s the nagging feeling for more. You want to get closer to Kazuha, you want to spend time with him.

Maybe that date of his wouldn’t be too bad.

With a heavy sigh, you twist your body to lay like a starfish, sprawled across your bed. You turn your gaze to your window, squinting as the sunlight fans through the glass and into your eyes. If you just ignored any feelings that developed, they would just go away, right?

The first six days with Kazuha were… different from your usual routine, to put it simply.

On Monday (because everyone knows the week starts with Monday and not Sunday!) you awoke to the smell of food wafting through the house. You were instantly up and out of bed, barely managing to throw on a shirt—backwards—before you stumbled into the kitchen.

You were taken aback by the sight that greeted you.

Kazuha, in his pyjamas and an apron, was humming a soft tune as he cooked something on the stove. He turns once he notices you, standing in shock by the doorway. “Ah,” he said, “I see you’re finally awake.” He humed, using the spatula to plate a scrambled egg. He handed you the plate and Archons it smelled good. “I made breakfast. Used some of your food, if you don’t mind.”

You absentmindedly nodded, entranced by the way he moved around the kitchen, putting things in the dishwasher, plating his food, and turning off the stove. All of those were such ordinary things, but, for some reason, it just made you more drawn to him.

You brought your plate to the table, pulled out a chair and sat down, still watching Kazuha. “Thanks for breakfast.” You murmured after a few bites. “It’s really good.”

“Well, it’s only natural I repay you somehow.” Kazuha said before sitting down beside you. “You basically lent me your house to live in.” He joked.

“Our house now.” You responded. “Since you’ll be payin’ half the rent.”

Kazuha nods, taking a bite out of his own breakfast. “I plan on spending the week organizing my stuff. Nothing big, just getting everything tidy.” The two of you sat in comfortable silence, basking in the warmth of the summer weather.

Besides that, Monday wasn’t anything eventful.

Tuesday was spent helping Kazuha. Cooped up in his room, the two of you went through his clothes and belongings, organizing them into his closet and drawers. Kazuha had a decent amount of clothes, which were the bulk of what he brought.

You talked and talked and talked with Kazuha. He was so sweet. You swore you’d told yourself that a million times by now, but it was always true. Kazuha’s laugh was soft and kind, he laughed at all your stupid, cheesy jokes, no matter how unfunny they were. He’d help you cook meals—much better than you ever could.

Tuesday was when you had come to realize that maybe you were enjoying his company a little too much. But, you thought, he’s just… fun to be around.

You used that excuse for the rest of the week.

Kazuha was just… nice. Everyone would enjoy his company like this. You were no different!

It was a pathetic excuse, but it was pathetic enough for you to cling onto.

Wednesday you and Kazuha went out and you showed him the neighbourhood as the two of you walked to the store for some groceries. Kazuha took an oddly long time looking through the fruits and vegetables section, eyeing each piece we selected carefully before placing it into the plastic bag we used to carry everything.

It was endearing.

After a good forty-five minutes of walking around the store, the two of you finally decided to head to the cashier for check out. Kazuha was polite as he made idle chatter with them, but you couldn’t help the frown that pulled at your face.

You were right there. If he wanted to talk to someone, why couldn’t it be you? You were sure you were more entertaining than that cashier worker.

But you pushed those thoughts to the back of your mind. You pulled out your credit card, expecting to pay, only for Kazuha to gently pull your hand back. “Let me.” He says gently. Your eyes dart to him and your face flushes when you feel his hand graze gently over yours as he pulls it back.

He wanted to pay for you.

Ah, if you hadn’t fallen for him yet, you sure as hell had now.

He taps his card quickly and you barely manage to make it out of the store while avoiding Kazuha’s gaze.

Things only started to set in on Thursday.

You’d woken up with a heavy migraine and a grumpy mood, so it didn’t come as a surprise that you didn’t want to talk to anyone. Unfortunately, that also included Kazuha. And yet, Kazuha didn’t push you when you refused to talk to him while the two of you ate breakfast.

“Good morning,” He had said in greeting. “How’re you?”

You don’t respond, only taking the plate of food he’d set aside for you. You’re swift to finish your food; shovelling it into your mouth and not even bothering to wait for Kazuha.

He, on the other hand, still had that oh-so-sweet smile of his plastered across his pretty lips. “I’ll take it you’re not feeling great, then.” He murmurs. Kazuha gets up from his seat beside you before handing you a glass of water. “You should drink up. Water’s very good for you, so I’m sure it’ll help you a bit.”

You do as he said, chugging the glass of water in one go. “Thanks.” You whisper. Those were the first words you said to him that day, and you could already feel your migraine easing up. Kazuha is like magic, you think, he fixes everything without even trying.

You gave Kazuha a half-hearted smile before placing your plate and utensils in the dishwasher and heading to your room to take a nap. Naps always seemed to ease your headaches.

As you collapsed on your bed, snuggling up under your heavy duvet, your thoughts drifted back to Kazuha. He was sweet, but you’d also come to the realization that he was handsome. His hair was always up into a ponytail, with that little section of red swooping on top of his ear. His eyes are quite pretty, too. You thought. A shimmering red that often matched the clothes he wore, sparkling as he laughed. And his hands, they looked so gentle as he carried things around. His fingers worked effortlessly as he wrote his poetry in that small notebook of his.

“This man,” you whispered to yourself, “is too good to be true.”

On Friday, Kazuha let you have the honour of brushing and tying up his hair.

He’d caught you staring at him as he sat on his bed, his fingers wove through his white locks. With a raised eyebrow, he beckons you over, handing you a red hair tie. “Mind helping me?” He asked softly.

You complied eagerly, scooting behind him. You ran your hand through his hair, gently scooping it behind his shoulders. Kazuha let out a soft hum, as he nodded in content. Carefully, you pull his hair into a ponytail, twisting the thin band to wrap carefully around it a few more times.

“There.” You said. “It’s done.”

Kazuha turned to face you, his knees pressed much too close to yours. “Thank you.” He grinned, grabbing your hand to rest in between his cool ones. “I really appreciate this.”

Your face flushed, an embarrassing warmth coating your cheeks. You brought your free hand to scratch awkwardly at the back of your neck before mumbling out a response. “No problem, Kazuha.”

Saturday was spent planning the two of your guys’ “date” that would be happening on Sunday.

Kazuha suggested a picnic, and you couldn’t help but agree. Maybe it was the thought of spending a day with him, or maybe it was how he wanted to spend a day with you, but you knew you would’ve agreed to anything he said.

The picnic would be on Sunday, in a park the two of you found online.

After a very successful planning session, the two of you spent the rest of the day preparing and packaging food for the picnic.

It was somewhat chaotic—but it was also fun.

Kazuha taught you how to make his favourite sandwich, how to toast the bread perfectly, and how to cut each one into little heart shapes. All with a soft smile dancing on his pretty lips as he guided your hands gently, easing the knife into the bread.

Archons, you were fucked. How’re you supposed to live with him, like this, every day?

And now, it’s Sunday; the day of the picnic.

Your foot taps nervously against the floor of your bedroom. What am I supposed to wear? Yes, you do know you’re probably overthinking this, but you can’t help it! Not when it’s because of Kazuha! You have to make sure you’re always looking your best!

Your cheeks puff out as a heavy sigh leaves your lips, eventually settling on your outfit of the day.

Finally ready, you nervously open the door, heading out to meet Kazuha in the kitchen.

He greets you with a smile and a call of your name. His arms find their way around your waist in a tight hug and you blink. Oh, oh, oh, oh—what do I do!? When did he get so… touchy?! Not that I’m complaining but—You stand frozen, yet Kazuha doesn’t seem to mind. He pulls back with his signature smile. “You’re ready to go?” He questions, taking a step towards the front door.

“Y-Yeah.” You manage to stutter out. “I’m ready.”

“Great!” He grabs your hand, leading you out of your shared home. He doesn’t let go as the two of you walk to the park. With the picnic basket in his free hand, Kazuha still grips yours gently as he leads you. His thumb runs over the skin of your hand absentmindedly. You think it’s supposed to be a calming gesture, but, it only makes your heart beat faster and your face go warm.

You eventually find yourself in a large field, small flowers adorning the grass. Kazuha tugs a blanket out of his bag, laying it over the grass. He plops down on it, patting the space beside him as he does. “Sit with me.” He says.

You comply quickly, placing your own basket down and taking a spot beside him. “...Thanks for doing this with me.” You murmur, giving Kazuha a shy glance.

He only grins in response, digging through his bag and handing you one of the sandwiches you prepared yesterday. “It’s nothing, really.” He smiles, and you feel a tingle go through your hand where his finger brushes over yours. “I like spending time with you.”

“I like spending time with you too.” You match his expression, your lips pulling into a smile. It hasn’t even been a week, and yet it feels like you’ve known Kazuha for years.

Kazuha grins, reaching into his bag. “Good.” is all he responds before pulling something out. Is that a wine bottle? “Now, would you like a drink?”

You… never took Kazuha as a drinker.

And yet, here he is, drunk out of his mind as slurs slip from his lips. Kazuha calls out your name, his head slipping onto your shoulder as his hands grip the blanket the two of you are sitting on. “Do you…” He trails off. “Do youuu… wanna watch th-the sunset w’me?” He slurs his eyes fixing on yours from his position on your shoulder.

You cough awkwardly. “Kazuha.” You say softly, easing his head off your shoulder. “It’s four-thirty in the afternoon. The sunsets not coming out anytime soon…”

“B-But—” He whines. “It woulda been soooo romantic.” Kazuha grins, his eyes lolling shut as he slumps against your chest this time. “Jus’ you, me, an’ the flowers.”

“Oh, Kazuha.” You sigh. “I’d love to watch the sunset with you, but we have to get you home before dark. It’d be dangerous walking out drunk at night.”

“No!” He cries. “I could… could protect you… from th’danger.”

“Nope.” You say, trying not to let his words affect you. “We’re going home now, okay?”

“Okayyyy.” He whines, dragging out the word as he says it. “But only—only cause you said so.”

“Good.” You wrap an arm around Kazuha, right under his shoulder as you help him stand. You leave him for a bit, turning around to pick up the blanket and his bag. “Kazuha!” You call, and he’s instantly behind you. His arms wrap around your waist, pushing his face into your neck.

“Hm?” He coos. “D’ya need something?”

The warmth of Kazuha’s breath fans over the skin of your neck, goosebumps rising lowly. “N-Need you to carry your stuff.” You mumble. Your hands remove Kazuha’s from your waist, shifting to grab his wrist as you gently drag him off you. “Let’s go home now.”

Carefully, you take Kazuha home, not really minding his drunk ramblings. He goes on and on about the sunset, about how he’d stare into your eyes and giggle while he holds your hand and the sun sets.

It is endearing seeing him drunk out of his mind and yet still so lovey-dovey.

It only takes the two of you a fifteen-minute walk to reach your home and you’re quick to open the door and let Kazuha in, the two of you dropping your stuff as you help him up the stairs, your arm wrapped snugly around his waist. He slurs your name again, his pretty red eyes meeting yours. “C-Can we cuddle…?” He whines and you instantly turn your head, wanting to hide the warmth on your cheeks.

“I…” You whisper. “You’re drunk. Let’s just get you in bed first.”

“Noo!” Kazuha cries, planting his feet on the ground, stopping you. “Y’always make me wait! Made me wait for our date, now you're still makin’ me wait when I jus’ want cuddles!”

“Kazuha, really, maybe we should—” You try to protest, only to be interrupted.

“Please,” Kazuha whines pitifully, “Jus’ for a bit.”

You pinch the bridge of your nose, letting out a deep exhale. “You’re still drunk,” you start, “but fine. I guess some cuddles won’t hurt.”

Kazuha grins happily, snaking his arms around you, just under your arms as he lifts you into the air. “You’re th’best!” He slurs. “Come, cuddles time.” With that, he’s lifting you up and carrying you over into his bedroom.

He tosses you gently onto the bed and you land with a quiet: “Oof!” Before you feel the bed dip as Kazuha joins you. His arms find their familiar place around you and his nore presses into the back of your head as he twists your body into a spooning position with his. One of Kazuha’s legs is haphazardly thrown over yours, and you feel completely engulfed in, well, Kazuha.

“You’re so handsome.” Kazuha whispers into your hair. “My handsome boy.” He presses a kiss to the back of your head, and you have to remind yourself that Kazuha is drunk. He won’t remember any of this, nor will he ever act like this again.

Still, you end up leaning into the touch, falling asleep slowly, basking in Kazuha’s comforting warmth and love.

When you wake up, Kazuha’s body is tangled with yours. His head is on your chest and his arms are wound tightly around your waist. One of his legs is positioned between yours, his knee pressing against you.

You tug him closer, enjoying the warmth of his body against yours. Kazuha’s head dips between your shoulder and your neck, nuzzling into the spot. You can feel the small puffs of air his lips let out against your skin as he breathes, matching the pattern of your heartbeat as he does.

You grin, pulling yourself to sit up—only to be yanked completely down by Kazuha. “Don’ move, please.” He whispers. “Need t’feel ya.”

“Kazuha.” You complain. “You’re not even drunk anymore—”

“No.” Kazuha murmurs. “Need to feel you.” As the words leave his lips, he shifts his body, pressing his hips flush against your ass. 

Something firm pokes into you from behind and—

Oh.

That’s what he meant by feel you.

Kazuha’s hips start a steady grind against you, pushing his erection into your ass as he murmurs breathless nothings into your ear. A desperate whine slips from his lips as he slowly moves his hands from around you to on you, roaming your chest and up your neck.

“Need you.” Kauzha murmurs slowly. “Need you so bad.”

“I know.” You say, turning onto your side to face Kazuha.

He smiles at you, bringing a hand to cup your cheek. “Please let me have you.” He whines.

You smile, leaning into his touch and pressing a soft kiss to his nose. “Of course, you can have me. I’ve been all yours from the start.”

Kazuha’s lips press against yours as he gently pushes you to lie on your back against the bed. His hands trace your sides, going from your neck to your hips as he pulls your pants down. He releases you from his kiss, the both of you gasping for air as he yanks down your boxers with impressive speed.

A soft whine slips from your throat, needily grinding your hips into the air. “Kazuha…” You moan, needing his touch desperatley. “C-Can you just—”

“I know.” He coos, trailing his hand to your hard cock. “I know, pretty boy, but I jus’ wanna take my time with you, ‘kay?”

You hesitantly nod, bringing your hand to thread through Kazuha’s hair as he peppers an assortment of kisses all over your cheeks. His hand starts a slow rhythm, gliding up and down the shaft of your cock slowly.

His grip is teasing, the way he squeezes up as he reaches your tip, dragging the pad of his thumb down your dick as he does. Kazuha’s fist moves quicker, watching as your eyes scrunch up in pure ecstasy from his ministrations. “That’s it.” He murmurs encouragingly. “C’mon, I know you’re close…”

A gasp leaves your lips as Kazuha drags his thumb over your slit, rolling it and smearing your precum everywhere, watching with nothing but a pleased smile as your hips frantically twitch in his hold. He smiles, pressing a kiss to your neck—right bellow your ear before giving the spot a teasing lick.

Kazuha’s hands work at your dick again and again, sliding with a steady rhythm up and down until your brain feels muddled and hazy. You grip at his wrist, not knowing if you want him to stop or keep going.

“K-Kazuha,” you whine, “please.”

A soft laugh leaves his lips and he once again kisses your neck. “Shh.” He murmurs. “Be patient, my dear.” With that, he’s pressing a harsh bite into your supple skin, letting his teeth graze over before digging them into you. A loud moan slips from your lips, your dick twitching over and over until your eyes are squeezing shut and thick ropes of milky white shoot from your tip all over your tummy and Kazuha’s hand.

“O-Oh.” You manage to squeak out. “You’re good at this.”

Kazuha smiles, helping the both of you sit up—with you in between his knees with his erection still pressed into the curve of your ass. He rolls you over, bringing your hips ontop of his as he pulls his leaking cock out of his pants, watching intently as you practically drool at the sight.

“Ride me, please.” Kazuha whispers, his desperation clear in his tone. You wrap a hand around his dick, rolling the pad of your thumb against his tip before lifting your hips. You line him up quickly, feeling the head of his cock push against your hole. Your mouth drops open, a low whine leaving your lips.

Slowly, slowly, very slowly, you sink down on his cock, taking him all the way in. You’re about halfway in—from what little you can tell—when Kazuha grabs your hips. His eyes are teary, staring into yours as he grabs the fat of your ass, and pulls you down.

A loud moan slips freely from your lips and you collapse onto Kazuha, the both of you panting heavily.

“A-Archons.” He whispers, his fingers rubbing smooth circles over your hips. “You’re so tight, angel.”

Angel.

He called you angel.

You bury your face into Kazuha’s neck, taking in his scent as you breathe. “Kazu…” You whine. “Need you so bad.”

“I know, pretty.” He whispers. His grip on your hips tightens as you lift your head off him and look into his eyes. His deep, red eyes. “C’mon. I’ll help you, ‘kay?” He smiles, pressing a kiss to the corner of your lips before leading you to sit up above him. His finger taps against your waist before he starts. “Lift your hips f’me.” Kazuha instructs and you comply quickly, lifting your hips before dropping back down.

As soon as you drop down, Kazuha’s tip knocks against your prostate harshly and you cry out, your hands barely managing to find purchase against his shoulders. “Good boy.” Kazuha whispers sweetly, running his hands over your chest. “Jus’ like that…” He murmurs. “Think you can keep going?” You nod eagerly, lifting your hips again only to drop down.

Your thighs shake but you don’t care! Not when it feels so good to be bouncing on Kazuha’s dick like this. Not when he hits all those good spots that make you see stars as your eyes roll back.

“Kazuha.” You moan out, rocking your hips tirelessly up and down his dig. You can feel the drag against every vein against your walls, the way he nudges just right against your prostate. Your eyes roll back as your dick twitches against your tummy, drooling pre uselessly as you ride Kazuha up and down, over and over again.

“T-That’s it, pretty.” He whispers. Kazuha’s hands come to grip your ass again, picking up the pace for you as he starts to buck his hips up and into your awaiting hole. “I—holy shit—I’m close.” He whimpers, and you swear there’ll be bruises from how tight he grips your waist. “Need to cum—” He whines, his eyes squeezing shut.

You nod your head eagerly your ass squeezing so tightly around him as he picks up the pace, fucking into you harder. You need to feel him, feel him shoot his load into you. You need it, need Kazuha, need every part of him.

Every time he thrusts, you feel yourself get closer and closer to that sweet release the both of you seek. “Kazu…” You moan out. “Close, close—need you t’k-keep goin’”

“I know.” He whimpers. “I know, ‘m not stopping.” Your eyes rolled back, the familiar warmth building in the pit of your tummy. The way Kazuha’s hands trailed over your thighs—everything he did was begging your body to surrender to the familiar pleasure.

“A-At the same time.” You plead, gripping onto Kazuha’s arm. He only nod, his eyes squeezing shut.

You clench around him and Kazuha throws his head back against the pillows as he buries his dick into you, his hips meeting yours in one final, harsh thrust. He pulls your body close, his arms wrapping tightly around you as he whispers sweet nothings into you.

You feel him cum, a thick load going right into you. You whine, tightening so sweetly around him as your own orgasm hit. “H-Holy…” You whimper, not hvaing the energy to finish your sentence. Your dick twitches between the two of you and you cum. Hard.

Kazuha’s grip around you tightens as he doesn’t even bother to pull out. He grabs the blanket, bringing it over the two of you as he nuzzles your face into his neck, your body still twitching.

Archons. You think, watching Kazuha’s eyes close gently. The sunlight falls onto his face, like a golden halo around his perfect features. How long has it been with him? A week?

Only a week, and you’d managed to fall in love.

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @helloanime @kiekole (send ask without anon to be added)

© KISSENTURINE. do not translate, plagiarize, edit, or repost

[starlightazriel]

bee 1

series general psa: this series is not for everyone proceed with caution and check warnings before indulging I love you all<3

desc: (fem reader) modern au best friends to lovers, roommate az, angsty + smutty, multiple parts (not sure how many yet at least 5)

warnings: 18+ , light smut, light angst?, pining, vibrator, self stimulation, drug/alcohol abuse/addiction, platonic childhood fluff, childhood trauma cus its az helloo, readers a lil insecure, cancer minor character

wc: 2.7k

a/n: I'm salivating

other parts will be found on my azriel masterlist

one

"Get it offff!" I screamed to absolutely no one in particular. My mother was inside cooking, my father still at work, so they clearly wouldn't hear me. My arms flailed wildly around my head. "It's going to sting me!" I scream again, going cross eyed as I looked at the bee perched on my nose, the bee buzzed, sharp pain shot through my nose, my eyes welled up with tears, too frantic to notice the boy across the street, watching me from his own front yard.

"Are you okay?" my eyes drift to the boy who had just moved in across the street, he was eating a lollipop, now standing on the sidewalk in front of my front yard. I had stopped flailing, but I was still crying, tears rolling down my cheeks as I held my hand to my nose. I haven't spoken yet, and the boy shrugs, about to turn around and retreat back to his own house. His skin was tan, hair black, short, but shaggy with a slight wave to it, there were two small purple bruises underlining each of his hazel eyes, I also noticed the scars covering his hands, almost looking like a thousand tiny cuts that had healed over, he was taller than me, and maybe just about the cutest boy I had ever seen in my nine years of life.

"It stung me," I say, watching him, he stops again, a half smile on his face, cheek popped out from the candy he was eating.

"That's because youre supposed to stay still," he informs me, matter of factly, my face scrunches up, eyes squinting at him, he laughs, pulling the candy from his mouth again. "Im Az, I just moved in yesterday, over there," he turns and points back toward his house before turning to me again. "What's your name?" he asks, his head cocking to the side slightly, it reminded me of when my parents brought my golden retriever home on my fifth birthday, I had named him Boots.

"Y/n," I inform him matter of factly, eyeing the candy that he had. A blow pop, my favorite, "do you have any more of those?" I ask, he looks at his candy, smirking and then looking back at me. "Specifically green apple," I add, it was my favorite flavor.

"Yeah, but I'm saving the green apple," he shrugs, still smirking. I purse my lips slightly, eyeing the bruises again.

"What happened to your eyes?" I ask, my own meeting his and he shrugs again.

"Got caught stealing and my step mom made my brothers pop me," he responds, my eyes widen in surprise.

"What did you steal?" I ask, my eye brows raising slightly, I couldn't imagine the trouble I would be in for stealing, but it wouldn't have been that.

"Blow pops from the corner store," he smirks and I shake my head in surprise, I would never think to steal anything in my life. "You look like Pennywise, you should put something on that," he points to my nose, I reach my hand up to touch it again, the sting aching.

"You stole them, and you can't give me even one? And who is Pennywise?"

"The clown? Your parents don't let you watch scary movies?" He asks and I shake my head, eyeing the lollipop again. "Fine, I'll go get you one but only because I feel bad for you cus your parents are strict. And only if you go fix your clown nose, Bee."

"I told you, my names y/n."

"Not anymore."

-

"Hey," I smiled softly as Azriel entered the kitchen in our shared apartment. I was perched on my stool, laptop on the counter in front of me with my most recent homework assignment open. I was pretty much glued to my computer these days, trying to become a nurse while also working a full time bartending shift at Murphys didnt leave me with much extra time. Our eyes met for a brief moment and mine narrowed at his slightly dilated pupils, his eyes quickly darted from mine as he poured himself a drink. "It's early," I commented, and he glanced back at me for a second before shrugging his shoulders and chugging the drink in a few gulps.

"What do they say Bee? It's 5 somewhere, yeah?" he smirked, his eyes finding mine again, I swallowed, feeling my cheeks heat slightly. I averted my gaze, my eyes landing back on my laptop screen, "you working tonight?" he asked, walking past me to the living room, I swiveled around on my stool, facing him now, my back to the counter.

"Yeah, nine to three," I said as I watched him ruffling through the files of drawings that were on his desk. He had a nice little home set up for drawing, an optional backlight built into the desk with an additional overhead lamp, a comfortable chair, an array of drawing utensils and unlimited transfer paper for tattooing.

There were dozens of Azriels drawings all around the apartment, even a few of me.

"If youre up for it we're all supposed to go to the beach tomorrow, Rhys' parents went home so the beach house is empty again," Azriel said, and I find my eyes drifting to his lips while he spoke, I quickly snap my eyes back up.

"Yeah maybe, I'll see how dead I am tomorrow after working all night. I have a paper due Monday too," I bit my lip, my eyes fixing on his jawline, the way it flexed just a little each time he swallowed.

"Just let me know, you know youre always welcome," he shrugged, checked his phone again and then started toward the door. "See you later, Bee, I got clients back to back the rest of the day."

Before I could even get any more words out he was out the door. "Bye Az," I said softly to the empty apartment, rising to my feet.

Azriel had always been there for me. Since the day after he moved across the street and we'd met and bonded over green apple blow pops, we had been near inseparable since. So naturally, when I got into college, he offered that I move in to his place, since it was closer to the city, 'I'm barely home, you'll have all the silence to study,' I recalled him saying when I had been hesitant about it. After high school, I had taken four years off to help my mother tend to my grandmother while she battled cancer, so even with my reservations about the idea I had ended up taking Azriel up on his offer... The alternative would have been dorming with fresh out of high school freshmen at twenty two years old.

The only reason why I had been hesitant really is because I had been completely and hopelessly in love with Azriel since I was fifteen years old.

I knew it was stupid. If it was going to happen, it would have happened already. He liked older women first of all, and I was two years younger. Plus, I was just Bee to him, just his friend, just the girl that had lived across the street. And that's all he would ever see me as, just his younger best friend that he had to look out for.

Azriels routine was always the same, he'd come back for his lunch break around the same time every day, whether it was to actually eat lunch, get something for work, or have a drink or two, he wouldn't be home again until usually the evening or late at night. Until whenever he was done either tattooing, or drinking with his friends from the shop after they had all finished.

So any time he left after his lunch break, I knew I had the house to myself for a while.

I put music on first, turning the volume almost all the way up before I retrieved my rose vibrator from my room and I crossed the hall to Azriels room. I knew I shouldn't be doing this, I knew it was wrong, some might even say a little bit creepy. But the rush... It was well worth it.

His bed wasnt made, there was clothes scattered, a few more folders on the small coffee table were stacked next to his bong and a small tray with powder residue, a twenty dollar bill curled next to it, unraveled after having been rolled up. "Messy," I mumbled to myself before I climbed into his bed.

I bit my lip slightly in anticipation, and slid my t shirt over my head, I tossed it to the floor, my shorts next, leaving me naked on Azriels bed. I leaned back onto his pillows, relaxing slightly, tipping my head back against them. His scent filled my nostrils, my toes curled, heat seeming to spread over my skin.

I closed my eyes and ran my fingers over my skin, Azriel consumed my mind, my senses as I slowly slid a finger over my opening gently dipping into the wetness that had gathered there.

I moaned softly, imagining the way his rough fingers would feel on my skin. I imagined his naked body, imagined how big he would be, imagined the way he would kiss me, the way he would suck on my skin.

-

"Dammit," Azriel muttered to himself, searching through the folder of drawings again and again. His next appointment was in only twenty minutes, and he had of course, grabbed the wrong folder. He rose to his feet quickly, informing Kat, the shops receptionist, that he would be right back and to let his client know when they got there.

When he reached the apartment he could hear music before he even unlocked the door, he chuckled softly, figuring that Bee was cleaning the apartment. She would blast music every time.

He entered into the living room and headed to his desk, scrambling through the folders looking for the right piece. "Fuck," he said quietly to himself, realizing that the drawing wasnt there. It had to be in his room.

His eyebrows drew together when he noticed his door open, and when he reached the doorway he halted, his lips parting in surprise.

It was Bee.

In his room.

Touching herself.

He knew he should go, he knew he should forget the drawing, cancel his appointment, and turn right back around and leave before she saw him. He would have to make something up for his client, but it would save Bee the embarrassment of the sight before him.

He couldn't move though. His mouth went dry, his cheeks reddened as he watched, his cock twitched in his pants.

Her head was turned to the side, eyes squeezed shut, face half buried in his pillow, her back was arched, legs spread wide open on his bed. Her pink nipples were adorned with small rhinestone nipple rings, her breasts were peaked in the air, chest shuddering with her ragged heavy breaths. And her moans. The sound had his gut churning and his ears hot, he couldn't move, he couldn't stop looking.

His eyes landed between her legs next, his mouth watered at the sight of her puffy pink lips. Her pussy throbbed, her juices glistening in the rather bright light of his bedroom, she held a toy to her clit, grinding against it as her other hand flew up, rubbing and squeezing at her breast. She turned her head then, her eyes opening to look down at herself but they landed on Azriel instead, her eyes widened and her face went from shocked, to horrified, to ashamed. She almost choked, chucking her toy across the room and scrambling too her feet, it buzzed a little louder now that it wasnt suctioned to her clit. Azriel watched dumbfounded from his place in the doorway, his cheeks red, his whole body feeling hot.

"Turn around!" she shrieked, trying to cover her most intimate parts with her clothes she had retrieved off of the floor and he whirled instantly, putting his back to her now.

"Y/n, fuck, Im sorry, I forgot something," he swallowed, his voice sounded slightly strained, his mouth almost too dry to speak. He never really used her name, she was always just Bee. He didnt know why he was apologizing even, it was his room after all. He'd have to ask her about that later though.

"Im sorry, I- Your bed is comfortable," was all she managed to get out.

He couldn't help but turn his head slightly when she pushed passed him to the hallway toward her room, and he noticed he small tattoo of a bee at the top of her left cheek, a lump formed in his throat at the view of her backside, her door slammed behind her and he was left stunned. Her vibrator was still buzzing on the floor and he picked it up, turning it off and he tossed it on the bed next to the wet spot that was there now, he didnt know what else he was supposed to do with it. He figured shed come back for it later.

He was trying to process what had just happened but his phone rang, it was Kat, informing him that his client had been there for fifteen minutes already so she hoped he was on his way.

Azriel snapped out of it, finding the folder he needed on the coffee table and he tucked it tightly under his arm pit. His cock ached in his pants and he didnt know how to feel about it. This was Bee. His best friend Bee, he hadn't ever looked at her in any other light than that. She was beautiful, sure, but she was Bee. His silly, goofy, younger childhood friend. They had practically grown up together.

Azriel reached into his pocket, pulling out a small round tin, the folder still neatly tucked under his arm as he used his car key to give himself a little bump. He rubbed his nose free of any powder, before he shoved the tin back into his pocket, he had to get back to the shop. He wasnt even on his way yet and his client was waiting already, he couldn't remember the last time he felt so flustered.

Azriel found the rest of his day to be extremely hard to focus. He thought about texting Bee, trying to make her feel better in some way because he knew she must be going absolutely out of her mind with embarrassment. He just didnt know what to say.

He did know that he couldn't get the image of her splayed out on his bed out of his head though. It was like torture, he was aching for release, shifting uncomfortably in his seat while he tried to focus on tattooing. He couldn't stop wondering what she would taste like, what it would feel like to have her underneath him.

She had gone to work when he got back, even though he had tried to finish a little early, hoping he could at least have a conversation with her. It wasnt just that he couldn't stop thinking about what she looked like naked, he was also slightly concerned about the awkwardness of the situation. The fact they lived together and saw each other every day. Was she going to avoid him now? Did he want her to avoid him for a while?

Azriel groaned quietly to himself, kicking his jeans off of his body when he was finally in bed.

Usually with this much of a pent up sexual frustration, he would have called one of his hook ups. Let them take care of it for him. But he couldn't get Bee out of his head. He was battling himself internally.

Something felt morally wrong about looking at Bee like that. It had always been his job since they'd met to look out for her. He felt like this was the opposite of looking out for her, like he was becoming the problem that he was supposed to be protecting her from. It felt like dangerous territory, but it was her lips he thought about wrapped around his cock when he pleasured himself that night.

-

a/n: hope there's no mistakes lmk i proof read this very quickly because i have to be up in 3 hours but im literally frothing at the mouth hehehe

[alotofpockets]

Hoodie | Yelena Belova

Pairing: Yelena Belova x Reader (College AU)

Summary: To Natasha you are Yelena's roommate and best friend, to Yelena, you are so much more than that. Yelena isn't out to her family yet, what will happen when Natasha visits?

Masterlist | Marvel masterlist | Words: 970

You had met Yelena through a roommate ad a few weeks before college had started. She had her roommate cancel on her at the last minute, most students had already found housing, so she didn't think her chances of finding a new roommate would be high. However, when you saw the ad you were thrilled to have found an open stop somewhere near campus. Since you went to a different state for college you didn't know anywhere here to room with, so you had settled for sharing a dorm room with a stranger. Of course, Yelena was also a stranger but your beds were in different rooms.

It was a little awkward at first since you barely had any time to get to know each other before moving in together, but as the weeks went by you got closer and closer. You went from strangers, to friends, and then best friends in a matter of months. 

It wasn't long until you realized that you liked her as more than a friend, though at first you kept this to yourself. You didn't want to ruin what you had by sharing your feelings that might not be reciprocated. After about a month of hiding your crush on her, your eyes lingered a little too long on toned stomach when she discarded her sweater on movie night. She commented on it when she realized, "Like what you see?" You remember it like it was yesterday. With flushed cheeks you had tried to stumble your way out of it, but to no avail. All the while Yelena was just smiling at you, your reaction to her comment had only confirmed that you had feelings for her as well. So, she bluntly asked if she could kiss you. 

Ever since that day you have been together. You still had your own rooms, but your nights were always spent together. Still having your own rooms turned out to be a great decision, when Yelena’s older sister Natasha was visiting. Yelena wasn’t out to her family, so they didn’t know about your relationship yet. She felt bad for asking you to hide your relationship until she had told them but you told her that it was not a problem and that coming out was a process that she could do at her own pace. 

While you’re out you receive another update message from Yelena, “Hi baby, Nat wanted a lazy morning, so I let her sleep in a bit. I have to drop off some papers at school, I’ll be back in around an hour.” You pocket your phone after letting her know you’re about to head back. When you walk into the apartment, Natasha is having breakfast at the kitchen counter. You put your bags down and greet her, when you notice something familiar. "Hey, not that I mind, but why are you wearing my hoodie?" Natasha looks down at the hoodie confused, “I thought it was Yelena’s.” You chuckle, “Nope, it’s really mine. You’re good though, I don’t mind.” Natasha shrugs and continues her breakfast, though her mind is turning. “I guess you guys had a switch up during laundry or something, I got it from her room.” She was focussed on your face for any reaction to her comment. You thought you hid it well, but she read the nervousness on your face. Natasha decided not to say anything though. 

Natasha would arrive on friday and stay throughout the weekend. You were in your last class of the day when Yelena texted that she had arrived. Once your class was done, you went back to your apartment. You were nervous to meet your girlfriend's sister, even when she didn’t know you were dating her sister, you still wanted to make a good impression on her. When you arrived, Yelena had given Natasha a tour of the apartment, and offered up her room. You spend the evening getting to know Natasha, and learning more about Yelena’s childhood. 

The next morning you had a quick errand to run. You tiptoed around the living room when you noticed that Yelena was still sound asleep on the couch. She looked so peaceful. You took a quick look toward her bedroom door and saw that it was still closed, which meant that Natasha was still asleep as well. You plant a soft kiss on Yelena’s forehead before slipping out of the door. 

Yelena walked in and eyed the hoodie Natasha was wearing immediately, when Natasha went to greet her sister she saw the slight panic on her face as well. Natasha starts smiling, “I knew it!” Yelena hesitantly asks, “Know what?” Natasha stands and walks up to her sister, “My little sestra is dating her roommate!” She brings her in for a hug without letting Yelena say anything in response. “I am so happy for you, Yelena.” Yelena steps away from the hug stunned, “You knew?” 

“Well, I wasn’t 100% sure until I got here, but I had a feeling for a while. You’ve never talked so fondly about a person in your life, sestra. It was obvious that something was going on. Seeing the way the two of you interact with each other just confirmed my suspicions.” Yelena takes a deep breath out, releasing all the tension. “Do you think mom and dad know?” Natasha thinks for a moment. “Well, mom always knows everything, so she probably has her suspicions too. Dad on the other hand, he can be quite oblivious to these kinds of things.” Natasha noticed her sister getting worried again. “They’d love y/n, though.” 

Yelena was super relieved once her sister knew, and she was happy that she didn’t have to hide her relationship for the rest of Nat’s stay. That night you held her while she fell asleep in your bed.

💗 If you enjoyed this fic, please consider leaving a tip 💗 

[3v3ry0n3z-fav3-al13n-x3]

(not using my tq cuz this is gonna be pretty long)

GUESS WHO FINALLY GRADUATED!! \(>O<)/

After 10 years of torture I finally did it. I'm so proud of mahself :33 yesterday was our graduation party and it wa actually SO FUN AND RAD!!!!

^ mah graduation fit btw >:33 I made lots of selfies and photos/vids of the party, tho I'm not gonna show them here for other people's privacy

I honestly still can't believe it's over. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE ITTT /vpos

Anyway now onto another good news: I haven't talked about here on mah blog b4, but a while ago I applied 4 an art school 2 go there after summer holidays, and after some time I got a letter back SAYING MY FIRST DAY THERE IS GONNA BE ON LATE AUGUST ヽ(≧∀≦)ﾉ I GOT ACCEPTED THERE!!!!!!! I can't waitttt 2 go there, I always dreamed of going 2 an art school (I just hope everything there will go better than in my previous schools..)

da art school is a bit far from my house, and I don't rly want 2 take the train and sit there for an hour every morning 2 get there, so I'll be moving into a youth dormitory right next 2 da art school! Dis is gonna be my first time of living without my parents, I'm excited but also nervous.. ;-; but I still have high hopes 4 both the school and dormitory ^_^ I actually gots to get 2 know mah future roommate and he's so kewl!! He's also a student of the art skool, he's trans & queer jus like me and we generally have lots of the same interests and hobbies, can't wait 2 live with him!

Anyway, I just wanted 2 thank everyone who helped me go through these tough school times, dat includes my mother and step-father, my irl friends, my online friends, my Tumblr followers and even just strangers online who decided to help check up on me after seeing my concerning posts. Without y'all I probably wouldn't be here right now, and I wouldn't be able to pursue my dreams of going 2 an art skool

I love y'all so much <333

[strbymacaroon]

Silent Love: Ch. 4 - Project Week

⊹ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐ Chapter Four

Previous Chapter: Fake Dinner Date W/Feels

Chapter One: New Roommate(s)

Master-List: Here!

.・゜゜・ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ ╰┈➤ Sukuna x Reader

⁎̩͙ ⁑̩͙̩͙ ⁂̩̩͙͙ Sypnosis:

When moving out of your dorm and leaving your eccentric roommate goes to shit, you're offered by one of her friends to move in with him... for free! That is, if you don't mind living with two completely opposite college boys.

However, life isn't that easy, and there's a hot asshole around the corner to piss you off. Especially when he's always up late at night when you're studying, purposely trying to get on your nerves in the most perverse way possible.

You hate him.

⁎̩͙ ⁑̩͙̩͙ ⁂̩̩͙͙ Genre:

College/Modern World AU. Multiple parts.

Shameless Smut, Thin Walls, Mildly Dubious Consent, Roommates Fluff and Crack, Slice of Life, Kinda Slow Burn, Oral Sex Vaginal Sex, Slight Age Difference, Degradation Fake/Pretend Relationship, Dirty Talk, Dirty Thoughts, Enemies to Lovers, Spit Kink, Angst, Hurt/Comfort.

⁎̩͙ ⁑̩͙̩͙ ⁂̩̩͙͙ Word Count: 26,621 ... (Sorry for how long it is..)

･ ｡ﾟ☆:  *･ November 20th, 2023 ☽ .* :☆ﾟ.

Monday

(Day 1)

You weren’t necessarily dreading this moment, but you aren’t looking forward to it. After the dinner with Sukuna–if you can call it that–the two of you haven’t really interacted. Which is the exact opposite of what you thought was going to happen. You thought you two were going to get along just fine, but no, things are just back to being silent between you two. 

Now, you have to follow him around like a lost puppy. 

You grab the small notebook you specifically bought for this occasion yesterday, and push yourself off bed. A part of you feels a bit underprepared–despite staying up all night setting your notebook up for this week–should you be explaining what you’re going to be doing to Sukuna? Or, should you just wing it and see what happens. 

Still, you’re quick you change into something cute. A mini-skirt, black sheer tights, and some leg warmers. Along with a black off the shoulder long-sleeve, and the necklace from dinner. You are quick to grab a nice jacket from your closet, before leaving the room. 

The first thing you write in your journal is the time, ‘10:05AM,’ right under the morning slot. You're unsure when Sukuna wakes up, or eats for breakfast, or when he leaves the house. 

Yuuji loudly yawns behind you, slinging his arm around your shoulder. “How’d the date go?”

You lean into his shoulder, “Don’t tell Sukuna, but your grandpa totally didn’t believe us.” The two of you walk into the kitchen, “But, he did say he wants to see me again, so that can be a good thing.”

Yuuji nods, leaning his head on your shoulder, “I agree, maybe I’ll bring you over to spend Christmas with us.” He pulls away from you, opening the refrigerator, “Sounds like Pops might enjoy that, maybe Sukuna will, too.” He whispers. 

You roll your eyes at that, “Right.” You poke Yuuji’s back, smiling as you say, “Are you sure you’re not asking me to be your fake girlfriend for Christmas?” You loudly gasp, “Oh my god! What if this is how I bring your family closer together?!”

Yuuji laughs at that, wrinkling his nose while sticking out his tongue, “Gross, community girlfriend is not something I think I’d want to share with the family.” He grabs some milk, “Actually, what is Sukuna doing for you? I don’t think you ever told me?” 

You lean back on a counter, pressing your lips together. “Remember how we were talking about how Nobara and I have a project?” Yuuji nods, “Well, I asked him to be the person I study.” 

“And he agreed?!” 

You laugh at that, “Babe, he had to.” Still, you’re dreading doing it. It would’ve been nice if Sukuna at least acknowledged you yesterday, then again, the two of you practically spent the whole day together on Saturday, so you can’t really complain. 

Ugh, emotions are so weird, why can’t you be normal?

“Don’t the two of you have school?” Sukuna comments, walking into the kitchen. He makes his way to the cupboards and grabs a water bottle. You also notice he grabs pre-work out, throwing some scoops into his cup. 

You write what brand and amount he uses. Suddenly, this project makes you feel really weird, like a stalker. You move to his side, “So, as I explained earlier, I just need to follow you around. And–” 

“Practice starts at four at the football stadium.” Sukuna cuts you off, “Get there, watch me practice, and I’ll answer whatever questions you have for me on the way back home.” Just like that, he’s gone. Back in his room to leave you and Yuuji in silence. 

You click your pen closed, leaning on the counter while sighing. Yuuji follows your motions, minus the pen. You laugh at yourself, turning your face to look at him, “I don’t think I’m going to pass this assignment.” 

—-

Nobara is quick to agree with you, “Oh, no yeah, babe, you’re not passing. There’s no way you’re passing.” She took a bite of her sandwich, “I asked Maki what her project looks like, to see if mine was right, and…” She sighs, shaking her head, “Needless to say, I’m restarting mine. I need way more information than I thought for the writing section.” 

You place your head down on the table, “I’m at such a disadvantage. I don’t know anyone, and the one person I have is literally the worst option ever.” You perk your head up to look at her with your body still slumped over the table, “I literally have club meetings every Mondays and Wednesdays, too. The odds are against me.” 

“Wait, how did you get Sukuna to agree? The dude gives off major serial killer vibes. Maybe even a bit of bi-polarness.” Nobara asks, pushing your hair from your face. “Don’t tell me you seduced him, you minx.” She teases. 

You laugh a bit at that, shaking your head, “Getting dicked down by that man would be a blessing from god, alone.” 

Nobara wiggles her eyebrows, “Oh-ho-ho, don’t tell me you got a thing for the hottie.” She leans closer to you. 

You scoff, “As if. Babe, me and you both know I don’t have to like the person I’m fucking.” You tell her, reaching your hand over the table and stealing a chip from her. “And with Sukuna, might as well call it hate-fucking.” 

Nobara looks away while biting her food, whispering, “As if you’re fucking people.” 

“Nobara.”

“Don’t get mad at me for speaking the truth, babe.” Nobara points an accusing finger at you, “If you want, I can always give you some tips on how to suck dick like a pro.” She seems a bit cocky when saying that, taking another bite of her food. 

You roll your eyes, but still tell her, “Text me about it.” You pause for a second, “Don’t tell Sukuna that though, we totally hate each other right now.” You push yourself up, stretching a bit, “It’s really weird.” 

Nobara blinks, “Sounds like the start of a porno. Two hot teens hate each other.” She smiles, wiggling her shoulder, “Sounds like you may get your wish.” 

You cringe at that, “Teens? Gross. Okay, but no, here’s the thing. It sounds like something I want to do, and I want to do it, but when I think about it for too long, I don’t want to.” You’re a bit desperate when you say, “I mean, you get it, right?” 

Nobara nods with conviction, “No, yeah. I totally get it. Is he cocky about it?” She asks seriously, as if the discussion at hand were about a math equation, “Like, does he know you wanna fuck him? And he lets you know, he knows, you want to fuck him.” 

Your eyes widen as you point at her, “Yes! That’s it.” Your hands flex a bit, and you're imagining Sukuna’s throat there. “It's so infuriating, I just want to die when I see his stupid asshole smirk when he knows I think he’s hot. But, I hate him so much.” 

Nobara nods, listening to you, really listening to you. She gets it, man. 

“Hates a strong word, but still. He’s just self conceited, which is kinda’ hot, but in a toxic–your parents scolding you not to date this guy in highschool, way.” You rub the temple of your nose, “Ugh, I feel stupid. This guys makes me feel so ‘effin stupid.”

Nobara smiles, “Sounds like you have a crush.” 

“Ugh, on that asshole? Hell no.” You look to the side, biting the side of your lip, “But, I do like him… a tiny bit. Asshole and all. He’s got a heart, somewhere…” Maybe talking to Sukana’s grandpa influenced your feelings about him, who knew the perfect wingman would be your grandpa. 

“What are you guys talking about?” Yuuji asks, sitting next to you. 

Nobara is quick to say, “Your asshole brother.” She’s smiling when adding, “And how hot she thinks he is.” 

“You mean, how much of an asshole I think he is.” You correct, looking at Yuuji with an eye roll, “Don’t listen to Nobara, she’s just a backstabber. Nothing but a New York rat.” 

“This is weird, let’s stop talking about it.” Yuuji says, looking at the food he just bought, some Chick-fil-A. “I don’t like talking about my brother, he’s so–” 

“Hot?” Nobara interrupts with a cheeky smile, clearing messing with Yuuji. “We know, babe, we know. But, you can admit that, right? That your brother is totally hot as shit?” She’s practically drinking up his uncomfortable expression. 

“Okay, I’m done with this conversation. You two can eat alone.” Yuuji says, moving away from the table.

You look at him, a pleading look in your eyes as you extend your hands and shout, “Wait, no Yuuji!” 

Yuuji’s quick to turn around at your voice, placing a touched hand over his head, your name slips his lips like a prayer. “Yes, tell me, tell me. What is wrong?” 

You pause there for a moment, pressing your lips together, your point at the Chick-fil-A, “Can you give me a fry?” He continues to walk away, you laugh at this and shout, “I’m sorry, Yuuji, I’m joking, I swear!”

But Yuuji still walks away. 

You and Nobara laugh, finishing up your meals and dispersing the plaza. “Got anything to do today?” Nobara asks, looking at the time on her phone. 

“Club, then I got to go watch Sukuna practice.” You sigh, hugging your torso. “He gave me the decency to watch him practice, then he’s going to answer all my questions on the drive home.” You roll your eyes, “Which, I’m guessing, can work, but if you have to be as detailed as your telling me, I don’t think it is.” 

Nobara slings an arm over your shoulder, “I’m sure you’re going to figure it out, babe, I wouldn’t worry too much.” She finally pulls away, “You go have fun doing that, I’ll see you soon.” 

You pass her a weak smile, “Yeah, I’ll see you soon.” 

—

Who would’ve thought, sitting on the hot turf, the wind tangling your hair, watching men you don’t know, wouldn’t be fun. You haven’t even seen Sukuna yet, a part of you wonders if he’s even here, but you don’t have the heart to actually go looking for him. 

Still, you can’t help but watch everyone. Football’s never been your forte, you’ve never been a sports person, hence why you did colorguard back in high school, but you still enjoyed the football games you had to attend with the band. It was never boring, and your high school had a good football team which you liked watching. So, you weren’t completely oblivious to the sport. 

Even now, watching the football boys play, you’re not terribly bored. Maybe, you’re bored, but you’re not dying from it. Still, you can’t help but feel a bit self conscious under these men’s gazes, when they try to discreetly point at you, or whisper to their friend something in your direction. 

They could be talking about something as completely mundan as the weather, but you’re in a different environment, and feel incredibly out of place. So, in a way, every little thing has to be about you right now. It may be a bit self centering, but hey, mental insecurity can do that to you. 

“Brat.” Sukuna calls behind you, dropping his bag at your side. “Hold onto this, I’m leaving after practice is over.” He doesn’t want to stay to hear the questions about who you are, or anything else his teammates have to ask, he doesn’t have the fucking energy right now. 

You go to ask him a question, but the sentence never gets asked. You pause the moment your eyes land on him. Okay… fine, football guys are pretty hot. The helmet over his head, you can see a peak of eye black, and his practice uniform fits him so well. Especially around his arms. 

They look so nice and big…

Sukuna raises an eyebrow, a cocky smile pulling at his lips. “You done starin’, doll?” He passes you a hair tie, to which you immediately pull your hair into a low ponytail.  

You narrow your eyes at him, shaming your head, “Wasn’t staring.” You look at the field, “I thought you were on the field an hour ago? Where were you before this?” You can feel how tangled your hair is, it feels really gross. 

Sukuna would ask, why do you want to know, but the moment he sees you pull out a journal titled ‘Project,’ from your bag, he has his answers. “Working out. Warming up,” He waves it off, “Whatever the fuck you want to call it, I do it for an hour before actual practice.” 

You want to ask more about that; What did you focus on? Did you have more protein shakes? What about pre-pump? Did you eat something healthy before? Have you eaten today? What time did you leave the house? What are your classes? What’s your schedule? But, Sukuna’s already on the field before you can start to ask one of them. 

You sigh, just writing vaguely under the afternoon bracket, ‘Workout, and practice.’ Which makes your stomach turn, it’s already half an hour past five, and you only have three things written down. Six including the time bracks you made the night before. 

You want to die. This is going to be the longest week ever. 

You’re quick to sling Sukuna’s bag over your shoulder when you notice the team huddling together, but you don’t stay to watch them disperse. You’re walking to the exit of the stadium, if you remember correctly, you saw Sukuna’s car this way when entering. 

“You were quick to leave.” Sukuna says a good distance behind you, “Reach into the pocket of my bag, my keys are there.” You do as he says, unlock the car for the both of you. Even when you’re both situated in his car, he’s still asking demands of you, “Ask me what you need to know.” 

You decide to break the day into hours, writing the respective time under the right evening bracket. “Okay, uhm, what did you eat for breakfast? If you also know the calorie amount, that would be nice.” You’re facing him, your notebook in your lap. 

Sukuna doesn’t respond just yet, he just removes his helmet and fixes his hair. Messy and sweaty, yet oddly attractive. You’re about to repeat your question, when he shoves the helmet on your head. You flinch, feeling his sweat cumulate in your hair. You wrinkle your nose, “Gross…” 

Sukuna finally turns on the car, “Open my phone, I have an app where I keep track of what I eat.” He thinks for a bit, “I also have a workout app that can help you.” When you grab his phone, he tells you, “The passcode is…” Sukuna pauses. 

You blink, phone in hand, you can’t help but notice how heavy it is. “Yeah?” 

Sukuna doesn’t take his eyes off the road when saying, “It’s zero three, twenty, zero four.” 

“Is it your girlfriend’s birthday?” You tease. Sukuna’s phone unlocks, and you try looking for these apps, and when you do, you write the little information it gives you. 

“It’s Yuuji’s.” 

You thought the two of them didn’t get along, but he has Yuuji’s birthday as his password. Hm. “That’s sweet.” You blink at the time bracket for twelve, “Says you didn’t eat anything at twelve, did you not have lunch?” 

“No, I did.” Sukuna shrugs, “Looks like I forgot to fill it out.” 

You softly groan at that, “Well, what did you eat?” 

“I don’t fuckin’ remember.” 

You slap the notebook against your forehead, or… what would be your forehead if his helmet wasn’t in the way. “Oh my god.” You pull the notebook down, “This isn’t going to work. I don’t even know your schedule, and I’m supposed to be taking pictures of you, too.” 

Gojo is known for his strict grading. The way he’s able to pick up on small details within your work is uncanny. Once, he gave a student a zero on their assignment due to one sentence being written with AI. His eyes see all, there’s no cheating in his class. Sometimes you’re dying over turning in some of your work, knowing that you copied an idea from Nobara. Even if you’ve reworded it five times in your head, and two times on paper. 

Gojo is just… that good. Unfortunately. 

That’s why he is the best professor on campus. 

“Just let me follow you around.” You lean back in your chair, notebook in your lap. “I mean, that’s literally what we agreed to. Now, you want to start changing things up?” You look outside, forehead against the window. 

“This is easier.” Sukuna says, opening the garage with a remote attached to his vanity mirror. “For both of us.” 

You gawk at this, “Sukuna, this project isn’t supposed to be easy. For any of us. I’m supposed to be working hard, it literally says in the packet.” You rub your eyes stressed, “Not even that, but you’re not making this easy for me. This is easy for you.” 

Once he parks the car, you’re quick to exist, removing the helmet and tossing it in his car. “Can you at least let me do this correctly? I need to be following you around to at least get a good grade.” You watch as Sukuna locks his face, walking to the door. “I won’t even record you, I’ll just take pictures.” 

“I didn't know you needed to record me.” Sukuna says, a bit weirdly, too. 

You shrug, “I didn’t either until I checked the packet again.” The equivalent to a college grade-drop jump scare. “To be honest, I think it’s Gojo being really weird and wanting to be nosey about our lives.” 

“Gojo?” He says with a scowl, “Fuckin’ hated his class, and him too. The cocky, white-haired ass can go die.” 

You smile a bit, “You’re really creative with your nicknames, you know?” You follow after him. “You hate Gojo?” 

Sukuna’s answer is quick, “Yeah.” 

Once the two of you enter the house, Sukuna tells you, “Okay, fine. I’ll take pictures of myself throughout the day, and remember to write everything.” He rolls his eyes at you, “Does that make your prissy-ass happy?” 

You bite the inside of your cheek, “Not really.” Sukuna passes you a quick glance. He can’t help but notice you’re smiling, a bit too giddy for his liking. “But, you can’t escape me when we’re home.” 

Sukuna turns away from you, “Stop doing that shit, it’s creepy.” 

･ ｡ﾟ☆:  *･ November 21th, 2023 ☽ .* :☆ﾟ.

Tuesday

(Day 2)

Tuesday is much like Monday, boring and anxiety inducing. As the time passes, and your notebook stays untouched, you feel uneasy. You’re supposed to have so much more information than this. Although, you did manage to write more information yesterday, which gives you a small sense of security. 

You have your shoes tucked under your bag, while your feet are playing in the warm turf. You’re wearing sheer tights again, but took off your socks to really soak in the heat the turf absorbs. You can even see your white painted toenails wiggling in the fake grass. Who knew it would be this relaxing?

Sukuna passes you his keys and phone, this time sitting down next to you on the field. You blink at him, tucking your phone into your pocket. “Are we not leaving straight after?” 

Sukuna leans back on the palms of his hands, “Can’t, left some shit in my locker.” He rolls his eyes at this, “Might as well just change here.” 

You smile at that, unlocking his phone and opening the apps from yesterday. “At least you won’t feel sweaty.” You start writing the information down, but aren’t completely satisfied. “I appreciate you putting in more information, but…” You flip the phone to him, “Meal from Waba Grill isn’t specific enough. How can you even track your calories like this?” 

“Aren’t they all the same?” Sukuna says, letting his head fall back. 

“Definitely not.” You focus your eyes on his body, “You know, for a student athlete, you’re really bad at keeping track of your health. Like? Isn’t that your job?” You giggle a bit, exiting the app, “Did you at least take pictures?” 

“Yeah.” Sukuna perks up at this, although he’s giving you a cocky smirk. “Take a look.” 

“Don’t look at me like that.” You open his photos app, squinting your eyes at the screen with caution. “I swear, if I find any of your sex tapes I’m actually going to kill myself.” 

“Ha. Stop fuckin’ around.” Sukuna sarcastically quips at you, “I’m not like that.” You give him a look. Sukuna shakes his head at you, “Not anymore.” He’s still looking at you, almost as if he wants to see your reaction to the photos he took. 

That’s cute. 

You open Sukuna’s recently taken, and immediately pause. 

No, not cute. 

You look at Sukuna, then his pictures, then back to Sukuna again, “Babe, you know damn well…” You begin, licking your teeth with annoyance.  

“Like it when you call me that.” Sukuna leans over, tilting his head to look at the screen. “What? You don’t like them? Took them thinking of you, doll.” All the pictures are of Sukuna at the gym. That’s the best way to describe them too, gym selfies. Except, all of them are insanely clad, with him either lifting his shirt with his mouth, or completely shirtless altogether. 

You give him an annoyed look, “I can’t use any of these.” You throw his phone at his chest, rolling your eyes, “The only people who would like these are the loney-ass girls on Tik Tok imagining any hot guy as their boyfriend.” 

“Oddly specific.” 

“For you.” You flip back, laying down on the turf, “When I meant pictures, I mean of you eating your food, or working out. Not you being a thirst trap.” You laugh, looking at Sukuna while he gives you his gaze, “Unless, you think Gojo might like that.” 

“Weird blue-eyed freak.” 

Someone calls, “Sukuna. Get on the field.” Sukuna’s quick to get up, not bothering to wish you a goodbye before he’s practicing.  

You shake your head, writing down all that you can. Not before discreetly going through his pictures again, the idea that he took them specifically for you swirling in your head. You can’t help but feel your face burn, while butterflies swarm your stomach. 

—-

You slip on your shoes, tapping them on the ground to make sure they’re secured to your feet. You’re quick to call Sukuna while he’s entering the stadium, presumably to the locker room. “I’m going to wait in your car.” He just passes you an acknowledging glance, one that makes you turn to the exit of the field. 

Someone is quick to sling an arm over Sukuna’s shoulder, which is immediately met with Sukuna pushing him off him. “Don’t fucking touch me.” 

“Awh! Don’t be like that, I’m just trying to be friendly.” A blue haired man cooed at Sukuna, following closely behind him. 

“He’s just trying to get answers.” A bored voice says, an obnoxious yawn following it. “He’s just interested in the girl who’s watching us.” He gives Sukuna a lazy smirk, clearly amused by Mahito’s antics. 

Sukuna furrows his eyebrows at this, turning to Mahito, “The fuck does Choso mean by that?” He’s scowling at him, his annoyance growing when Mahito doesn’t respond. “Don’t tell me he’s being a fucking weirdo.” 

Choso shrugs again, opening his locker. 

“Who’s the girl?” Mahito opens his locker, keeping an eye on Sukuna’s reaction, or for any reaction. He can’t help but smile when he sees Sukuna freeze for a moment, a split second, but more than enough time for Mahito to bask in it. 

That’s the first time he ever saw Sukuna so much as blink at his antics. Sukuna opens his locker, “Little brother’s friend. She’s a sophomore.” He grabs his clothes from the day before. 

Mahito’s smiling, jumping in excitement, “Oh, a young one, those are always fun.” He pokes his head behind Sukuna’s locker door, “You should let me play with her.” Mahito teases, “Just for a day at least, maybe even a week. That’s enough time to break her soul, right?” 

Choso can’t help but look at Sukuna, finding his silence a bit more concerning compared to normal. Although, he seems normal, picking at the ends of shirt and lifting it over his head. So, he quickly added, “Yeah, at least tell us her Instagram, or introduce us.” He’s also a bit interested in you, albeit, it’s not for the reason Mahito is. 

Mahito likes you purely because you’re close to Sukuna, closer than anyone’s ever been to Sukuna, in fact. Well, except for one exception. So, that alone makes you more interesting. He wants to know what makes you so special to calm the angry Sukuna. 

Mahito smiles widely, laughing as he sits on the bench, “See, even Choso is interested in her. Besides, adding a cute face to my collection of photos can be a nice change.” Mahito is quick to grab his phone, opening his camera roll and flipping it to Sukuna. “C’mon, I know you want to see her choking on a cock, maybe even crying over it.” A video plays, one a familiar woman Sukuna saw hanging out with Mahito not too long ago. 

Sukuna scowls at him, pushing the phone out of his sight. “Get that shit the fuck out of my face.” He pushes his hair back, “She’s my little brother’s friend, that shit’s fuckin’ disgusting.” 

Mahito rolls his eyes, “Oh, and you’re acting like you’re not?” He places his elbows on his knees, holding his face with his hands. “You’re telling me right now, you haven’t thought about fucking her?” 

“Of course not, I’m not a piece of shit like you.” Sukuna barks at him, finally snapping. 

Mahito leans back, “Touchy, touchy, touchy. Who knew this girl sparked so much emotion within you?” He tilts his head to the side, pulling himself to Sukuna’s face, “Don’t tell me you actually care about this girl, Sukuna?” 

Sukuna ignored Mahito, collecting his things in his bag, shoving them with so much vigor and force. Choso can’t help but notice this, an unsure look passing through his eyes. “Uh, Mahito, honestly—“ 

“Tell me, what did she do that made you so whipped?” Mahito leans in closer, “Does she know how to suck your dick? What about her pussy? Does it taste like something sweet, your favorite dessert, maybe? Or her tits?” He smiles sadistically, “‘Cause I promise you, I was distracted the whole practice staring at them. The things I’d do to defile her—“

Sukuna’s hands are shaking, his knuckles turning white around Mahito’s face. Mahito coughs, but it’s muffled by Sukuna’s palm, his fingers digging into his cheek. Mahito’s head aches in so much unbearable pain, his ears are practically ringing. Mahito grips his wrist, hard. 

Sukuna’s breathing is ragged, unstable as his eyes hold the fury of generations. HIs hands are literally shaking around his face, shaking with so much fucking anger.“You say something about her again, and I’ll fucking kill you.” He seethes. 

Mahito laughs, only to be met with another head slam into the lockers, the bang echoing through the room in a nasty sound. “No… you won’t. You won’t even touch me.” His eyes pear with tears, but the wrinkles that surround them wouldn't indicate any pain. If anything, it looks as if Mahito is thoroughly enjoying this. 

“You’re right.” He shoves his head into the locker one more time, letting Mahito’s body slide down to the floor, “I’ll ruin your life, inform the dean about the little “hobby” you like to keep track of with your phone.” Sukuna kicks Mahito’s phone, “Let’s see who’ll be laughing when they find all the videos of the girls you’ve recorded.” 

Choso snickers at that, hitting the back of Sukuna’s chest with a soft pat. Almost approving in a way. “Don’t worry, I’ll clean him up.” Mahito’s still laughing, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. “Hopefully that head slam will turn him back to normal.” 

Sukuna doesn’t care, just closes his locker with a slam and leaves the room. He’s quick to walk to his car—for no particular reason—only to notice you’re waiting outside. He narrows his eyes at you, “Why didn’t you wait in the car?” 

You push yourself off the door, throwing the keys at him, “I felt weird waiting in your car alone.” You turn away from Sukuna, whispering, “Besides, I didn’t want to burn up in your car.” 

Sukuna unlocks his car, “Then you should’ve turned on the AC.” He takes a moment to undress your question, “And it’s winter, smartass.”

You enter the car, lightly closing the door behind you, “That would’ve killed your gas.” You turn to the window, covering your mouth with your palm as you add, “I also have no clue how to turn on your car.” 

Sukuna turns to look at you, “You did not just fuckin’ say that.” He huffs a bit, it’s a show between shock and amusement. “How stupid are you?” 

“Sukuna, I’m smarter than you, you’re saying more about you than about me.” You shiver a bit, finding yourself growing cold. “Besides, you have one of those expensive cars, the one where you have to push to start it.”

Sukuna rolls his eyes, “Whatever. Sounds like someone’s just—“ 

“Just turn on the damn car, I’m starting to freeze here.” You say, leaning over the center console and watching, “Just show me how you turn on the car, please.” You hug yourself, shivering. 

Sukuna eyes how you lean over, and instantly his mind wanders to something more–”Uh, just hold the gas while pressing the button.” He does such, and the engine roars to life. He flicks your head, a bit harshly. “Did you get that?”

You watch as his hand pulls away from you, but immediately furrow your eyebrows. “Wait…” You grab his wrist, pulling it close to your eyes. You blink at the fingerprints staining his skin, “What’s this? You didn’t have this before practice.” 

Sukuna takes a moment to pull away, enjoying how you softly massage the spots with the pads of your fingers. “I got pissed.” He tells you nonchalantly, “Ended up–” 

“You got into a fight?” 

Sukuna tugs his hand away, “Nah, I wouldn’t call it a fight.” He shrugs, but he’s slowly starting to seethe again. Mahito’s words echoing in his head, his annoying ass smile and cocky nature slowly picturing in his head. “Like I said, I got pissed.” 

You laugh dryly, “Sounds like you.” You’re still looking at his wrist, a small concerned look on your face. “Although, I would’ve never thought you to be physical. I would’ve thought you were above that.” 

“I am.” Sukuna insists, finally rolling out of the parking lot. He’s the type to never get physical over his emotions, he’s too good for that, and doesn’t need to waste his energy on trash. But this time, Mahito got a bit too comfortable with Sukuna, acting as if they’re on the same level. Acting as if he had any fucking right to talk that way about you. 

“Sure you are.” You tease, sitting back in your seat and fixing the air vent to hit you. You hate that it’s cold, but you have to wait a bit for it to get warm. All good things come to those who wait. 

Sukuna doesn't give a reaction, “You’re following me tomorrow.” 

That shocks you, your eyes snapping to Sukuna, “What?” You playfully tilt your head, “What’s with the sudden change of heart? I thought you were dead set on “making this easier” for us?”

“Changed my mind, you’re stupid head is overcomplicating things.” Sukuna finally pulls into the garage. “Just trying to make this easy for your dumb puppy head.” He places his hand atop your head, patting it like a dog. 

You know he’s insulting you, but you still can’t ignore how his words affect you. You don’t know what it is, but the tone he used, along with the words, weirdly does it for you. You don’t even want to talk about how your chest soars with euphoria by his actions.

“I feel like we always get home really early?” You push the door open, exiting the car while grabbing your things. 

Sukuna nonchalantly tells you, “I speed.” He shuts the door, “Dumbass, what else would you do with a sports car?”

You narrow your eyes at him, “I feel like everything you do something nice, you add an insult because you feel you’re being too nice.” You tell him, pushing his hand off your head, “Like, you feel like you weren’t being Sukuna enough, and then you try to be mean to make up for it.”

Sukuna gives you a question look, “The fuck does that mean?” 

You laugh, turning away from him as you continue to smile, “Ignore me, I’m just talking out of my ass now.” You wave yourself off, “Sorry, I just like talking to you.” 

Sukuna feels his eye twitch, before he turns away from you, muttering a soft, “Idiot.” 

･ ｡ﾟ☆:  *･ November 22th, 2023 ☽ .* :☆ﾟ.

Wednesday

(Day 3)

You know you shouldn’t be, but you are, you’re a bit excited. So excited you actually planned out your outfit last night. You’re wearing a black tube top with a lacy finish, and some light blue ripped shorts. You also grabbed a cute cropped knitted jacket, one that perfectly fell off your shoulder and showed off your outfit. You even have your black converse to match. 

“Brat, hurry up.” Someone knocks at your door, which you can quickly deduct is Sukuna. “I’m already heading out.” You swear you can hear him whisper, “God, what the hell is taking her so long?” 

Fuck, how long have you been getting ready? It can’t have been that long, right? 

You grab your tote bag and rush out of your room, “Calm down, I’m coming.” You pull your socks to peak out from your converse, before rushing towards the garage, where you presume Sukuna is. 

“Wait,” Yuuji calls your name, standing up from the chairs from the dining table. You stop, passing him an enthusiastic nod. Yuuji seems stumped for a second, unsure of what to say, before looking down at his bowl, “Uh, are we not going to eat breakfast together today?” 

You part your lips, your heart squeezing for a moment. Shit, you’ve been totally blowing Yuuji off in the mornings this past week, because of your project. You take a step in his direction, “Oh my god, Yuuji, I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to–” 

“Are we leaving or not, brat?” Sukuna yells from the garage door.

You look at him, then back to Yuuji, you press your lips together, “I’m sorry, Yuuji, I can’t today. Let’s catch up later, yeah?” Then you’re quick to follow Sukuna into the garage, entering his car. You feel a bit bad–no, you feel terrible leaving Yuuji alone. 

“This is the first time I haven’t seen you in a skirt.” Sukuna comments, “Special occasion?” 

You play with the ends of your shorts, “No. Just wanted to spice up my wardrobe.” You pull your hand up, tugging at the tube top you’re wearing, “What? Does it look bad?” Even though your question is playful, there’s a small truthful undertone. 

“You always look decent.” Sukuna comments, his eyes moving to look at you for a split second. “Better than Yuuji’s other friend, she’s so fuckin’ annoying.” That doesn’t feel like a compliment, but it can be one. 

Still, you can’t help but notice how much more chatty Sukuna has become, you wonder if it’s merely to fill the dead air there would be without it, or if he’s gotten more comfortable with you. You hope it’s the second one. “You know Yuuji’s friends?” 

Sukuna rolls his eyes, huffing with little enthusiasm, “Of course, the brat would always invite them over.” He shrugs a bit, “I didn’t mind one of them, but other then that–”

“Oh, you’re talking about Megumi.” You nod to yourself, recalling to the black haired man, “I like him, too, he’s really cool.” You lean on the window, giggling to yourself as you add, “In a cool older brother type of way.” 

Sukuna runs his hand down his face, “Weird.” 

“Megumi being a cool older brother?” You ask, “Or, the fact you’re not?” You poke his arm playfully, a small laugh adding to your insult. Yet, Sukuna doesn’t bite, he just parks the car. You’re a bit disappointed, but observe your surroundings. 

“I work out for an hour before attending class.” Sukuna pops the door open, along with grabbing his drink. “It wakes me up in the mornings.” 

You get out with him, your tote bag comfortably resting on your shoulder. “Oh, that’s good.” You grab the notebook, and your pen. “I’ll just follow you around and write everything down.” You push your hair behind your ear, following Sukuna into the gym. “You don’t mind me asking questions, right?” 

“As long as it’s not annoying.” Sukuna already prepared himself for your ridiculous questions, planning his answers and how to make them as discreet as possible. But, to his surprise, you’re far more quiet than he originally thought.

Your questions are quick; How many reps are you going to do? What type of muscle are you focusing on today? Also, Monday and Tuesday, was it different? Oh, tell me about those. How much weight are you using? Does it burn? No, okay… Can I take a picture of you? Here’s how it looks, do you like it? Of course it matters, this is just as much your project as much as it is mine. 

Even when you’re writing, it’s far more comforting than distracting compared to what Sukuna would’ve intentionally thought. You look happy too, your notebook filling up with more information in comparison to the two other days. Humming to yourself when writing something down, or taking a picture. You have a nice voice. 

When Sukuna is done, you’re already sitting at his feet, watching him collect his things. “Do you like working out?” You ask, grabbing the water bottle that rests between your feet. Then pushing yourself off the floor, following him towards the lockers. 

“Yeah,” Sukuna is quick to answer, “I like the gains.” He passes you his keys, “Wait in the car.” You roll your eyes, but agree nonetheless. 

—

Considering the two of you have different schedules, and you’re not willing to skip any of your classes, you and Sukuna would regroup right after most of your classes have ended. Which means, the two of you would be eating lunch together. 

Which also means, you aren’t going to be able to eat lunch with Nobara today. 

You pray to everything that is holy she won’t kill you. 

You twist your hair up, placing it into a messy bun as you eye the location. You always assumed that Sukuna would be easy to spot, but now you can’t even spot–

“Brat.” Sukuna calls from behind you, “Why’d you put up your hair? Made it hard to spot you.” His hand is softly atop your head, making sure not to mess up your bun. “Hm, it’s different.” 

You push his hand off, “I hope it’s a good different.” You look at the bag in his hands, “I didn’t have time to get lunch, sorry.” You play with a strand framing your face. 

Sukuna rolls his eyes, “Of course, too busy lookin’ for me.” He shrugs, “Let's go, I know a place where we can eat.” Sukuna walks off in a direction, not bothering to check if you’re following him because he knows you are. 

“Fine, I’ll just starve today.” You mumble, dragging yourself behind Sukuna. You’re a bit annoyed, yet, pull out your phone and snap a photo of Sukuna walking. You laugh to yourself when Sukuna gives you an annoyed look. 

Yet, you can’t help but notice how many people are… looking at you? You move a bit closer to Sukuna, but this seems to worsen the stares. I mean, you completely understand the stares at Sukuna–he’s actually the hottest guy you’ve ever seen–but at you? 

“People are staring at you.” Sukuna finally finds a ledge to sit on, somewhere far from where you and your friends sit. “I told you your hair looks different.” Sukuna reaches into the plastic bag, setting down two bowls. 

You laugh dryly, narrowing your eyes at the food, “I think it’s the tattoos on your face, Lord Sukuna.” You tease, “I don’t think I’ll ever understand why you would think that’s cool. Were you in your gangster phase, or what?” 

He scoffs, “It’s better than those stupid skirts you wear everyday.” Sukuna passes you a fork, which you take gingerly. Before you can even ask questions, he says, “Pick one.” 

You don’t at all question him, just grab the bowl on top. Yet, set it comfortably at your side, grabbing your notebook and pen. “At least I look good, can’t say the same for you.” That’s a lie, that’s a big lie, you absolutely love Sukuna’s tattoos. Yet, you’re none the wiser to Sukuna’s lies. 

“What did the old drunk tell you?” Sukuna grabs his bowel, removing the top, “Probably said something stupid.”

“He thought you were an arsonist.” You snap a picture of Sukuna holding his food, but keep his face out of the picture. “Also, a serial killer.” You tuck your phone away, writing a few things down in your notebook.

“Pretty sure I am.” Sukuna finally takes a bite of his food, in the most Sukuna way possible. Massive and rude, it’s a killer contrast to how he ate in front of his grandpa. 

“Stupid.” You push your hair out of your face, “He told me about the fly.” 

“I know he told you about the fly.” Sukuna shakes his head. 

“Tell me about you.” You take a bite of your food and hum in contentment. You take a quick glance at the bag, noticing the food is from Waba Grill. “I feel like I don’t know that much.” 

Sukuna takes another bite of his food, closing his eyes for a moment. “Keep it that way.” His phone rings, but he doesn’t bother to look at it, not yet. “Don’t need a stranger knowing shit about me.” 

You laugh at this, “Seriously? But, we’re not complete strangers.” You take a bite of your food, “I feel I now more than you then most peo–” 

“Not after this week.” Sukuna places his finished bowl on the ledge, tossing his fork in it. “I hope you remember our deal.” He crosses his arms over his chest, tilting his head back. 

You take another bite of your food, “You know, you could’ve just told me a lie.” You sigh, placing your bowl down on top of Sukuna’s, “Or, pretend to be my friend for this week. It wouldn't have killed the mood.” 

Sukuna doesn’t respond, just places the trash in the empty bag. “What’s next?” 

“What’s your schedule?” You tap your pen on the notebook, “Remember, this project is about you, not so much me.” You look to the side, “Actually, speaking of schedule, it would be nice to have your classes from Monday and Tuesday, along with the rest of the week.” 

“I only have one more class today.” Sukuna pulls out his phone, finally checking the notification, only to see it’s a text from Yuuji. Something he hasn’t received in quite some time. “No practice today, though.” 

You’re still not looking at him, “That works out perfectly, I have a club meeting today.” You push yourself off the ledge, “I can meet you after, or I can meet you before. If you don’t mind waiting outside.” 

“Look at me.” 

“Huh?” You furrow your eyebrows, turning to look at Sukuna, only to be met with his camera. You flinch when his flash blinds your face. You feel your eye twitch, “What was that?” You lean over, trying to look at his screen. 

Sukuna huffs, his shoulder bouncing up in a quick laugh. “You look so dumb.” He flips his screen to you, his free hand pressed against his lips as he tries not to laugh. “Yu-Yuuji, he’s asking about you.” 

You can feel your face burning from the picture, it wasn’t that bad, or at least you think it isn’t that bad, but with Sukuna’s hushed laughs, you can help but feel embarrassed. “Oh my god, don’t send that to Yuuji, please.” 

Sukuna shakes his head, pulling his phone back to his face, only to loudly laugh at another glance of your photo. You glare at him, snatching the trash, “Oh my god, it’s not that bad, actually shut up.” 

Sukuna nods his head, “Yes, it is.” He stands up with you, collecting himself a bit more. “Here, give me your number, so I can find you after class.” He reaches for your phone. 

You snatch yourself away, “Just meet in the library, by the entrance. My club meets in one of the private rooms.” You grab your bag, along with your phone. “I don’t really like giving my number to strangers.” You playfully narrow your eyes at him. 

“Sure, be like that, doll.” Sukuna says with a small smile. 

“Whatever, I’ll see you later.” You walk off, tossing the trash away. You feel a smile building on your lips. If Sukuna is one thing, it’s confusing. 

Actually no, scratch that, it’s a bi-polar hottie. 

—-

“I already said sorry a hundred times now, I’m literally going to eat with you again by the end of this week.” You explain, placing your hand between you and Nobara. “You of all people should know what I’m going through.” 

“Yeah, but a text would’ve been nice.” Nobara lands a final blow on your arm, not before pushing you to the side. “You should’ve seen Yuuji, he even asked his brother about you. He thought you died.” 

You find that endearing, “Really?” You push the door to the library open, “That’s actually so sweet. I actually feel so bad now.” 

Nobara walks inside, pushing her hair behind her shoulder sassily, “As you should be, poor Yuuji boy looked like a lost puppy.” She points a finger at you, “Your negligence is going to force me to call animal control for a neglected puppy.”

You laugh, “Maybe we shouldn’t refer to Yuuji as a puppy, anymore.” 

Nobara waves her hand, dismissing your worry, “Sure, whatever. Anyways, I’m off, I’ll see you tomorrow–next week.” She mumbles, “Hopefully Yuuji will, too.” Into your shoulder while the two of you hug. 

You turn your head to look at her, “Stop being like that.” You pull away, “I’ll talk to you later.” Your finger pointing at her seems more accusing than comforting. 

Nobara playfully throws her arms in the air, “What-what? I didn’t say anything.” She smiles, turning on her heel, “You’re just hearing things.” She waves, “Good luck, Yuuji!” 

Yuuji? You think to yourself, where’s Yuuji–

“Hey.” 

You jump, a bit of squeak leaving your lips, “Yuuji?” You sigh out in a relief, “You scared me, babe, you can’t creep up on me.” A small laugh leaves you. 

“Sorry.” Yuuji scratched the back of his neck, “Just missed you is all.” 

Your heart squeezes, honestly, after spending almost the whole week with Sukuna, Yuuji is such a nice breath of fresh air. “Awh, I’ve missed you, too.” You loop your arm around his, pulling him with you to the club room. 

“Really? I thought you'd been avoiding me.” Yuuji says with a hint of sadness, “I feel like I haven’t seen you that much.” He places his hands behind his back, averting his eyes for a moment. 

Now, this is where immediately anyone would say, ‘Oh my gosh, no! I never would, I’m so sorry.’ But, you’re hesitating. Why? Because, you have no idea what Yuuji is talking about. You haven’t been avoiding him, nor have you been ignoring him. You hang out with him equally to Nobara–maybe, even a bit more–so, why would he think that?

“Avoiding you?” You ask, a bit stupidly, “I haven’t been avoiding you? I like hanging out with you, Yuuji, why would I avoid you?” You take a step closer, your hands reaching out, clearly wanting to hold him. 

Yuuji seems to perk up at this, “Really?” He lets his hands fall in yours, while a reassuring nod follows from your head. “Okay, well, I’m glad.” He looks to the side, “I thought you were avoiding breakfast with me, and then you kinda’ pushed me away yesterday during lunch, and you’ve been around Sukuna so much this week—I was starting to think you were replacing—”

“Wait, that hurt your feelings?” You blink a few times, pulling him closer to you. Suddenly, you do feel terrible, you understand Yuuji’s thoughts, and where he’s coming from. So, you respond in a way you wish someone would to you, “Yuuji, oh my god, no. I didn’t mean it that way.” You wrap your arms around his shoulders, bringing him into a hug. “I’m sorry, I was just joking, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” 

Yuuji hugs you back, a nice sigh leaving his nose. “No, it didn’t, I just thought you didn’t want to be my friend anymore.” 

You whimper, incredibly touched by Yuuji’s words, “Yuuji!” You whine, hugging him even tighter, “I literally love you so much, you’re so sweet, I could never.” You pull back, hands still on his shoulder, “If I ever do something like hate you, I give you my full consent to murder me in my sleep.” You tell him with all seriousness. 

Yuuji gawks at this, “What?! No, why would I do that!” He moves his hand to your shoulder, the two of you holding each other like football men about to say an inspirational quote. “If I ever do that, I will give you permission to kill me in my sleep.” 

You laugh, nodding your hand and tangling your hand with his, “Here, I promise that when this week is over, I’ll spend however much time you want me to with you.” You pull him alongside you, “We can even spend a whole day laughing at random youtube videos, I just need this week for my project, remember?” 

Yuuji stops dead in his tracks, his free hand slapping over his mouth, “Oh my god, your project. I completely forgot about that!” Yuuji is immediately babbling apologizes, “I’m so sorry, I’m just a really big overthinker–I thought–” 

“Hey, you want to join me with my club today?” You ask, cutting off his turmoil of apologizing. “It’d be nice to spend some much needed time with you.” You’re pulling him along to your club room, reaching the door with much enthusiasm. 

Yuuji blinks a few times, before twisting his fingers with yours, a smile pulling at his lips. “Yeah, that sounds nice.” Yet, you’re already introducing him to the people of the club. 

— 

Sukuna hands you a piece of paper, “I wrote my classes for the week.” He looks back at the road, “Got bored during one of my classes.” 

You nod, writing the classes down to the corresponding day and times. When you get home, you can ask Yuuji to pull up the school map, and the two of you can estimate how long the walking distance is, and how many calories one burns from said walk. “Okay, perfect.” You shove the papers into your bag. 

“Is this what it's going to be for the rest of the week?” Sukuna asks, his eyebrows pinching together slightly. 

You press your lips together, “Well, yes, but I also have to do this mental evaluation thingy…” You rub your temples, “I’m basically going to be a therapist for a bit. You can pick any topic of discussion, as long as I can evaluate it.” 

Sukuna nods, parking the car in the garage. You are the first one to leave, not before turning on your heel and saying, “I’m going to be working with Yuuji today, if you eat, or go out somewhere, I need to tell me.”

Yet, Sukuna didn’t, he didn’t even respond.

･ ｡ﾟ☆:  *･ November 23th, 2023 ☽ .* :☆ﾟ.

Thursday

(Day 4)

“Wait, now I need to add that to my information.” You quickly write down the sets Sukuna’s doing, “Why wouldn’t you tell me the first hour of practice is literally just you working out.” You mumble to yourself, “I don’t think you realized how stupid I looked sitting outside… alone.”

“I did.” Sukuna pushes the weights to the ground, sighing out in relief, “I also forgot, I just group this shit with practice.” He gestures around the room, grabbing his water bottle and taking a sip. 

Sure. You lean on the wall behind him, “Remember to stretch, I haven’t seen you do that yet.” You tuck your notebook away, “You’re going to tear something, then you won’t be able to play.” You look at your feet and mumble, “Then, I actually have to be a sports physical therapist…” 

“Then, you actually might be useful.” Sukuna adds, pushing himself off the bench. “Let’s go, before any of these dicks try to talk to me.” He lifts the weights and puts them back on the racks, wiping off the sweat that accumulated on his brow. 

You’re already leaving the room, too busy on your phone to see if Sukuna is following. Fixing both of your bags on your shoulder so your hair isn’t awkwardly tugged by the straps. “I still need to do your mental stuff.” 

Sukuna leans his head back, not too far behind you. “Right, then this nightmare is over.” 

“This isn’t that bad. I know you like talking to me.” You push the door open, the field flooding your vision. “Besides, you actually have someone to talk to, which I have to assume is better than being alone.” A soft sigh leaves your lips when Sukuna quips something rudely behind you, but you don’t even care to listen. You’re making your way to your special little spot on the field. 

Sukuna shakes his head at you. “It’s not.” 

You turn on your shoulder, a cheeky smile on your lips as you say, “Sure.” 

“Awh, is your dog not watching you today?” Mahito whines behind him, “Or, is she sitting on the field pretty again?” He watches as you remove your jacket and place it on the turf, before you yourself settle on it. Mahito laughs at this, “It’s like she wants me to look at her.” 

Sukuna glares at Mahito, “You’re fuckin’ disgusting.” He continues off, but Mahito trails behind him. “Stop following me stitches.”

Mahito just laughs. 

Choso is already in front of Sukuna, turning his head over his shoulder, “He won’t stop talking about her.” He mouths, his eyes narrowing with caution. “Good thing you’re keeping an eye on her.” 

Sukuna furrows his eyebrows, a bit uncomfortable by the sentence. Maybe, worried would be the better word, but… that still doesn’t seem right. Mahito leans on Sukuna’s shoulder, “Now, let’s go have fun. Give something your little dog can watch, yeah?” 

Sukuna shoves him off, groaning in disgust. 

— 

You push your feet into the turf again, your stocking keeping a nice layer of clothing from the small soft rocks. Your elbow resting on your knee while you support your head with your palm, your free hand circling the ground and playing with the rocks. 

“Only one more day…” You whisper to yourself. Grabbing a handful of turf and sanding it though your fingers on top of your toes. What time is it? How much longer until the practice is over? You grab your phone and look at the time. “Way longer than I want to be–”

“Fuck off.” Sukuna barks. 

You pull your face up, looking at the play on the field. You can make out there are two makeshift teams, one wearing red mesh, and the other wearing blue ones. You can see Sukuna is on the red team, a receiver. 

Knowing that his team is about to toss the ball and attempt to score, you decide to give it your attention. It might help time pass by sooner, besides, that’s the first time you’ve ever heard Sukuna yell during practice. Maybe, something interesting will–

Your eyes widen as you flinch, only for your mind to flood with worry. You’re quick to your feet, your eyes frantically trying to deception the situation. Sukuna caught the ball, only to be quickly grabbed for a tackle, which is normal, if another person didn’t run into him, only to clip his shoulder while he was already being forced down. 

Even the coach is quick to Sukuna’s side, going down to a knee and touching his shoulder. Did he get it popped out of place, or did it break? Both of those thoughts make you cringe. The coach looks over his shoulder, eye connecting with you, he gestures his head to pull you over. 

Which you do without thought, clearly half the field in what feels like half a second. Your eyebrows are furrowed, “Why did you let someone do that to you?” Is the first thing you ask Sukuna, before dropping to your knees and looking at his shoulder. 

Sukuna is quick to bark back, “Yeah, cause I like getting hit.” He leans back on his forearms, groaning slightly when he puts pressure on the shoulder he popped out of place. 

“You masochist.” You whisper playfully, then finally turn to his coach. 

“We already popped it back into place, took it like a champ.” He sighs, pushing himself up and placing his hand on his hips. “Get him home, I can have someone drag him outside if you'd like.” He glares at a blue haired man, “Like the one who actually did it.” He seethes at him. 

Sukuna groans at his coach, “I’m not a fuckin–” 

The coach glares at Sukuna, quickly shutting him up. 

“My legs work fine, I can go on my own.” Sukuna quickly corrects himself. 

“He’s not coming to practice tomorrow.” The coach tells you matter of factly, “Make sure he rests today and tomorrow, nothing to exert himself.” He points a finger at Sukuna, “Which means no working out, or anything.” 

Sukuna sighs at this, eyebrows relaxing for a moment. “Sounds amazing.” 

“Or maybe, I should make you come.” He pretends to think to himself. 

You shake your head, “No, that’s not a good idea. It’s just going to get worse.” You look down, only to see you forgot to put your shoes on. Shit, that’s so embarrassing, you keep your eyes diverted, “Don’t worry, I’ll make him stay and rest.” 

“Like hell.” Sukuna barks behind the coach, eyebrows clearly furrowed at you. 

You turn on your heel, “I'm totally driving us back home, no complaining–” You slap your hand over your mouth, “Or, I mean–I’ll be driving you home.” Your face is burning, “I’m going to go warm up your car.” 

On your way back to his bag, you swear you can hear the coach tell Sukuna, “What a nice girlfriend you have.” Only for it to be quickly debunked with Sukuna saying, “Not my girlfriend, just a friend.” 

Yet, for some reason, that makes your cheeks feel even hotter. He’s calling you his friend. Not Yuuji’s, or his little brother’s friend, his friend. You’re Sukuna’s friend. You can’t help but smile to yourself. 

—

Sukuna bitched you the whole way home, but there was no way in hell you were giving up the chance to drive his pink car. Sorry, but… absolutely not. 

“Stop whining, look, we’re already here.” You open the garage with the remote on the vanity mirror, doing the same actions you’ve seen Sukuna do what feels like a million times now. “See, I told you I know how to drive.” 

Sukuna keeps his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes screwed shut. “Talk to me when you park the car.” 

You giggle, parking the car into the driveway straight inside, rather than reverse parking like Sukuna away does. “Stop being a baby.” You park the car, turning off the engine and sighing in relief, finally taking both your hands off the wheel. 

Despite your cool nature, along with your calming words, you were equally nervous to drive Sukuna’s car as he was nervous for his car. You in no way are able to pay him back if you were to damage it in any way. You can even feel your pits sweating, you’re definitely changing. 

“Good, give me damn the keys.” Sukuna extends his hand to you, which you ignore, taking the keys out of the engine and exiting the car with them. Entering the house and locking the car once you heard Sukuna close his door. 

Even when Sukuna enters the house, he can see the light of your room on. “Did you–” 

“They’re in the drawer.” You shout, popping out of your room again with a fresh set of lounge wear. Some shorts, and a simple tank top. “I remember where you put them.” You use your foot to scratch your ankle.

Sukuna notices the wooly white socks you’re wearing, comfortable and domestic. They look nice on you. “Right.” He picks the bottom of his shirt and tosses it to the floor, yawning loudly. “I’m probably going to go out and eat.”

You shake your head, grabbing one of the loops of his pants, “Absolutely not, you’re supposed to get medical help the moment you pop a shoulder out of place.” You let go, moving to his side with a head tilt. 

“Like hell I’m doing that shit.” Sukuna sneers at you, making his way to his room. “Doctors are for bitches.” He adds. 

“I knew you were going to say that.” You move to the cabinets, staring at all of them intently. “Where are you plastic baggies? Like, the ziplock type.” 

Sukuna leans back on the counter, pointing to one of the cabinets incredibly far up. “On top.” You can hear the smirk in his voice, and it drives you insane. “If you want, I’ll grab it since you’re so–” 

“No, I can do it myself.” You place your palms on the counter and push yourself up, you can hear Sukuna shuffle behind you, but you’re too scared to look back. You open the top cabinet, only to see… nothing! 

Sukuna’s right behind you, his hands resting by your ankles as he laughs to himself, watching as you twist your body around and sit on the counter in front of him. His arms caging you. You’re glaring at him, “There right here.” He says with an amused laugh, opening the cabinet right below your feet and placing a ziplock bag at your side. “Idiot.” 

You snatch the bag, “You’re the idiot.” You push him away and move to the fridge, placing some ice in the bag and wrapping it in some paper towels. “I swear, I should just leave you to rot with that injury.” 

“I already popped it back into place.” Sukuna tells you, snatching the makeshift ice pack and placing it on his shoulder. He stifled a groan, clearly in some form of pain. “That shit doesn’t hurt anymore.”

You pout at this, your hands moving to play with the bottom of your shorts. “Okay..” You press your lips together, looking to the side. “Well, if you want, since you don’t have anything else to do but rest, can we?...” You look at him half expectantly. 

“Fuck?” Sukuna smirks. 

“No.” You deadplan. 

Sukuna bites the inside of his cheek, closing his eyes before letting out a long sigh. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.” He pushes himself away from you, moving towards his room. “But, we’re doing this stupid shit in my room.” 

You nod, grabbing your bag and following, “Whatever is comfortable for you.” You can’t lie, but… you’re a bit excited. There’s always been a morbid curiosity to see what Yuuji’s or Sukuna’s room looks like, now you can cross one off of the bucket list. 

Yet, the moment Sukuna enters his room, leaving the door open for you, you pause at the door frame. Sukuna’s room is… almost exactly how you pictured it to be. A bit minimal, clean, and dark. His sheets are a black silk, and look cool to the touch. Also, pressed right against your wall, the headboard pressed to the wall right next to it. 

You immediately think of your first night sleeping here, the sound of the headboard slamming, along with the lewd moans from–you shake your head, stop it. 

Sukuna sits on the edge of his bed, “Are you just going to stand there and waste my time, or are you going to actually come in?” He turns on the light of the lamp on his bedside counter, which isn’t all too bright. Honestly, his room is relatively dark. 

You nod, pushing yourself forward and placing your things down on his desk. It’s also black and minimal. “I think I’m just going to record an audio, since I don’t really feel like writing things down right now.” It will also make talking to Sukuna way easier. 

Sukuna applies pressure to his shoulder, wincing a bit, “Sure, just tell me what you want me to say.” 

You place your phone face down next to his, the recodering now saving your conversation with him. “That’s not how this works.” You cross your arms over your chest, pushing yourself off the desk and towards Sukuna. “You need to talk to me, and I’m just listening.” 

Sukuna groans dramatically, which causes you to jam your fingers into his shoulder, which in return makes him yell a loud profanity. You just laugh, “Lay down, I’ll help you.” You pull the ice pace away. 

“Yeah, fuck no.” He narrows his eyes at you suspiciously. 

“Just lay down, and I’ll give you some idea about what you can talk about.” You tell him with a forced smile, “I’m trying to be nice, so just lay down and take it.” You huff annoyedly, “Keep your back to me.” 

Sukuna hesitates, but reluctantly lays down. Resting into his sheets, and you can physically see that, his muscles seem to relax. You take this time to sit down next to him, looking at your phone to make sure the audio is recording before feeling your hands. “They’re a bit cold but…” 

Sukuna groans, “Don’t fuckin’ touch me with ‘em–” He jumps when your fingertips touch his skin, a surprised gasp following. “What did I fuckin’ say? Get your hands off me.” 

“You’re such a baby.” You whisper, “I’m just trying to help. You said so yourself earlier.” You laugh to yourself, well… more at Sukuna than anything. “Remember, when I told you to stretch?”

Sukuna rolls his eyes, he does remember that, but doesn’t want to admit it. “Whatever. At least you’re being useful.” His eyes dart to the drawer when he hears a notification buzz. 

You notice it, “Awh, see! You do remember.” You continue to rub the joint, noticing how he groans slightly. You  laugh a bit, “You took a real beating today, I’m surprised you let someone even touch you, Mr. I’m good at everything.” 

“I wasn’t paying attention.” Sukuna groans at you, flinching when you apply even the slightest pressure on his shoulder. 

“Bad Sukuna.” You murmur, using your thumbs to rub soft circles into the joint of his shoulder. “What distracted you today?” 

“Nothing.”

The phone buzzes again, making both of you turn your attention to the phones. Sukuna laughs at this, “What respect you’re showing me right now.” He taps your thigh, “Go on, doc, answer whoever is texting you.” 

You roll your eyes, reaching over, “As if, I don’t talk to people, it’s probably your phone.” You grab his phone, flipping the device so you can look at the screen, which you can immediately see two messages from an unknown number. 

“And, you’re blaming me.” You say with an eye roll. 

“Don’t sound so excited that none of your friends are talking to you.” Sukuna sighs, “I told you my password, see what it says.” 

You do exactly that, clicking on the two messages to open the banner. “It’s an unsaved number, and you have no message history with it.” You notice there’s an image, which makes you click the message and open the message app. You immediately gasp, playing the phone face down on the counter.

That makes Sukuna flinch, “What?” 

“There’s a picture–uh, it’s of a..” You reach over his back, grabbing one of his pillows. “It’s a nude.” You feel your face burning a bit, “And, uh, an equally explicit message.” 

Sukuna smirks at you, “Read me the message.” His hand rubs your thigh, you swat it away… more like slap it away. 

“No, you can read it.” You face away from him, “Besides, I’m pretty sure that message and picture was for only you to see.” You place your hands on his shoulder again, “You can look at it later.” 

“Read it to me.” He whispers, turning on his side, “What’d she look like?” 

“Blonde, and pale.” You tell him, grabbing the pillow again and placing it on his head, “Stop looking at me…” You keep focus on his shoulder, the pillow muffling his laughter. “Uhm, she said… can’t wait for this weekend… daddy.” 

Sukuna laughs even louder at that, “Yeah, I love that name on your tongue.” He pushed the pillow to the side ever so slightly, “Would love something else on your tongue.” 

“Shut up.” You shout, grabbing the pillow and pressing it over his face. “You should probably answer, anyway.” 

Sukuna shakes his head, letting you keep the pillow over his head. “Nah, I know who it is. Don’t like her.” He taps the pillow, telling you to release him, which you don’t. He just sighs, dropping his arms as if he died on the spot. “I originally blocked her, looks like she got another number to text me.” 

“Weird.” You laugh a bit, finally taking your hands off the pillow with a small laugh. “I promise you, you will never catch me texting a man who has blocked me.” You take the pillow off his face, placing it on your lap. “I would never be that desperate.” 

Sukuna raises an eyebrow at you, “Really? A lot of girls do.” He looks at his phone, giving it an annoyed eye roll. 

“Define a lot of girls.” 

“Three.” He’s passing you a smug smile.

“Is this the third?” You grab his phone, open the camera app and point it at him. You’re smiling a small bit when you quietly whisper, “Whore.” Taking a picture of him. 

“Can you block her for me?” He taps your thigh, ignoring your question. “Hopefully she’ll take the hint this time.” He rolls his eyes, “I swear, she’s so fuckin’ crazy. She thinks we’re in love or something.” Sukuna adds a small humorous laugh. 

You add a laugh, “Someone’s chatty.” You open his phone, quickly blocking the number. For some reason, it gives you a nasty satisfaction to do so, like Sukuna is choosing you over a desperate attempt for his attention. You, someone he hasn’t so much as kissed, over a girl half naked and horny. 

He picks you.

“Do you trust me?” You ask, swiping out of the one-sided conversation and quickly eyeing the chat logs. You can’t help but notice the little amount there is, so little where you didn’t even need to scroll to reach the end of all the chat logs, only three of them being saved, while the others are unsaved numbers. You recognize two of them, Yuuji and their grandpa, but the other one is unfamiliar to you. It’s also the most recent person he’s talked to. 

Uraume.

“Nah, I don’t trust you at all.” Sukuna says, turning on his stomach again. “This was all just a diversion to distract you.” He mumbles, “So we don’t have to do this stupid project anymore…” 

You press your lips together in a tight smile, finding it a bit amusing. “Okay, whatever, sure.” You tap his shoulder, “I guess, I can give you small praise since it worked… for a little.” You look to the side thinking, “Lets see… hm, if you want, we can talk about football.” You push yourself farther on the bed, your thigh touching his side. 

Sukuna loudly–and dramatically–sighs into the pillow, “Don’t like talking about football.” Sukuna mumbles into his pillow, his back contracting and relaxing. “I don’t even really like football, I just did it, because Yuuji–” He stops himself. 

Your fingers stop for a moment, “Oh, Yuuji? We can also talk about Yuuji if you feel like it.” You place one of your legs underneath yourself, leaning on Sukuna a small bit. “I really like Yuuji, maybe more than I like you.” 

“Right.” Sukuna grits, fixing his left arm to rest underneath his forehead. “I’m sure you want to fuck Yuuji, too.” 

You narrow your eyes, “What is your fixation on fucking? Believe it or not, people like making genuine bonds without ulterior motives.” You continue to work into Sukuna’s shoulder, “Like me being friends with Yuuji, or helping you right now because I know your shoulder hurts.” 

“You’re just doing this for your project.” Sukuna flutters his eyes closed, softly sighing. 

“No, I’m following you around because I need a grade, and I’m having this conversation with you because I need a grade.” You stop massaging his shoulder, using one of your hands to slowly trace the ridges of his muscles. “I don’t need to be helping you right now, more or less massaging you, but I am.” 

You see Sukuna’s lips part, only to close. 

“I’m doing this because I like you, ‘Kuna.” You bit your lip, a bit nervous. “I don’t think you’re that bad anymore.” You now move your hands to both his shoulders, giving your attention to them. 

Sukuna scoffs, but there’s a flattered undertone to it, “Thanks, means so much to me.” He sarcastically tells you. 

You laugh a soft smile on your lips, “Of course, babe, I mean every word.” You glance at your phone, before biting the inside of your cheek. “Okay, so… do you want to talk about Yuuji?” 

“What is there to talk about?” His shoulders jump together slightly. 

“What do you want to tell me?” You push your other leg on the bed, completely placing your weight on it. You don’t want to push the subject too much, you’ve seen the way Yuuji shuts down or gets uncomfortable when speaking about his brother. Even if it’s as simple as asking Sukuna’s name. 

Sukuna stays silent, but you can see the mental debate going on in his head. Despite how much you don’t want to, you tell him, “A kind reminder that we’re no longer friends after this, or anything after this week. You can tell me anything, and I’ll forget all about it.” It’s a comforting gesture, “I’m a burner phone you can tell anything.” 

Sukuna seems to flinch at this, or–flinch when your thumbs rub at a knot between his shoulders. You can’t tell, but he nods his head slowly, “Yeah, that’s true.” 

You know you’re supposed to be excited, Sukuna’s a hard person to get along with. But, you’re not… You like slowly getting to know him. Helping him out like this, or having mean back and forth banter. It’s fun and amusing to you. 

You don’t want to stop talking to him. 

A part of you wonders if Sukuna thinks the same. 

“I don’t know… where to start, or what to say.” He tells you, before his shoulders jump up, almost in a short laugh. “Sit on my back.”

“You can start with—what?” You blink a few times, your hands coming to a halt. “What did you say?” You nervously laugh. 

“You heard me.” Sukuna says into his pillow, “My lower back is killing me, some pressure would be nice, friend.” You feel like the word is a drug, being injected into several times today with the dosage growing. 

You shake your head, before pushing yourself up and lifting your left leg over his back, and keeping the right one planted. You’re a bit nervous to put your weight on him, “Are you sure?”  “Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“What if I’m too heavy?” You have your hands on his upper back, keeping yourself stable. 

“For fucks sake–” Sukuna groans, twisting his hand and grabbing you tight to pull you down. Which you do with a bit of a jump, “See, was that fuckin’ hard?” He lets his hand fall to his side, right next to your calf. 

You take a moment to regroup. Your mind going blank for a moment, your face turning hot. Oh my god, you’re sitting on him, you are sitting on him. You thank everything that is holy that he can see your face right now. 

You heard somewhere that when you sit on guys, they can feel your… Oh my god. Actually kill me, actually strike me down where I sit right now. You can feel your mind racing, while your heart beats so unbearably fast, you’re surprised Sukuna isn’t saying anything. Why isn’t he saying anything?! 

You look at your hands, just your hands, “Uhm, t-tell me… uhm, tell me about you and Yuuji.” You place your hands on his neck, his hair tickling the tips of your fingers. “Were you two close as kids or anything?” You push your thumbs into the nape of his neck, igniting a soft groan from him. 

Sukuna softly grabs your ankle, “Yeah, somethin’ like that.” He’s playing with your fuzzy socks, “My parents–our parents… when we moved in with Pops, we were close. It was up until high school when things changed.” 

“Did something happen in high school?” You’re watching his hand play with your sock, tugging and twisting it between his middle and index finger. “To you, or between you and Yuuji?” 

“No.” He pauses for a moment, “Yes.” He sighs, “We’d done everything together in elementary or middle school. Absolutely everything.” Sukuna’s hand stops, “But, I started to do a bit more. I… I wanted to do more.” 

You bring your hands lower, dipping your fingers into the ridges of his back. “Is that a bad thing? A small sibling rivalry?” You inquire, readjusting your sitting on his back. 

“No, it was good at first.” Sukuna tells you, “We’d join sports together, play video games together, and try to get better grades, so on. We were really close, despite how different we were.” He takes a deep breath, then exhales, “Then, we both entered high school.”

High school. Where friendships go to die, and petty rivalries thrive. You remember those times, it’s why you decided to attend college in a different state, you wanted to leave that past–your home life–behind. 

“It was fine at first, I was a junior, he was a freshman. It didn’t matter. We still kept up with our rivalry, and we were still really close.” Sukuna laughs to himself, and it sounds genuine, the most genuine you’ve ever heard from him before. “Pops used to joke I was some weird spiteful spirit cursing my cheerful younger brother. “ 

You remember that, you can’t help but smile. “That’s cute.”

“We did–we had so many achievements together.” He nods to himself, “Yeah.” Sukuna clears his throat, “Then, I got my tattoos.” 

You laugh a bit, “Your biggest trophy, right?”

“Yeah.” Sukuna turns his head to the side, looking at you. “An important milestone in my life. Out shining every other achievement.” He wrinkles his nose, “I also stopped spending time with Yuuji, I started hanging out with other people.”

You pull yourself off Sukuna and move to his left, resting your back on the wall and resting your feet over his mid back. “That’s a bad thing?” You play with your shorts, “I mean, it’s not like you have to spend every waking hour with him, right?” 

“No–yes. I mean, I left him out a lot.” He turns to his side, pushing your legs off him while sitting up. “This is… I don’t know, it’s something he told me when things went to shit.” He bites the inside of his cheek, “Yuuji told me a lot of things.” 

“Do you?... want to tell me?” You scoot in closer, pushing his bangs out of his face. 

Sukuna plays with the string of your shorts, “Before any of that…” He taps your stomach a bit, “Uh, beginning of my senior year, my parents contacted me.” You want to gasp, but you don't, you continue to play with his hair. “They wanted to come back, and I wanted them to come back.” 

Sukuna furrows his eyebrows, “I… I was happy, you know? Why wouldn’t I be?” He smiles to himself, looking at you. “I wanted to show them my tattoos.” He hesitates for a moment, “I wanted to show them… all of them.” 

You feel a small jolt of pain hit your chest. His words are deliberate, holding meaning and need to be deciphered.

You laugh a bit, letting your hands fall to your side. You can feel his hand moving to your waist, pulling you closer to him. “Right, who wouldn’t want to see your tattoos.” You let him pull you closer, “They’re cool looking.” Is one hell of a way to put it.

Sukuna nods, looking at his hand again. “Yeah.” He blinks, “They told me they were going through a rough time, needed to get their shit together, needed money, and wanted to do better for me–us.” He corrects, “They promised. Even scheduled a dinner with me.”

“How was that?” 

Sukuna shrugs, “Who knows? They never went.” He scoffs to himself, “Waited an hour and a half outside the damn restaurant like a fuckin’ idiot.” 

You feel like you’ve seen that sight before, it feels like a distant vision. Which doesn't make sense, you didn’t know Sukuna back in high school. It doesn’t matter. “What did you do after that?” His hand tightens a bit. 

Sukuna presses his lips together, “I told Yuuji.” 

That single sentence, those three words, just tore Sukuna apart. His heart on his sleeve, his eyes finally holding some form of life and emotion. Pain. 

“I wanted him to come with me.” He’s whispering now. “I’ve never seen–Yuuji so..” He takes a deep breath, “Yuuji didn’t say anything to me that night, or that week. He didn’t say anything until I started packing to move in with my parents.” 

He finally looks at you, “I was excited, I was happy.” He bites the inside of his cheek, a small huff leaving his nose. “Surprise, surprise. That’s when things went to shit. I was the reason, who would’ve fuckin’ thought?”

“I’m sure it’s…” You feel the sentence die, Sukuna’s expression pulling on your heart. 

“Yuuji walked into my room.” His words seem robotic, like he’s telling this story from a paralyzed body. “He saw me packing. He saw me happy. He saw–” Sukuna blinks a few times, “We argued, a lot.” 

You grab his hand. 

“I said–I wasn’t a good person my junior year, I’m still not a–” Sukuna pauses at that, hesitating with a furrowed brow, then finally continuing. “I did a lot of shit I regret now, but the thing I regret most in life are the things I told Yuuji that night. I wish I could take it back.”

Sukuna laughs a bit, “You know, Yuuji helped me realize that. I didn’t know how shitty of a brother I was until that night. Told me I never spent time with him, and he said I could never let him have anything. Anything that he liked or did, I always had to be better or just take from him.” 

“I thought?–”

“I did, too.” His foot starts bouncing, “We were really angry, we did nothing but yell. My throat burned, it was so… painful.” He grabs his throat, rubbing it slightly, “Then, right before I left, Yuuji…” 

You place your other hand on his, “You don’t have to tell me anymore if you don’t want to, I promise this is fine.” You squeeze, “This is a lot for one person, I don’t want you to push yourself for me–” You flinch, “Uhm, I mean, the deal…” 

Sukuna shrugs, “It’s fine.” He looks at your hands around his, it’s comforting, he doesn’t deserve it. He hesitates to say, “Burner phone.” But, there’s an underlying undertone you don’t understand. 

You nod, “Okay. Keep telling me.” 

“Yuuji, right before I was going to leave, he–he broke down. He started crying–no, sobbing.” His hand grabs yours, “He clung to me like we were children again, hiding from a thunderstorm. He begged me to stay, he told me our parents were horrible, they didn’t deserve a second chance, they didn’t deserve me–” He shakes his head, “But, Yuuji didn’t know them, so it was easy for him to decide for me. I knew them, they were my parents, they raised me.” 

“Yeah, that’s completely normal to think.” You pull yourself to sit beside him, your shoulder touching his. “They’re your parents, they raised you for a bit, you’re going to want to see the good in them.” 

“No–they weren’t good people. I’m not a good–I wasn’t a good person. I wanted to go with Yuuji, but he’s tears were annoying–his words were annoying, I couldn’t fucking stand them. Everything was fine when I was growing up, so I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Our parents didn’t leave us for no reason, there had to be a fuckin’ reason.” 

You can feel your heart drop. There’s no way, Sukuna wouldn’t have…

Sukuna presses his lips together, blinking rapidly. “Then, there was Yuuji yelling and screaming at me about how shitty they were. And, I know–I knew in the moment, I shouldn't have thought it–let alone said it, but I did… It was the only thing that made sense.” 

Sukuna looks at you, and you can see the years worth of pain in his eyes, “I told him he was the reason they left.” You can see his eyes glaze over, “Then, I left.” His fist clenches, “I waited in my car, waiting for them to show up. I waited all night, checked my phone every second I could.” 

You twist your body to face him, “Funnily enough, I did get some form of sleep. I dreamt about meeting them. I dreamt that Yuuji came, too, and I apologized. Everything went back to normal, and we were happy.” He lets his head fall back on the head board. “Then, I woke up.

Sukuna stays quiet, and he doesn’t say anything for a long time. His gaze stays distant, his face unreadable, for a long time. 

“They didn’t come.” He finally gains the power to look at you, look at your expression, look at your reaction, look at how you–the one person to put up with him–are looking at him. Someone who didn’t put up with his bullshit, who smiles at Yuuji without a care, who can’t even look at him without some form of a glare. He’s looking for your reaction to his worst. The sole thing he believes makes him not human, the worst of his life. 

‘I’m a burner phone.’ 

‘I’m doing this because I like you, ‘Kuna.’

He feels his chest tighten, “We weren’t the same after that.” He looks at his hands, “I moved out that week into my best friend’s house. And, never came back. I couldn’t face him.”

Sukuna watches as tears roll down your eyes, hitting the tank top you’re wearing and creating a small wet stain. Your lip quivering, before you wrap your arms around his neck, your words coming out so soft and comforting, “Sukuna.”

These boys, Sukuna and Yuuij. Victims to absent parents. Angry and bitter, ignorant and innocent. You feel terrible for Yuuji, and you feel like a shitty person yourself. You just want to hug both of them, you want to give your love and support to both of them. 

Especially Yuuji. He didn’t do anything wrong. 

Sukuna is reeling in the way you say his name, it feels like you’ve never said it to him before. It’s amazing, it feels so intimate and caring, he doesn’t feel like he deserves it. He hates that you know this now, how can you look at him the same?

“I’m so sorry.” You tighten your arms around him, “You’re not a bad person.” 

Sukuna feels his body tense, before wrapping his arms around your torso, and pulling you into his lap. He’s holding you so tight, his face in the crook of your neck, while his knees pull in, trapping you into him. 

You just hug him tighter, “Sukuna.” You whisper, your fingers rubbing circles into his back, but there’s no attention-grabbing nature to it. You’re saying his name in a comforting chant, “Sukuna. Sukuna. Sukuna…” 

The two of you stay like this for a long time. A very long time. 

Sukuna closes his eyes, his fingers gripping into your shirt. “Yesterday, you and Yuuji hugged.” He tells you slowly, “It wasn’t like this.” You just nod, Sukuna just briefly laughs, “Yuuji deserves a friend like you.” Your name punctuates the sentence. 

You hum, “You do, too, Sukuna.” You feel like he’s told you so much, but you have nothing in return to say to comfort him. You want to, you want to more than anything, but nothing comes to mind. That makes you feel terrible. “I feel like… I should say something, but I don’t know what to say.” You softly sigh, “I’m sorry.” 

Sukuna shakes his head against your neck, “Don’t be.” He closes his eyes, relaxing into your body. “You’re enough.” You can feel his lashes on your neck, “Your silence is enough.” 

Those words, that gesture, sparks an idea in your head. You don’t have to say anything. You slowly pull away from him, pulling your hand in front of your chest.

You point your pinky up. 

Then, your pointer and thumb next. 

Finally, your pinky and thumb while pressing the rest of your fingers to your palm. 

Sukuna doesn’t understand what you’re telling him, and you’re okay with that. He just leans back into his headboard while his gaze falls from you. “I think…” He sighs, knowing what he’s going to say isn’t going to sit well with you, “I think I want to be alone.” 

You feel your heart twist in slight pain, but nod nonetheless. “Okay, I’ll give you some space.” You push yourself off of him, sitting on the ledge of his bed for a moment. A part of you is hoping–praying that he will grab you, call for you, or something, to make you stay. 

But, Sukuna stays quiet when you grab your phone, grab your bag, fix your socks, fix your shorts, fix your tank top, fix his sheets, turn off his light, stand at his door, and finally close it. 

Even when you’re laying in bed, ear pressed against the wall, trying to gauge even a slight thought about what Sukuna is experiencing right now—you know it’s invasive, but you want to know how he feels—there’s nothing. It’s silent. 

Sukuna stays quiet. 

･ ｡ﾟ☆:  *･ November 24th, 2023 ☽ .* :☆ﾟ.

Friday

(Day 5)

The moment you were up, you were looking for Sukuna. Yet, you noticed he wasn’t in the kitchen, nor did he leave his room. You’re tempted to knock, get some form of ambience of clarity, or comfort him, but you don’t. He needs time to himself, you mentally tell yourself, he relieved his childhood trauma for your benefit. 

You’re quick to find out that Sukuna’s not going to class. You’re a bit bummed, but understand nonetheless. 

Yuuji, on the other hand, is incredibly excited to finally spend time with you. So much so, he planned a dinner all of you can attend. You’re tempted to offer Sukuna to join, but hold your tongue. 

So, you’re desperately trying to distract yourself, skimming through all your clothing for something to wear. Yet, for some reason you felt a small emotion of uncertainty bubbling within you. Every outfit you put together just doesn’t look good. 

“Why’s this so hard…” You mumble to yourself, tossing the shirt you were wearing at Yuuji’s face. You sit next to him on your bed, “I swear, I’m usually really good at outfits.”

“I don’t know why you‘re trying so..” Yuuji stops mid sentence, feeling the glare you’re giving him. “All I’m saying is, we’re just going out to eat.” He pulls the shirt off his face, looking at you again. “You don’t have to extort yourself over an outfit, we’re only going out to eat. Just wear what you’re wearing now.” 

“Yuuji,” You start, hands fiddling together in front of you. “We’re going to Claim Jumper’s, I have to look good.” You lean on your closet, “In my standards, that’s a fancy restaurant.” You discreetly look away muttering, “And besides, I wore this to school, it’s dirty…”

“Claim Jumper? Really, you think that’s fancy?” Yuuji smiles, biting the inside of his cheek. “Unless, you’re trying to impress someone?” He copies the way you spring up. 

You feel your jaw drop for a second, before quickly recovering. “Gross. I would never.” You turn back to your closet, grabbing a random shirt and looking for some pants. You end up grabbing some shorts, and stand up again.

This time, with someone behind you. Yuuji laughs, reaching over you and grabbing a simple dress. “How about wearing this.” He pulls it off your hanger, holding it over you.  

You lean back on Yuuji’s chest, looking up at him with a thoughtful pout. “Hm, I think it cuts too deep in my boobs.” 

Yuuji jumps at this, pulling away from you until he is pressed on the opposite wall against you. He says your name in exasperation, “Oh my god! Language.” His face is pure red. 

You smile, picking up the dress off the ground. You parted your lips, letting out a soft laugh. “You’re so weird, Yuuji.” 

Yuuji breathes out quickly, before smiling. Dimples. “I think I’m the most normal one in this house.” He places his hand on his neck. 

You playfully scoff, “Whatever, yeah, this is good enough.” You slip the dress over your body, brushing it out with your hand. Moving your hands under the skirt and pulling down your shorts, along with removing your sports bra in a similar fashion. “I guess you have a good eye, or whatever.” 

“See, what would you do without me?” Yuuji boast, you take this time to look forward. Glancing at your vanity to fix the little things about your look. Mostly to do your makeup. 

Yuuji decides this is the best time to lay down in your bed, cuddling with all your girly stuffed animals and your pink sheets. “This is amazing.” 

You laugh, applying some of your makeup while Yuuji scrolls on his phone. It’s silent, and silence leaves you with your thoughts, your thoughts lead you to Sukuna. 

“Tell me about Sukuna.” You ask Yuuji, turning over your chair and giving him your attention. 

Yuuji seems to perk at this, giving you a curious look. “Random.” He tilts his head, “What do you want to hear?” 

“Anything.” You smile at him through the mirror, picking up your concealer. “Tell me absolutely anything about you two.” 

Yuuji thinks for a moment, looking at the roof then finally back to you. “Okay, so… back when we were younger, we were obsessed—and I mean, obsessed with Sailor Moon.” 

“Who was your favorite?” You point an accusing finger at him with your makeup brush. 

“Jupiter.” Yuuji says, his hand clapping as he tells you, “The ponytail, dude, the ponytail.” He places his hand over his eyes, “The athletic girl aesthetic.” He deeply breathes, “She was made for me, literally made for me.”

You laugh, tapping your lip in thought with the back of your brush. “I was a Venus girly.” You smile, recalling your youth, even humming the theme song. 

“No way! So was Sukuna!” Yuuji joins in with you, but actually sings the theme song, “Sailor Moon! Fighting evil by moonlight, winning love by daylight…”

You hold your brush like a microphone, “Never running from a real fight!” 

“She is the one named Sailor Moon!”

“She is the one named Sailor Moon!” You laugh, applying your light brown color to your eyelid. “That theme song will never leave my mind.” 

“Yeah, that show was amazing.” Yuuji pulls up his phone, “We loved it so much, we even dressed up as the characters for Halloween.” He flips the phone to you to reveal a picture with a small Yuuji and Sukuna, where they’re dressed in their characters along in their respective poses. 

“Oh my god, Yuuji, I need this photo.” You grab his phone, absolutely adoring the photo. “You guys are so cute together.” 

Yuuji sighs, pulling his phone away, “We used to be, now we’re just moody adults.” He sits down on your bed, while you grab some lip gloss and apply it to your lips. “Everything is fine, I just wish we could talk, you know?” 

You pass him a comforting smile and nod, “Yeah, I get you, Yuuji.” 

Yuuji awkwardly smiles, to himself, “Like, I love my brother, but… I don’t think he loves me.” He shakes his head, waving his hand. “I’m being dumb, ignore me. It’s fine.” 

“You’re not being dumb, Yuuji, not at all.” You rub your lips together. You also notice that Yuuji is staring at them, and you can’t help but smile. “Do you want some?” You sit down next to him, your knees touching. 

Yuuji’s eyes seem to light up at this, “Hell yeah!” He leans in close to you, “I wanna be a pretty girl.” He bats his eyelashes at you, pucking his lips. 

You laugh, grabbing his face and putting the lip gloss over his lips messily. You fake a cringe, “Oh, oops! I think I messed up.” You rub your thumb over his lips, just worsening the lips gloss, “Oh oops! It happened again I think I have too–” 

There’s a knock at your door frame, and both you and Yuuji look at it. 

“Am I interrupting something?” Sukuna looks at Yuuji, eyeing the sheer sticky substance on his lips, along with your matching ones. 

You practically bounce from your spot, your eyes full of glimmer, “Sukuna!” You go to hug him, only to be met with his finger flicking your head. You pause, cupping your forehead. “You could’ve just hugged me back.” You’ve been dying to see him all day, yet, he’s acting as if nothing happened between you two. 

Something did happen. 

“Too much, brat.” Sukuna whispers at you, but there’s a hint of amusement in his voice. “You’re bad with personal space.” He teases. 

You look to the side, crossing your arms over your chest while mumbling, “As if you’re not…”

“What was that?” He barks at you. 

Yuuji shakes his head, grabbing your shoulder and pulling you to his side. “No, we weren’t busy? Why, what’s up?” He lets his arm slide around your shoulder, pulling you into him. 

Sukuna takes a moment to respond, eyeing the way his brother holds you, but it isn’t long until his attention is back on you. “We’re going to a party tonight.” He tells you, “So, be ready by like seven.” 

You tilt your head at this, “Really? Oh my gosh, I love parties.” You dance a bit in your spot, excitement seeping through your body. “Are we going to a bar, or maybe a friend's house?” You tilt your head. 

Sukuna shakes his head, “No, I got invited to a frat.” 

Your expression falls, “Nevermind.” You turn on your heel, and duck under Yuuji’s shoulder. “I’m going out to eat with friends, who knows how long we’re going to be out?” You grab your lip gloss from the bed. 

Sukuna turns on his heel, “Be back before seven then.” 

You huff, turning back to Yuuji, “Ugh, can you believe him.” You grab Yuuji’ shirt and tug him down with you on the bed, both of your legs flying in the air for a moment. “He’s so dumb.” There’s a small smile on your face. 

Yuuji blinks at you, “Yeah.” He's smiling, nonetheless. He whispers your name, which makes you turn to look at him. This is when Yuuji moves in and cups your ear, whispering a single sentence in your ear. 

It takes you a second to process, but the moment you do, you immediately pull away from Yuuji, falling off your bed as you do so. Both of your hands cupping your mouth as your face is burning with embarrassment. 

Yuuji laughs, hand mimicking you. “I was just joking, I wasn’t being serious.” He tilts his head at you from your comfy bed, “Looks like you are, though.” 

“Don’t say that Yuuji, I don’t–” 

“Yes, you do. Don’t lie to me.” Yuuji swings his feet off your bed, narrowly missing your head. “This is actually crazy, he managed to make some like his bitchy face.” He places his hand on your head, “Who knew it would be an absolute angel like you?” 

You tilt your head to the side, “Wait, you’re not mad at me?” You cringe to yourself, “Usually when a girl likes their friend’s older brother, it becomes a huge mess.” 

Yuuji laughs, “I mean, are we not going to be friends anymore? If so, then, yeah, I’d be pretty mad you’re leaving me for my older brother.” He wrinkles his nose, “That would suck, like genuinely.” 

You laugh, pulling your legs together so you can hug him, “Yeah, that would suck.” You smile at him, “But that’ll never happen, I like being friends with you, Yuuji.” You push yourself off the floor, tackling him in a hugh while the two of you fall on your bed. “You’re a bit stuck with me right now, Yuuji, and if this is your pathetic attempt to get rid of me, I’m sorry to say it isn’t working.” 

Yuuji pushing you on the bed, hugging you back. “I’m so glad.” He smiles into your arms, hugging your way harder. You are a bit worried that you can’t breathe. Still, you find it endearing how much Yuuji cares for you, despite the small time the two of you have spent together. 

You’re also happy he still cares for his brother. Sukuna clearly cares for Yuuji, too, if only the two of them could talk to each other. 

When your phone rings, the sound startling you. You glance at your bedside drawer, seeing how Yuuji is closer to it. He leans over and peers at who the caller is. 

“Who is it?” You push yourself up and try to look at your phone with him. 

“Nobara.” 

“Oh.” You turn to look at your door, your eyebrows furrowing together. “Really? Shit, do you think she’s here?” You grimace, waving your hand. “Uhm, just pick up.” 

Yuuji follows suit, watching you turn back to the mirror and finish getting ready. He picks up the phone, “Nobara?”

“Yuuji? Where’s the love of my life?” Nobara asks ludicrously, it makes you and Yuuji laugh. 

“Currently hiding her body, why? You need her, or something?” 

There was a moment of silence. 

“Yuuji, I swear to god!” 

You and Yuuji burst out laughing, you come onto the call, “I’m here babe, I’m here babe. Tell me, what’s up?” You grab your phone. 

Yuuji can hear distant music in the background. “Are you already outside?” He asks, “Cause, we’re not ready—“ Yuuji quickly says your name as a correction, “She’s not ready, so, you may be waiting outside for a bit.” 

You send him a nasty glare, one that only makes him laugh. 

Nobara takes a moment to respond, and when she does, it’s not directed at any of you. “Did you hear that, Megumi? We’re going to be chillin’ here for a moment.” She sighs, “Alright, I’ll see you in a few.” With that, she ends the call. 

Yuuji sits on your bed, placing the phone back on the drawer. “With gas prices, I’m so glad I don’t have a car.” He leans his back, letting his head tilt. “That’s why I take the bus everywhere.” 

“You also don’t have a care.”

Yuuji nods, “I also don’t have a car.” 

“Does this mean that Nobara is our sugar mommy?” You narrow your eyes in thought, “You know, since she buys us everything, drives us around, is pretty hot…?”

Yuuji blinks a few times in shock, “Oh my god, we’re sugar babies.” He slaps his hand over his eyes, “I swore off this life back my freshman year… I can’t believe I’ve fallen back into this madness.”

“Back into this life?.” You repeat slowly at him, clapping your hands together. “You’ve had experience being a sugar baby?” You place your shoes on, glancing at the mirror and smiling to yourself. Perfect.

Yuuji nods his head placing his head on yours while looking at the mirror with you, “Of course, you think I’m paying for this place.” He scoffs with a laugh, “You’re funny, I would never. That’s too much work for me right now.” 

“Babe, Yuuji, love of my life, you’re telling me you’re Sukuna’s sugar baby?” You raise your eyebrow at him, looking at his face through the mirror. 

“I’m just Sukuna’s baby.” Yuuji nods to himself, “Yeah.” 

You laugh, pulling yourself away and walking towards your door, “Alright let's go, seems like I have to be back before seven for Sukuna.” You sigh, “Sukuna’s twenty one, right? It wouldn’t be snitching him out if I wrote down he drank.”

“I think so?” Yuuji follows you, finger against his bottom lip in thought. “I mean, last time I checked, he was seventeen.” 

You deadpanned at Yuuji, “Sukuna is not seventeen, I swear, you and your grandpa..” You smile to yourself, “Seems like Sukuna is the only one who’s good with birthdays in your family.”

Yuuji blinks a few times, “Really?”

You nod, “Yes, babe, he’s the one who corrected your grandpa when he said you were sixteen.” You grab his arm, pulling him to your side, “Now that I really think about it, Sukuna is very observant.”

Yuuji looks over his shoulder, “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” 

—

“I already told you, I don’t plan on drinking, I can just drive us back.” You huff on the window, drawing small shapes. Angry shapes. “I hate that I’m here right now, I never agreed to this.” You’re lying to yourself now, you like being around Sukuna. Even if it is a stupid frat party which you swore off from… still, you know you’re not going to have fun. 

Sukuna smiles to himself, “Yes, you did, the moment I agreed you could follow me around.” Sukuna places his hand on your head, “Don’t tell me you forgot our agreement, this is your project we’re talking about here, right?” He cooed at you. 

You feel your eyebrows mesh together, of course he’s going to use that against you. You hum, “Sure, whatever.” You scoff, keeping your eyes on the houses passing by, “I can’t believe you even have friends to invite you to these types of things in the first place.” 

Sukuna widens his eyes, “You’d be surprised.”

“Name one.” 

“There's no one you’ll know. Hopefully, you’ll meet some new people.” 

“I wish they’d be in my year.” You finally pull away from the window, leaning back in your seat with your legs crossed. “That would be nice.” 

Sukuna playfully rolls his eyes at you, “You’ll meet someone you like.”

You laugh dryly, “Sure.” The rest of the car drive is of that nature, laid back and comfortable. Riddled with small quips back and forth. 

Sukuna parks his car in the house's driveway. Which you think is rather convenient. Almost as if the spot is reserved for his car only. Which you can’t help but think is rather kind. 

Ah, yes, there once was a time where you did enjoy going to frat parties. The experimental freshman year, however, the one thing people never talked about was parking spaces. How hard it was to find one when a big party was being thrown. 

It was either Nobara parked in some random space far from the actual party, and the two of you had to walk over a block to get to the house. Or, show up a few hours earlier, avoiding the whole thing all together. While also helping the host get things ready.

Which is so incredibly embarrassing. 

You push the door open, and place your feet on the floor. Being careful to keep everything covered. Wearing skirts isn’t always the most convenient, but it is always the cutest. The particular skirt you’re wearing is a bit hard to move in. It was frilly and light. So, if you're too fast to take a turn, you’re sure you would flash people the panties you were wearing. 

Which brings up the argument, why wear it in the first place? You just really like how your ass looks in it, and that’s reason enough. 

Then, there’s your shirt, a piece of clothing you and Yuuji picked out together. You had taken too long picking out a skirt, only to give up and ask for his opinion on a shirt, which you’re more than happy you did. It's a crop top long sleeve. Over the shoulder while the material bunched up between your boobs in a loose tie. You amend Yuuji for this one. 

Your perfume was sweetly smooth, almost like vanilla. You also made sure to wear the jewelry Sukuna had yet to take back from you, almost in a taunting fashion. You threw on some bracelets to mix up the fun. 

Sukuna’s by your side, pushing his hair back with his hand. “Hope you’ll have fun.” He smiles to himself, walking towards the door’s entrance, “Your stuck up ass needs a few drinks.” You swear you hear him mumble, ‘I do, too.’

You tap the back of your hand hard, your eye twitching for a moment as you slowly follow Sukuna towards the porch. You can feel the music's vibration. It feels like it’s vibrating within you, which isn’t a feeling you were fond of–just grew to tolerate. Besides, after a few drinks, you’re sure it will tune out of your brain. 

Waiting at the door with Sukuna, you can’t help but notice the odd stares the few people outside are giving you. This time, you can confidently say it’s you they’re looking at, but you do your best to ignore them. Besides, they’re not even in the house. Why does it matter to them?

Sukuna’s quick to meet the person standing by the door, passing them a quick boyish smile. The guy passes an equally boyish grin back, he passes a glance at you, “Brought someone? That’s new.”

“A friend.” Sukuna leans in, and you swear that you see him mouth, ‘Babysitting.’

The man laughs, “Sure, whatever. Another friend.” The guy sarcastically remarks, he opens the door, eyeing you up and down, “Go have fun, gorgeous.” 

You pass him an uncomfortable smile. Oh. How lovely. You just know freshman year you would’ve been jumping with joy from the attention. Now, you’re a bit repulsed by it. You’re quick to pull yourself to Sukuna’s side. 

Sukuna notices your demeanor, “I feel like I should ask why you don’t like this.” He gestures his free hand around, indicating the party. “But, I’m not entirely curious.” He’s wearing a shit-eating grin. 

You lean into him, thinking for a moment. “I’m choosing to ignore that last sentence.” You say, looking at the people around you. Some people pass you a kind acknowledge nod, others give you a look you can describe as envy. You wonder if it’s because you’re with Sukuna, “I feel it’s the environment...” You trail off, having trouble finding the words. 

“You mean the college life?” Sukuna sarcastically quips, smirking to himself as if he’s the funniest man alive. The things you’d do to just have ten seconds to fight him. “Just say you’re a prude, puppy.” No, twenty. 

You look at Sukuna, rolling your eyes at him. “No. I don’t know if you noticed, but this type of party isn’t for women.” You push his shoulder, “It’s for horny college boys like you.” You laugh briefly, “I mean, why else do you think the ratio between men and women is so large?”  

Sukuna shakes his head. Waving at someone, he doesn’t know who they are, but they clearly know who he is. He should feel bad, but he doesn’t. They don’t matter. 

You nod your head, “See. You’re too close minded to notice these things, ass-hole.” You sing annoyingly at him, your arm looping through his. “Aren’t you happy to have someone like me around you? Sometimes, you need a quick reality check.” 

“Happy is one hell of a way to put it.” Yet, Sukuna doesn’t push you away, he does however, pull his hand away from your grasp and put it on your waist. “But, if that makes you happy, who am I to ruin that?”

You laugh, biting the inside of your cheek. “Sometimes, I think you should just agree with me without being a smartass.” You laugh, “It’d make me like you more.” 

“As if you don’t like me.” 

You scoff, but turn away with your face burning just a bit. “Sure. If that makes you happy, who am I to ruin that.” You mimic with a smile on your face, tilting your head back to poke his shoulder. You pull his shirt, bringing him down to your face level. “Besides, we both know you like me way more than you let on.” You smile at him. 

“Sure.” Sukuna looks away from you. 

“Just say I’m right, and I’ll praise you.” You smile at another girl, at least some people are nice here. “I mean, that’s why you come to these parties, right? To make out with anything with a pretty face.”

“I’m not.” 

“Sure, Su-ku-na.” You pull away from Sukuna, a bright TV screen catching your attention. You make your way over, leaving Sukuna to himself. Your eyes nearling sparkling at the game on the rather big TV–weren’t these college kids also broke?–and watching the careless gameplay. 

You lean on the back of the couch’s frame, letting your weight rest on it. Sukuna follows you, turning so his hand is to the couch and leaning on it alongside you. You lean into Sukuna, eyes bouncing from all four screens.

“I bet money, I can beat all these people.” You whisper, “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m a slut for Mario Kart.” You don’t even bother to listen to Sukuna’s reply before you're leaning into the couch. Watching these strangers horribly play, entertaining nonetheless. Yet, a part of you wonders how they can even hear each other. 

The music was so loud. 

Sukuna leans into you, “I genuinely do not understand how someone could be this bad at a game.” He laughs in your ear, “And, of all things, Mario Kart.” 

You look at him, nose practically touching, you didn’t realize you two were this close. “Don’t tell me you’re also good at Mario Kart.” You place a hand on his chest, creating a small distance between you two. 

“I’m good at everything.” 

“Ha. Ha. Right, of course you are.” You exaggerate. Yet, your eyes trail to the side, noticing a person standing to the side, yet glancing at Sukuna every now and then. Sukuna notices your distracted gaze, and follows it. However, the person is already by his side now.

For the first time ever, you watch as Sukuna lights up, the biggest smile you’ve ever seen him utter splitting his lips. “Uraume!” He turns away from you, “God, how have you been? It’s been some time?” 

Uraume smiles back equally as excited, “Sukuna! It’s been some time.” They wrap their arms around him, closing their eyes for a moment. “My stove’s been quite cold since you’ve moved out, you should really come for a visit.” 

Sukuna laughs loudly. 

You can’t help but think, it wasn’t that funny… Also, that name sounds… very familiar. Uraume… Uraume… Uruame… wait? Is that the saved number— 

“Hell yeah, you know I can’t go long without you, Uraume.” He pulls away, still smiling brightly. His dimples denting into his skin, while his pearly teeth flash at Uraume.

You want him to smile at you like that. 

You can’t help but feel a bit shocked, you’ve never seen Sukuna smile like this. Smile like he’s really happy, truly pleased with the person he’s talking to. You give the person a unsure smile, “Uh, hi, I’m…” 

“Uraume..” Sukuna places a hand on Uraume’s back, your name leaving his lips with far less enthusiasm compared to theirs in an introduction. “She’s the girl I’m stuck with for the week. I’m pretty sure I texted you about her.” 

Uraume nods, “Yes, I remember.” 

You blink a few times, recalling back to when you blocked the blonde girl. Mentally noting the few saved contacts, three to be exact. Two that you’re familiar with, and one you’re not. 

Uraume. 

“I used to live with Uraume.” Sukuna tells you, boasting in a way. “Absolutely love food, and their cooking is…” Sukuna breathes out in relief. “Immaculate.”

Uraume nods, “You should’ve met him when we first moved in, you should’ve seen how picky he was.” They roll their eyes, “I used to call him Lord Sukuna, that’s how stuck up he used to be. Good thing he’s finally gotten over that phase.” 

You didn’t know that. They seem close, really close. You’re a bit jealous. You bite the inside of your cheek, turning away. You push yourself off the couch, swiping your hand down Sukuna’s chest. “I need something in my system.” 

Uraume tilts their head, “If you want, I can mix up a drink for you?” They look to the side, “Actually, I’m supposed to be making drinks outside right now for some of your friends.” 

You watch Uraume leave, a bit disheartened. 

Sukuna eyes you, “Naughty puppy, I thought you said you weren’t drinking.” He taunts you. 

You turn over your shoulder, walking backwards as you tell him. “Maybe I’d stick to my word if you weren’t up my ass calling me stupid nicknames.” You turn on your heel, making your way to the kitchen. Yet, you could’ve sworn you heard him call your name again. You wave it off, it’s a party, a loud one, you’re going to hear all sorts of things tonight. Even now, pushing through the crowd, you hear some incredibly questionable conversations happening. 

You hug yourself, as much as you love the shirt and skirt you’re wearing, you can’t help but find it a bit inconvenient. You don’t have pockets, so you have to shove your AirPods and small wallet into your bra. Leaving you with your phone in your hands.

Reaching the kitchen, you peer into the backyard through the sliding door. Catching a rather large group of people sitting and talking. Which isn’t uncommon, yet, it looks more male dominated. 

More specifically, all the women are conversing with a few individuals. He’s leaning on a bar table, drink in hand while everyone is listening to what he is saying, his friend next to him adding small comments. Or, who you assume is his friend at least. They look… familiar. 

A part of you want to join them, hear what story they’re telling. You know it clearly caught the attention of many people, so it has to be somewhat interesting, right? More specifically, women, of course. It almost entices you, you feel an urge to go and listen. See what is being said to catch the attention of so many beautiful women. Albeit, you do think one of the men talking is attractive, so that can be a reason alone. 

Yet, only certain men have the power to do that at parties. Draw crowds and have them listen. Which strikes a small feeling of curiosity and jealousy, you wish you can have that power. It would be nice to be the center of attention. 

You shake your head, turning away. It doesn’t matter.

You look at the kitchen, your eyes dancing over the array of colorful solo cups. Red, pass. Pink, DTF. Blue, taken. Green, complicated. You wonder where the hell they acquired all these colorful solo cups. 

Naturally, you would want to grab a pink one, but know better. So, you grab a boring red one, making way to a soda bottle and pouring yourself a hearty amount of soda. You’re quick to take a sip, relaxing as you lean on the counter. 

Yet, immediately tense up when someone calls your name. 

You look to the side and relief washes over your body. Maki. Thank god you know at least someone here. 

Maki looks you up and down, “Never took you as the party type. You look good, though.” She eyes the location, “Did you come with someone, or are you..” She looks at your red solo cup, “Alone?..” 

You shake your head, a small laugh leaving your lip, “No, actually, I came with Suk–” You immediately shut your mouth, eyes widening with realization. “I came with my project.” 

“Really?” Maki asks, a bit estranged. “Who is your project on, anyway? I think I already told you who mine is on.” 

You take a ginger sip, nodding. “You just said it was on your brother, you never told me his name.” You tap your foot on the ground, “Although, I have a feeling I know who he is.”  

Maki gives you an expectant look, “You mean Megumi?” She laughs a bit, tapping her finger on the marble countertop, “I thought everyone knew that, I mean? Have you seen us?” She gestures to her face.  

“I didn’t know!” You yell, a bit too loudly. You quickly tense up, holding your cup above your lips as if that was concealing you from the world. “Why would you think I would know that? We barely even talk in class.” 

“Sure. I guess you have a point.” Maki takes a sip of her drink, “Anyway, what about you? You didn’t tell me.” 

“About what?” You respond, tilting your head. 

“About who your project is about?” Maki gives you an amused look, clearly trying to hide her smile. She’s not doing that well of a job. 

“Oh! Uhm, well…” You play with the end of your skirt, “Remember those football boys who passed us? Like, forever ago?” Maki nods. You bite your lip, suppressing an unsure smile. “Well, I kinda’ got one of them to agree to my project.” 

Maki punches your shoulder playfully. “Shit, did you really seduce one of them? Didn’t take you as a temptress, although I didn’t think you were a fan of parties either.” She tilts her head, eyes skimming up and down your body, “What other secrets are you hiding from me?”

You feel your face grow hot as you turn away from her, “Gross, more like forced.” You lean into her, “Remember the guy you told me you hated?” 

Maki’s eyes widen, “No.” It comes out so exasperated, and you swear on everything, that two letter word is the most emotion Maki has ever shown. “You kidding–how did you..? Is he here?” She pulls back slightly, “I don’t believe you.” 

You nod, “Yeah, I can go look for Sukuna.” You play with the rim of your cup, your finger circling it. “I can grab him really–” 

“You’re the girl Sukuna came with, right?” A feminine but scratchy voice comes from behind you. 

That voice… it sounds… familiar. Way too familiar. You peak over your shoulder, looking at the women behind you. Your eyes widen at her figure, and blonde hair. Oh my god, it’s the girl you blocked!

No, wait, you actually recognize her. It’s the girl from back when you first moved in with Yuuji. Holy shit, what a small world. 

As soon as her brown eyes land on your face, they’re filled with anger. “Oh my fucking god, there’s no way.” She smiles mockingly at you, “Oh, shit, no, I mean…” She pushes a chuck of hair behind her shoulder, “I recognize you, you were the crazy ex.” 

You blink a few times, before shaking your head timidly. “N-No, not the crazy ex.” You take a hesitant drink of your soda, “And, Sukuna’s only had one ex back in highschool. I promise, she’s long gone.” 

Maki sharply breathes behind you, clearly laughing, before taking a quick sip of her drink. The blonde girl seems to notice this, her expression souring, “Oh, yeah. You’re right, I’m probably just mixing people up. I mean, he was hanging out with this girl like two days ago.” 

“That was probably me, too. We’ve been together all week for a project.” You tell her slowly. 

She nods, “Oh, that makes so much more sense! Sukuna wouldn’t choose to be around someone like… well.” She looks behind her at her friends, “You know… He’s not into the whole..” She gestures to you, her hand loosely referencing up and down your body. “He’s more into someone… you know.” 

You feel unsettled by her smile, “I don’t think I do?” You blink a few times, looking at Maki for a second, “I’m confused here, are you insulting me? Or, are you trying to be mean?” This is so weird, you’ve never experienced something like this before. 

She gasps dramatically, “Oh, good lord, no. Why would I be mean to you? I’m just giving you advice!” She moves in closer, “If you want, I can tell you how he likes to be sucked off. Or, what position is his favorite? Whatever you prefer, babe.” 

You shake your head slowly, “I–I’ve never done anything with Sukuna?” You wrap your arms around your body, starting to feel a bit… insecure. 

She blinks at this, her lips parting ever so slightly,  “Oh, right, that makes sense.” She turns away, letting out a breath of relief. “I really thought for a second his standard fell. Good to know they haven’t.”  

A part of you wants to bite back, say something along the lines of, ‘I don’t need to touch him, he jacks off to me when I’m right next to him.’ But, you bite your tongue and force something more pleasant out, “Yeah, it’s no wonder he blocked you. Twice.” Maki laughs behind you, which gives you some semblance of security. You pretend to think, “Actually, now that I remember, I was the one who blocked you the second time, since he asked me too.” 

The girl’s eye twitches, her demeanor crumbling before she bites her cheek with a smile, leaning back ever so slightly. “Okay, well. Tell him, since the two of you are so close now,” She wrinkles her nose with a smile, “That I’m not going to be free this weekend, but I can make it Monday.” 

“Oh, okay.” You smile, “If you want, I can make sure he doesn’t have anyone over in the meantime.” You take a sip of your drink, “I’m sure I can actually entertain him other than whoring myself out and tossing my panties to the side.” You wipe the side of your mouth with your thumb, “I’m sure he’s told you the story behind his tattoos.” 

Her fake smile seems to completely fall at this, her depression hardening into something… dark. “You fucking bitch.” She seethes at you, “He didn’t tell you shit, why the hell would he tell something like that to an ugly bitch like–”

“Awh! I told you she’s cuter up closer.” Two arms lay over your shoulders, a head resting on top of yours. “Something else is even better up close, too.” His voice is sickly playful, and he’s touching you as if the two of you had been friends for years. “And to think, Sukuna’s been purposely hiding her away from us?” His head twists to the side, clearly talking to someone that isn’t you. 

“Yeah, sure. If that’s what you want to call it.” A lazy voice responds, it sends a shiver down your spine. “Sukuna’s going to kill you if he sees you touching her, though.” He gives you a quick look, it almost looks like a silent look a girl gives you as a warning. 

Is he warning you? About… the guy hugging you? That makes sense, right? A shiver shoots down your spine when you hear him laugh above you again. He’s definitely warning you about the guy. 

The girl freezes, her eyes moving above your head. “Mahito.” She says with forced enthusiasm, an equally forced smile accompanying it. “I was just having a fun chat with–” 

“Your lying face is really ugly.” Mahito says, his hands pulling up and hugging your shoulder. He leans down, lowering his face to your ear, “You should give her some tips.” He tells you, “Maybe she’ll be as pretty as you one day.” He turns his face, and his hair tickles your cheek, “Don’t you agree, Choso?” 

There’s a slight pause, and you can only read the girl's expression across from you. It’s sour. “Yeah, maybe if you weren’t a bitch, you’d be more bearable.” Choso finally adds with a lazy shrug. 

“Ah, don’t say that, she’s not completely bitchy.” Mahito pulls off you, reaching into his back pocket. “You should see the video I have of her, so much better and cuter.” Again, you can’t stress how enthusiastic he sounds, it’s unnerving. 

Choso scowls at that, pulling away from Mahito. “Get away from me…” 

The blonde groans at Mahito, twisting on her heel and walking away. 

Instinctively, you go to thank the stranger, but immediately push yourself into the counter trying to back away from him. He’s so close, his nose is practically touching yours. “I can’t believe he’s been trying to hide you away from me, that selfish Sukuna.” His hair is a bright blue, and you start to wonder if your hair is considered normal or flashy. 

You look at Maki, only to see her equally confused. You look back at Mahito again, “Uh?... Hide me away from you? I’m sorry, but I don’t know you.” You pass him an uncomfortable laugh, leaning farther into the counter. 

“Yeah, I mean, that’s why he has you following him around campus.” Mahito blinks at you, his eyes sucking your expression and movements. Knowing that you’re off limits, something that Sukuna has purposely tried to keep away from him, has him high on excitement. “Right, Choso?” 

When you look to the side of Mahito, you feel a realization click. Choso, he’s the cute guy from earlier, along with Mahito. These were the guys in the group. “Yeah, you should’ve seen Sukuna’s face when Mahito talked about you.” He smiles to himself, taking a drink from his cup without taking his eyes off you. “Wanted to kill him.” 

You look back at Mahito, and really think. He looks familiar for a reason. 

It hits you like a truck. 

You push on Mahito’s chest, “You’re–you’re the guy who messed up Sukuna’s shoulder.” You stand up straight, “The one who tried to hurt him…” on purpose. The sentence finishes in your mind. 

Mahito smiles crudely at this, “Awh, look how scared she looks.” He pulls himself to the side, allowing Choso to look at you, “Her puppy ears are practically pulled to her head in fear, isn’t that so cute?” 

Choso seems a bit disturbed by Mahito’s antics, but just passes him a half-assed shrug. At this moment, you truly think this is karma for all the times you’ve called Yuuji a cute puppy, it just has to be. 

Mahito only smiles at this, leaning in closer to you, “C’mon, I’ll treat you like one too.” He wraps his arms around your shoulder, pulling you close to him. “I’ll get you treats, pet you, pull you around on a leash…” He lowers his face in front of yours. “Doesn't that sound nice?”

You shakily exhale, there’s no way this is happening. “No. Why the fuck would I want that?” You look at Maki, watching as she’s moving closer to you, shoving the man off you. You just shake your head at her, “Let’s go, this guy’s a creep.” You place your cup down, grabbing Maki. 

Maki huffs, but leaves it as is. “Sure.” She pulls herself to your side, “What weirdos, I swear…” 

You just nod in agreement, but pause when you see Sukuna eyeing the place. When he notices you, he’s already by your side, “Where the fuck were you? I thought you said you were getting a drink.” He looks at your hands. 

“I was getting harassed.” You say a bit bluntly, “By a boy, and a girl.” She’s definitely not a girl’s-girl. 

Sukuna’s eyebrows pinch, his hands coming to your shoulders, “What? What the fuck do you mean? Who the hell was bothering you?” Despite his tone, his hands are actually really comforting. It’s a bit weird. 

“Uh, the girl from when I first moved in.” You tell him, which immediately garners an eyeroll. “And, the blue haired guy–Mahito, the one who hurt you on Thursday. He was like…” You look to the side, “He was bothering me.” 

Sukuna lifts his eyes from your face, and you naturally turn to look at what caught his attention. Only to close your eyes the moment something sweet and sticky hits your face, it’s wet and trails down your neck. Your skin, and hair clumping together. 

Well. Fuck me. You blink a few times, your mascara clumping together as you lift your hand to carefully wipe your eyes. Someone just threw their drink at you, and immediately your mind goes to the annoying bitch from earlier, but it’s quickly debunked by a sinister laugh. 

A boy laugh, more specifically. Because, of course it is. Mahito tosses the cup carelessly behind him, placing his hand over his lips. “Oops! Mistakes happen, dear. Let me help you with that.” He immediately goes to wipe you down, but Sukuna’s hand grabs his wrist tight. 

“Don’t you fucking dare.” Sukuna twist his hand painfully away from you, “I’ll slam your head so hard, it’ll fix whatever fucked up mental shit is going on with you.” He shoves him away, watching Mahito stumble over his footing. 

You quickly threw your hair over your shoulder, looking down at your now red stained shirt. You blink a few times in pain, what would Yuuji think? You look back at Mahito, only to see him grinning. God, I want to punch him. 

Mahito tilts himself to look past Sukuna, “If you want, I can grab a shirt from my room. Then, you can toss your shirt in the wash.” He’s taunting you, but before you can respond, Mahito’s speaking again, “And, you might want to make a quick decision, that bright red color stains if you leave it in too long.” 

You groan, looking down at your outfit. This shirt was something you bought with your plushy-money, a spend that took way too much will power to swipe your card on. Yet, you did because you thought it would be nice to treat yourself. 

Which means, it was an absurd amount of money. 

You shake your head, “I need it washed now.” You can feel the sticky liquid seeping down your body, collecting into your skirt. “I really like this shirt.” 

Sukuna shoves Mahito away, not letting him respond as he tosses Maki his keys, “There’s an extra shirt in my trunk, bring it to the washroom.” He places his hand on your back, “Here, let’s go get you cleaned up.” 

You just nod. 

——

Frat parties aren’t my thing. You chant in your head like a prayer, hugging yourself. It has been over half an hour, and Maki still hadn’t turned up with the shirt. So, Sukuna decided it was best to give you his shirt–the only one he was wearing–while your clothing washed within the first five minutes of waiting. 

So, that’s how your day is going. Sitting on top of a washing machine, in a random frat boy laundry room, practically naked, while Sukuna stands shirtless three feet away from you. Truely how you envision every Friday night to turn out as. 

You can feel your face burning at the close proximity. It feels worse than Thursday, at least you were clothed, but now you’re probably equally as naked. God, this is horrible, you genuinely can’t handle this anymore. Luckily, the muffled music and rumble of the washing machine clouds your mind. 

You sigh, crossing one leg over the other as you lean back. Enjoying the vibrations over the lower half of your body. Like a nice massage on your legs and thighs. When the door props open, an unsure version of your name follows. 

You pop up, tilting your name at the person, “Maki?” You ask, tilting your head. “Is that you?” Please be Maki, please be Maki. You genuinely can’t stand the idea of being in a quiet room with a shirtless Sukuna any longer. 

“Yeah.” She pokes her hand in the room, a shirt and key attached. “I thought Sukuna’s car would be parked around the block, not on the fucking drive way.” She laughs, but it’s littered with pain and exhaustion, “Imagine my horror when I spent thirty minutes running around the block only for it to be here.” 

You pass her an awkward laugh, pushing yourself off the machine and grabbing the things. “Thanks Maki, I totally owe you one, babe.” She waves you off, “Sorry, again, I’ll see you at class.” You pass her a polite goodbye, before shutting the door and locking it. 

You sigh, letting your head fall on the door with a soft thud. “I hate this.” 

“Yeah, me too.” Sukuna sighs alongside you.

You turn to look at him, “I don’t know what to say.” You move back to the washing machine, pushing yourself to move atop of it again. “Maybe… you have shitty friends?” You place his keys on a shelf. 

“They’re not my friends.” Sukuna says, closing his eyes and trying to relax. 

“I told you, you didn’t have friends.” Uraume flashes through your head, and you feel that sting of jealousy again. You drape the extra shirt over your lap. “I guess except for Uraume.” You turn away from him, “I’ve never seen you smile like that, were the two of you–”

“No.” Sukuna stops you, “Don’t tell me you’re jealous.” 

You flinch, quickly looking back at Sukuna, “What? Why the hell would I be jealous?” You furrow your eyebrows, your face burning up. “Gross.” You stick your tongue out dramatically, pretending to gag. 

Sukuna finally opens one of his eyes to look at you, “Whatever.” He closes them again, “If you don't like me, just say that. It’s annoying to deal with you being a bi–” He stops himself, your name slipping your lips as a correction. 

You find it funny, a small laugh leaving your lips, “I don’t like the blonde girl, the one from where I first moved in.” You lean back, softly swinging your legs back and forth. “She totally tried embarrassing me earlier.” 

“She’s here?” Sukuna asks, almost tiredly, “God she’s annoying, it’s why I blocked her.” He laughs to himself, “I swear, the unsaved numbers are always the most annoying.” 

“She told me she can’t make it this weekend, but is free Monday.” You look at Sukuna, “She thinks we’re sleeping together, too.” 

“Oh, okay.” Sukuna opens his eyes at you, “Did you tell her we are?” 

“No, I told her I could entertain you without being a whore.” You look down, playing with his shirt on your lap, “And, I kinda’ implied it, too. Maybe…” You bit the inside of your cheek, a small pout forming on your lips. “She just bothered me..” 

Sukuna’s shoulders jump up, before a quick breath of air leaves his lips. You snap your head at his face, watching as his hand presses over his lips, trying to hide his laugh. “S-Seriously? You let that annoying bitch get to you?” He is laughing between his sentences. 

You can feel your face burning up even more, “Don’t–I didn’t let her get to me!” You turn away, “I just didn’t like the way she was talking to me, or about you...” But, she did get to you. 

It’s true, in some weird sense. Maybe, Sukuna didn’t find you that attractive, and all you are to him is his little brother’s annoying friend. It’s true he masturbated to you, once, but that’s when you first moved in. You were new and shiny, now you’re just his roommate. 

Maybe, she’s right. 

Sukuna laughs one final time, shaking his head. “Cute.” He tilts his head to the side, “You’d be a good girlfriend.” He gives you a playful look, it’s something you’ve never seen before. A bit of a boyish smile.

You absolutely love it. “I’m a good friend, is what you mean to say.” 

Sukuna shrugs, “Maybe. Besides, you’re way hotter, I already know she said something about being my type.” He rolls his eyes, “She only says that because I said she had interesting hair.” 

You shrug, recalling her hair color. “Blonde. Do you have a thing for blondes?” 

Sukuna seems to laugh loudly at that, “She’s not a real blonde. So, I don’t know why she boasts so much about it. But, I honestly don’t care.” He looks at you, his eyes moving to your hair. “You have interesting hair, by the way.” 

You roll your eyes and grab his shirt, lifting it. “I can’t take you seriously shirtless, come get dressed.” You push your hair behind your shoulders. 

Sukuna looks down at his body, before laughing to himself and pushing himself off the wall. He’s quick to say, “Dress me.” 

You give him a questionable look, “Dress yourself.” But, you’re still bunching his shirt together, sticking your hands through the collar. “C’mere.” You naturally spread your legs for him, wanting to give him room.

Sukuna exhales, slotting himself between your thighs. His hands rest on top of them, soft despite their big size. It’s softer than he’s ever touched you before. “I feel like a kid.” He whispers. 

“You asked for this.” You scoot closer to him, and his hands slide to your waist. You lift your hands, looping the collar through his head. Sukuna pokes his head in with his eyes closed, before opening them back up to look at you once the shirt hung from his neck. 

“You’re soft.” He squeezes you a bit harder, his pupils wide. “Smell good, too. What type of perfume are you wearing?” He looks so… pretty. 

It’s so cute, so domestic and sweet. You’ve never seen this side of Sukuna, “Do you… want to feel more?” You lower your hands to his, pushing them down and under his shirt. His fingers ghosts your bare hips and stomach. “You can.” 

Sukuna sighs, his eyes fluttering for a moment, “Fuck…” He places his head on your shoulder, his nose tickling your neck. “This is so weird.” This is so hot. 

You giggle, “Yeah, you’re acting weird—different.” You lift your arms around his shoulders. 

“I feel like I’m going to break you if I touch too hard.” Yet, Sukuna wants to do that, he wants it so fucking bad, it’s driving him insane. He genuinely feels like he’s losing his mind, “But, I want that.” 

You look down, your lashes fluttering. 

“..Me too.” 

Sukuna feels himself snap. His hand tearing away from your waist, and grabbing the back of your neck to pull you into a kiss. One that he’s been dying to have. Groaning against your as the hand on your waist pulls your body flush against him. 

You softly gasp. Before wrapping your legs around his torso, pulling him closer to you as your hands tangle in his hair. It’s so soft, and he feels so nice against you. His lips are perfect, moving against yours in a way you’ve been dreaming of.  

Yet, you’re surprised by how sweet it is, slow and a bit sloppy. He’s treating you carefully, his lips more passionate and longing more than anything else. Sukuna moans into you, his thumb resting behind your ear while his fingers lift the back of your head. Clearly trying to make it easier to kiss you deeper.

“Fuck, you don’t know how fucking long I’ve been wanting to do this.” Sukuna’s trying to control himself, he wants to be nice with you, he really wants to be sweet and treat you like glass, but he wants to absolutely ruin you, too. He wants to see you cry and moan, he wants everything to be filthy and dirty. 

You give him a quick kiss, before pulling away. “W-Why didn’t you?... I–I thought you–you hated me?...” You grab the shirt and toss it off Sukuna, pressing another kiss into his lips while the shirt is covering his eyes. 

Sukuna smiles against you, “You think too fucking much.” He tosses the shirt to the side, placing his hands on your waist and pulling you into him. “Jump, I want to feel you… closer.” 

You immediately listen, applying your weight on Sukuna while he carries you, twisting the two of you so his back is on the washing machine and resting his weight on it. You go to kiss him again, only pause when his hand grabs your jaw. “Wait, puppy.” 

Your lashes flutter at his harsh actions, your stomach flutters with a shivering sensation, something about his harsh actions is… really hot. You can feel your knees hit the top of the washing machine as Sukuna sits on it, your thighs sinking into his as you sit in his lap. 

You can feel him underneath you, you can feel his cock perfectly between your legs, and it makes you dizzy. You just want to… move, or push your hips forward to get a little bit of friction. Something to satisfy your sopping pussy. 

“Can I?...” You place your hands on his chest, moving your hips forward. Immediately a satisfied sigh leaves your lips. He feels thick between your lips spreading you open, your clit catching perfectly and creating delicious friction. You let your forehead rest on his shoulder, you wish you could feel it. Without your panties in the way. 

Sukuna looks down for a moment, a shaky breath leaving his lips. “Oh, of course babe, take what you need.” He places his hands on your thighs, letting his fingertips ghost under the shirt you’re wearing. Grabbing your hips and working your pussy against his dick print. “And don’t stop fucking stop, I want to watch you.”

The idea of Sukuna watching this–watching you, makes your body warm. Knowing that he’s getting off to you, and your body is gratifying. It’s you who he’s thinking of, and it’s you who he wants right now. It’s almost feel rewarding, after all the shit he’s put you through, after all these days of being an asshole, he’s finally warming up to you. In the best way possible. 

You nod, “Okay, I want you to–to watch.” You push your lips against his, giving him a quick kiss. “Wanna’ make you feel good, too.” Sukuna just smirks against you, kissing you back with a sloping tone, before pulling away. 

“Yeah?” He places his hands behind him, leaning back and lifting his hips into you. “Fucking make me feel good, slut.” He looks down at where the two of you connect shamelessly, “Don’t use that smart brain of yours either, let this control you.” He rolls his hips into you, groaning when you join him in the motion. 

Who fucking new grinding was this amazing. 

You whimper, pulling your bottom lip between your teeth as you grab the bottom of Sukuna’s shirt, and pull it up your torso, revealing the panties you’re wearing to Sukuna’s perverse eyes. He instantly groans, drinking up the way you’re absolutely soaking. Fuck, he wants to fucking ruin you, do shit that will ruin you for the rest of your life. Make it so the only cock that can get you off is his, and his alone. 

You pull the shirt off your body, tossing it behind you. Sukuna takes this time to press open kisses on your cleavage. His finger hooking around the middle band of your bra, tugging it down to let your tits bounce out of their confinements. He groans at the sight, his dick swelling underneath your cunt. 

He moves to cup one, “Fuck, the things I’ve thought about doing to these.” He kisses around your nipples, his tongue working around them. “Been dying to look at them, knew they’d be perfect.” He finally licks a strip up your nipple, sucking on them to emulate pleasure throughout your body. You pussy throbbing against his dick. He can fucking feel you, he can feel how nasty you are by liking what he’s doing to you. 

You’re a bit gone, head feeling cloudy and heavy, almost as if you’re going to faint. It’s almost too much, and he hasn’t even touched you yet. You’re just grinding on him like a desperate slut, happy with any type of attention he’s giving you. But, you love it, it feels so good, it’s amazing. His dick rubbing between you, and his tongue working at your tits. You want to feel it inside, you want to feel–you can’t even… you just want him inside you, anything inside of you.

One of Sukuna’s hands harshly grabs your cheeks, forcing you to look up as his mouth moves to your collarbone. His free hand continues to work your hips into him, loving how you’re ruining his pants. If there’s one thing that Sukuna absolutely loves about sex. 

The depravity. When a girl cries over his cock, or loses any sense of reality from how good she feels. When drools or strings of silva coat his cock or lips, the sheets or any surface are absolutely ruined. Sukuna wants to see you crumble into that sense of pleasure, and pain. Feel the very lows so that the highs are absolutely blinding. 

Sukuna’s fingers hook underneath your jaw, his hot tongue sliding over your collar bones, forcing your hips to twitch, then still. Clearly a bit shocked by his actions. Sukuna laughs a bit, before rolling his tongue all the way up to your chin, his mind high on your soft squeaks. He needs to fucking taste you right now. 

“Stick out your tongue.” Sukuna’s fingers pull you back down to look at him, his thumb hooking around the corner of your mouth. You immediately follow his directions, your pink tongue falling out of your mouth. Sukuna nods, “Fuck yeah, that’s a good slut.” Immediately his tongue rolls under yours, wrapping around in a circle.

It feels so nasty, like he's doing whatever he wants to you, but it feels so good at the same time. Degrading your mind into nothing but a pile of mush as you just do as he says. You can feel your split mixing with his, his taste clouding your mind. It feels so good. You moan, your lashes fluttering while rocking your hips. So–so good. 

Sukuna laughs at you, nodding his head, “Yeah, I know you like this shit… becoming a stupid mess on my dick, and I haven’t even done anything?” He pulls his thumb from your mouth, a string of silva pulling and falling on your thigh. “Want me to make you feel good?”

You nod dumbly, naturally following his face for more sloppy kisses, if you could even call them that, before soft moan tears throw you. His wet thumb is carefully slotted right above your throbbing clit. You silva wets your cloth underwear to create a small wet stain. 

You sigh, melting into his touch, your cunt rubbing against his clothed dick. You gasp when his thumb starts moving, circling your clit slowly yet pressured. A perfect in between that has your thighs trembling. 

Sukuna laughs again, nodding his head, “That’s right, that’s right. Just relax, let me use you.” He whispers, pressing kisses into your ears and cheeks, “You want that, right? To become my fuck toy, a hole for me to fuck for however long and hard I want?” You nod thoughtlessly. “Yeah, I know, baby, I know. You want me to use you, fuck you so hard you’re begging me to stop, right? Don’t you want that?” 

You fist your hands around his shoulder, “Y-Yes, puh-please, I want that… I-I want you!” You let your body rest on his, soaking up his warm body heat. It’s suffocating as much as it is dizzying. “Please, I wa–wanna’ co–I wanna…” You babble.

“I know, I know… You want to relax, forget about your studies and anxieties, and just lose yourself in pleasure.” Sukuna mumbles in your ear, “I know how good it feels, you just relax f’me, okay? I promise, you won’t have to use your pretty puppy-brain for any of this.” 

You just nod, resting your forehead on his shoulder while his thumb works pleasurable circles into your clit. “Yeah, just like, doll.” He kisses your shoulders, “So fuckin’ glad you let me do this before the week ended.” 

For some reason, that clears your head a bit. “Wh-What?” You let out a deep sigh, pushing your hips into his thumb. “What does… th-that mean?..” You moan again. 

Sukuna laughs a bit, but it sounds unsure. “You know, this is the last week–”

You stumble on your feet, bumping into the wall across from the washing machine. Your breath is uneven, your lips a bit swollen. Your lips part as your breathing grows in severity, your eyes glazing over. “You’re joking… y-you’re joking, right?” You sniff, “You didn’t just do all that with me, knowing it wasn’t going to change anything–knowing that you’re just not going to talk to me anymore.” 

Sukuna looks… indescribable. 

You furrow your eyebrows, “Talk to me!” You seethe, your tears sliding down your cheeks. “You’re telling me, that you were just going to fuck me, then still say we made a ‘deal?’ Were you planning to pull that shit on me after we…” You groan, lifting your head and whipping your tears. 

Sukuna whispers your name, but it isn’t comforting, it isn’t even to draw your attention, it sounds more like a warning compared to anything. “Don’t be like that, we’ve talked about this.” He pushes himself off the washing machine, taking a step closer to you. 

You shake your head, fixing your bra. “Get out.” You bite the inside of your cheek, looking at your feet. “I can’t look at you right now.” You push around him, looking at the washing machine, seeing that the clean cycle has finished. 

“It’s not like that.” Sukuna tells you, “I’m just…” He groans. 

“I told you to get out.” You toss his shirt at his face, opening the washing machine and grabbing your clothing. It’s damp, it’s cold, but it smells good, and the stain is gone. “Go to the car, wait for me there.” Sukuna says your name, but you shake your head. 

Then, you’re alone. You’re alone in a dumb, and hot laundry room. The music pounding in your head, with your clothing damp in your hands. Your feet are in pain from wearing heels, and your body is sweaty and littered with marks. You feel… used. 

You sit down on the floor, your eyes blurring with wet tears. 

—

Sukuna is… he doesn’t know what he’s feeling. He’s just sitting in his car, leaning back on the headrest, and waiting for you to come back. He feels like he’s fucked up, but at the same time–fuck, he doesn’t know how he feels. 

However, Sukuna knows one thing for certain, he feels like shit, and his body is riddled with anxiety. It’s been such a long time since he’s felt like this–well, he’s feeling a lot of things right now, but those are the only things he can pinpoint. 

Sukuna flinches when the door pops open, you name almost slipping your mouth, only for Uraume to make a questionable face at him. “Sukuna? Weren’t you here with a girl?” They look in the back seat, “Where is she?”

Sukuna cringes, “Uh, getting changed in the laundry room.” He looks away from Uraume, hands on the wheel. 

“You left her–” Uraume pauses, narrowing their eyes at Sukuna, “Why do you look like that?” 

Sukuna furrows his eyebrows, “Like what?”

“Like shit, Sukuna, like shit.” Uraume says with an emotionless face, they close their eyes leaning back for a moment, “I swear… What did you do to her? She seems nice, too.” They sigh, pouting slightly, “Why would you do that to the girl you like, Sukuna?” 

“What?” 

Uraume smiles, leaning on the door, “What?” They tilt their head to the side, giving Sukuna a smug look, “You’re telling me you don’t like her? I thought that’s why you introduced me to her?” 

Sukuna looks to the house, “I–” He sighs, trying to phrase his words, he has so much to say, but he has no clue on how to say it. “Uraume, I think, I–”

“Excuse me.” You softly say. 

Uraume blinks a few times, taking a step back. They bow their head for a moment, “Apologies.” They hold the door open with you, their face emotionless, a stark contrast to when you first met them, “I hope to see you again.” 

You just nod, clicking your seatbelt on. 

Uraume passes Sukuna a knowing look, before allowing him to pull out of the driveway. Passing the two of you a final wave. Which isn’t returned by any of you. 

You shiver, hugging yourself as you lean on Sukuna’s car door. You feel bad about wetting Sukuna’s seats, but you don’t have anything to cover them, and it wasn’t your fault Mahito decided to be an asshole. 

And, it isn’t your fault Sukuna is an asshole. 

You feel the heater turn on, the cold air hitting you first, before slowly turning warm. It feels nice. You can hear Sukuna adjust himself in his seating, before you shake your head, “Don’t say anything to me.” Telling him that makes you feel absolutely terrible. 

Sukuna opened up to you, spent time with you, and fixed his terrible temper–just a bit–because you told him too. It’s endearing, you’ve seen a glimpse into his mind, and a reason behind his actions or why he is the way he is. 

But, it still hurts. It hurts so fucking much. It hurts even more when Sukuna calls your name once the two of you arrive home. Yet, you ignore him in favor of returning to your room. 

You stay quiet. 

Next Chapter: Ch. 5 - "Good Guy."

Tag(s)!: @openup-yourmind, @sherlock-holmes-jr, @maskedpacific, @gasp-a-homo, @diogodxlot, @beahappyhoeee, @tojimeow, @sukunamylovexoxo, @yoontaedotin, @sukunaloverrr, @lanadelreylover4l

[vaaaaaiolet]

You move to the big city in search of bigger and better, so naturally, you get your first place.

You just don't anticipate the roommate that comes along with it.

f / m, strangers / enemies to lovers, slow burn, hijinks and shenanigans, leon is bad at feelings :( but don't worry because there will be so much fluff omg like a romcom, leon being a little shit to a sweetheart pipeline, and banter!! so much banter

inspired by the Japanese drama Good Morning Call!

catch up on earlier chapters // read on ao3

chapter 4: legalese, chimney sweeps, and a partridge in a pear tree

a/n: this is a REUPLOAD bc i've been told my first post didn't show up in tags 😭 thank you so much if you read the original upload, it means the world to me :,)

I KNOW I TOOK FOREVER but i was fighting to get this written omg. so many ideas. my head hurts. if you can find the spiderman scene we are now due for a spring wedding. andrew garfield peter parker >>> but as always, i love u LOTS!! enjoy <3

There are all kinds of upsides to having friends in high places, but when your connections are limited to the four walls of Wok and Roll Ramen Noodle, the best you’ve got is Hikaru Uehara: an unlikely junior-year friend, the owner’s son, and law student extraordinaire. Apron tied with a clumsy knot behind your back, you slip inside the tiny shop only to meet his sharp eyes across the bar. Oof.

Hikaru frowns. “You’re late again.”

“I know, I know, but I’ve actually got an excuse this time,” you try for a winning smile, peeking at the book he’s currently nose deep in. 

“It’s always something with you. Still house hunting?” He slides a bowl of kitsune udon across the bartop, “Number 43, table next to the creepy painting.”

He shoots, he scores! You catch the bowl and head off to the hungry patron.

“You know, my dad finished our basement yesterday and we’ve got an empty room now. I told him I’d ask you.” 

“Because you’re offering it free of rent, right?” 

A not-at-all-subtle grin pulls at the corner of his mouth. “What about an employee discount?”

“In your dreams, Uehara.”

43 asks for an extra pair of chopsticks, which you gladly deposit before taking the barstool opposite the shopkeeper’s son. It turns out he’s reading one of his textbooks for law class. Perfect. You roll up your sleeves and bust out your CEO face again. 

Here goes nothing. “I kind of got myself into a mess.”

“I don’t want to hear about the thing with your fern and the toilet again.”

“What? No, ew,” you wave all associated memories of that away, “no, seriously. I found a place, but I’m kind of…stuck in it. I need you go all Elle Woods and help me because I got scammed.” And also broken into, but you mentally plead the fifth and avoid self-incriminating yourself. “The lease is forcing me and this other guy to share the place and neither of us know how to get out.”

That gets his attention; Hikaru puts down his textbook. “Okay, maybe you do have an excuse this time. What the hell?”

The Sparknotes version is that you and Leon both filed for the same apartment within half an hour of each other.

Number 44: cold soba.

Your landlady’s as good as fled the country. Leon can’t reach his either. Hikaru sucks his teeth.

Number 45: miso soup.

You’ve both agreed to share the apartment for the three months of the lease considering the mini fortune of money blown on the deal.

“$6000? Really?” he gasps. “You do know how much this job pays you, right?”

“Then pay me more!” you shoot back, multitasking refills while balancing a full tray. 

45 again: miso soup on the house. Hikaru hands you a mop for your spill as you glare, but pulls out his laptop all the same.

“Well, if you’re fine with sharing the apartment for two more months…” he hums, typing away and whistling in approval as he finds your apartment listing, “your place isn’t bad at all considering the price. Plus, you can’t request to move back in just like that if we lodge a complaint and you win. What if this Leon turns out to be an alright roommate?”

His question irks you a little. Why would you want the apartment back with a weirdly cagey roommate who shotguns (emphasis on gun) the master bedroom? You’ve got reason enough to want a place of your own after the shitshow that was college last year. You wonder if you should lay out all Leon’s teen boy-esque rules about not touching his things, but Hikaru shakes his head the minute you open your mouth.

“I know it’s not what you want to hear, but maybe the best course of action is to wait the storm out.” 

He sounds sincere for once, turning the laptop screen around to show you a 37-page long document with your building’s name embellishing the top. His fingers just keep scrolling, and scrolling, and scrolling, and dear God.

"That's the complaint form?" Your shriek rattles 45’s bowl worryingly.

“The first half, yes. Should I email you the second?”

Number 46 has the nerve to comment on your face looking more blanched than her bok choy.

That evening, you close the Wok and Roll with a heavy heart. Your phone pings as you double check the locks.

[Hikaru]: srsly ur best waiting out ur contract

Well damn, Hikaru. Friend of the year.

[Hikaru]: but since u asked (and rescued that last order)

[Hikaru]: i’ll still look for ways to get u out of there and on ur own

[Hikaru]: after finals tho

[Hikaru]: and once u start coming in on time!!

You pump your fist with a self-indulgent whoop outside the restaurant doors. Hikaru might be a pain to deal with sometimes, but he really did come through when he wanted to. Consider your now-thriving toilet fern that he put together a pot for, and soon with a little bit of luck, your eventual solo apartment life. 

You eagerly text back a thank you. Not even the winter air buffeting your face could put a damper on your mood as you skip back home to your apartment, and consequently, to Leon.

Or at least you thought you were. The apartment is lovely and warm and quiet when you unlock the front door. 

“Hello?” You call out for him, looping your scarf onto the wall hook.

No response. 

Leon’s bedroom door’s cracked open though, and the light looks off. It’s only 7 PM. Did he tell you he was going out? Crap, you realize how ill-prepared you’d been to not get his number or anything before you left. Rookie mistake. This roommate business is harder than you remember.

You toe off your boots and tiptoe toward the master bedroom. 

No messing in each other’s rooms, Leon’s phantom voice prods at the back of your head, but your concern for his wellbeing — okay fine, maybe you just want to peek at his stuff that’s so damn secret — takes over as you push his door open and slip into the darkness that’s making it impossible to see.

So you flick on the nearby lamp.

And then you scream. “What are you doing?”

Tucked in bed as snug as a bug and fully dressed, complete with shearling jacket, is Leon Kennedy with his face dirtied to high heaven. He blinks crossly as the lamp flickers to life. 

“Huh?” His voice is gruff with sleep.

“You’re sleeping…like that?”

He looks down as if registering himself for the first time. “I’m…yeah. Tired.”

“What happened to your face?” you ask, sounding reedy. “It’s filthy.”

“It is?”

You nod sharply.

“Oh? Oh yeah, yeah, I was cleaning the chimney.”

“We don’t have a chimney. Leon, we don’t even have a fireplace.” 

He fumbles out of his covers at your bug-eyed look. His room is absolutely freezing. “I have an explanation, I swear,” he starts as you back into the living room. Leon looks even grimier in the light: soot dusts his shoulders like powdered sugar, ages his hair salt-and-pepper, bruises the knees of his jeans. “Last night, I couldn’t sleep. There was something wrong with the heating so I went to check.”

Your room is perfectly warm. The house is perfectly warm.

He nods. “That’s cause I fixed the rest of the apartment, my room’s sti-” And then stops, narrowing his eyes. Whatever Leon did to fix the heating couldn’t have kept the temperature from dropping several degrees as he hisses, “You came into my room. We had a deal.”

“I had no idea you were even home!” 

“Doesn’t negate the fact that you broke the rule.”

Everything flips in a second; he’s glaring daggers, and the entire situation is so petulantly infuriating that you take his bait. The snow from your coat is making a melted mess on the carpet. Leon’s still in his stupid dirty jacket. The living room is half-unpacked from moving in literally the day before, and you’re already having your first argument with your roommate over stepping three feet into his bedroom.

“What is so goddamn important about the stuff in your room?” you finally explode. 

“You don’t get it.” 

“Leon,” you sound embarrassingly close to pleading now, “you wanted this – this whole sharing thing – but now you’re not giving me a chance?” You let your arms fall to your sides. 

Hikaru wanted to know if you could last three months. But as Leon stares at you, jaw working like he’s having a one-man argument inside his mouth, you wonder how you’ll tell your friend you couldn’t even last three nights. Frustrated tears prick at your eyes. You’ve never been good on the debate team back in high school. How long is it going to take for Leon to snap at you for that too?  

“It’s not you,” he says softly.

You smother a sniffle with your coat sleeve, making him sigh. 

“It’s not you,” he repeats, shaking his head to himself, “God, Hunnigan, you’re never this sloppy…” Shucking off his coat, he drops it on a box labeled Seasonal Decor #2 before heading back inside his room. He appears moments later with a box of tissues. “Take one before I get them covered in coal, yeah?” 

As you hesitatingly accept, you take in his form sans jacket. Leon is – alarmingly built, for one – covered in scratches. Bruises. Real ones. Fresh.

They’re littered along his muscled forearms, right up to the tops of his fitted black shirt sleeves. He’s so close to you that you even notice a silvery scar topping his right cheekbone.

“Are you…okay?”

Mystery swirls around your roommate like the soot he’s covered in. You ball up the tissue in your hand as his brow gradually smooths out, anger dissipating. 

“It’s my job,” Leon reveals. “Everything, this apartment, the stuff I’m keeping in my room, I…I work for the government, okay? This apartment was supposed to be home base for me. There’s stuff in there I can’t have anyone messing with. Stuff that could hurt you.” He pulls out a gleaming badge and lets you inspect it as your hand slowly flies over your mouth. “See?”

The gun in his pocket. The phone call. 

“But you’re not going to hurt me…right?” you dare to ask.

Leon’s eyes go wide, blond head shaking swiftly. “Never, I swear. Trying to do the opposite, actually, but that’s not going too great right now. I’m here to stop somebody from getting their hands on something that could hurt a lot of people.”

It’s a little surreal. Your once-burglar roommate turned government agent blinks at you like you’ll turn any moment, like you’re about to scream and run for the hills, so he can’t help but flinch as you reach for another tissue and whisper, “Can I?”

“Can you what? I can’t let you look at my things, again, I-” Leon tilts his head as you wrap the tissue around your index and middle fingers, and then rifle through the Seasonal Decor #2 box. “What are you doing?”

“Got it!”

You turn around, revealing a modest first aid kit in your hands.

“You keep that with your Christmas decorations?” He lets out a short laugh.

“I drop a lot of ornaments. Should really invest in plastic ones.” Fishing out a small bottle of ointment for Leon to see, you shoot him a redeeming grin. “So can I?”

He smiles. “You may,” Leon concedes, allowing you to settle him on the couch.

Leon’s bedroom seems to drop in temperature as the evening blends into night, falling to a bewildering 38 degrees while the rest of the apartment remains toasty. Ice might be frosting his windows, but thankfully, it only melts between you and Leon as you dab ointment into his cuts and he entertains you with sanitized anecdotes from his work around the world. The living room clock ticks to 10 o’clock as you two share the next best thing to dinner: a stash of rice crackers swiped from the back of the Wok and Roll. 

“There’s no way you’re sleeping with a jacket on.” You jut your chin towards his room, hissing in sympathy as he jerks from the alcohol sting. “It’s just as bad as sleeping outside in the snow.”

“I’ll sleep on the couch,” Leon munches. He holds out a cracker for you to bite, an oddly intimate gesture that he doesn’t seem to put as much thought into as you, “it’s plenty warm out here.”

“And have you spend the night on a lumpy sofa with a million bruises on your back? That’d be evil, Leon.”

He shrugs. “I’ve slept through worse.”

“Yeah, because you were probably halfway across the world in some random jungle!” 

“It was just the one mission, come on,” he protests, his eyes sparkling with mirth. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”

You shake your head. The tail end of his bandage tucks neatly under his arm as you finish patching him up. It’s been an eventful night, and with each genuine laugh you share with Leon, the more you feel like extending an olive branch for everything that’s happened so far. You even feel a little bad for the Lena thing.

“Sleep in my room for the night. Take the bed,” you suggest.

“It wouldn’t be very chivalrous of me.”

“And calling dibs on the master bedroom was?”

“I needed space for my equipment!”

You lift an unimpressed brow.

“Touché.” Leon gives in, chuckling.

So it’s settled. You pull out a mass of blankets from a box next to the fridge (Winter Camp Sophomore Year EMERGENCY SUPPLIES) which Leon insists on expertly fashioning into a nest beside your bed. It’s piled high with pillows from his own bed by the time you come back from brushing your teeth. 

“It makes me feel better about this whole thing,” he admits when you laugh at it. 

It’s either him or his pillows that make you feel warmer sleeping on the floor than you did in your bed last night. Leon's unexpected warmth might be your Christmas miracle to make up for this apartment fiasco. The stars twinkle outside your bedroom window as you drift off to sleep.

Deep in your dreams, you miss the twinkle of something else too. 

A ping to be specific.

[UNKNOWN NUMBER]: Hiding him from me already?

back to the chapter masterlist...

comments and reblogs are very much appreciated <3 take care and i love you!

[hyacintheros]

Brand New City

4. Art Is Dead

|| (Marauders Era Characters x Fem!Reader)

Series Masterlist Previous Chapter

Pairing: Marauders Era Characters x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Mean James

Word Count: 2.1k

P.S: I'm sorry it’s been awhile, going through writer's block :c Anywho, let me know what yall think!

“Y/N, darling? You look flush..” Cissa asks her, as the girl is falling into her breakfast. Cissa quickly props her up, feeling her head. “Oh you're going to need some Pepperup Potion, what happened?” The older girl pulls her up and supports her on the way to Madam Pomfrey. She thinks back to last night. 

—♡—

Running into James, her parchments and books fly everywhere. “Sorry, let me help you with tha-”, James’ eyes scans over who he bumped into, retracting his helping hand with a disgusted look.

“You look stupid down there, just where you belong.” He says with a sneer, glaring while she picks her books up.

Standing back up with her things in order, she asks, “What is your issue? No matter how nice I am to you, it's like I've cursed your bloodline with the way you're acting!”

“You're my problem! A Slytherin! How could you call yourself a good person being in that godforsaken house? Don't you know what your house is known for? What they did to my family?” He pours out to her, anger glistening on his face.

“I have don't nothing wrong! My family has done you no wrong. You hang out with my cousin for Merlin's sake! Why does my house make me different? Why do the colours I wear change your perspective?” She yells out, pent up anger spilling with every word.

He steps forward, getting in her face. “Your house, your people, hurt my family, my parents! You and your cult of Death Eaters! Have you no shame?” He huffs in her face, pushing her back.

“Well if you haven't noticed, I'm a muggle! Why would I tangle myself in those ideals? You're literally best friends with my cousin, who is also a muggle, if you haven't noticed!” She pushes back, trying to move away from the wall.

In a burst of impulse, James pulls his wand out, “Aguamenti”. A jet of water douses the girl, soaking her to the bone.

Before she can retaliate, the boy runs away, likely back to his common room. The water-drenched girl heads to the Dungeons, her own common room awaiting her after curfew.

Padding her wet feet into the dorm, she keeps quiet, in hopes of keeping her roommates asleep. 

She's too tired to run a bath, instead opting to change into her pyjamas and sleep with a tower on her pillow to dry her hair.

—♡—

“Oh look at you dear! Come sit on the bed, I'll fetch something to make you feel better.” Madam Pomfrey instructs, running off to her medicine cabinet.

Narcissa helps sit Y/N down, her shaking and shivering preventing her from denying help. “I'll tell your friend Remus so he can tell your professors that you can't come.” The sickly girl nods haphazardly.

The black haired girl leaves back to the Great Hall, making sure to tell Remus at the Gryffindor table before heading back to her own table.

Madam Pomfrey sends her off with a Pepperup Potion to her dorm, telling her to sleep away the cold. 

She wobbles and trips, using the wall as assistance back to the dungeons. Upon entering the common room, it's empty with the fireplace lit. The girl heads up to her dorm, drinking half of the vial.

—♡—

“Well what do you mean she's sick, Remus?” The redhead persists, not noticing any signs of the cold or flu yesterday.

“I'm not sure exactly, one of her friends told me so I could tell the professors, but that's it.” Remus picks up his bag from under the table, waiting for Lily to follow along to class.

“I guess it makes sense why she told you first, you share most classes with her… should we visit her after classes are over?” Lily asks, her eyes glossy, never having seen her cousin sick before.

Remus ponders, wondering if they should give her privacy today. “We'll see after class? Let her rest a bit.” The two part ways to their respective classes, Remus let's Professor Sprout know that Y/N can't attend.

—♡—

Madam Pomfrey had given the girl some Pepperup Potion, sending her down to the Slytherin dorms to get some rest, sending her Professors a notice for her absence. Pomfrey assumed the girl she came with, Narcissa, has already told some friends.

In bed, she feels worse than before, telling herself that you have to feel worse before you feel better,  which in hindsight, probably isn't the right mindset. She pulls the jumper tighter, puffing up her blanket more to get some warmth.

She shakes and shivers, restless and hungry, having not eaten as Cissa caught her right before she could grab breakfast when she sat down. That being said, she's too jello-like to fetch any food. Instead, praying that she'll be able to fall asleep soon.

Turning over to the nightstand, the girl rummages through the drawers, hoping to find any muggle pain killers she'd brought with her. Grabbing the case of painkillers and a small vial of night-time cough syrup, she takes it in hopes of feeling a little better, risking the unknown side effects of it being paired with a magical Potion.

Finally, thirty minutes later, the shivering stops and her mind at ease, falling asleep with a jumper on and two blankets resting on her. A dreamless nap overtakes her, soothing the girl mentally and physically.

—♡—

Severus had heard the news from Narcissa, gathered notes for her in the classes they shared, telling himself to visit her after classes are over. 

By lunchtime, Remus had told Lily, Sirius, and a boy named Peter who had recently joined their little group of friends. James had heard through Lily, a twinge of guilt was felt in his stomach, seeing Lily worried for her cousin. He stuck to his act as a comforting friend for Lily, not wanting to see her too worked up over it, knowing he caused the girl to feel sick.

Sirius and Lily had shoved small snacks into their pockets, waiting to visit Y/N after class, while Remus took notes for her in class, grabbing a book he thinks she'll like from his collection. The three Gryffindors meet up in front of the Slytherin common room, now a little stumped as they don't know the password.

“What are you lot doing standing like duc- Ow!” Lucius gets a good smack on the arms from Narcissa. “Here to see Y/N? I'll let you in.” Cissa says with a charming smile. She looks to the portrait, “Anguis”, the portrait opens up, revealing the common room.

Cissa drops Lucius at the couch, then looking towards the red-robed kids. “Come on then. I'll take you to our room.” She grabs Lily's hand and walks to the girls dorms, the two boys following suite.

Pushing the door open, the sound of gentle, yet disturbed snoring filled the room, like something was blocking her nose. They pile into the room, approaching her sleeping form. Cissa opens the door, hearing a knock.

Severus walks in, parchments in hand, scanning the room of its guests, eyes landing on Lily. “Oh Severus! It's so good to see you.” The red-head says, not having seen him in a while. The Raven haired boy smiles, then greets her. 

“Have you taken notes then? I think you're in some classes that I don't have with her, do you think we could combine notes then?” Remus says to him, seeing the stack of parchments the Slytherin boy carries. 

“Some notes are overlapping, but I think we've got everything.” Severus tells Lupin, knowing they have one or two classes together. They sort through both piles, placing them carefully on her desk.

“Do you think we should let her sleep? Don't want to wake her up..” Lily says to Narcissa, wanting her opinion. “Honestly, I think she's slept about three or four hours now.. We should let her sleep more, heard her rustling in bed all night.”

The older girl let's them stay a little bit to leave some snacks for her, Sirius had munched a little through his during class, so it was mainly Lily who put some food on the bed-side table. They leave her dorm, thanking Narcissa for letting them in.

Cissa toddles back to Lucius, “They're not that bad, you know?” The blonde headed boy scoffs, rolling his eyes at her statement, going back to reading his book. 

—♡—

Feeling terribly warm, being covered and layers of heat, she wakes up sweating, pulling off blankets and jumpers in the hopes of feeling coolness on her skin. Panning around the room, she spots a bun with some spreads. a teeny jar of strawberry marmalade and butter.

It's just past the evening, still an hour or two before dinner. She gladly takes the bun, not having eaten since dinner last night. As she munches, she looks at the desk, seeing a stack of parchments. 

Getting up, the girl surveys the parchments flipping through, obviously being done by two different people. Skimming through the notes and titles, she realises it's class notes. Recognising Severus’ cursive, yet not being able to pinpoint the other person's handwriting, yet still feeling a sense of familiarity.

She goes back to the bed-side table, finishing up the rest of the Pepperup Potion- oddly tasting like strawberry cough syrup.

Bella enters quietly, unsure if the ill girl was still asleep. Gazing at the bed, the curly-haired girl perks up, “Darling, how do you feel? Cissy told me you weren't doing too well..” Y/N smiles, grateful she has people who care, like Cissa and Bella.

“I think it was just a small fever, feel almost better now.. D'you know who left these?” She says, referring to the snacks and parchments. “Cissy said she let your Gryffindor friends visit, plus Severus!” Bella responds, not being in the room when they visited.

The girl hums in acknowledgement, a sort of warmth spreading through her chest at the thought of her friends. Although, the reminder of the red house gives her a bad taste, thinking of how she got sick in the first place.

“What time is it? S'it time for dinner yet?” She pouts, still terribly hungry after munching the small bun. Bella nods and grabs her hand, pulling her to the Great Hall.

—♡—

“Now, you look much better than this morning! Keep this extra potion just in case you feel a little tingle of the cold left, right dear?” Madame Pomfrey hands her a small vial for safe keeping. She thanks the nurse, heading back to her dorm.

Travelling through the halls, a few students still linger before curfew, chit chatting with their friends. Behind her, someone calls out for the girl, “Hey! Did you get the parchments?” Remus, looking oddly dishevelled, says.

“It was you! I did, thank you so much by the way, don't know how I would've know about Uric the Oddball… Are you alright?” She points out how in a hurry he looks.

He shrugs it off, attributing it to a late night jog. “You look much better, glad you're doing well.” Y/N chuckles, thanking him once again for the notes. They quickly catch up about the day, Remus telling her about Sirius’ newest adventures.

Remus looks at his watch, his eyebrows pinching a little, “You better head to the dungeons, curfew is about to hit. Have a goodnight Y/N” Remus quickly says, rushing off.

Confused by his behaviour, the Slytherin instead chooses to think about how he wrote the notes for her.. her cheeks flush pink at the thought! Would he think she's slacking off just because she's sick? How troublesome. She goes back to the dorms, promising herself to study the topics before tomorrow's classes.

Briskly walking back to her dorm, she doesn't want to have another encounter with Potter, fearing he'll make her more than just sick. She ponders on what he said last night. ‘Death Eaters?’ What would make him think that she, a muggle born, would be a Death Eater?

Reaching the common room, she sees Lucius and Narcissa first. Plopping down, Lucius tells her the newest drama of the Slug Club, how terribly artificial the cherry pudding tasted. She laughs, finding his choice of topic amusing. 

Spotting a long, raven-haired boy, she greets Severus, thanking him greatly for the potions notes. “S’not like you needed them.” The boy snaps back. In turn, she pats his shoulder, returning to her dorm to get some studying done. He waves her off, going back to his book. But deep down, he feels his head go lighter at her recognition…

[justagalwhowrites]

Lavender - Ch. 1

Went a bit sideways yesterday with my wandering mind and started a TLOU fanfic. Here's chapter 1 of "Lavender," an age-gap grumpy/sunshine friends-to-lovers (and eventually friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers) fanfic that starts pre-outbreak.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader

Length: 8.6k

Warnings: Not much yet! Whole fic will be very NSFW so minors DNI. This chapter is very basic. Mild violence, mention of masturbation.

Synopsis: You're a college student in Austin, Texas, who gets a summer job nannying Sarah Miller. It's not long before her dad sees you as more than a babysitter - or more than a friend.

Austin, Texas, April, 2000

You couldn’t believe you were doing this. You closed your eyes, tilting your head up toward the Texas night sky, air surprisingly cool for April in Austin, trying to keep the tears that were building in your eyes from actually falling. Like that would make a damn difference. You took a deep breath and looked down at your phone. 

You only had a few numbers saved. You hadn’t made many friends in college, the only girlfriend you had was in the frat house behind you, hanging out with her boyfriend. She was out. Your grandmother was across the country, so she was obviously out. The handsy guy who’d brought you to this damn party was a big hell no. Which pretty much left…. Joel Miller. Your boss. You winced, thumb hovering over the call button for a moment before pressing it. 

“Kid?” He answered quickly. That somehow made it worse. But at least he didn’t sound half asleep. “What’s going on, you OK?” 

“Hey Joel,” you sniffled a bit. “Sorry to bug ya, I know it’s real late…” 

“Kid,” his tone changed, almost warning you. “I told you you could call if you needed somethin’, what’s goin’ on?” 

His accent got stronger when he got keyed up. You’d noticed that over the year you’d known him. 

“Could you…” Shit, you were really going to have to do this. You sniffed again. “Could you come get me?” The words all started coming out of you in a rush then, you couldn’t really stop them. “I’m so sorry, I know it’s late and I think I can walk it if you can’t but I went to this party with this guy and he’s not really what I thought he was and I just can’t stay here with him anymore and…” 

“Kid,” he cut you off. “I’m coming to get you right now, are you close to campus?” 

“Yeah,” you sniffed again, looking back at the frat house and reading him the house number. 

“I know where that’s at,” he said. His voice was calm, soothing. “I’ll be there in less than 10, you safe?” 

“Yeah,” you nodded even though he couldn’t see. “Yeah, I’m fine, I just need to get out of here…” 

“Stay put,” he said. “I’m comin’ to get you.” 

“Thanks, Joel.” 

You flipped your phone shut and put it in your purse before smoothing the back of your sundress down and sitting on the curb, hoping the plethora of cars on the street blocked you from easy view. Your feet - in platform sandals that you’d been stupid enough to paint your toenails for earlier that day - were in a puddle, but it was hard to care. 

You were just finishing up your junior year of college and this was only the fourth guy you’d gone out with so of course he had to be a massive jerk. It was just your luck. 

You’d expected a bit better when you moved to the Lone Star State to go to school. It had been a change of pace from your small town in upstate New York where you’d lived with your grandmother all your life. You wanted something bigger, to actually get out of that little town and see some of the world before you settled into whatever life had in store for you. And the south was supposed to be nice. That’s what everyone said, southern hospitality and all that. But it hadn’t been very nice. 

You’d tried to make friends with your roommate freshman year and you kind of had. She wasn’t mean or anything, you just had very little in common. She was an athlete so the demands on her time were many. She was studying music when you’d rather jump off a bridge than try to perform anything for anyone. She had a lot of friends there already - she was from Houston, so plenty of her high school classmates were there, too. You’d probably spent a little too much time trying to fit in with her. By the time it was apparent that you were fine as roommates but not friends, everyone else seemed to have friends, too. 

Which wasn’t the end of the world. You’d only had two close friends back home, anyway. You’d never been very social, preferring to be on your own and quiet instead of with people. Too much time with anyone else exhausted you, unless it was the RIGHT person. 

But there was a difference between alone and lonely and you found yourself lonely here a lot. The dating scene was, somehow, worse. The first guy you’d gone out with since coming to school hadn’t even made it past date number one, he was so self absorbed it was like you had been taken to dinner just so he had someone to talk at. Number two ended up asking for your roommate’s number when he walked you back to your dorm that night. Number three had made it as far as date number three but got a little ticked that - when his hand traveled up your shirt to your bra - you’d asked him to stop. He left you at a gas station and you’d had to call a cab to get back to your apartment. 

The guy tonight had been looking a bit better. Or so you thought. He’d pressed you against the wall in the hall outside your front door and kissed you at the end of your last date, his hips against yours, his tongue dipping into your mouth. You’d liked it, for a moment, until he pinned your wrist to the wall and tried to put his hand down your pants. He’d stopped and apologized, though, when you asked him to stop. That, you’d thought, was a good sign. That he was respectful, kind. So when he’d asked you to go to a party with him tonight, you’d said yes. 

But when you actually got there, he kept trying to get you to drink whatever concoction had been mixed directly in coolers in the middle of the room, pressing red plastic cups into your hand at every opportunity and getting more and more frustrated when you insisted on sticking with bottled water instead. 

Eventually, his hand had gone up the back of your dress as you threw a ball in beer pong, his fingers brushing against your lower lips before sliding up and groping your ass. You whiffed the shot, practically jumping away from him. 

“What the fuck, Jeremy?” You asked, tugging your dress down on instinct. 

“C’mon baby,” he’d said, all but stalking after you. “You gotta give me something…” 

“No, I don’t,” you glanced around you. There wasn’t much help to be had here. “I’m going home.” 

“Don’t be like that,” he said, reaching for you. You stepped back again. Then there was a change in his face, like a switch flipped. He was no longer the nice boy who’d, for your first date, asked to take you to the art house movie theater in town. He was a hulking man, one who had six inches and at least 100 pounds on you, who felt he could take what he wanted by right. “I just want to make sure you have a good time, let’s get you a drink…” 

His hand closed around your wrist and he started pulling you toward him. 

“I don’t want a drink,” you curled the hand in his grip into a fist and covered it with you other hand, yanking it free. “I’m going home. Don’t call me again.” 

You stalked out of the party, trying to keep your cheeks from burning. 

The 10 minute wait for Joel seemed like an eternity. You kept glancing to your watch, feeling like ages had gone by when it had only been a minute or two. Only eight minutes had passed when you heard your name being called from behind you. You winced, hoping Jeremy wouldn’t find you where you’d tucked yourself away to wait. 

No such luck. 

“Hey!” He prowled over to you, his lips curled into a snarl. “Who the fuck do you think you are, embarrassing me like that?” 

You stood up, instinctively backing into the truck behind you before you realized that you probably should have fucking moved somewhere else before you were cornered. 

“I wasn’t trying to embarrass you…” 

He grabbed your wrist again, firmer this time, his fingers digging into your flesh, pulling you sharply against his body. 

“Well, you did,” his breath smelled like liquor and cigarettes and his body was hard. You squirmed, trying to get away from him. “You really fucking embarrassed me…” 

“Hey!”

A car door slammed and your head whipped around. Joel was storming across the sidewalk toward you, wearing pajama pants and a t-shirt - he hadn’t even stopped to put on shoes. 

“This isn’t your business,” Jeremy snapped before turning his attention back to you. “Stay out of it.” 

“The hell it ain’t,” one of Joel’s hands went over your shoulder, pulling you back from the other man’s grip and putting you behind him. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave her alone.” 

Joel looked to you, his brown eyes wide as they looked you over. 

“You OK?” He asked. You nodded. “This the guy?” You nodded again. His jaw clenched but he nodded toward his truck. “C’mon Kid, let’s go.” 

“Nah man, I don’t know you,” Jeremy came around you, grabbing your wrist again and yanking on you. “You’re not just gonna take off with my date…” 

Joel punched him, hard, across the face before catching you around the waist so you stayed up while Jeremy fell to the ground, groaning and clutching his face. Joel set you down gently before standing over Jeremy. “Touch her again and I’ll kill you,” his voice was oddly calm. You just stood there, holding your sore wrist to your chest. You hadn’t realized when you’d started almost hyperventilating but you were almost gasping for breaths. Joel turned back to you. “You’re OK, Kid. You’re OK.” 

He put his arm around you, pulling you into his side and steering you to his truck. He helped you up into it, watching as you buckled yourself in before getting into the driver’s seat. 

“That asshole know where you live?” He ground his teeth a bit, flexing his hand he’d punched Jeremy with on the steering wheel. 

“Yeah, he picked me up,” you were still holding your wrist. “Is your hand OK?” 

Joel glanced over to you before looking down to his hand. 

“Been in worse fights than that,” he said. “How’s your wrist? Need to take you to the hospital?” 

“Oh God, please don’t,” you groaned. “It’s just going to be a little bruised…” 

“Should report it to the cops,” he muttered. “That fucking asshole…” 

“And, what, get you arrested for laying him out?” You asked, brows raised. “It’s fine, Joel, really…” 

“Well I’m not taking you to your place,” he growled. “Not safe, not with that… You can stay with us for a bit. You said you’re moving soon, anyway, right?” 

“I really don’t want to put you out…” You began but he cut you off. 

“You half live there in the summer anyway,” he said. “I’d rather know you were safe. ‘Sides, Sarah’s at a friend’s house tonight. You can sleep in her room, don’t even have to put anyone on a couch. When do you get into your new place?” 

“Three weeks,” you sighed. “It’s really not that big a deal, this kind of thing happens all the time…” 

“Don’t make it right,” he glanced over at you again before putting his eyes back on the road. “You can stay with us for a few weeks, we’ll go get some of your stuff tomorrow.” 

You watched him for a moment. There was blood on his knuckles, the streetlights outside catching on the shaggy curl of his hair, his eyes narrowed on the road in front of him. 

It was lucky that you’d ended up working for Joel Miller. You’d know that before, too. He’d put an ad in the paper a year before, looking for a nanny for his then 9-year-old daughter, Sarah, and you’d been looking for a way to not take out more student loans. A simple enough arrangement. 

You’d met for the first time at a coffee shop near campus. You showed up a few minutes early - you always did, being late made you anxious - and Joel showed up a few minutes late. You’d recognized him by the look of general discomfort on his face, a look that made you smile a little. He was clearly out of his element, interviewing nannies, looking around a coffee house filled with college girls so that he wouldn’t even know which one to approach. You saved him the trouble. “Mr. Miller?” You asked, brows raised. You’d worn a sundress that day, too. But you’d put on the only blazer you owned with it, trying to look somewhat professional. Not that you really knew how. “Hi, I’m here for the interview?” 

“Hi,” he looked relieved. “Sorry I’m late, got held up on a job… Can I get you a coffee or… somethin’? I’m gettin’ somethin’…” 

“Sure,” you smiled. “Thanks.” 

You stood awkwardly beside each other in line, Joel insisting you order first which made you feel bad when you got an iced lavender latte and he just got a black coffee. 

“Sorry, I’m such a sucker for lavender,” you smiled, somewhat sheepishly, over your cup. “There’s a lavender farm down the street from where I grew up, could always smell it on the air at the right time of year…” 

You were babbling. You set the cup down. 

“Sorry,” you smiled again. 

“No, no, you’re good,” he smiled a little too. “I’ve never done this before, so…” 

“Me either,” you said quickly. “I nannied for the kids of some friends of my grandma’s but they already knew me, so didn’t need an interview.” 

“So, you’ve got experience watching kids?” He asked, turning his paper cup absently in his fingers. 

“Oh yeah,” you nodded. “I love kids, I started babysitting when I was 13 and have nannied in the summer since I was 17 but I’m staying here this summer because of my lease, so I need something local.” 

“You’re not from here then?” He asked. 

“No,” you shook your head. “I’m from New York? Not like.. the city. The state. The boring part.” He laughed a little at that. You smiled. “I came here to go to school. I’m studying to be a teacher.” 

“A teacher?” He asked. You nodded. “You must like kids. What do you want to teach?” 

“High school biology?” You asked more than answered. “Really, I’d love to be a pediatrician but the loans… But teaching high school would be great. There were some teachers I really connected with in high school, the ones who believed in me and trusted that I could become something. That’s what I want to be for someone else, you know?” 

He nodded and took a sip of coffee. You tried to not watch his throat as he did. Mr. Miller was almost weirdly attractive - way hotter than any dads you’d worked for in the past. You didn’t want to blow this interview just because it felt like you could write a book of poetry about the man’s jaw alone. 

“Can you tell me about your daughter?” You asked after a moment. “I think you said she was nine?” 

He nodded again. 

“Yeah, Sarah,” he said. “She’s a good kid, smart as a fuckin’ whip.” He noticed that he cursed, his eyes going wide. “Shit… sorry, no…” 

“It’s fine,” you smiled. “I’m a big girl, I can handle some adult language.” 

He looked relieved. 

“Thanks,” he said. “Sarah’s… I don’t know what I did to deserve a kid like her but it had to be somethin’ in a past life because it sure as shit ain’t this one. She’s such a sweet kid, so smart - way smarter than me, not a clue where she got it from - funnier than hell. You’ll love her, everyone loves her. She’s easy to watch out for, part of why I’ve never had to do this before. We had neighbors who were happy to look after her for me during the summer but they moved to Dallas about a month ago.” 

“Could I meet her?” You asked. “I mean, assuming you’re interested in potentially hiring me, I’d like to meet her, get to know her a bit…” 

“Well,” Joel looked awkward again. “You’re… the only interview I got. I must not be offering enough, didn’t get any other takers…” 

“I’m not opposed to being a last resort,” you smiled. He laughed. “And I’m fine with the pay. It’s enough that I won’t need to take out another student loan.” 

“That’s good,” he sighed. “Because I’d love to offer more but…” 

“I get it,” you said. “Will I be meeting Sarah’s mom?” 

“No,” he replied. “She hasn’t been in the picture in years. Her loss, but still. It’d be nice to have a… female presence in her life.” 

“That’s hard,” you leaned in a bit closer to him. “I’m really sorry. If it helps, I know a bit about what that’s like. My dad left before I was born, my mom not too long after. I grew up with my grandma. She’s great, I love her more than anything and she’s done so much for me but… I dunno, I guess I was always wondering why I couldn’t be enough for them to want to stick around.” 

“Speaking from experience,” he replied. “It ain’t got shit to do with you, Kid.” 

It was the first time he’d called you that. Now it was practically all he called you, you couldn’t remember the last time he’d said your name. You kind of liked it. Your grandmother had been the only person close enough to you to have given you a pet name, it was nice to have a term of endearment from someone. Even if it was a bit infantilizing. 

You realized Joel must have been fucking flooring it to get to you as fast as he did. It took almost 15 minutes to get back to his place and the TV was still on when you stepped into the living room, a horror movie you didn’t recognize playing. 

“C’mere Kid,” he jerked his head toward the kitchen. “Should ice that wrist.” 

You followed obediently, still cradling your injured arm as he rifled around the freezer. He pulled out a bag of frozen corn and dropped it on the counter before squeezing it a few times to break it up. He wrapped it in a towel. “Hop up,” he patted the counter and you obliged. He held his hand out and you put your injured wrist in it. He turned it over gently in his hands, examining you. 

“You’re already bruising,” he growled. “Should’a fuckin’…” 

“You got me out of there,” you cut him off, voice gentle. “I don’t even want to know what might have happened if you hadn’t come to get me…” 

“Me either,” he muttered, gently pressing the frozen vegetable bag to your arm. You winced. “Sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?” 

“Positive,” you replied. “Nothing’s broken. I broke my arm once when I was a kid, it was way worse than this. They’d just send me home with some Tylenol right now.” 

You looked at his hand. 

“You’re sure you’re OK?” You frowned. He glanced down. 

“Definitely,” he said, going to run his hand under the faucet. He glanced up at you. “You know how to throw a punch?” 

“I think so?” You replied. “How hard can it be?” 

He shut the faucet off and dried his hands before stepping in front of you.

“Let’s see,” he said. “Make a fist.” 

You obeyed, using your uninjured hand. He shook his head, taking hold of your fist. 

“Your thumb has to be on the outside of your fingers,” he said, gently opening your hand and freeing your thumb. He nudged your fingers closed again and brought your thumb over the top of them. You’d never noticed just how large his hands were until you saw them contrasted with yours. “Like that. You’ll break your thumb if you do it the way you had it. When you go to punch, bend your knees a bit. It’ll stabilize you. All your power is going to come from your lower body, start there and carry it up. Strike with your middle knuckle and then follow it through.” 

“Thumb outside, knees bent, start low, follow through,” you repeated, your hand still in his. You tried to ignore the electric current that ran over you where his skin touched yours.

“Right,” he said, releasing your fist. “So next time some asshole puts his hands on you, do that at his nose, OK Kid?” 

“Something tells me it won’t be as effective as when you do it,” you smiled, your eyes meeting his. 

“Maybe not,” he shrugged. “But it’ll still hurt and give you a chance to run. Which is what you do. And you can always call me. OK?” 

“OK.” 

He helped you down from the counter. 

“Don’t know about you,” he said. “But I’m a bit too keyed up to sleep quite yet. Want somethin’ to drink?” 

“Is it weird to ask for a beer?” You almost winced. 

“Not like you’re workin’,” he said, going for the fridge before turning back for you. “Wait, you turned 21 last fall, right?” 

“Yes, Joel,” you smiled, rolling your eyes a little. “I’m fully legal. Well, except to rent a car.” 

He laughed as he got two beers from the fridge, opening them with a bottle opener that was attached to the counter. He passed you one and you both went to the living room, the credits rolling on whatever horror movie he’d been watching. 

“Sorry I made you miss your movie,” you said, sitting on one end of the couch and taking a sip of beer. 

“It was shitty anyway,” he shrugged. 

The TV switched to a commercial break before teasing “When Harry Met Sally.” Joel went to change the channel but you stopped him. 

“What, don’t tell me you like that… romance crap,” he was almost teasing you. 

“Have you ever seen ‘When Harry Met Sally?’” You asked. He made a face. You rolled your eyes. “Joel. C’mon. It’s one of the best movies ever made.” 

“No,” he scoffed. 

“It is!” You insisted. “The dialogue? The pacing? The acting? Ugh, so good. It’s one of my favorites. Give it a try, pretend there’s a heart somewhere in there.” 

He was still looking at you, skeptical. You’d somehow closed the gap on the couch, your arm brushing against his. 

“I will lose all respect for you if you just refuse to even try it,” you challenged. 

“Oh because you’ve got so damn much of that,” he snorted. You elbowed him playfully. “Fine, Kid. We’ll watch your little romance movie. But only because you had a bad night and I’m not a total asshole.” 

“You’re not?” You clutched your chest in mock surprise. 

“Don’t tell anyone.” 

You kept glancing over at him as you drank your beer, your legs tucked up beside you as he leaned against the arm of the couch. He was actually paying attention, you’d give him that. 

“Well?” You asked during the second commercial break. 

“It’s… not bad,” he looked over to you. 

“You like it!” You twisted to face him. 

“No, I do not,” he fought to keep from smiling. “I just don’t… dislike it.” 

“Joel Miller: father, contractor, rom-com lover,” you smirked, taking a sip of beer. He just shook his head, a twitch in his jaw. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you tickets to opening night of the next Meg Ryan movie, it’s the least I can do.” 

You caught him stifling a laugh more than once and, about an hour into the movie, checked your injured wrist before taking the still half frozen corn back to the kitchen and coming back with two bottles of Shiner, passing one to you. 

The beer made you bold - and tired. Your head drifted onto his shoulder and he didn’t stop you, your blinks becoming longer and longer until your eyes stayed closed and you fell asleep against him. 

*** 

You’d been right about the movie. Joel shouldn’t be surprised. You had good taste in most things. The books and music you brought around, the food you invented on nights where he worked late and you made Sarah dinner. Your taste in men left something to be desired, though. 

Joel ground his teeth, glancing over at your sleeping frame, the almost empty beer bottle still in your fingers. He gently took it from you, setting it on the side table to not disturb you. You sighed happily and pressed yourself closer to his side. His eyes trailed down your body. You were wearing one of your damn sundresses again - seemed like that’s all you wore this time of year. He thought you were going to be the death of him the summer before, him coming home every night to see you in one of your damn sundresses or cut off shorts and a tank top, looking soft and sweet and beautiful as you made dinner or did a science experiment with Sarah. 

He’d never known a person as kind as you. That he was sure of. The first time he called you on a Saturday morning to ask if you could come watch Sarah on your day off - there was an emergency at a job site and he was desperate - and you made it sound like he was doing you a favor, not the other way around. 

“Of course!” You sounded actually excited. “Do you think I could take her to the zoo? There’s a cool program there on Saturdays, I was thinking of asking to take her sometime, anyway…” 

He’d tried to pay you for it but you waved him off. 

“I’m just hanging out with my best friend at the zoo, why should you pay me?” You looked at him like he was crazy. Sarah was glowing. 

You were everything bright and good and the fact that someone had put his hands on you… He ground his teeth again. He was surprised that you weren’t more upset. He’d have expected you to be crying, at the very least. It sounded like you had been when you called. But, by the time you got to his place, you were your usual self. Like somehow one asshole wasn’t going to ruin your outlook on the world. 

Joel hadn’t realized how strong the drive to protect you would be. He’d never needed to before. He’d told you pretty early on to call if you ever needed something. He’d even told you to call if you were drunk at a party and needed a safe ride - didn’t want you getting in a car with some idiot college kid who’d had a few too many behind the wheel. You’d rolled your eyes a bit but said thank you all the same. But he wasn’t expecting you to ever need to take him up on it. At least, not like this. 

He hadn’t realized that he’d run out of the house without shoes on - without even locking the damn door - until he was halfway back with you safely beside him. You’d sounded so hurt and so scared, he couldn’t get to you fast enough. He’d had to keep himself from beating the shit out of the man who’d been holding you. 

And now you were asleep on him. 

There was so much wrong with what he was thinking about you. There’d been so much wrong with what he thought about you since the day he met you. He called you Kid as much as a nickname as to remind himself that you were far too young for him, closer to Sarah’s age than his own. It didn’t matter that you were an adult, you were barely out of your teens when he met you. Men who preyed on young women disgusted him. He wasn’t about to become one just because he could spend all damn day just watching you exist. 

He sighed, closing his eyes and leaning his head back on the couch. Was it fair to even have you work for him this summer if he felt this way? He was going to, regardless, he just wasn’t sure how shitty he should feel about it. Offering you his home as a place to stay for a few weeks wasn’t a smart move, though. He was already around you all the damn time when Sarah was out of school - and pretty regularly outside of that, too, you coming by a few times a month to keep an eye on her when he needed to take care of something on evenings or weekends. You even tutored her in math and science when she hit a rough patch back in February, you figuring out her stumbling blocks and reframing it so she could wrap her head around it. Sarah had been so excited when she got an A on her test, the first thing she wanted to do after telling Joel was call you. He’d heard your excited yell through the phone from a few feet away, Sarah beaming with pride. You, in his space, with your damn sundresses and your CDs and your books in fucking French were going to kill him. 

He tucked your head tighter to him, slipping an arm below your waist before maneuvering you into his arms. You sleepily mumbled something - totally incoherent - and he carried you to Sarah’s room, setting you gently on her unmade bed. He took off your shoes before tucking you in and paused. You’d painted your toenails red, the same shade as the cherries on your sundress. You’d painted your fucking nails for the asshole who’d put hands on you. He clenched his jaw for a moment before pulling the blankets over you and closing the door behind him. 

Joel tried to think about anything but the way your breasts looked in that dress, knowing you were just down the hall, as he fucked his own hand before passing out alone. 

He woke up before you the next morning and stood awkwardly in his kitchen, wondering what he should do. If you were a woman - well, a woman he’d fucked - he knew what he’d do. He’d try to make you breakfast, something that was good enough that you might want to come back and fuck him again. What did he make for his babysitter who he rescued from a bad date and then fell asleep on his arm? 

He started with coffee and waited, standing there awkwardly leaning against the counter where he’d had your hand in his the night before. Thankfully, you woke up not long after him, shuffling into the kitchen in bare feet, your hair mussed and mascara on your cheeks. You’d put on an oversized zip up hoodie that Sarah had stolen from him and never given back, the sleeves pushed up to your elbows, the sweatshirt not that much shorter than the dress below it. 

“Morning sunshine,” he teased you. It took you a moment to register that he was there, looking almost surprised when you did. “Coffee?” 

You wordlessly nodded, shuffling to the kitchen table and sinking into a chair before putting your head down on the table. He smiled and shook his head, pouring you a cup of coffee and adding some milk and sugar before putting it in front of you. 

“Not a morning person?” He asked, sitting beside you. You shook your head, lifting the mug to your lips and taking a long drink. You looked surprised again, looking from the mug to Joel. “Use your words, Kid.” 

“How’d you know how I like my coffee?” Your voice was still scratchy with sleep. 

“Took a guess,” he shrugged. “Didn’t quite have the materials for a lavender latte.” 

You glared at him before taking another sip of coffee and sighing happily. 

“How’s the wrist?” He asked, nodding to your arm. 

“Fine,” you said, stretching it out in front of you. There were black and blue fingerprints on it. Joel clenched his jaw. “Just a bit sore. How’s the hand?” 

“Fine,” he said, voice gruffer than he’d intended. You just nodded and drank more coffee for a moment. 

“So,” you said, setting the coffee cup down and crossing your sweatshirt-clad arms on the table. “Did I fall asleep on you last night? And if yes, how embarrassing was it?” 

“You did,” he replied, half smiling at the memory of you against him. You groaned, putting your head down on the table again. “Not embarrassing though. You only snored a bit, sounded like a very small chainsaw…” 

“I snored?” Your head shot up from the table, eyes wide. He just laughed, taking a sip of coffee. You narrowed your eyes at him. “Cruel. That’s what you are, you’re cruel. Such a weird trait for a man who’s favorite movie is ‘When Harry Met Sally’ but what do I know…” 

“You hungry?” He asked after a moment. “I could make you somethin’. Not sure what you might want…” 

“You have to get me to my apartment today, right?” You asked, fidgeting with your mug. He nodded once. “Well, there’s this great diner around the corner from me, makes the best waffles you’ve ever had in your life…” 

“Not a Waffle House is it?” He asked, quirking a brow at you. You glared at him. 

“No, Joel, it’s not a Waffle House,” you shook your head but you smiled a bit all the same. “I could take you to breakfast? It’s the least I could do…” 

“I know what I pay you, Kid,” he said. “I’ve got breakfast. But yeah, let’s go get these famous waffles. I gotta grab Sarah this afternoon, was thinkin’ of calling Tommy and having him meet us at your place…” 

“Why?” You frowned. “I’m just grabbing some clothes and stuff, hardly need a team for heavy lifting…” 

“Because if that asshole comes around again, I’ll need someone to keep me from kicking his ass,” Joel said wryly. 

You rolled your eyes but went along with him, finishing your coffee and walking barefoot to Joel’s truck, your shoes from the night before dangling from your hand. You rolled the window down on the drive, hanging your head out with your eyes closed until Joel got closer to your apartment. 

“Turn right here, instead of left,” you said, pointing to a place with red and white awning up ahead. “It’s just up there, on the right.” 

You led the way inside, the small restaurant bustling for early on a Saturday. One of the waitresses did a double take as she saw you with your face all but pressed against the dessert case. 

“Girl, what are you doing here this early?” She asked, snapping her gum.

“Just getting an early start,” you smiled. “How’s your morning going so far Luce?” 

“Oh you know how it is,” Luce looked you up and down. You were still wearing Joel’s hoodie from Sarah’s room. “You doin’ a walk of shame?”

“Luce!” You swatted her arm. “C’mon, give me SOME credit. You know I’d tell you immediately how it was if that ever happened.” 

The waitress barked a laugh and shook her head. There was a bell at the kitchen window and she looked behind her before going back to you. 

“Sit tight for like three minutes,” she snapped her gum again. “I’ve got a table that’s ready to cash out, let me run this food and take care of them and you can sit with me.” 

“You’re the boss,” you gave her a small salute before turning back and smiling to Joel. “Prepare to have your life changed, Joel. I’m telling you, these waffles? Will ruin you.” 

“Nah, you’ve built them up too much,” he shook his head, frowning. “Can’t be that good.” 

The waitress you’d talked to before brought you to a table and put menus in front of you before leaning in conspiratorially to your ear. 

“Thought you said this wasn’t a walk of shame?” She looked Joel up and down. 

“Luce, this is my friend Joel,” you gestured across the table. “I look after his daughter in the summer. Joel got me out of a tough spot last night…” 

“He could get me out of a tough spot any time,” she winked. You gaped up at her. Joel just laughed. “Sorry, sweetie! We’ve just been dying for this girl to actually come in with a man at some point. She’s been on dates, never seems to go anywhere! She’s too cute to die alone, if she doesn’t have hope none of us do.” 

“No, you’re right, this restaurant is life changing,” Joel smirked at you. You went red. 

“Thanks Luce, I’m going to just die here now, appreciate you,” you smiled sarcastically up at her. She just laughed. 

“Usual drink, babe?” She asked. You nodded. She turned to Joel. “And for you sugar?”

“Just coffee.” 

“A purist,” she snapped her gum. “Be back.” 

You watched her go before groaning and burying your head in your arms. 

“I really should have known better than to bring you here,” your voice was muffled. “This is really on me.” 

“How often to you come here?” Joel asked, smiling as you emerged from your makeshift shelter. 

“Every Saturday,” you said. “Usually like an hour before close when it’s a bit slower. I sit in….” You twisted and pointed to a small, two-seat booth in the corner. “That booth so I’m out of the way and I just people watch and have coffee and waffles and catch up with everyone here. They’re all really sweet. Plus they’ll sometimes send me home with stuff from the display case that’s getting tossed that I then use to bribe your daughter with during the week.” 

“That explains the sugar highs,” he said dryly. 

Luce returned, putting something frothy in front of you and a coffee in front of him. 

“Whatcha eatin’?” She snapped her gum again. 

“Can you do me just the hugest favor,” you bit your lip, eyes wide. Luce sighed. 

“Tell me,” she said. 

“Can you make the sampler for my friend here?” You asked. “He’s never been here before and he absolutely HAS to understand the depth of affection I have for the waffles.” 

“Only because it’s you,” she shook her head. “I just let you get away with murder…” 

“It’s because you love me,” you smiled. She just sighed. “And I’ll do… the chicken and waffles please.” 

She turned to Joel. 

“You’re getting a bunch of waffles sweetie,” she said. “Whatcha want with em? Eggs?” 

“Scrambled.” 

“Any meat?” 

“Bacon.” 

“Done,” she took your menus. “Don’t let her run roughshod over you like she does over me.” 

“Yes ma’am,” Joel smiled. 

“I’ve made so many mistakes in the last 24 hours and this might just be the worst,” you sighed, taking a sip of… whatever it is that you ordered. 

“You just make friends with everyone, don’t you?” He asked, watching you across the table. Your face turned serious for a moment and then you smiled again. 

“I try to,” you shrugged. “But I end up on my own most of the time. Which is totally fine, by the way, I like being by myself. Lots to do and solitude is a good way to do it.” 

He nodded slowly. 

“What about you?” You asked, stirring your drink with a straw. “Haven’t seen you bring many friends around. Except Tommy but family doesn’t count.” 

“Not a lot of time for friends,” he shrugged. “Got work, Sarah….” 

“Rescuing hapless college students.” 

He smiled. 

“I stay busy.” 

You stirred your drink again, bobbing your head slightly, in time to a song Joel could barely hear over the buzz of people in the cramped restaurant. 

“You really tell them all about your dating life?” He asked, half smiling at you. 

“Oh God,” you groaned and then laughed. “Yes. But only because it’s basically non-existent and I have almost no one else to talk to about it. Luce is convinced she’s a matchmaker. Maybe I should listen to her, she’s been right every time I’ve told her about a guy I’m seeing.” 

“Every time, really…” Joel’s jaw twitched a bit. He didn’t like thinking about you with other men. But he did have fun making you squirm a bit in your seat. “How many times is that, exactly?”

“Are you asking me about my love life, Joel?” You teased, leaning across the table at him. 

He matched your stance, his face ending up only a few inches from your own. Even now, you smelled good. Sweet, floral. A bit like lavender. 

“Curious about your track record,” he replied. You laughed. 

“It’s real bad,” you said, sitting up straight again. “Jeremy was the fourth guy I’ve gone out with since I came to Texas. He’s the only one who made it to date four and we saw how THAT ended. The others weren’t QUITE so awful. One came close to being that bad but otherwise, just run of the mill not working out. Believe it or not, there aren’t a lot of guys beating down the bio-lab door to get at the teacher in training.” 

Joel sat back in his seat, too. 

“Men are idiots,” he shrugged. “Especially when they’re in college. They wise up when they get older.” You bit your lip for a second before shaking your head to yourself. “What?” You scrunched your nose and shook your head. “C’mon kid. What were you going to say?” 

“They get better when they’re your age?” You blurted, blushing as you asked it. 

He watched you for a moment. 

“Like to think so.” 

Luce had been right. You’d ordered him a mountain of waffles. There were three of them, each quadrant a different flavor, topped accordingly, looking like a rainbow of food in front of him. He gaped at you and you shrugged, smiling as you cut into your own. You were right, too, though. They were the best waffles he’d ever had. And he wasn’t even that crazy about fucking waffles. Luce whispered something in your ear when she gave you a hug as you were leaving and it was enough to make you swat her on the arm before going to the truck, still smiling and shaking your head when you buckled up. 

Tommy asked few questions when Joel had called to ask him to come to your place and he’d beaten the two of you there, leaning against his truck. 

“Hey Tommy!” You hopped out of the truck and waved. You always sounded like whoever you were greeting made your day just by being there. It never seemed fake, either. Joel didn’t understand it. 

“Hey Kid,” Tommy smiled, hugging you briefly. “Heard I’m here to run interdiction.” 

“Your brother is paranoid,” you rolled your eyes, absently fidgeting with the sleeves of the hoodie. Tommy noticed the bruises at your wrist in the brief second they were exposed, grabbing your hand and shoving the sleeve up your arm. 

“The fuck is this?” He looked to Joel. 

“It’s nothing, really,” you took your hand back and Tommy didn’t fight you on it. “Just a… misunderstanding that Joel got me out of last night, that’s all.” 

“Misunderstanding my ass,” Joel muttered. 

“Some guy do that?” Tommy demanded. “What, he your boyfriend? Where is he?” 

“No!” You closed your eyes for a second and crossed your arms, Joel noticing the first traces of pain on your face since he’d picked you up last night. So you weren’t as OK as you looked, you were just damn good at hiding it. It passed quickly. “No, it’s just a guy I’d gone out with a few times and it just… didn’t go the way he wanted is all, it’s fine, it’s a misunderstanding, it won’t happen again, it’s fine. I promise it’s fine.” 

It didn’t look settled for Tommy. Didn’t feel settled for Joel.

“That’s why we’re getting some of her stuff,” Joel said. “He knows where she lives, she’s gonna stay with Sarah n’ me until her new place is ready. Wanted you here in case he showed his face.” 

“Afraid you can’t take him alone?” Tommy smirked a little. Like he knew the real reason. 

“Somethin’ like that,” Joel muttered. 

“OK so if the dick measuring contest is done, can we go inside and stop making a scene?” You fished your keys out of your purse. Joel’s eyebrows went up. He didn’t think he’d ever heard you say the word ‘dick’ before. Or be quite so blunt. 

“Sure Kid,” Tommy said. “We’re at your service.” 

“Such gallant gentlemen,” you smiled a little, leading the way to your apartment. It was on the ground floor of the small complex, a neighbor saying hi to you as you passed and giving a cagey look to the men trailing behind you.

Joel had never been inside your apartment before but, when he stepped inside, he imagined it was what it would be like to step into your mind. 

Everything was light and bright with soft things everywhere - a blanket draped over the back of the couch, pillows on a beanbag in the corner. There was a small cluster of plants on your windowsill and Christmas lights framing your bookshelves which were loaded down to the point that the boards were sagging in the middle. 

“Give me like five minutes to get changed?” You said, setting your purse down on the small breakfast bar that looked to serve as your only dining space. “Make yourselves comfortable, help yourself to anything…” 

You disappeared down the short hall and Joel took a minute to indulge his curiosity. He started with your bookshelf, the most worn copies. “Pride and Prejudice” looked like it was hanging on by a thread, the spine barely readable. He almost laughed. That fit you. “The Bell Jar” was also particularly worn. He hadn’t read that one, so he pulled it off the shelf and looked at the back, frowning. This seemed less like you. Or what he knew of you. He put it back. There were a lot of books on your shelf he didn’t know, and a lot that were in French that he may have known something about but fuck if he could tell what they were. 

You didn’t have many pictures, something he found oddly disappointing. There was one photo you’d framed of you with a girl who was the same age but it was years old, you couldn’t have been more than 15 in it. The few others there were looked to just be photos of you with an older woman, who must be your grandmother. There was a painting on the wall next to the bookshelf, almost too big for the space. A lavender farm. Of course it was. 

“I painted that.” 

Joel hadn’t noticed you come back in. You were still tying your mass of hair on the top of your head, wearing jeans and a threadbare t-shirt and the canvas tennis shoes you wore with fucking everything - the damn sundresses, the shorts that drove him crazy. He looked back to the painting. 

“It’s good,” he said. He wasn’t lying. He’d have never guessed you hadn’t bought it somewhere. 

“It’s that lavender farm, near my grandma’s place?” You stood next to him, looking at the painting. “Anyway, safe to say that can stay for now. Is it OK if I bring my plants? I don’t want them to drop dead because I’m not watering them when they need…” 

“Sure, Kid,” Joel smiled a little at you. “We’ll find a spot for them.” 

You looked relieved, finding a big, plastic tub to pack the plants in before going back to your bedroom. Joel followed you there and you handed him a worn duffle bag as you started to grab things to pack. Your bedroom, like the rest of your home, was you personified. There was a quilt on the bed that had to be about as old as you, tiny flowers covering the thing. The windows had frothy, white curtains, your bed had about six too many pillows. Stack of books on the nightstand, pressed framed flowers on the walls. All sweetness and softness and light. 

“Can you…” your face scrunched. “Close your eyes for just a sec?” 

Your hand hovered by a dresser drawer. He laughed. 

“Sure, Kid,” he obeyed, closing his eyes. “Pack your underwear without this old man watchin’.” 

“Not that old,” you muttered. He smiled, resisting the urge to sneak a peek at what it is you wore under those little dresses. 

It didn’t take long for you to gather your things, you turning in circles in each room a few times, muttering to yourself before nodding once, a sense of finality to it. 

“We can always come back if you forget somethin’,” Joel said. “But that’s a ‘we,’ no comin’ here on your own.” 

“I know,” you nodded. “But still, trying to avoid leaving stuff for school behind. I have exams soon, I need to study… Think I’m good, though.” 

You grab your purse and one of the three bags you’ve filled with the things you’ll need to survive a few weeks with Joel and Sarah. Joel grabs the other two, Tommy the box of plants and you fill up the bed of Joel’s truck. You’re about to get in your old car - a beater from the early 80s that Joel is still amazed made it from upstate New York to Texas in the first place - when a late model Ford F-150 that’s never done a day of work in its life pulled into the lot, closing your car in. You froze, a deer in headlights, as the fuckin’ guy from the night before stalked over to you and threw you against your car. 

Joel was over to you before he even realized he was moving, pulling the man away from you and shoving him to the ground. 

“What’d I tell you, boy?” He growled, pulling a fist back and bringing it down on his face. “Told you I’d kill you if you touched her again, didn’t I?” 

Joel hit him again, the man trying to protect his face, and he pulled his fist back to hit him again when you caught it, pulling him back. 

“Joel!” You were yelling it, like you’d been screaming it for a minute. Maybe you had been. Tommy was on him then, too, pulling him off the man on the ground. “He’s not worth it, Joel, he’s not worth it…” 

Joel got to his feet, breathless, the man on the ground curled in on himself. He turned to you, your eyes still wide. He wanted to hug you, hold you close. Instead, he just looked at you. 

“You OK?” He asked after a moment. You nodded once. He turned back to the man on the ground. “Take your truck and get the fuck out of here.” 

The man scrambled to obey and you watched, your body stiff, until he was out of sight. You deflated a bit when he was gone, the hint of a tear at the corner of your eye. 

“You’re OK Kid,” Joel said quietly. You looked at him, your eyes wide, trusting. “I’ll keep you safe. You’re OK.” 

You looked at him like you believed him.

[pompadourpink]

hi mom! i'm starting uni in september, i'm moving to a new city so i need to start shopping and all, but also my parents didnt really give me advice and im the eldest so im kinda lost, do you have any advice?? XX

Hello darling,

The ABC:

Uni is scary because your free-will goes from 8 to 90 in two months and freedom is intoxicating. Making up for lost chances can lead to bad choices (spending, dating, partying).

If your family failed to parent you, it is now your job. Autonomy is essential. Learn to cook, budget, clean, be clean, save, be a good citizen, make scary phone calls, keep yourself safe, prioritise.

No one will force you to get up and study, or hire you at 21 when competing with a bright 18 year old. Effort will not betray you (being a grown lazy gifted child will).

Have shared hobbies, from movie Sundays with a girlfriend to knitting with your sister. A social life is a happy life.

Trust your body, it knows. Stomach cramps mean we hate him, daydreaming means try, yawning means bed, not coffee.

The home:

Make a cleaning schedule, be open-minded and reasonable, do not do or say anything your landlord wouldn't like (I fully recommend having roommates once for exposure therapy).

If you have a neighbour your age, introduce yourself. Having that phone number will one day mean not having to sleep outside or getting a package stolen. Thank them with food.

Start documenting problems right away (photos, timestamps, screenshots, testimonies) as you may need to take action later. No emotions, you're just "worried about everyone's wellbeing".

Mould, vermine and leaks are enemies. Act yesterday.

Avoid big purchases. You don't know what the future (location, size, taste) looks like. Go secondhand, neutral, practical.

Avoid silly purchases: streaming, takeout, drinks, fast fashion. You will not regret having a downpayment saved in ten years.

If you ever need to do emergency laundry, put a bin or a bucket in the shower, add water and detergent (+ soda crystal for stains or whitening), wait an hour, rinse, wring, hang.

The shopping:

My grandmother has kept her house clean with a broom, bucket, squeegee broom wrapped in a floorcloth and Marseille soap since the 60s. When something doesn't work, look back.

Must-haves: cleaning (see #1 + cloths, soda, lemons, white vinegar, steel wool), hygiene (scraper, net, shower head filtre, first aid), night (good pillow, plugs, mask) supplies, freezer if possible, water filtre, reusable period protection, winter clothes, long chargers, sunscreen, friend living at home who will lend you tools.

Must-not-haves: anything trendy, collections (even books), a pet - don't let Felix keep you back, sleep over and study in Paris!

Have an emergency kit (+ whatever you need) + a smaller version in the car/at the office (with cash).

Fresh fruit, starches, a few types of frozen vegetables, of cans of legumes, of fresh, canned and frozen protein, a treat, something fun once in a while to experiment + a (bi-)monthly outing.

A couple of formal outfits. Large black dress pants, white shirt, dark grey thin jumper, pencil skirt, blazer, large coat, trench coat, loafers, heels, tall boots. Never slouchy or skin tight, plain.

Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, thrift stores. Spend a few hours making a perfect home board on Pinterest instead of listening to TikTok and taking what Ikea gives you.

The social life:

Make one or two real friends and cherish them forever. Support each other, travel, buy a house together, idk.

Don't be afraid to be/do things alone. You shouldn't be afraid of what your head says when it's not distracted.

Don't miss out on huge opportunities for people. Some are around out of necessity and will ghost you after graduation.

Do not try to impress, especially people you don't like and who don't like you. Do not do or say anything cops wouldn't like. Be a homebody who doesn't drink if that's what you want.

Do not try to educate those who will not learn.

Do not befriend someone who lacks confidence as they will make you pay for their jealousy, nor someone who wants a free therapist. Those relationships will be one-sided.

Befriend a couple of older girls. They will see through the lies of the people (men, classmates, employers) trying to fool you.

The love life:

The thirty-two year old man doesn't find you mature, he finds you inexperienced and malleable. Don't try meth thinking you're special enough to not get addicted.

If a date mocks you and you get mad, either that is who he is or he hates you. If you got mad, he is not for you. Your job is not to pretend you don't care so he can have a girlfriend.

Ask yourself if you would tell your best friend, mother, Taylor Swift, that he (hers) didn't mean it like that. If not, take a break from dating and think about why you think you don't deserve respect.

Don't forgive what you don't want to tolerate.

Don't try to force a relationship with someone who made it clear that he is, for whatever reason, not interested. You will be played like a fiddle until he meets someone he wants.

Don't try communicating with someone who is messing with you on purpose. No one ignores you for three days or sleeps with your friend or breaks your favourite necklace after an argument by accident. Also, your husband would never.

The daily life:

Have a clean e-mail address (firstname.lastname) for official biz and a casual one (f.lastna) for everything else, a solid password (Lanadelrey1984#) - change it yearly - and a list of the usernames and passwords you didn't pick.

If you don't trust your parents, block them off your account or open a new one when you turn 18 before they rob you.

Save a year worth of expenses, don't purchase what you couldn't buy twice now, don't replace what still works, give yourself week-long thinking periods before spending.

Get folders for your paperwork and keep them safe + take pictures for an encrypted Drive (beware of iCloud): diplomas, flat, car, big purchases, work, taxes, health, etc.

Print pics and make albums. One day, the app will die.

Mind your health. Exercise weekly (cardio/strength, ex: runs + weighted Pilates), walk, get more water, sleep, and fibre, take vitamin D, mind your eyes/ears/skin/teeth, stretch, leave.

Only invest energy, money, or time into what is worth it. FaceTime before the date. Get secondhand leather boots instead of replacing plastic. Drop the book after 100 bad pages.

Refuse conversations with people whose lives you wouldn't want, who happily overwork for a mediocre wage and don't know how old their children are. The handcuffs are homemade.

The job:

People will not forget how you made them feel and the world is a small place. Colleagues, clients, bosses will gossip: make sure it is for good reason. Dress and look clean, stand straight, be on time, never ever gossip, even when you were wronged.

Understand the power of sobriety. Be known for the success of your last project, not your bright skirts or temper.

Protect future you so you get the promotion/project/raise. No friends, no enemies. Smile, have neutral answers, make them talk, move on, make your IG private, google your name.

Lie. You don't avoid them, you eat lunch with your nana (hi Paula, no, I forgot about the hairdresser's), weren't unemployed, your father was ill, cannot go out, you have a birthday party.

Act boring with the jealous old woman or the obnoxious man. Take the fake compliment for a real one, don't understand the innuendo, have too much work to chat. Bullies get bored.

Instead of clapping back (see #3), be Cinderella, who ignores the insults and turns to Mr. No nonsense, who has been there twenty years, worryingly asking if Ethel is okay, I don't know what to do (no mention of ego, you're just distraught about her).

Sites to look up: Proton (mail, VPN, drive), Notion.

Love,

Mum

(PS - apologies if the she/he thing doesn't match you, this is a flexible plan for all of my children)

[flowerui]

♫ three little words (dedicate them to me), cyj

fluff, 4.8k words ୨୧ oh my god they were roommates :0 sorry to any academic weapons reading, im projecting a bit as an academic failure lol

wherein it only takes you about twenty-nine years to realize you're in love with your best friend... at least you got there!

꒰ requested. gender neutral reader (no pronouns or gendered terms used), reader is younger, unspecified age difference (but its implied that theyre very close in age), childhood friends to lovers, nonidol au, roommates, idiots in love, time skips, aging up, alcohol/drinking, a bit dialogue heavy, vomit is mentioned a few times, friend group ot4 ꒱

It’s hard to recall a time without Yeonjun; he appeared one day and stuck to you, almost as if he were a stubborn thorn in your side (said endearingly, of course).

It must’ve been when you were still in kindergarten—right, Yeonjun and his parents had moved in next door, and your moms both became friends and arranged a play date. Yeonjun had brought his PlayStation over and let you play it with him, so, obviously, to five-year-old you, that made the two of you best friends right away.

“Are you almost done?” Yeonjun bemoans from your bedroom floor, urging you to look up from your piles of textbooks and worksheets finally.

“No, I told you I needed to study and that you should go to your own house, you bum. Just ‘cause you don’t give a shit about your education doesn't mean I don’t.”

“You almost flunked last year. And you’re only studying because your mom saw you got a three out of a hundred on your algebra test,” Yeonjun deadpans, “how do you even score that bad?” Ugh, lucky, naturally academically gifted asshole. You roll your eyes and toss a pencil at his stupid face.

“Whatever,” you grumble, it’s not your fault you can’t be an academic weapon, and that school is whooping your ass instead with academics as a weapon. “I feel like my brain is about to start leaking out of my ears anyway, wanna go to yours?”

Yeonjun grins, sitting up from your floor with a start, finally regaining some of his earlier excitement before he had to wait nearly four hours (all of which were spent pestering you) while you attempted to study. “I ditched school yesterday to get a copy of Resident Evil 4 from GameStop.”

“What the hell—and you didn’t invite me?” you whine, “That’s cold, you better let me try it first.”

It’s hours later into the evening when you’re watching Yeonjun attempt to get through the wretched cabin section that you died approximately… thirteen times trying to get through, that he says, “You remember that guy, Taehyun, right? In my AP History class.”

“Mhm,” you hum, blinking your bleary eyes at Yeonjun’s TV screen from your very comfortable spot on his couch.

“He doesn’t usually talk a whole lot to me, but today, I couldn’t get him to shut up,” Yeonjun huffs a laugh as he maneuvers the character, Leon, up the stairs on screen, seemingly making it farther than you could. “He was complaining though, ‘cause he was partnered with this person who was into me. He couldn’t get any work done, they were just bugging him about me.”

You tear your focus from the TV to look at the side of Yeonjun’s face, you can see part of his furrowed brow and pursed lips. “Oh.”

It doesn’t surprise you that a lot of people seem to be interested in Yeonjun at school. In middle school, people started coming up to you, asking if you’d put in a good word for them with Yeonjun, because they ‘like-liked’ him, and you were his best friend. Then, it was at the end of eighth grade that you started telling those people to grow a pair and talk to him themselves.

You suppose you kind of understand. Yeonjun’s nice when he’s not being a little shit… and he’s not horrible to look at, one might even say he’s good-looking.

“Are you into them?” The question seems to roll off your tongue easily, but you’re not even sure why you asked, you don’t think you want to know. For some reason, thinking about it churns your stomach a bit.

“...No, I mean, they’re pretty, but,” Yeonjun sighs, tossing his controller to the side as he dies a second time. “they seem kinda… much. I dunno, Taehyun said they literally wouldn’t talk to him about anything besides me the entire class. It kinda weirded me out.”

“Hm, yeah.” You hum, a weird feeling of… relief washing over you. Yeonjun’s mom comes in to ask if you’re staying for dinner before you can think about it too hard.

Later that night, when you’re stuck staring blankly at your ceiling, you decide you were just relieved that Yeonjun wasn’t going to end up with some overly possessive weirdo. It’d suck to lose your best friend that way.

“Please do not throw up, because if you throw up, then I’m gonna throw up.”

“I’m not gonna throw up,” Yeonjun insists, but it doesn’t sound all too credible with the way he slurs his words, maybe you’ve also had too much to drink, but you swear he looks a little green. “I… am perfectly fine, thank you very much.”

“Uhuh.”

“Don’t ‘uhuh’ me,” Yeonjun grumbles with an attempted glare, you find that you can’t take him all too seriously, though; the flush on his cheeks, his inability to keep his eyes open for more than five seconds, and his perpetual pout make it all too difficult. “Oh, I—I think I’m gonna hurl.” He braces himself against the bar, eyes suddenly more awake.

That would be the reason you end up in a grimy bathroom on your twenty-first, making sure your best friend’s hair is out of the way as he empties the contents of his stomach into a toilet bowl.

“Why’d you drink so much, you know you’re a lightweight.” You ask when Yeonjun seems to be done, frowning as you wipe off his mouth with a paper towel.

“Am not,” he protests petulantly. “I was just—I just felt like it ‘cause I thought it’d make me feel better ‘nd I could stop thinking about other shit.”

“Did something happen?”

“...I stopped seeing that person I told you about.”

“Why? I thought it was going well?” ‘Well’ might be a bit of an overstatement. Like most of Yeonjun’s partners, you didn’t hear a whole lot about this new one, met them once for a brief moment, then didn’t hear of them again. It seems to be a common theme in Yeonjun’s relationships—his fleeting interest, you haven’t figured out if you should say anything about it.

“It was just, um. ‘M not over someone…. I didn’t feel right staying in a relationship knowing I’m still not over someone else.”

Oddly enough, that felt rather sobering to hear. You hum, stomach feeling a little off—you hope you aren’t going to throw up next… “You haven’t told me about that, wanna talk about it? It might feel better than drinking too much and throwing up in a disgusting bathroom. Don’t quote me on that, though.”

Yeonjun blinks slowly, then chuckles, “I’ll tell you about it some other time, I just really want to be in bed right now.”

Instead of getting an Uber or something, you trudge down the sidewalk with a clingier-than-usual Yeonjun, who barely manages to walk in a straight line. You internally celebrate when your apartment building comes into view; one of you seriously needs to get a car.

You have to convince Yeonjun to shower before you, almost like a petulant child. 

And apparently, wanting to be in bed means taking up most of your mattress and hogging your blankets for the night, because when you finish showering, you return to your room to find your bed occupied. You could just steal Yeonjun’s bed for the night… but you end up just crawling into bed beside him, listlessly trying to reclaim your covers.

He never ended up telling you about this mystery person he’s not over.

“I just don’t think it’s going to work out.” You sigh.

“But why? I thought things between us were going great, I—”

“I’m sorry, I just don’t see this relationship progressing any further.”

“But, I—I told my mom about you! You can’t leave me, I love you!”

“Ugh, you asshole,” you cry out as Yeonjun pretends to cry hysterically and shakes you by your shoulders, “You’re supposed to be taking this seriously and helping me!”

Yeonjun cackles as you shove him away, “I mean he could react like that, couldn’t he?” Then, he sighs and places his hands on your shoulders—not shaking you this time. “Okay, seriously, it’s going to be fine, you’ll be in a public space, so worst case scenario, he embarrasses himself.”

“You’re right… ugh, I’m gonna be late.”

“You’re the one who wanted to rehearse the conversation again.”

Before sending you off, Yeonjun smushes your face, cooing, “Okay, go dump your boyfriend, my duckling, I’ll be waiting here with takeout and beer.”

“You are a grown-ass man.” You deadpan before you’re finally off.

It’s been a good few months since you started seeing this new guy—his name’s Mark, you realized you liked him enough to make things more official after several good dates. But, you’ve already been considering breaking things off with him for a while now; you seem to have this recurring issue when it comes to relationships… You just can’t seem to envision a future that includes your partner, even when it’s going well you ultimately lose interest.

Mark seems like a good guy, too, which makes you feel worse, but it’d be even worse to just lead him on, right? That’s what you continue reminding yourself as you trudge into a nice café that will be tainted by the memory of you dumping a nice guy for the rest of your life. You’ll never be able to enjoy the sweet treats of ‘Arcadia’ ever again.

“Hey, there you are,” Mark smiles as you take the seat across from him.

“Yeah, uh, sorry, I had to help my roommate out.” A fib, even though your mother tells you honesty is the best policy. Well, she lied about Santa and the tooth fairy; besides, your fib sounds nicer than ‘I was rehearsing how to break up with you with my best friend’.

“No worries.”

“Um,” it’s better to just get it over with, you remind yourself, just rip the bandaid off, “so, I wanted to talk to you.”

“Uh oh, that doesn’t sound too good,” Mark chuckles, then clears his throat and continues when you don’t laugh, “What’s up?”

With a deep breath, you let it spill out all at once, “I don’t think this is going to work out, I just don’t see us—this relationship going any further. I’m sorry and I hope you can understand.” Okay, that wasn’t too scary, if you’re ignoring your shaky, clammy palms against your knees.

Mark nods, then looks down at his lap, then back at you, “I guess I should’ve seen it coming, I mean, I’ve seen the way you and your roommate look at each other.”

“Uh… you what?”

“You don’t have to play dumb about it, it’s obvious the both of you are in love. Guess I just liked you so much I hoped I could change your mind.” Mark sighs, “I think I’m gonna… go, sorry.” He says, then leaves you to spiral.

‘Obvious the both of you are in love’? You and Yeonjun? That’s ridiculous, right?

Leaving what was once your favorite café in a daze, you’re suddenly glad that you’d decided to walk instead of drive; you barely register entering your apartment complex, and unlocking your door.

“Hey,” Yeonjun is on the couch, takeout and a pack of beer spread on the coffee table as promised, “how’d it go?”

“It went fine,” you say with a smile that doesn’t quite make its way to your eyes, “he took it as well as he could have.” It’s weird, that you don’t just word vomit out every small detail, like you tend to with Yeonjun. But somehow, something about divulging everything feels weirder, so in a rare twist of events, you keep quiet.

Seemingly taking the hint that that’s going to be all you say for the time being, Yeonjun changes the topic, “Go change so we can eat, the new episode of The Vampire Diaries is literally about to start in like two seconds.”

“What the hell! I didn’t think I was gone for that long!” You shriek and make a run for it to your room to change out of your outside clothes.

Yeonjun snorts when you return, plopping onto the couch while trying to catch your breath. “I lied, there’s still like half an hour.”

“You’re such an asshole,” you hiss, and pummel him with the nearest throw pillow.

“I’m starting to think I’m gonna end up alone,” with a grunt, you tug your blanket up higher, “why’re we both so bad at relationships?”

“Rude,” Yeonjun flicks your forehead, and if you weren’t so cozy, full of food, and three cans of beer drunker, you might’ve sat up to take your revenge. But alas, moving even a mere inch feels like a herculean effort.

“You’re rude,” you stick your tongue out at him childishly. “Y’know I didn’t mean it like that, though, right?”

“I know.”

“Mm. Maybe…” You focus your bleary eyes on Yeonjun’s face above you. Even from this unfortunate angle, from where your head rests on his lap, he looks so… “If we’re not… If we’re still single by the time we’re thirty-four, I think we should just marry each other.”

Yeonjun laughs, “Okay, I think it’s bedtime, don’t you have work in the morning?”

If you hadn’t fallen asleep right then, you might’ve clapped back with a witty response, or you might’ve sat up, and looked at Yeonjun dead in the eyes and told him that you were serious.

“No, Mom, I am still not in a relationship,” you pause, then sigh, “Yes, I know I’m not getting any younger. And, no, I’m not gonna—wait, what?”

“You heard me, I asked when you’re going to give in and just marry Yeonjun. I like him, he’d be a nice son-in-law, he practically already is at this point!”

Only mothers would have the audacity. You have to pull your phone away from your ear to stare at the outgoing call screen in astonishment. “What… are you talking about?” You ask when you bring your phone back to your ear.

“Oh, c’mon. You’ve been living together since you were what, nineteen? Neither of you dates anymore, you spend all your free time together…You may as well get hitched at this point, instead of denying your poor mother the opportunity of watching her child get married any longer.”

You perk up at the call of your name, seeing two of your coworkers rush over, “Hey—random question—how early do you think is too early to get engaged? Lia’s only been with her partner for like three months, and they’re already engaged! You’ve been with your boyfriend for years, right? And neither of you has proposed?”

“Uh? My… boyfriend?”

“Yeah? Your boyfriend, his name’s Yeonjun, right?”

“Oh, he’s not my… He’s just my best friend.” You’re not sure what’s more embarrassing, the fact that all this time, it seemed like you and Yeonjun were dating, or having to tell two of your coworkers that you are actually painfully single. It doesn’t make it any better that the majority of your coworkers, while nice, are known for gossiping—all mostly harmless.

You expect your mother to make you feel bad about your relationship status (out of love), but not your coworkers.

“It’s weird, lately, I’ve realized that people think me and Yeonjun are together…? My mom even told me to just go and marry him, like?”

“Oh, you poor sweet summer child…”

“Have you still seriously not realized?” Taehyun pipes up beside Kai who regards you with a pitiful look. What’s up with everyone lately? You’re starting to feel like you’re the only one missing something.

“Realized what?”

“Oh, you’re hopeless.” Taehyun laments, looking as if he’s about ready to tear his hair out or reach across the dining table to knock some sense into you.

Ideally, you’d like to think you’re not at all oblivious. But, after many strange occurrences, you can’t help but consider: that you’ve never properly thought of Yeonjun that way—in a romantic sense. He’s always just been Yeonjun; the only person who you know for a fact you can trust with anything, and the only person who will stick with you despite all of your bullshit, like a stubborn thorn you can’t seem to be rid of (not that that’s an issue). He’s your everything, really.

When you imagine your future, you always see him fit in there somehow—but it occurs to you that as someone who’s never had a complete interest in marriage, or any romantic relationships for a long time for that matter, you could imagine walking down the aisle with Yeonjun, and more. Not only that, but you like imagining it.

Oh.

How dense can one be to fail to realize they’ve been in love with their best friend all this time? After nearly three decades of friendship, it’s seriously taken you this long to get to this conclusion? All those failed relationships you tried so hard to make work, it was all for nothing, because you couldn’t realize what you felt for what you already had! So much time wasted…

“Are you feeling okay?” Yeonjun apparates beside you, a palm carefully tracing circles over your upper back.

You feel bad for how you jolt away from him, seeing the surprise and mild hurt pass over his features in a split second. If you didn’t know Yeonjun like the back of your hand, you might’ve missed it. “...Sorry, I dunno—I’ve been kind of out of it lately, I think I just need to relax.”

“You haven’t been overworking yourself again, have you?”

“No…”

Yeonjun gives you a look as though he doesn’t quite believe you, but drops it. This time, you don’t jump away like frightened prey when he touches you—wraps around your side. “Let’s watch something tonight? I’ve been hearing about this new Kdrama called ‘My Demon’.”

“That sounds straight out of Wattpad… I’ll order the food.”

“Happy birthday,” Yeonjun sings as he saunters into your bedroom at… way too early in the morning. But all’s forgiven with the realization he comes bearing gifts—food. “What’s that, thirty-four punches I’m gonna have to give you, now? Fuck, you’re old,” he says as he sets down a delectable-looking plate of your favorite breakfast on your nightstand.

“Shut up, you’re older than me.” You narrow your eyes, sitting up to reach for your birthday breakfast.

“And if you punch me thirty-four times, you will not live to see another day, Choi.”

Getting older has meant that your birthdays have become a lot less eventful, but you haven’t quite minded it. They’re spent with your favorite person, anyway, so no complaints on your end.

Yet, somehow, you end up on a beach on the night of your birthday, sitting on a beach towel Yeonjun had neatly spread out and admiring the night sky. You’d had a simple plan to laze around at home all day, eat something good for dinner, drink a little more than you should, and then sleep like the dead. However, Yeonjun had other plans when he’d announced the night before that he was taking you on a day trip the next morning. ‘It’s only a six-hour drive’, he’d said, because he’s insane.

You suppose you had a little more to your original plan… you guess you also intended to profess your newly realized love for your best friend, and potentially ruin about twenty-nine years of friendship if things happened to go wayward. Well, you still intend on getting that over with.

“Happy birthday,” Yeonjun says once more, as he returns from the car with an unopened bottle of wine and two wine glasses. Huh, you guess that’s why he took so long to grab something to drink from the ‘cooler’, actually... do either of you even own a cooler? “Better appreciate this wine, it was pricey.”

“I distinctly recall telling you not to spend much on me this year,” you sigh, but you’re staring down the bottle, “and you already arranged this impromptu trip.”

“Well, I wanted to, it’s not every day you turn thirty-four.” Yeonjun doesn’t add anything else, as he hands you the bottle of wine; you decide not to call out how he can’t meet your eyes properly.

Cabernet Sauvignon 1999, the bottle reads. You don’t know much about wine—you’re not that old yet—just that it usually tastes good. “Is it good? I don’t think I’ve tried Cabernet Sauvignon, have I?”

“You haven’t, I think you’ll like it. It would’ve gone well with dinner.”

You hum, taking a corkscrew handed to you, as Yeonjun takes a seat beside you.

A couple of glasses later, you blurt, “Thanks. For this—the trip, dinner. And the wine. I like it a lot.” It’s not quite what you’d meant to say, in such a stilted manner. You guess you need a little more liquid courage, as you pour yourself another glass.

“I can tell, that’s like your third glass.”

“Shut up,” you grumble, as Yeonjun snorts into his glass. Cheeks warming, you start internally motivating yourself—if being alive for thirty-four years has taught you anything, it’s that everything’s worth a shot. You miss a hundred of the shots you don’t take… or whatever the saying is. “Do you remember that time I said we should just marry each other if we’re still single by thirty-four?”

After a pause, Yeonjun raises a brow, “Yes?”

“I’m surprised you remember that, considering you passed out right after… Are you saying we should get married, then?” Something passes over his features before he turns to you, and laughs something that isn’t exactly humorous, “I think that might be enough wine for you.”

“I’ve only had two glasses.”

“Two-and-a-half,” you correct after glancing down at your half-full glass. “I’m not drunk, maybe a teensy bit tipsy, but—fuck, that’s not the point.”

“What is the point you’re trying to make then? Yeonjun laughs, it almost looks like that familiar glint has returned to his eyes. You’d appreciate it if you weren’t about to implode.

“I, uh,” you clear your throat. Yeonjun continues to regard you with amusement; you vaguely wonder if he’ll still be amused once you manage to get the words—your confession out, or if you’ll go and ruin everything because of some stupid feelings. “Fuck, this is kinda difficult.”

“Okay, um,” maintaining eye contact is a test of your mental strength, which is why you avert your gaze even though you’ve turned to face Yeonjun, as you utter your next sentence, “So, it’s taken me an embarrassingly long time to realize that I’ve, uh, sort of, kind of been in love with you for probably forever. No, I—”

“I’m in love with you,” you rephrase more confidently, yet you end up shrinking in on yourself when the only response you receive is Yeonjun blinking blankly at you. “So, um, you could say something… right about now. Like, you hate me and are kicking me out? Well, ideally, you could say that you feel the same and—”

“Breathe,” Yeonjun reaches over to squeeze your clammy hand. Taking a breath as instructed, you realize you have not been breathing properly since you began speaking. “I was just—you’re being serious? You aren’t just drunk, and you aren’t fucking with me?”

“Two-and-a-half glasses, I’m tipsy at worst,” you reiterate, “and I’m not fucking with you either.”

“Oh.” Yeonjun breathes, which does nothing to assuage the anxiety that feels like it might have colored your face pallid, as it incessantly knocks against your ribcage.

“Oh? C’mon man, I just confessed my love to you, give me a little more than ‘Oh’, I’m nervous as shit right now.”

“Sorry, I was just…” Yeonjun laughs, the asshole laughs. “We really are best friends, huh? I spent all week trying to figure out how to make your birthday special, and confess my love to you at the end of the night. And here you are, beating me to it.”

“You… oh.”

“C’mon man, give me a little more than ‘Oh’, I just told you your love is reciprocated,” Yeonjun laughs as he repeats your previous words, teasing, “I’m nervous as shit, too.”

So, you down the rest of your glass before setting it aside and scooting too close for comfort, and ask, “Can I kiss you?” Because if thirty-four years of life has taught you anything, it’s to not waste any more time.

“Uh… yes.” Yeonjun’s widened eyes dart from both of your eyes, to your lips, and back.

And, so, you close the distance to kiss him. 

Maybe it’s not magical, maybe you don’t feel any supposed sparks or fireworks. But it feels right, like it’s meant to be as you cup Yeonjun’s cheek and shift to curl your hand around his nape. It feels like caressing the petals of a burgundy rose.

(“Have you just always known you loved me? Even when I threw up on you the first time we got drunk?” You ask, a few hours, and a couple more glasses of wine later.

“Ew, but yes, I knew I loved you even then.”

“...Huh. Would you still love me if a witch cursed me and I turned into a worm tomorrow?”

Yeonjun snorts, “A worm?” then he hums in thought, “I would buy the biggest terrarium, and the nicest dirt I can find, and take care of you. I’d find the witch and make her turn you back into a lovely human, too.”

“Good answer,” you smile, leaning over to kiss Yeonjun again, he tastes a little like remnants of Cabernet Sauvignon, deep and red, urging you to kiss him a little deeper. “I love you,” you whisper against his lips when you part.)

Upon thinking about it, not much changes between you and Yeonjun; apart from the kissing, consistently sharing a bed, sober I love you’s, and the other ‘unnecessary PDA’, as Taehyun so kindly put it, while Soobin had fixed the two of you with a disgusted look (you know that deep down somewhere, he’s happy for you both), and Beomgyu shot a thumbs up before going back to hogging the cookies Soobin baked—Kai was more focused on trying to steal some cookies, which he managed.

Your mother had practically wept out of joy when you told her the news, ‘I’m going to see my baby get married! I thought the day would never come!’ she’d cried out, and rushed to tell anyone that would listen to her. Overdramatic, and a little hurtful, by the way… You didn’t even say anything about marriage, either!

“Hm?” You reluctantly blink your eyes open at the call of your name, to see Yeonjun looking at you with a suspicious grin on his face.

“I love you.”

“...What did you do? I love you too, though, even if I have to become an accomplice.”

“I didn’t do anything bad, I just love you.”

“Mm, you loser. I love you more.”

“Hm, are you sure about that?” Yeonjun hums, your eyes follow him as he sits up and reaches for something from his nightstand, “‘Cause I think I love you more? So much that I’m asking if you’d do me the honor of marrying me.” He says so casually, contrasting how he carefully opens a small, velvety box. It gives a quiet creak as it pops open, revealing a simple silver band. A ring. An engagement ring.

After blinking the fatigue out of your eyes, and confirming that you’re not seeing or hearing things, you sit up with a start, “You—

“You dick, why would you propose to me while I’m half-asleep?!”

“Well, if you said no, I could’ve just written it off as you being tired and mishearing me… I’ll get you a nicer wedding ring, too, if you say yes, that is. Well, I already have one—”

Yeonjun grunts as you throw yourself onto him, “You’re such an idiot, I love you. Yes, I’ll marry you, there’s no question about it.”

You can’t recall the moment you started loving Yeonjun; maybe it was the day you met and he let you play his PlayStation. Maybe it was in middle school when more people started to see him, or maybe it was in high school…

Maybe you can’t pinpoint the exact moment, maybe you’ve just always loved Yeonjun. It’d be hard not to love him; he’s as beautiful as a white rose—inside and out—one that you’d pluck from the dirt with your bare hands, thorns and all, just to keep to yourself, even if for a little while. Maybe that’s selfish, but you think that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

You part from Yeonjun as your friends and family cheering fills your ears. Feeling like words can’t do your feelings in that moment justice, you kiss him once more, in hopes to convey them a little better.

“I know. I love you,” he says, because he knows you best.

Grinning so happily that your cheeks begin to ache, you properly part from Yeonjun this time, and walk hand-in-hand down the aisle.

[starlightazriel]

bee 2

desc: (fem reader) modern au best friends to lovers, roommate az, angsty + smutty, multiple parts (not sure how many yet at least 5)

warnings: 18+, drug/alcohol abuse, reader being self concious, jealous az, SEXUAL TENSIonnn, sex dream

wc: 4.1k

other parts will be found on my azriel masterlist

two

I was completely mortified. I could hear Azriel getting ready for the beach in the morning, and no matter how badly I had to pee I refused to exit my room. There was no way I could face him yet.

I hadn't even known how long he had been standing there. Had he heard me moan his name?

I watched my door, listening waiting to hear the front door swing shut. I see darkness under my door and i bite my lip knowing he's standing on the other side.

Don't knock, don't knock, don't knock.

The house was so quiet I could hear him sigh before walking away from my door and I finally heard the front door close.

My phone chimes a moment later as I walk to the bathroom and my stomach churns when I see Azriels name pop up on the screen. i know you worked late i didn't want to wake you up. you gonna come out to the house when you get up?

I swallowed locking my phone again, I'd respond later.

I couldn't stop thinking about what was going through Azriels head. He was probably judging me. I used the bathroom and went back to my room, staring at myself in the mirror. I felt so ashamed, what kind of person just did that in someone else's bed?

I groaned to myself falling back on my bed pressing my hands into my face. He probably thought that I was obsessed with him now. 'your bed is comfortable?' Thats what I had come up with?

And the women he hooked up with? The ones he would meet in bars or bring home from clubs... They just weren't like me. Even though he never really had anything serious except once or twice, his ex girlfriends? All older than him, seasoned, sometimes even married.

It had been near impossible to focus on any homework or studying I hadn't texted Azriel back, hoping he would just leave it alone thinking I was just busy with school work.

My phone chimes with another text, the afternoon sun was peeking through my curtains, I knew I should get up and get out of the house.

kats looking for you. you should get outside you been in all day.

i have a lot of homework azriel I squinted, looking down at the text I had just sent. Since when did I become so formal with him?

please..for me?

My heart leapt and I read the words over and over, pulling my lip between my teeth. Another message popped up.

and for kat? she's begging over my shoulder and she wants me to tell you her phones dead and that's why she hasn't called herself

I sighed softly, that seems more like it, not for Azriel. For Kat, who probably was telling him what to say.

Kat and I had been fast friends ever since Rhys hired her into the shop, she was an aspiring tattoo artist working out her days at the front desk until she was ready to start her apprenticeship. Our friend ship was easy, she was one of the first female friends that I had ever had in my life that I actually trusted.

She sort of knew about my feelings for Azriel, maybe not the extent, but she knew. It wasnt that hard for anyone to figure it out with the way that I looked at him. Anyone except for him, I guessed. Kat had blatantly asked me about it one day, I remembered blushing furiously and staring down at my drink which had been answer enough for her. She pushed me to make a move for a while and eventually gave up, realizing that I would never grow the confidence or the balls to actually do anything about it.

okay give me twenty I finally responded after a long few minutes of debating wether or not I could handle that right now after what had happened yesterday. It had barely even been twenty four hours.

I shake my head, looking at myself in the mirror again, I looked horrible. My hair was messy and I had dark circles under my eyes from working late and not being able to sleep.

I at least had to shower and blow dry my hair. I couldn't show up looking like this. Even if the fate that awaited me was bound to be relentless torture until I was back in the safe confines of my room. Would Azriel even speak to me in person? I wasnt sure I wanted him to, the embarrassment of what he had caught me doing was enough let alone the fact that he had now seen me completely naked. In broad daylight at that. I didnt look like the thinner taller women that Az usually went for, so when I fantasized about what our first time could be like, the lights were always off.

"You're an idiot," I told my reflection, freshly showered and at least a little more presentable. I put on my cream colored string bikini, some shorts, and tied a hoodie around my shoulders, knowing that soon it would be cold on the beach with the evening approaching, I wouldn't stay that long, but just in case. "Azriels probably going to disown you and kick you out of his apartment as soon as he realizes youre a creepy little fuck that's obsessed with him," I added, grimacing at my expression. "And now youre an idiot who's talking to yourself," I groaned again, wishing I could be anywhere else, or anybody else.

-

"Where's your mind been at today?" Rhys asks, plopping down in the sand next to Azriel on the outskirts of the group. They had a fire going the group was lively, Kat dancing to the music that Rhys had put on, Cassian watching, a beer in hand talking to Riley, their newest tattoo artist at the shop. Cass and Azriel himself weren't exactly a fan of the guest artist but what Rhys said they had to go with, as the owner of the shop, he always had the final say. Azriel shrugged, taking a long sip of his drink, his eyes flicking to Rhys.

"Just didnt sleep much," he responds, leaning back into the sand.

"Y/n!" Kat screams then, Azriels eyes land on Bee in the distance, Kat running for her full bore. He swallowed hard watching as they stop a little ways from the outskirts of the rest of the group, his eyes raking over Bees body clad in a little bikini. Her eyes land on his too, for a moment, they quickly dart nervously back to Kat. Azriel wondered what she was thinking, he wondered if she would approach him or ignore him all night.

"The fucking tits on her, you pierced those Cass? What kind of nipples does she have?" Rileys voice interrupted Azriels thoughts and he felt his mouth go dry, his entire body tensing.

"Careful," Cassian warned him, knowing exactly how Azriel could be when anyone disrespected Bee, but now it felt different for Azriel. It wasnt just about feeling the need to protect her, he felt... Jealous. "You know that's classified, client confidentiality," Cass smirked and his eyes drifted over to Azriel who was now completely seething. Who the fuck did Riley even think he was?

"She's off limits," Azriel simply says, trying to mask his tone the best he could from the growl that threatened to slip out.

"Says who, you? She's grown," Riley rises to his feet to greet the pair. Azriel can't bring himself to peel his eyes away.

"I'll fuck him up Rhys," Azriel threatened, his beer forgotten in the sand as he watched the three of them closely.

"I got a good lawyer for you when you do," Cass snickers softly, standing to grab himself another beer from the cooler.

"No ones fighting," Rhys says, glancing between the two of them before rolling his eyes. "Why you so touchy tonight Az?" he just shakes his head, trying his best to tear his eyes away.

"I told you, Im just tired," he stood up, brushing the sand off of himself and advances to monitor the situation.

-

No, no, no no. Don't come over here. Not so soon. I felt like I was going to pass out when I saw Azriel advancing toward us. Kat was annoyed by Rileys approach because she had been trying to figure out why I showed up so late and to ask what had happened yesterday because all I had done was send her 'I need to go live under a rock and die' without any further explanation.

"Bee, you finally left your homework," Azriel speaks, standing directly next to Riley who he'd interrupted, not that I had been listening, I had been internally panicked about this exact moment.

"Well- I um- yeah I got what I needed to done," I lied awkwardly, struggling to get a single word out underneath Az's blatant stare. When had he ever looked at me like that? My gut churned at the thought of what he might actually be thinking. Kat looked between the two of us, squinting, her lips pursing together slightly. She knew she had missed something. He glanced at Riley, annoyance flashing in his eyes and then back at me, I could tell he wanted to say something.

"I can tell you are both dying to get her alone, but I need her first," Kats words had me blushing furiously. Both of them? Dying to get me alone? What was she even thinking? Riley maybe, as he always seemed to flirt with me anytime I would drop by the shop or find myself hanging out with them when Kat or Azriel gave me an invite. But I was almost positive the last thing that Azriel wanted was to be alone with me, maybe to tell me to pack my shit and go. I opened my mouth to say something along the lines of telling her to shut up but she was dragging me away toward the house, away from the beach and the fire they had going. I wondered what the guys were saying, glancing over my shoulder as we walked toward the wrap around porch overlooking the beach. Azriel and Riley were standing there talking now, it looked heated.

"What's going on with you two? Azriel has barely said a word all day and you can't even look him in the face when he shows up," she eyes me, a small smirk threatening at her lips. "You finally fucked him didnt you?" her smirk breaks out in a grin and I pale slightly, falling back into one of the patio chairs.

"I wish. It's bad," I groan, pressing my hands into my face. I didnt even know how to tell her what had happened. I knew it would sound so much worse out loud.

"Im dying to know, you have to tell me," she giggles quietly, her already bubbly voice enhanced with her drunken state.

"He caught me using my vibrator in his room Kat. Im fucking done for," my voice is so quiet that if it wasnt for her laugh I would have thought she didnt even hear me.

"Girl that's crazy. Shit, you have more balls than I thought, maybe more than me," her hand flies to her mouth, my cheeks warm with embarrassment.

"Kat its not funny. I just single handedly destroyed any chance I ever have for him to see me as anything more than the stupid little immature little girl that hes always had to look after," my face is covered by my hands again, and I suddenly wished that I had never even come here.

"You never know y/n," Kat said and I pulled my hands away to look at her. "Maybe this will finally make him realize how much of a woman you've grown into," she added, I swallowed, considering as I looked out to the beach and the water, the boys were sitting around the fire smoking now, laughter could be heard in the distance but I didnt hear Azriels and I paled when I noticed him walking toward the house.

"Hes coming," Kat squeaks out giggling softly and standing up.

"Don't leave me here," I begged quietly, it felt like a rock was forming in the pit of my stomach. She only flashed me a devilish grin before turning around.

"Oh good Az, you can keep y/n company while I get our drinks," Kat threw me one more glance and winked in encouragement, I threw her daggers in response and I suddenly felt naked as Azriel took a seat across from me. The air was cooler now, the sunset quickly approaching. Azriels eyes flicked to my chest, my nipples showing through the thin fabric and his throat bobbed his eyes quickly flicking to mine and I averted my gaze. I couldn't remember him ever looking at me this much.

"Hey," he cleared his throat, and I look at him again, hes blushing. Maybe he was just as embarrassed as I was.

"Um hi," I smile weakly, a blush creeping onto my own cheeks, it was unbearably awkward and I would have to get back at Kat for this some way later.

"So..." he started and I silently begged to any existing higher power to please not let him bring up yesterday. "Are you going to tell me why you were in my room?" he finally said, and I felt my gut reel, wishing a hole would open in the earth beneath me and swallow me up. I shifted in my seat, our eyes met again and there was something new there but I couldn't put my finger on it.

"I told you... Your bed is comfortable," my voice is strained and I felt hot, I wished for him to stop looking at me like that. I couldn't handle his intense stare, I fought the urge to put my hoodie on. He raised his eyebrows, leaning back in his seat, amusement twinkled in his eyes.

"So that's what youre going with?" he cocked his head slightly, tipping his chin up. He was drunk maybe a little high too, I could tell by the way he carried himself, the slight slur in his words.

"I-" I started but couldn't find anything to say, heat pooled in my core at the sight of him, the way his jaw flexed slightly as he waited for my response. "Yeah," I finally mumbled pathetically, he stares his eyes not leaving me I could tell he wanted to ask more questions, wanted to continue.

"What did Riley want?" he then asks, my brows draw together in confusion but I'm grateful for the subject change.

"Riley? Oh, um, there's a piece Ive been wanting to get done and hes only charging me materials we were just talking about it," I swallow, he squints slightly, clearly it was the first he had heard about this, I was sure Riley would have said something.

"Why? You don't want me to do it?" He asked then, an edge in his tone now, a challenge. I swallowed before opening my mouth, and then closing it. My cheeks were blazing as I uncomfortably shifted in my chair, I didnt know how to feel about the air between us. It felt suffocating.

-

"I- Its just in kind of an intimate place, I didnt think you would want to," Bee finally said, she was fidgeting nervously with her fingers, eyes kept darting to his and then away again.

"An intimate place?" Azriel asked slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly, his spine straightened at the thought of Riley tattooing her, his hands on her. It made him sick.

"Come on guys," Kat interrupted, Azriels eyes flickered to her, annoyance written on his face. He made a mental note to further investigate when he was at the shop the next day. "Drunk never have I ever, Rhys brought a bottle," she giggles and grabs Bees hand, Azriel stands to follow them.

"What are we, twelve?" Azriel asked and rolled his eyes as he follows them back to the group, he watched Bee closely as she pulled her hoodie over her body. He was secretly relieved since he hadn't been able to tear his eyes off of her since she had arrived.

"Oh shut up, it will be fun," Kat says as they approached the group, all finding seats around the fire in the sand. Rhys poured a cup of tequila for every one of them, Azriel smiled seeing Bee out of the corner of his vision, sniffing the liquor and scrunching her nose in distaste. They began playing, quickly all becoming quite drunk, he couldn't keep his eyes off of Bee, he wondered if she noticed. She would just blush and look away every time.

Azriel had to give it to Kat, it was entertaining. They were also certainly learning new things about each other. It was dark now, the only light from the fire and the moon, the waves lapped gently against the beach, and it was kind of peaceful.

"Never have I ever had a threesome," Riley said, Azriels eyes flicked to Bee, she didn't drink, neither did Kat. He took a small sip and her eyes widened slightly but she quickly looked away from him, Rhys and Cass also drank and Riley smirked at the two women. "Maybe we can go fix that for all three of us," he said smoothly, licking over his lip, his eyes were fixed on Bee who was blushing furiously now, Azriel tensed, his grip tightening on his cup.

"Oh shut up, y/n and I could find someone so much hotter to have a threesome with," Kat giggles softly, gently nudging her with her shoulder. "Az, its your turn, you have to go," everyone turned to him expectantly, he shrugged, his eyebrows raising slightly as he tried to think of something to say, he had skipped his last two turns.

"Never have I ever fell in love," he finally said, Bees eyes flicked to him and she looked at him curiously, she took a small sip from her cup along with everyone else. "Guess Im the only one."

"You have no heart," Cass snickered, earning a dirty look from Azriel.

"Or youre all just soft," he said back before beginning to roll himself a spliff, Rhys laughed and shook his head. Azriel couldn't help but wonder which one of Bees dumbass ex boyfriends she had been in love with. There was only a couple, he hadn't approved of either of them at the time. "Bee?" Rhys asked then, watching her expectantly, she shrugs looking up to the sky as if it would give her an answer.

"Never have I ever got off from head?" Bee finally says before looking back at the group, everyone took a sip from their cup. Azriels eyes fixed on her now, and he was chewing the inside of his lip, the spliff he had been rolling finished on his lap now. He imagined fixing that for her, he imagined his lips and his tongue all over her body, the sound of her moans filling the room. What the fuck was wrong with him? The thought made his pants feel just the slightest bit tighter.

"That's a sad life, I can fix that one for you too," Riley chimed in, a smirk plastered on his face. Azriel squinted, cleared his throat, his chin tilting up in Rileys direction. Bee was blushing, her eyes fixed on Azriel now.

"No ones fixing anything for anyone," Azriel shrugged, picking up his spliff finally to light it. He noticed Kat looking between him and Bee an excited light in her eyes, what was that about?

"Never have I ever got caught or caught someone masturbating!" Kat chimes out, Bees face goes completely pale and then red a second later before she looks at Kat a horrified expression on her face. They both drank from their cups, eyes only meeting for a split second. She told Kat about what happened? Big mistake.

"So that's why it's been so weird between you two," Cass is snickering from the corner. "I have to ask though, who caught who?" he adds and Bee rose to her feet, quickly, dusting the sand off.

"Bathroom," she manages to get out before she whirled on the group and started walking quickly back toward the house.

"Well that wasnt awkward at all," Cass laughs again, looking back to Kat. Azriel rolled his eyes, dusting the sand off of his clothes as he stands as well.

"Nice one Kat," Azriel growled quietly, she threw her hands up in defense, apologizing quietly. Azriel didnt really care what they would say after he walked away, that didnt really matter. He just wanted to check on her.

He found Bee pacing back and forth in the kitchen nervously and he leaned against the door frame, watching her curiously. He didnt understand his new found interest in his best friend. She had always just been his best friend Bee...

"It's normal you know," he finally spoke, causing her to almost jump out of her skin.

"Can you stop sneaking up on me?!" she demanded, holding her hand to her chest before relaxing. "Yeah, it's normal but not in your roommates room," she added, Azriels lips twitched, a smile threatening at them.

"You wanna go home?" he asked, changing the subject, he gestured toward the front hall of the house that lead to the front door. She relaxed again, looked toward the window out at the group.

"What are they gonna say?" she bit her lip, looking back at Azriel who drew his brows together.

"Bee, we live together, remember? It's normal for us to leave together."

-

Azriel advanced, dropping to his knees in front of his bed before her. Bee looked down at him with her big doe eyes, her lips parting in surprise. She whispered his name softly, holding her vibrator to her clit, it buzzed softly and he pushed her legs open more, his fingers gently squeezing the soft skin of her inner thighs. He groaned softly, dipping his head between her legs and gently lapping up her wetness. She moaned his name again, her voice breaking slightly, her free hand found his hair as her body shook gently beneath him, he knocked the toy away, his lips wrapping around her clit and he sucked on her soft skin, moaning against her at the taste, she cried out again, Azriels name leaving her lips-

Azriel woke to the sound of his alarm and he rolled over, groaning and smashing his hand onto the beeping alarm clock.

"Fucking hell," he breathed, his head absolutely pounding from the amount they had drank last night. His cock ached, completely rock solid from the dream he was having. He rubbed his face, rising to his feet. He knew he had too many early clients to take care of that now, when was the last time he even had a fucking wet dream? High school?

Azriel exited his room to go have a cold shower, Bee smacked into him instantly, their bodies colliding, Azriel held her arms to steady her, their eyes meeting. He rose his eyebrows, usually she was in class on Mondays by now. Or on her way at least. Her lips were slightly parted, cheeks flushed deeply as she looked up at him, he could feel his morning wood throbbing between them. "Late?" he finally speaks, his voice husky from sleep. She seems to snap out of it, shaking her head slightly pulling away, he doesn't miss her eyes widen when they settle on his hard cock that was pressed against his boxers. His cheeks warm as he wondered what she was thinking.

"Y-yes," she stuttered, peeling her eyes away from him finally, her eyes flicking back up to his face. "I'll see you later," she choked out before all but running out of the apartment.

Azriel sighed quietly, missing how easy it had been between them only days ago. He couldn't look at her without wanting to rip her clothes off, he couldn't talk to her alone without her dying to get away, he couldn't even be in his bed without being reminded of her in his bed.

Azriel decided that best friends or not, he would be the one to take care of her next time she needed a roll in the sheets. Maybe then they could act normal, maybe the awkwardness would dissipate. Maybe there was just a weird tension between them now that could be fixed by them fucking.

He had to get rid of his new found curiosity some way. It felt wrong even thinking like that, but he needed to know now. She wasnt just Bee anymore, she was fucking hot, and he didnt understand how he had never even noticed before.

-

a/n: sorry this took so long!! not proof read yet so if you see mistakes lmk <3 comment to be tagged in the next part