#i recently realized it's taller than me now! when did it get so big......

[veilk]

re: that last post. you people don't even know about my beloved little sapling. its sort of like the tree equivalent to a son to me

[cheriladycl01]

Fast Cars on the Island - Oscar Piastri x LoveIslandContestant! Reader Part 1

Plot: Your an engineer for Mclaren and you were asked as a PR stunt to go onto Love Island. You would keep your job of course but Mclaren wanted some more media traction.

A/N: I know they would never do this, and that's why its fiction!

You'd basically been an intern during your placement year at McLaren as an engineering university student. They then kept you on as an employee to work with them while you completed your final year of university.

That was in 2023, it was now 2025 and you were 23 years old and had worked for McLaren for the last few years.

In recent years PR for the teams was all getting the same. They made the funny and treading tiktoks, they did the 0.5 pics, and they made the memes which never got old. But all the teams were looking for something new... something refreshing. So when the team came forward with the idea for someone to go on Love Island, Zac Brown hated the idea.

He thought it was ridiculous.

It was ridiculous.

But after some thought of how Lando and Oscar, the stellar boys of his team... young and energetic brought like likeability and youth too McLaren that everyone loved. He then realized that this would give someone in McLaren a larger platform to open up too and show the ins and outs of McLaren and it would gain way more viewers from a different group of people.

So once the car for 2025 had been created he went through a long list of all the potential candidates he'd ask to apply. Maybe he could even see if he could sway ITV in anyway.

Obviously he looked at the social media girls and then any of the mechanics that they could let loose for the potential of 10 weeks. But the one that struck him the most was you. Y/N Y/L/N.

You were the perfect candidate, you were an engineer and travelled with McLaren from race to race working on the car's performance and helping the strategists when it came to optimizing car performance with driver ability.

So that's why you were currently sat in the ITV studio doing your little interview for your introduction.

You were a little gutted they told you they wanted you in on this project as you had a massive crush on driver number 81 Oscar Piastri and you knew both him and Lando would be watching you.

The Love Island Intro:

"My love life is non-apparent I think I've had a closer relationship with my car than a man!" you joked halfway through the interview when they'd asked you about your love-life.

"My name is Y/N Y/L/N, I'm 23 years old from London! I work for a Formula 1 Team, McLaren Racing as an Engineer" you smile looking at the camera shuffling on your seat a little bit adjusting you dress.

"The lights a really bright in this studio I think my makeup's running!" you say as a makeup technician comes out fixing your under eye a little.

"I think my last relationship was my first year of University and it lasted for about a year" you answer with a thoughtful look up.

"I think he got fed up with me! At that point i was very career focused and I still am." you answer the prompted 'and why was that' question asked to you.

"I'm not fussy when it comes to looks, but I tend to go for sporty guys that are taller than me and treat me well! My dad always told me, find yourself a man that will treat you how they treat their Vintage Pontaic and I've lived by that ever since!" you admit with a little laugh.

"Where I work in such a fast paced and big industry I'm very much a socialite and people person so i can imagine I'll make friends quickly in the villa" you answer again the question they asked you.

Walking into the Villa:

You step into the Villa, you of course were wearing a Papaya Bikini with a matching coverup in the form of a cardigan but sheer.

You walk through thanking the driver before walking into the villa looking around in awe.

Maybe it wasn't the worst thing spending your entire summer here. The only thing was you were gutted you wouldn't be updated on how your team was doing at any point! This year the villa was in Greece, it had been completely reformed with the pool being more like the one from season 1 where it had the beach sort of style to it.

You round the corner seeing two gorgeous girls sipping on champagne.

"Oh, look its another girl!!! OMG HEY!!!!" the first girl shouts beckoning you over.

"Hey!" you exclaim walking over as quickly as you could in the heels you were wearing.

The first girl pulls you into a hug kissing either one of your cheeks while gripping both your arms, she was pretty tall as well around 5'11, whereas you were around 5'7 in the heels you were sporting.

The next girl hands you a drink before kissing your cheek.

"So girl! What's your name, how old are you?" the first girl asks.

"Y/N! And I'm 23! What's your names?" you ask politely before taking a sip of your champagne.

"I'm Millie, and this is Auriela!" she smiles pointing to the other girl.

Seconds later another female enters the Villa with a shrilly sort of shriek, looking around at the place.

"Omggggggg! Heyy girls whats going on!" she says in a strong Scottish Accent.

Your then introduced to Zavi before you all get chatting about what you like in boys.

Oscar and Lando's Reaction:

"Damn, who knew she looked like that under team gear!" Lando compliments shamelessly checking her out as they slow-mowed her walk out on screen before showing her intro video.

"Yeah, she's pretty" Oscar says quietly while respectfully looking her over.

Oscar had a crush on you from when he was a reserve driver for Alpine and he saw you on work experience in McLaren from the end of the 2022 season and before he joined all the way through till the September of 2023. You then were in the MTC a lot between Uni, so he saw you a lot during the winter break before you were off for your finals.

You rejoined McLaren in May of 2024 for the Monaco GP where you cam with revolutionary upgrades for Zac Brown to oversee.

And you'd been with them ever since, always in Oscar's mind as the pretty engineer who not only made his cars race fast but made his heart race just as fast too.

He watched as she said she liked sporty guys, maybe he had a chance if she didn't fall in love while in there.

"That other girls pretty fit! Mille is that her name?" Lando comments but it goes straight over Oscar's head where he's so honed in on you.

Meeting the Boys:

The presenter had you all stood in the pool, and she explained how she was about to bring the boys out one by one.

"Okay first boy. Please come out and introduce yourself!"

"Hey ladies, all looking beautiful today, my name is Jai I'm 25 and I'm a training Surgeon!" he smiles holding both hands together as he looks at all of you.

"Okay ladies, step forward if you like the look of Jai!" she says and both Millie and Zavi step forward. You don't step forward as you can imagine he's pretty busy as a doctor and your schedules would clash too much.

"Oh woah, you've got too girls that have stepped forward for you Jai, what are your first thought, we feeling good?" she asks and he nods.

"Yeah, I mean they are both gorgeous ladies!"

"Okay lets find out more. Zavi, why did you step forward?" the presenter asks and she smiles.

"We're both doctors, so i think we'd make a pretty good match, we'd have lots to talk about. Yeah and your very handsome!" she says shyly and the presenter nods.

"Awesome and Y/N you didn't step forward, just keeping you options open?" she asks and you shake your head.

"You of course are very attractive and seem like a really funny and kind guy, but I travel a lot for work and I think with you being a doctor our schedules would result in a major clash unfortunately!" you explain, with a guilty look.

He nods in understanding before he goes and stands next to Zavi in her white bathing suit.

"Our first couple, Jai and Zavi!" she says and you all clap as Jai walks next to her placing a quick kiss on her cheek.

"Okay, our second boy everyone say hello to Chris!" she introduces and another man comes walking through the double glass doors.

"Hey, I'm Chris I'm 22 and I'm a Celebrity Hairdresser" he smiles waving shyly before tucking his arms behind his back.

"Okay girls you know what to do!"

This time only Auriela steps forward. You stay in your position along with Millie.

"Okay, so Auriela has stepped forward for you Chris! Aurelia why did you step forward!" she asks and Auriela laughs.

"Holy hell have you seen him? Hi I'm Aurelia" she smiles playfully at him, he looks down a small blush on his cheeks.

"Millie, you didn't step forward this time. Any reason?" she asks.

"Little disheartened after Jai, but I'm sure my times coming. Just not with Chris, sorry my ex is a hairdresser!" she laughs off her reasoning before he ends up choosing Aurelia.

"Our second couple Chris and Aurelia!"

"Okay, Boy 3 please make yourself known!" she exclaims and another very handsome man comes strolling out. He immediately sends a wink your guys' way and pulls the presenter in to kiss her cheek in a friendly manner.

"Hi, my names Daniel, I'm 25 and I'm a footballer" he smiles crossing his arms over his broad chest.

"Okay, ladies please step forward if you like the look of Daniel" the presenter smiles. You, Millie and Aurelia all step forward.

"Sorry" Aureila says turning round to look at Chris.

"Woah, that's the most we've had step forward! And this is in fact that first time we've had Y/N step forward" the presenter says and he looks between you and Millie trying to determine who it was.

"The one in Orange!" she exclaims and he looks at you, small smirk on his face.

"Hello beautiful" he compliments and you smile at him.

Eventually after she asks Millie who pleads her case heavily, he goes with her. You step back a little sadly and he looks over to you in apology but you just nod with a smile understanding his choice.

"Okay our next couple Millie and Daniel!" she says and you all clap happily.

"Okay boy number 4 please step out and make yourself known" the presenter asks again.

"Hiya, all looking really beautiful ladies. I'm Aaron I'm 26 and I'm a freelance photographer" he introduces before making a little side joke.

You, and Zavi step forward.

"So you've got Y/N who only stepped forward for one other boy stepping forward for you in Orange and isn't currently coupled up. Then you've got Zavi's who currently with Jai" she explains and he nods.

"But of course you can choose any girl even if she's not coupled up! Y/N why did you step forward?" she asks looking at you.

"You are very handsome obviously, has that sky book guy vibe about him. But I think your photography career would go wild if you came travelling with me for my job!" you smile looking at him.

She asks Zavi why she changed her mind from Jai giving a generic answer about keeping her options open before she questions Millie and why she didn't step forward.

"Aaron, please go stand next to the girl you'd like to couple up with" the presenter says and he walks standing next to you. He places a kiss on your cheek.

"You look stunning by the way" he smiles looking down at you making you blush and elbow him to shut up. So you could see what the presenter was about to say.

"Now, all of you are happily coupled up, we have Y/N and Aaron, we have Millie and Daniel, Aureila and Chris and Zavi and Jai. However, please say hello to our final male contestant Charlie" she says and a blonde guy walks out full of confidence.

"£10 that he's out by week 2" you whisper to Aaron making him snicker a little before covering it up with a cough.

"Hi ladies, I'm Charlie I'm 28 and I'm a Physician" he smiles.

"Okay, so obviously all these ladies are currently coupled up, however you are able to choose any of them and break the couple they are currently in!" the presenter exclaims.

"Oooooof the whole lot!" he says flicking his hand looking over all of you.

"I'm going to make it easier for you and ask if the girls like the look of you for them to step forward. Please do so ladies on the count of three" she says and counts to 3.

When no-one steps forward he awkwardly shuffles.

"Come on ladies lets not be shy" he laughs, until the presenter deems no-one to step forward.

"Okay, I'll go with her in the Orange Bikini" he says pointing at you. You look away from Aaron in shock.

"Okay, Aaron please come stand here with me and Charlie please go stand next to Y/N" she says and you keep your eyes on Aaron as he walks away. He gives a nod to you and you nod back.

An understanding.

"Okay, these are our current couples, no more couplings will happen today!" she exclaims before she explains that you have time to explore the villa and get to know each other.

Oscar and Lando Reaction:

"Okay, no I understand that, good for her" Lando says shoving some plain popcorn into his mouth as he watched Y/N not step forward for Jai.

"I bet Y/N would step forward for me" Lando says as she rejects the second guy to come out Chris.

"Do you recon she'd step out for me?" Oscar asks looking over to his friend.

"Yeah mate. Your a catch. I even heard her say to Emma, the girl in marketing once that her fav accent is aussie!" Lando admits eyes glued to the screen as she steps forward for Daniel.

"She does!" Oscar exclaims looking at Lando making his pause the TV.

"Yeah, mate. Now lets watch coz this may be the future Mr Y/N in the paddock!" Lando says gesturing to the TV.

"Nah, that's foul. How you out there rejecting my girl Y/N Y/LN!" Lando screams at the TV in horror that Daniel had just gone with Millie.

They watch as the next guy walks out and Lando and Oscar raise eyebrows. It was a brown haired, brown eyed guy that did the beluga smile as he came out.

"She's so stepping forward for him!" Lando says pointing at Aaron.

"I'm already putting my money on them as winners" he comments again. And she does in fact step forward. He of course chooses her, no seconds thoughts needed. They watch as he compliments her and kisses her cheek.

"Dude, she defo had school girl crushes on us!" Lando admits seeing the similar attributes and mannerisms the mail had to the McLaren driver duo.

They wait until they see Charlie walking in.

“Nah man, he keeps eyeing her up! He’s gonna take her away from Aaron!” Lando explains, but Oscar is just unhappy that she’s coupled up with anyone in general.

He should have admitted to her ages ago that he was madly in love with her.

They then watched on as the girls all parted ways walking into the bedroom and makeup area where all their clothes were in the wardrobes with their names on!

The boys all sat around the campfire talking to each other. Not fully getting to know each other wanting to save that for dinner later on.

But Oscar didn’t know how much longer he could watch this if you were going to be flirting with people the whole time.

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @stupidandunnecessary @clayra-g @daemyratwst @honey-belden @moonypixel @lauralarsen @vader-is-hot @ironcowboycopnickel @itsjustkhaos @the-untamed-soul @beebo86 @happylittlereader @ziejustme @lou-larcher5 @thewulf @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @chillyleclerc @chanthereader @annoyingmoonballoon @summissss @evieepepi08 @havaneseoger08 @celesteblack08 @gulphulp @fandom1ruined2me @celebstories @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhh @georgeparisole @dakotatankbig @youcannotcancelquidditch @zzonsbeek @tallbrownhairsarcastic @mellowarcadefun @ourteenagetragedy @otako5811 @countingstacksandpanicattacks @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @hopexcroc @mirrorball-6 @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @lilypadlover @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @the-fem1n1ne-urge @21stcenturytaegi @dark-night-sky-99 @spideybv28 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @kapsylia @laneyspaulding19 @lazybot @malynn @cassielikereading @viennakarma @teamnovalak @landosgirlxoxo @marie0v @jlb20416 @yourbane @teamnovalak @nikfigueiredo @fionaschicken @0picels0 @seomako @urdad-hot @formula1mount @tinydeskwriter @butterfly-lover @ironmaiden1313

[shmaptainwrites]

𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 [𝐅𝐈𝐓𝐙𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐘]

PAIRINGS —  Fitzwilliam Darcy x fem!Reader

SUMMARY — Reader, encountered with an unexpected cold, finds herself staying longer at her friend's home in Pemberley and influencing him with her unconventional attitude

WARNINGS — sickness

NOTE — Here's the 2nd Mr. Darcy fic! It's been a draft for a while but I finally managed to finish it off, I hope you guys enjoy.

“Fitz! Come quickly Miss (L/N) is here!” Georgiana called her older brother as you rode into the Pemberley estate in your carriage. 

Mr. Darcy listened to his sister, but didn’t waste a second in telling her that there was no use yelling in such a big house and that she should have just sent someone to get him. 

“I know, I’m just so excited to see her,” Georgiana grinned. “Aren’t you?”

“I am happy she could come visit us for the week,” he said simply. “She’s quite busy keeping house for her brother.”

“Exactly, which is all the more exciting that she was able to come,” Georgiana grinned. 

The Darcy siblings met you outside, helping you deal with your bags first and then taking the opportunity to say hello. 

You kissed Georgiana on the cheek, taking a moment to really take in how much she’d grown while you hadn’t seen her. 

“My goodness, a few more months and you’ll be taller than me,” you laughed, Georgiana’s hands clasped tightly in your own. “Oh how I’ve missed you.”

“Just me?” Georgiana teased. 

“Now now, your brother knows very well that I’ve missed his company as well.”

“Then it is unfortunate you will only be able to stay with us for the week,” Mr. Darcy commented. 

“Yes, it most definitely is.”

“Please, come. Dinner is waiting inside, I am sure you are hungry after your travels,” Mr. Darcy, guided you and his sister towards the entrance of the large home. 

“You have assumed correctly, Mr. Darcy,” you nodded. 

“All the better that we can eat immediately then,” Georgiana smiled. “How is your family? Your brother? And sisters?”

“All fine and healthy thank you,” you said. “My elder sister is actually getting married very soon. The engagement was quite recent so she asked if I could pass the news to you both in person.”

“Oh how delightful!” Georgiana clapped her hands together. 

“You will both be invited to the wedding of course, it wouldn’t be the same without you there,” you smiled. 

“We shall greatly look forward to such a wonderful event, won’t we, Fitzwilliam?”

“Yes, of course. Any opportunity to see your family is a great one,” he agreed. 

Dinner was quite pleasant, you caught up on the events happening in your respective lives and reminisced about the days where you were closer together. 

The week at Pemberley passed faster than you would have liked and on your last day you decided to take a quiet moment to yourself, walking the grounds before dinner. 

The property was extensive and you often lost track of how far you had gone. This time, the realization came when it began to rain and you did your best to hurry back, hoping you wouldn’t get sick. 

Arriving back at the house, the bottom of your dress was soaked completely with mud and the rest of you was dripping with rainwater. 

Mr. Darcy happened to be walking by as you came inside and quickly came to attend to you. 

“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked. 

“At this point, yes,” you nodded. “I just got caught in the rain.”

“Let us get you something to dry off, perhaps a change of clothes and some time by the fire will do you good.”

“Mr. Darcy, you needn’t worry, I’m sure everything will be fine and I can take care of it.”

“I insist. You are my guest, what kind of host would I be if I didn’t at least attempt to make sure you were alright.”

You conceded and let Mr. Darcy instruct someone to bring you a towel to dry off and walked you to your room before informing you he’d make sure a fire was started in the fireplace of the drawing room. 

After you changed into dry, clean clothes, you made your way there noting that you were beginning to feel a bit ill. You hoped it was nothing and that the feeling would pass, but it became clear during dinner when Mr. Darcy had to quickly rush to your side after you had almost fainted. 

He instructed someone to call a doctor and asked Georgiana to write a quick letter to your brother to inform him you would have to stay at Pemberley until you were feeling better. 

“Mr. Darcy, I really-,” you paused, taking a deep breath to fight off the nausea. “I wouldn’t want to impose and stay longer than I was intending.”

“Nonsense,” he shook his head. “You are in no condition to travel. I don’t know what your brother would say if I sent you back while you are in this state.”

You closed your eyes and nodded your head, allowing Mr. Darcy to lead you into your room, sitting you down on the bed and assuring you he’d be back with tea and a doctor. 

Your fever was the worst the first night. The doctor stayed at Pemberley to make sure that you’d be on track for a healthy recovery. He informed you that whatever ailment you were suffering from could take some time to completely leave your system and as Mr. Darcy had already suggested it would be best for you to stay at Pemberley until you were completely healed. 

It pained you to sit around and do nothing aimlessly every day, but you knew there was no way you’d be able to get any better otherwise. 

One evening, after you had assumed everyone had gone to sleep, you badly wanted to stretch your legs and decided to make your way to the kitchen to make a pot of tea. 

You took careful steps, still feeling a little dizzy, only in a nightgown with a shawl pulled over your shoulders, when the flicker of a candle signaled to you that someone was there. 

You turned around and saw Mr. Darcy who was clearly still awake and staring at you quizzically. 

“Miss (L/N), what on earth are you doing out of bed?” he asked, increasing the pace of his stride so that he could reach you faster. 

“I was just hoping to make some tea,” you said. “And stretch my legs. Please don’t send me back to my room.”

Mr. Darcy pursed his lips and sighed, 

“Alright, let’s get you some tea.”

You began to walk, slightly more wobbly than before so Mr. Darcy carefully wrapped an arm around you and pulled you closer to him so you’d have some support as you walked. 

“Are you feeling any better from this morning?” he asked. 

“A little, but much better than that first night,” you said. 

“Good,” he said simply and you continued your walk to the kitchen in silence. 

You tried to take initiative to grab a few things to make the tea , but Mr. Darcy stopped you and insisted he take care of it. 

“Mr. Darcy, you spoil me,” you chuckled. “Ever since we were little ones, you always have.”

You swore you saw a small smile make its way onto his lips as he placed the kettle on the stove. 

“I have very few people I’m able to spoil Miss (L/N), I’m happy you indulge me,” he said quietly, still holding you close to his side. 

“As much as I appreciate it, I do believe I can stand on my own,” you commented. 

“Let us see how those legs of yours hold up,” he took a small step away, removing his support and you almost fell backwards if it weren’t for his quick reflexes that caught you. 

“Perhaps not, then,” you chuckled, hiding your face in slight embarrassment. 

The water was boiled not that much later and you allowed the tea to steep for a bit before Mr. Darcy poured you a cup and carried it for you as you made your way into the sitting room. 

The room was only lit by the light of the candle and after sitting you down, Mr. Darcy stayed right there next to you. 

You knew if anyone caught you like this the rumours would go flying, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care, feeling far too comfortable in his embrace. 

“You know my mother used to hold me like this when I was sick,” you yawned. “It’s not quite the same, but I guess you’ll have to do.”

“Surely you jest,” Mr. Darcy said and you shook your head. 

“Me? Jest? Fitzwilliam, who do you think I am?”

“That medication the doctor has prescribed you is surely doing quite a number on you,” he placed the back of his hand to your forehead only to see that you most definitely weren’t feverish. 

“It’s not the medication,” you shook your head. “Perhaps the exhaustion made me slip up, but don’t you think it’s incredibly silly that I shan’t refer to you by your name even though I have known you all my life?”

“I suppose it is,” he nodded slowly. 

“Just try it,” you suggested. “No one is watching, it's just you and I.”

He paused to a moment, still unsure if he should say anything, but he’d spent the entire night indulging you so he thought he might as well continue. 

“What do you wish me to ask you, (Y/N)?” 

“See that’s much better,” you nodded. “I quite like having you call me by my first name.”

“There are a lot of unconventional things I seem to find you enjoying,” Mr. Darcy commented. 

“Ah yes, the long walks alone, being held by a man while barely clothed, and of course referring to my oldest friend by his first name.”

Mr. Darcy couldn’t help the chuckle that had escaped, he decided then to simply shake his head and continue to hold you close. A signal to you that he didn’t really mind it. 

Now that your tea had cooled off, he passed you the cup and helped your slightly shaking hands lift it to your lips. 

“You know (Y/N), Georgiana is quite happy you haven’t left us yet as unfortunate as the circumstances are, she’s still enjoying your company.” 

“And I hers,” you sighed. “She’s grown so much since I last saw her, I really do wish I could be here more often.”

“As do I,” Mr. Darcy agreed. “Am I correct in assuming your brother has many engagements?”

“Constantly,” you nodded with a small yawn. “It’s exhausting, honestly. Even though I am unwell, Pemberley has given me some much needed rest.”

“I suppose some gratitude is warranted on both ends then.”

“Yes, it does seem that way,” you said yet another yawn. “You wouldn’t mind if I-,” you yawned again. “just…fell asleep…right here.”

Before Mr. Darcy could utter a single word, your head had fallen against his arm, your eyes shut, and your mouth slightly open, a quiet snore escaping every now and then. 

Mr. Darcy could only stare in admiration, pulling your shawl a little tighter around you so you didn’t get cold. 

Carefully, feeling that if he did it any other way he might be caught, he pressed the smallest kiss to your forehead. 

“Sleep well my dear (Y/N).” 

—

After that evening, you found yourself asleep in your bed the next morning as if nothing had happened. You were already feeling exceptionally better and within two more days you were well enough to make arrangements to head back home. 

“I wish you weren’t leaving so soon,” Georgiana sighed dejectedly as she pushed around her potatoes at dinner. 

“Georgiana I’ve been here two weeks longer than expected,” you chuckled. 

“I know, but it never feels like enough time.”

“I feel the same. I hope I’ll be back soon, but I really don’t know,” you said honestly. “When I was a little younger it was easier, not the same kind of responsibilities.”

“Right,” Georgiana nodded. “Wait, does this mean I must keep house for you if you’re not married soon?” Georgiana turned her attention to her older brother. 

“Perhaps,” Mr. Darcy nodded. “But I don’t think you should worry about that right now Georgiana.”

You felt a pang in your heart as he said that. It was only a matter of time before Mr. Darcy found a wife, but a part of you deep down always wondered if perhaps he’d consider you. 

You knew it was silly, he probably thought of you as a younger sister, but you couldn’t help but feel drawn to him, especially when he treated you with such tenderness and care. 

To save your own feelings, you quickly changed the topic, asking about something general like the Darcy’s dogs or how the weather had been slowly improving. 

You went to bed that night without much thought of the conversation at dinner and got up early enough in the morning so you could get a good start on your travels. 

Just as you were about to go and inform someone to prepare the carriage you heard a knock at the door of your room. 

“Hello? Who is it?” you asked, your hands busy fixing something on your dress. 

“It’s me.”

You recognized the voice as Darcy’s and told him to come in. 

He opened the door and came inside the room, shutting it behind him. 

“Is something the matter, Mr. Darcy?” you asked, seeing the tense expression. 

“So formal,” he said with what you thought was a nervous chuckle. “What ever happened to your inclination to use my first name?”

“I didn’t think it was appropriate,” you said quietly. “Is there something you need?”

“I have a question to ask you,” he said and you nodded your head for him to continue. “I’d like you to stay longer at Pemberley. Would you?”

“I-Fitzwilliam, you know I’ve been here far too long, my brother needs me back in London. Even if I wanted to, I can't visit longer,” you sighed.

“I meant…I meant permanently.”

“P-Permanently?” you stuttered. 

“I apologize if I haven’t made it clear already-I suppose my nerves have gotten the best of me,” he rambled. 

“A-Are you asking me to marry you?” you asked finally and he nodded his head. 

You could already feel your head spinning, confused tears welling in your eyes. Where did this come from? Why was he asking? Why now?

“I-Fitz, where is this coming from?” you asked him. “If you just wish for me to visit more I can find ways to get out of London, you don’t have to ask me to marry you.”

“Why would you think I’d ask someone to marry me?” he asked, his voice was gentle as it always was when he spoke with you, but it carried a twinge of hurt. 

“I-I don’t know!” you threw your hands up. “Someone who can look after Pemberley for you? Do all the things a good and proper wife should?”

“And not for love?”

You swallowed thickly, your hands tensed and clenched with emotion. You couldn’t bear tiptoeing around it any longer. 

“Fitz, please don’t trifle with my feelings, just say it. Say it and I am yours.”

“I love you,” he closed the space between you, cradling your face easily in his large hands, pressing your forehead against his own. “I have loved you, (Y/N) since I knew what the word meant and I shall love you long past my dying breath. Stay and let me spoil you. Stay so that I may be able to see your beautiful smile every minute of every day. Stay because I love you.”

You nodded your head, knowing your words would fail you. 

For a moment there wasn’t propriety, no obligations, no societal standards. Just you and him. 

He gently kissed away your tears, knowing you were both protected by the closed curtain before quietly saying. 

“As much as I would love for you to stay, I believe the carriage should be ready now. I shall meet you in London in a few days to ask for your father’s blessing.”

“Yes, of course,” you wiped away the remainder of your tears with the sleeve of your dress before taking a moment to trace your fingers along his jaw. “I shall miss you, dearly.”

“And I you.”

But there was a certain lightness in both of your hearts, knowing that you’d get to spend the rest of your lives together. 

“Fitz,” you whispered. 

“Yes, my darling.”

“I almost forgot to say I love you too.”

You swore the smile that came across his face could have brightened the whole room. You brought his face closer to yours, stepping on your toes to press a kiss to his forehead. 

“I shall see you soon.”

He held your hand and gave it one last squeeze before you slipped out of the room, your heart beating out of your chest. 

—

Several Years Later

“Mrs. Darcy, lovely to have you back at Pemberley.”

“It’s wonderful to be back, I felt as if I was visiting my family in London for ages,” you dusted off your dress and took a pleasant look around the home. 

“Shall I inform Mr. Darcy of your arrival?”

“No, that’ll be alright, I can handle it,” you smiled. “He’s in his study?”

“Yes ma’am.”

You took off your coat with some help and began walking down the halls, quickly visiting with Georgiana when you ran into her and assuring her you would have plenty of time to catch up over dinner. 

When you arrived at your husband’s office the door was already cracked open so you carefully snuck inside and shut the door behind you, having to stifle a laugh at the fact that he didn’t even flinch or seem to notice you’d entered the room. 

You pressed your back to the door and waited patiently as he informed you that he would be one more moment and as soon as he put his pen down and looked up from his papers his eyes grew wide with surprise. 

“You’re back,” he smiled. “A day early.”

“I couldn’t wait,” you chuckled. “But you clearly could, you barely even noticed it was me!” you teased him. 

“My darling, I was far too engrossed in the letter I was writing, but I surely shouldn’t have been,” he came up to you and you were about to open the door so that you could leave the study, but he stopped you by putting his hand on the handle and cornering you between himself and the closed door. 

“Fitzwilliam,” you gasped and turned around to face him. “You naughty man.”

“Is it a crime for a man to wish to kiss his wife after having missed her for two long months?” he raised a brow. 

“I suppose not,” you chuckled while his thumb and forefinger tilted your chin upwards so that he could meet you in a tender and longing kiss. 

He was right, it had been too long since you had last seen each other and you wished your relatives would come to Pemberley instead of insisting you visit in London. 

Every moment you spent there you could barely enjoy because you wished desperately to be back in the company of the man whom you loved dearly. 

When you pulled apart, Fitzwilliam still held your face in his hands and asked you how your visit was. 

“Terrible.”

“Terrible?”

“Alright, it wasn’t terrible. I’m exaggerating, but I did miss you terribly,” you turned your head to gently kiss his hand. 

“And I you,” he kissed your forehead and lingered there a moment to savour the feeling of having you close again. 

The middle of your quiet moment was interrupted with a pounding knock to the door which started both of you. 

“Mama stop hogging Papa! I haven’t seen him either!” you could hear a small, but stern voice come from the other side of the door and both you and Fitzwilliam chuckled before opening it, revealing your daughter standing with her arms crossed over her chest, a pout on her lips. 

Fitzwilliam didn’t waste a moment, swooping down to pick her up and press a kiss to her cheek. She was still small and you knew especially when you were in private he liked to soak up as much of those moments as he could with her. 

“My darling, look at you! You’ve grown since I last saw you,” he said. “What did your grandparents feed you?”

“Too much veal,” you grimaced at the thought and he chuckled. 

“Did you miss me?” Louise looked up at her father with big pleading eyes. 

“Of course I did,” he assured her. “Your mother just came and found me first, that's all.” 

“You did say you wanted to stay with auntie Georgiana for a little while, don’t you remember Lou?” 

She nodded her head, conceding, but pressed a big kiss to her father’s cheek. 

“Next time maybe you should come find me, Papa,” she suggested. 

“I completely agree,” he gave her a small smile before continuing, “Now you two must be tired from your travels, why don’t we go see how long dinner will take and until then we can sit with Georgiana and have a cup of tea while you tell me all about your visit to London.” 

“And maybe Lou can convince you to join us next time,” you grinned and kissed your daughter’s cheek. “Isn’t that right my little munchkin.” 

She giggled and agreed emphatically, “Yes, Papa has to come with us! Because Mama says that I'm the boss.”

Fitzwilliam looked over at his daughter then you. He was happy Louise took after you, perhaps when the right time came she would give another young man the courage to share his love. 

@/icemankazansky

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

18+ MINORS DNI for a little bit of smut.

1984

Steve understood broken hearts. He's had his heart broken very recently, and he's broken them in the past. Although, he's always rejected them in the beginning before even thinking about starting something with them. He couldn't even think about using them unless he knew for sure they could handle it. He was used many times before, and before he had fallen in love, he used to be able to handle it. He was a bit of a slut, he could admit, but he could never drag someone along. It just seemed cruel. Rejection is a part of life, and he had to accept that or risk being stuck behind. Some people didn't learn that, though.

He was flirting with this girl in his science class for a while now, and he thought things were going great. He talked about how he had gotten out of a serious relationship, how unsure he was of jumping into another one. She had sympathized with him and said she wasn't looking for anything serious. Steve had grinned when he found a note in his locker asking him to meet her in a dark broom closet. Maybe right now, it didn't have to be serious. Maybe that could come later. Besides, it's been a while since he made out with a girl in a broom closet. Steve should have known it was too good to be true.

"Betty?" Steve called out as he knocked on the closet door, and the door was pushed open.

Steve grinned and slipped inside the darkened closet. The lights never worked in this one. He knew it, and so did everyone else. It was why it was dubbed the make-out closet. Although, he didn't learn this fact until very recently. He felt out with his hand and grinned when he found Betty's curly dark hair. He cupped her cheek and gently pushed her up against the wall, slotting his mouth against hers. She started to resist, so he pulled away, thinking that she had changed her mind. Suddenly, she was gripping the back of his jacket and pulling him flush against her. Was she taller than before? Maybe she was standing on something. Boy, that should have been his first clue.

She was kissing him this time, sloppy and eager. Her plump lips were perfectly soft. Wait, plump? Weren't her lips thin? Yeah, okay, so this wasn't Betty. It wasn't the first time he made out with a mysterious girl in a darkened closet. His hands moved from her hips and started wondering under her shirt. The girl moaned against his mouth and shuttered against his fingertips. Steve moved to cup her breast. . .wait. . .he had thought she had felt flat, but there was no way a girl could be this flat. Steve froze for a moment before slipping his tongue inside her mouth. He didn't want to stop kissing whoever this was. Steve froze. Something felt hard, and it wasn't just him. Oh. . .he was making out with a guy.

Hmm, just to be sure. Steve cupped their face and moved his hand to press against their throat gently. Yeah, okay. That was an addams apple. Yeah, he was tonguing a guy. Why wasn't he freaking out? Maybe he was enjoying it too much. He felt the same as if he were making out with a girl. His pulse was racing, and his stomach was fluttering rapidly. He was also hard as a rock. Hmm, maybe it didn't have to be a big deal. Was he that comfortable in his sexuality? He didn't get a chance to answer because the guy he was kissing had pulled away.

"Were you trying to choke me in a kinky way or kill me kind of way? Or did you just feel my throat and realize that I was a guy?" He asked.

"Uh, do you want the honest answer?" Steve asked.

"Yes," he chucked.

"I just realized you were a guy," he replied.

"And you just continued to kiss me?" He asked, his voice laced with amusement.

"A good kiss is a good kiss," Steve muttered.

"So, it doesn't matter to you whether they have a dick or not as long as it's a good kiss?" He asked, laughing.

"Yeah, can we go back to kissing?" He asked.

"You don't want to freak out first?" He asked.

"I'll freak out later," Steve said and then paused. "It's not like I haven't thought about it, you know. When a girl has, you know, sucked me off, I've thought about what it would be like to give head. I thought maybe it was just one of those thoughts that get into your head, like when you look at a pen and wonder how it's made."

"Now, you're thinking that you've never been straight," he cackled. "I shouldn't laugh."

"No, it's funny, you should laugh," Steve snickered.

"So, do you want to find out what it's like?" He asked.

"What? . . .oh, yeah, yeah!" Steve exclaimed and sank to his knees.

When Steve walked out of that closet, he had a grin on his face so wide that it looked like he had a hangar in his mouth. Nothing could have brought him down, not even when he saw Betty at his locker, where she told him about her plan to stand him up for rejecting her friend that one time. He called her childish, scoffed, and continued onto his next class. It wasn't until a couple of years later that Steve had found out who he had been with in that closet.

1986

Steve was sitting on the floor of his living room with Robin and Eddie, enjoying pizza. They had all just come out to each other.

"Okay, Stevie, what made you realize that you weren't exactly straight?" Eddie asked.

Robin clutched her stomach as she burst into laughter.

"Shut up, Robin," Steve said, blushing.

"Oh, this is a good one," Eddie cackled.

"I mean, I think on some level I always kind of knew that something was up. But yeah, this girl set me up to be stood up in the make-out closet. It was dark, and all I knew was that I was supposed to be making out with this girl. I felt that there was someone there with long hair, and it took me longer than I realized that I wasn't making out with a girl," Steve said.

"It took him less time to realize that he liked kissing guys," Robin laughed. "I mean, he felt up the shirt. . .the girl had no breasts!"

"Hey! The girl could have lost her breasts to cancer, and as we learned from that bar that we went to, he could have been transgender," Steve said and then smiled fondly. "That guy was a great kisser."

"He had the best stories too," Robin said. "Hey, you never told me why that didn't work out?"

"The girl who he was in love with came back to town," Steve said. "Apparently, she now knows about him and accepts him. They got their own place and everything with a little dog. Although her parents disowned her."

"Aww, good for Brian," Robin said. "And fuck Brian's girlfriend's parents. We should invite them over for dinner! Brian and his girlfriend. Not his girlfriend's parents. They could meet Vickie."

Eddie suddenly burst into laughter.

"It's a small world," Eddie cackled.

"Oh, you know Brian, too?" Robin asked.

"What?! No, but he sounds cool," Eddie said. "I just think I know who was in that closet."

"Shit, seriously?!" Steve asked.

Eddie leaned forward, grabbed him by the back of the neck, and pulled Steve into a kiss. He pulled back, grinning.

"Does that seem familiar?" Eddie asked.

"Oh my god!" Steve giggled.

"You couldn't have just told him. You had to kiss him?" Robin sighed. "Right in front of my pizza, too."

"Telling him wouldn't have been as fun as showing him," Eddie said with a grin.

"Yeah, maybe you should show me again," Steve said. "I think I'm starting to forget."

Eddie grinned and crawled over to him. He pushed Steve down and straddled him.

"Wouldn't want you to forget, hmm?" Eddie said.

He kissed Steve. Robin made a noise of protest.

"I am taking the rest of the pizza and watching TV upstairs!" Robin exclaimed. "Let me know when you're done defiling my best friend! And use a condom! You've given him enough kids, Munson! Happy for you dinguses!"

Eddie laughed against his lips, his body shaking with laughs.

"Lights on or off?" Steve grinned.

"Oh, the lights on this time, big boy," Eddie said.

He moved down Steve’s body and started undoing Steve’s pants. He paused before raising an eyebrow questioningly.

"Yeah, yeah," Steve said.

"This time, I'm going to find out what it's like," Eddie said.

Quick as a flash, Eddie had his pants as well as his boxers off. Eddie cackled gleefully before wrapping his lips around him and taking him deep into his mouth. He looked up at Steve the entire time.

"Oh, fuck!"

Anything can happen with the lights on or off, but it was always better with the lights on. More things to see with the lights on. Steve couldn't have been more grateful for the girl who stood him up. Who knows? Maybe he and Eddie would have continued to dance around each other forever. Sometimes, good things come from being rejected.

[pancakesanddiatribes]

because the night

i haven't written anything in a very long time, but my recent grey's rewatch switched on something in me, and i could not get this japriet scene out of my head. i hope you enjoy it, even a little bit. i surely did enjoy writing it. i've read so many japril drabbles and fanfics these last few weeks, some of them extremely beautiful. i feel very blessed to share my small contribution. okay, enough rambling... and thank you anyway! 🫶🏼

here's a little snippet:

Harriet rolls out of bed and goes straight to her mom. Her eyes have adjusted to the dark, and she doesn’t have to walk far. When she enters her mommy’s bedroom, though, something is off. Something is different. She squeezes her eyes to get a better look and — what?

because the night

Harriet is scared. Just a little, because it's very dark, the house is completely silent, and the dream she's just had was not nice at all. She knows now it was only a dream, and she’s not really in the park, falling from the red swing over and over: she's in her room (well, her messy room), with her toys (not all of them, of course), and her mommy is surely in the bedroom next to hers. Everything is fine, Harriet. She is fine. But just to be sure, just to be sung to sleep by her mommy’s sweet voice, she decides to go to her and sneak into the big bed her mommy has all to herself. Her mom is taller than Harriet, but not really that tall; and surely not as tall as her daddy. A few days ago, she heard him say with a smile, so much vigour in such a tiny woman. Then her mommy slapped him on the chest - gently. Her daddy wasn’t mad — he was still smiling — and actually, his eyes were even brighter than usual. Harriet didn’t understand why her mom slapped him or what the word vigour meant. Mommy and daddy are silly sometimes, she thought, and then carelessly returned to the new Lego set sprawled on the carpet. Anyway, daddy is right: her mommy is tiny. So Harriet doesn’t understand why she needs such a big bed if Harriet isn’t allowed to sleep with her every night — well, the nights when she stays in her home number one, the messy home with the messy pillows. Harriet rolls out of bed and goes straight to her mom. Her eyes have adjusted to the dark, and she doesn’t have to walk far. When she enters her mommy’s bedroom, though, something is off. Something is different. She squeezes her eyes to get a better look and — what? Does mommy know someone is sleeping in the big bed with her? Did she notice? It wouldn’t be the first time she hadn’t noticed something. Harriet remembers when mommy was taking a shower for so long that daddy had to use his special emergency key to get into the house (Harriet isn’t allowed to open the front door - yet). He brought ice cream to share with them — his two favorite girls, he said— but mommy was taking so long in the shower that she didn’t even realize daddy was in the house, waiting with Harriet in the kitchen! So when she finally came out in her soft lilac robe, her hair all wet, saying Hattie, we should get dressed! Daddy called twice, and for sure he’s on his way here. We don’t want to be late for the mov— Harriet and daddy both laughed, their mouths full of ice cream — she was talking so fast! Mommy looked a little surprised to see him in the kitchen, but definitely not unhappy. I had to use the emergency key - he said - The ice cream was melting, and you weren’t picking up your phone or answering the doorbell — that's emergency enough, right, munchkin? Harriet nodded, focused on the delicious chunk of chocolate brownie she had just found. I was only in the shower for ten minutes! (Daddy raised his eyebrows at her) And you both finished the chocolate brownie! There’s another tub waiting for you in the freezer, mommy! Daddy brought one just for you! So mommy had the ice cream too, and daddy couldn’t help but touch her lilac robe — it really was the softest robe. Because mommy sometimes gets distracted, Harriet tiptoes closer to the bed, her bad dream completely forgotten. She has to tell her mommy — because what if mommy doesn’t know? But first, Harriet has to know herself, because she is a curious little munchkin, after all — her daddy tells her that all the time. Who is this other person?

One small step toward the big bed; another and — "Daddy???" She doesn’t mean to speak out loud — mommy and daddy are both sleeping — but she is surprised. Very surprised. Daddy sleeps in her house number two: the one without the messy pillows. They always see each other now: he drives her to school almost every day, they all go to the park together, and to the cinema, and to Balloon Benny every Sunday, because Sunday is for waffles after church, and Balloon Benny makes the best waffles in the whole universe. But right after dinner, after mommy and daddy tuck her in and kiss her goodnight, he goes to his pillow-free house. She knows that because sometimes she sleeps there too, in her room number two (the un-messy one), while mommy stays here. Did he forget? "Daddy?? Daddy!! Wake up!!" "Sweetheart, what happened? Are you all right?" His voice is groggy and quiet, much quieter than Harriet’s, who’s getting a little excited. "Daddy, what are you doing? Do you know this is mommy’s bed? Did you forget to go back to your home for the night? You have your own big bed, don’t you remember?"

He’s slightly taken aback by the stream of questions in the middle of the night, but he chuckles softly as he says "Sweetheart, isn’t this home too?" After thinking for half a second, a cascade of fast-paced words tumbles out of her. "Well of course, daddy, it’s your home too because we’re here all the time, mommy and me, and you always say home is wherever I am, and I’m here, and mommy’s here, and you like mommy, and you always come here to stay with us and have dinner and play and watch movies, but then you go sleep in your own big bed. Mommy only shares her big bed with me - sometimes. Did you tell her you’re sleeping next to her tonight? You know mommy, maybe she hasn’t noticed, and we should tell her you’re here, so she knows." Her daddy laughs; Harriet doesn’t get why this is so funny, but she laughs too. She loves it when they laugh together — Harriet, daddy, and mommy, of course. She loves them so much, and she knows they love her too — to the moon and back, they always say. "I think you’re right, maybe she doesn’t know I’m here. So we should definitely tell her, and then we can all go back to sleep. Come on, sweetie, come here. Did you have a bad dream?" he asks, reaching out for her hand. "Wait, daddy. Mommy is tiny, and I am tiny, but you are not tiny. Are you sure there’s room for me on the bed?" "There’s always space for my munchkin"

So Harriet climbs onto her mommy’s bed, her mommy still asleep (Harriet, on the other hand, is wide awake now). Her daddy kisses her sweetly on the cheek before settling her between him and her mom. The bed is bigger than she remembered because the three of them fit perfectly. How exciting. Harriet snuggles under the covers and whispers "Daddy, can I tell her? Can I wake her? Can we sleep with our eyes open like fishes do?" "You wake her, Hattie, if you can. I’m sure her eyes are pretty closed though" he says, still smiling with his voice as he strokes her curls. Harriet turns her back to her dad and gently touches her mommy’s peaceful face. This is too exciting. This is the best surprise. "Mommy!! Mommy, wake up!! Do you know daddy is sleeping next to you? Well, he’s not sleeping anymore because I woke him up, but do you know he’s here?? AND IT’S THE NIGHT! I think he forgot he has his big bed in the other home, but it’s okay, right? I don’t really mind. Do you? This is the best bed with the fluffiest pillows" It takes her mom a couple of seconds to register what’s happening. When she opens her eyes — Harriet knows she’s sooo sleepy — she looks at Harriet, then at daddy, and then… she gives her a huge smile and the biggest hug. "This is the best bed, peanut, and it really has the fluffiest pillows. And you know why?" Her voice sounds a bit emotional, but Harriet doesn’t quite get why. It’s just so exciting to snuggle in bed with her two favorite people. Harriet knows what’s coming next; a smirk plays on her lips as she turns to face her daddy again. It’s really dark, but she can see his smile and his eyes so clearly. He knows what’s coming too, and tries to give an unconvincing look of disapproval. "Because mommy and Hattie always know best, daddy!" Mommy and Harriet recite in unison their not-so-secret mantra; it’s their joyful pact of unity. Daddy always pretends to resist, but Harriet knows he loves it.

"Yeah, yeah, you’re the most perfect bubbly duo. I don’t think there’s a higher concentration of stubbornness in the world. Happy, ladies? As usual, you win the argument" "And your heart, daddy?" "That you won a long time ago, sweetheart" "Yeah, but I wasn’t born a long time ago, daddy. I’m a child. You and mommy are old. So mommy must have won it first" Her parents both laugh, gently caressing her hair and her belly. It’s soothing and calming and so full of love. It’s the best feeling for Harriet. It even tops Grandma Catherine’s bedtime stories. She could stay here forever. "See? I have nothing left to add, your honor, this child of mine, who wasn’t born a long time ago, is too prepared” “And on this note, child of yours, it’s time to return to our good night’s sleep” Mommy looks at Harriet, but Harriet’s eyes are already closed; apparently, she can’t fall asleep with her eyes open like fishes do. However, she doesn’t mind now. She’s too comfy. The last image she captures before drifting off again is her daddy’s bright eyes, looking intently at her mom. He’s so focused, and his eyes are so alive. Her mommy looks at him too, and Harriet knows she’s smiling. I know you so well, she thinks, already half-asleep.

“All the planning, Jackson, to weigh the best moment to explain it to her, and then she wakes up in the middle of the night and poof! It’s been over a month since she last woke up in the middle of the night, I thought we were safe! I had a whole speech prepared: Mommy and daddy are already close, but we want to be even closer, so how do you feel about saying goodbye to one of your bedrooms so we can all stay together and—” “Babe, you’re stressing out too much. You know what I think? I think we were so busy talking about how to talk about it, and hiding it from her like she doesn’t have eyes and great observation skills, that we kind of missed her putting the pieces together in her own way. I mean, I don’t think she knew knew, but she did catch us making out in the bathroom. Did she believe you when you said you were sitting on me to pop a pimple on my cheek? Maybe. But she’s five, she’s not stupid. Now let’s all sleep, please, it’s 3 in the morning” Their voices are brisk but hushed, and it’s what lulls Harriet to sleep. Her mom laughs and sighs a little. “This child of ours has outsmarted us once again” Harriet feels their embrace tighten around her; she is outsmarty, isn’t she? — her last coherent thought before sleeping till morning.

[thatbigbisexual29]

Revenge Is A Dish Best Served.... Spider (ATSV)

GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY IT IS FINISHED!!! MY MAGNUM OPUS!!!! So... hi everyone! I'm so sorry this fic took so long! I got caught up with life stuff and my writer's inspo kept leaving me when I needed it most ;-; But it's now done! So now I post it! Also its super fricken long sorry about that lols. ANyways, enjoy and eat up my lovlies! ^<^

There he was. Perfect timing. Perfect position. Perfect opportunity. Three spidermen stood and watched their older counterpart closely with crossed arms.

“He’s asleep.”

“He’s wide open.”

“He’ll kill us if we go through with this.”

The three teens, Miles, Pavitr, and Gwen, all took pause and thought for a moment. The one they were looking at was none other than Hobie Brown, asleep and outstretched on Miles’ parents sofa. It was an amusing sight. The teen was waaaaay too big for the couch. Hobie laid on his stomach with his arms outstretched over one arm of the couch, and his legs dangling over the other arm. And he had a small flock of spider-teens observing him with crossed arms.

The three had recently come across the fact that they had all been targeted and sentenced to tickling by the punk. They came to this realization as they were watching a movie and a tickle scene came on. They all shuddered at their recent memories from their own experiences (as well as the scene being especially rude) and they started talking. That leads us to now.

“Do we really need to get him back? I mean, I liked it when he tickled me, it was fun!” Pavitr admitted, earning a look from the other two spiders.

“That’s only because he didn’t punish you. We,” Gwen gestured to herself and Miles, “got punished. We want to get him back.”

“Yeah, just because you had a good time doesn’t mean we did. Revenge is in order,” Miles agreed. Pav smiled a bit and shook his head.

“You Americans and your ticklish bloodlust. You shouldn’t have pranked him in the first place!” he giggled as he earned more scowls from his friends. Then he stretched his arms and cracked his fingers. “But if you two are too scared to start, I know where he’s ticklish!”

Pavitr walked up confidently, constantly surprising Miles and Gwen with his boldness. Moving Hobie’s hair from his neckline, he found his nape and started gently scribbling. The reaction was immediate. Hobie hummed a laugh, then started mumbling out chuckles, shifting on the couch as Pav continued. His arms sleepily reached behind him and his hands waved around as if he was trying to catch Pav’s, but he had no such luck.

“Mmmhmhmhmhmhm… Kahaharl quihihihit…” the punk muttered through his soft giggles. Miles and Gwen looked on in awe but soon dawned evil smiles on their faces. Pavitr was about to speak until they all held their breaths. Hobie groaned in his sleep and turned over entirely, now lying on his back. He scratched at his stomach and smacked his lips, returning to his peaceful slumber. The three teens gave each other looks of confirmation.

“I’m getting his stomach.” Miles called.

“His legs are all mine.” Gwen purred.

“Well, someone has to hold his arms...” Pavitr sighed.

They all jumped onto the taller Spider-Man. Miles sat on his thighs, Gwen sat on his knees facing him, and Pavitr quickly thwipped Hobie’s wrists together and held down the web with his foot, keeping his hands free. Hobie instantly woke up with a snort, looking around all dazed and confused.

“H-Huh? Whas happnin’? ‘S goin’ on?” he asked. He pulled at his wrists and started to panic as he realized the situation he was in. He pulled more as he saw Miles sitting above him with crossed arms and a smirk.

“Mornin’ Hobs. Had a nice nap?” Brooklyn’s Spider-Man asked. Hobie looked straight up and saw Pav who waved. He looked around Miles to see Gwen who nodded her head towards him. Hobie simply sighed and deflated where he laid, ragdolling his head on the arm of the couch.

“Whas dis den? You lot tryna get me back, is that it?” he said.

“Yep,” Gwen said.

“Nailed it right on the head,” Miles agreed.

“I mean, not really but this seems like fun,” Pavitr chided. Hobie took one more assessment of his situation before shrugging.

“Fine,” he sighed. “If it keeps you busy.”

The three spider kids were slightly taken aback by his willingness, but they shook it off nonetheless.

“Pav, you wanna start first?” Miles asked. Pavitr tapped his chin as if he was thinking about it.

“Hmm… let me think…” As he started to ponder, he took his free hand and softly scribbled his fingers up and down Hobie’s bicep, getting so close to his armpit but stopping just a hair short to continue upwards.

Hobie jumped at the contact and bit his lip, fighting back snickers while saying, “Oho fuck ohoff Pav.”

“I mean, I really should go first, shouldn’t I?” India’s Spider-Man spoke as he touched his other hand down on Hobie’s bicep, now scribbling up and down both his arms while speaking. “I am the one he got first. Even though I liked it, you can’t just tickle someone and not expect to be tickled back, right? Oh but if I do, he might get me back worse! What to do, what to do! Maybe I should just stay here, teasing him, almost going to his armpits but not quite yet~” 

Meanwhile, Hobie was currently suffering under the torturous teasing he was being subjected to. Miles smiled and watched as his usually concealed friend lose his mind at a few simple scratches.

“Come on, Hobs!” Pav continued, now scratching right above his armpits. “I know how ticklish you are! Why hide it? I can feel you’re gonna break~ Aaaaaaaaaany second now~ Maybe I should go lower? Maybe I should tickle your armpits? Would that make you laugh? Hm?~”

“Ffffffffffuhuhucker- Pahav- Imma k-kihihill you!” Hobie growled through his giggles. He used all the movement he could to cover his eyes with his elbows. His smile was bigger than ever and he was constantly moving and shaking his torso.

“Looks like Hobie’s quite the dancer! Wiggle wiggle Hobs~” Miles cooed. Gwen just sat back and pulled out her phone, recording this moment. I’m so sending this to Peter, she thought with an evil smirk.

“What do you guys think? Should I go for the kill?” Pav asked as he hovered his hands over his friend’s armpits. Hobie’s eyes widened and he gasped, holding his breath. He let out hesitational giggles as Pav’s fingers wriggled above their target area. Even Miles felt shivers up his spine.

“Oh hell yes you should! Why don’t I help out?~” Miles brought his own wiggly fingers to hover above Hobie’s ribs. The taller teen grunted and covered his eyes again.

“Y-You fuckheads! Teasin’s not fair! Bofa yous as dead as doornails, ‘ear me??” The Spider-Punk said in a panicked voice. Miles and Pav looked at each other and nodded. At the same time they mouthed ‘1…2…3!’

Then, they attacked! Both Miles and Pav touched down onto Hobie’s torso and began their assault. Pavitr wickedly scratched and clawed Hobie’s armpits while Miles dug his fingers between the spaces of his ribs. Hobie, meanwhile, barked out a laugh and jerked hard. He nearly sent Gwen flying! She was lucky that he was barely using his spider strength, so instead she got shoved into Miles’ back. 

“Oof! Hehey, watch it Hobs! You tryna kill me here?” the Spider-Woman retorted. Hobie was too busy laughing his ass off to make up a witty response.

“BAHhahahahahahahahaha! F-Fuck sake- gyahahahahaha! Gehehehehet outta thehehehehehere! Shhhhihihihihihits! You shihihihitbags! Fffr- grrr- pfffhahahahahahaha!” Hobie was a completely new person. The only people who’ve seen this ticklish side of him were Karl and Pav, but he’s never been tickled by them at the same time. But did having Miles and Pav tickle him simultaneously make it any less fun? No. No it did not. This was the most fun he’s had in his life!

“I told you guys he’s ticklish! Oh, oh! What’s that thing you sing to Karl when you tickle him? It goes like “I’m gonna tickle tickle tickle you until you dieeeeeeee~” right? Am I right?” Pav asked, constantly stirring the pot and switching up his technique. He went from digging and vibrating to scratching and scribbling, then to poking and prodding. Miles laughed a bit.

“You seriously sing that?” he asked.

“Yes, he does. I have videos for proof,” Gwen said from her spot behind Miles (she fixed her position to where she was sitting on Hobie’s shins).

“Ooh, you should show him the video you took of Karl and Hobie on Karl’s birthday! Now that was brutal!” Pav said, harboring another bark of laughter from the punk below him as he jammed his fingers into the center of his hollows.

“J-Jehehehehehehehesus Christ! Stahahahahahahahap tahahahahalkin’!” Hobie ordered, but his words failed to carry any authority. Miles just smirked and vibrated his fingers faster and he felt deeply satisfied when the punk jerked forward.

“Guys, I don’t think I can believe what I’m hearing. Is he actually trying to order us around right now?” Miles raised an eyebrow and looked to Gwen and Pav.

“Completely unbelievable,” Pav agreed.

“Especially coming from the guy who ‘doesn’t follow orders.’ What do you have to say for yourself, Hobs?” Gwen asked. Hobie could only flop back and forth while spewing giggles and laughs from his mouth, shaking his head so much so one would think you asked him if he liked the government. The three teens just laughed with him. Then, Hobie said something unexpected.

“Breheheheheheak!” he laughed out. “Breheheheheheak break break! I cahahahahahahan’t!”

Without a second thought, Miles and Pavitr raised their hands and halted their tickling. Hobie’s body instantly relaxed, giggling and sighing as he caught his breath. Gwen was up in a flash and making a beeline for the kitchen. Pavitr rubbed Hobie’s pits to rub the ghost tickles away, being careful he wasn’t tickling the older spider. Miles patted Hobie’s side in an attempt to calm him.

“You alright, Hobie? Is it too much? Should we stop??” Brooklyn’s Spider-Man questioned, looking from Hobie to Pavitr for confirmation. Pav just smiled back at him.

“No need to panic, Spidey,” he explained, “It’s normal for someone to get worked up in a situation like this. He just needs some water and a breather, then we’re free to get back to it! Right Hobs?”

Hobie responded with a nod, now just panting. Gwen returned with a cup of water and offered it to Hobie’s lips. The punk shimmied up so he could drink more comfortably. And drink he did. He barely left a drop in the cup before laying back down. Then, he chuckled.

“You two are right fuckin’ evil, man. Downright awful, it was. Shihihit,” he chuckled.

“Well just you wait! Cause Miles is really about to knock your socks off~” Gwen cooed, pinching Hobie’s cheek like a grandma would. Hobie, feeling playful, bit at her fingers. Gwen squeaked out in surprise and shot her hand back to her side.

“Hey!” she fussed. Hobie just grinned with mischief. Gwen just rolled her eyes with a smile, shook her head, and traveled back to the kitchen with cup in hand.

“Now that wasn’t very nice, Hobie!” Miles said.

“Oh yeah? Whatcha gon’ do bout it, Miles? Hm? Gon’ punish me? Treat me like a bad boy, huh? I reckon you won’t, ya too much of a coward~” Hobie taunted, shimmying his chest at Miles. Brooklyn’s Spider-Man was immediately taken back, sending a confused look at Pavitr. Pav simply laughed.

“This trick again, Hobie?” Pav asked as he looked down at his friend, giggling when Hobie waggled his eyebrows at him. “This is a method he tries to mess with anyone who’s tickling him. But it never works. Just go ahead, he loves this stuff!”

Miles simply looked at Hobie and smiled. Hobie sighed and shrugged.

“Wurf a shot, roight?” he said. Miles grabbed the hem of Hobie’s shirt and pulled up, finding a pleasant surprise. 

“No way!” he exclaimed.

“What is it?” Pavitr poked his head up. 

“Did you find an embarrassing birthmark? A third nipple??” Gwen said, running back from the kitchen, all too excited to find something humiliating to tease Hobie for.

“No, look!” Miles pointed his finger to his stomach where it harbored a black and silver belly button piercing with an upside down cross. The three gawked as they looked at it, giving the punk a longer break.

“Holy crap you have a belly piercing??” Pavitr asked, bewildered. 

“You should see what else I have pierced~” Hobie said with a wink to his friends. 

There were three seconds of silence before Pavitr barked out, “YOU PIERCED YOUR PENIS?!?”

Everyone burst out into hysterical laughter at Pav’s declaration. Miles deflated onto Hobie’s chest, Gwen slumped against the back of the couch, and Hobie just cackled as if they started tickling him again.

“No Pahav, mah nips! I pierced mah nipples, ya goon! I’m fuckin’ out mah mind, not crazy! Pahahaha!” Hobie said, giggling out of his mind.

“Oh my god, I wish I had that recorded!” Gwen cried out through her laughter. Miles just held his head on Hobie’s chest and snickered hysterically. Pavitr blushed from embarrassment but started laughing too. And Hobie was a mess. He was giggling so much that he started to let out tiny snorts. Miles shot up when he heard them.

“You snort when you laugh!” Brooklyn’s Spider-Man accused, pointing a finger right in the punk’s face. “Why did you rip on me when you snort too? You’re such a hypocrite!”

Hobie just giggled and said, “Cause it’s cuter when you do it! ‘S adorable, mate, ‘ow can I not tease ya?”

“Oh, you’re getting it now!” Miles declared, raising his two hands and forming them into claws. “Any last words?~”

“Sleep with one eye open- yeEEAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” Hobie taunted then screamed as Miles dug into his stomach. He used the same method he used on his ribs, only this time, he used tiny sparks of his venom to add more to its kick. Hobie jerked up hard, nearly sending Miles flying, but the teen just laughed and held on tighter.

“Haha! Oh man, regret teasing me yet? Or do you need more persuasion?” Miles asked as he kneaded and zapped Hobie’s toned stomach. Hobie just barked out loud laughter as he swung around, thrashing like a rodeo bull. Pav looked shocked but was laughing with them as Gwen started recording again.

“FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHACK MIHIHIHIHIHIHILES!! CH-CHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEAT!! YOU CHEHEHEHEHEHEAT!! NOHOHOHOHO VEHEHEHEHEHENOM!! MAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAILES!!!” Hobie threw his head back and cackled like a madman.

“Holy crap! You’re ruthless Miles! That’s his worst spot!” Pavitr said. It was unaware if he was warning Miles or encouraging him.

Either way, Hobie genuinely looked like he was having fun. His smile was wide and unapologetic, his eyes closed as his nose scrunched tight. It was a beautiful sight and such a 180 from his normal personality. Miles was going to ask for every single video and picture Gwen was taking at that very moment. And every other video or picture where Hobie’s getting tickled.

“You think this is ruthless?” Miles asked, removing his hands to give Hobie a very short lived break. “Let me show you what my Uncle Aaron taught my dad when I was a kid.”

“You… you still are a kid… bitch…” Hobie panted out. Now his fate was sealed. Miles furrowed his brows and smiled. Without any warning, Miles rapidly squeezed his hands against Hobie’s sides and inhaled deeply before blowing a massive raspberry on the punk’s stomach. Hobie fucking lost it. He arched up high and his laughter went silent. Then, it roared out of him as if he was the offspring of a lion and hyena.

“MAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAILES!!!! SHIHIHIHIHIHIHI- FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! NOHOT AGAIN! NOT AGAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAIN!!! YOUHUHU FUCKIN PEHEHEHEHEHEST!! AHAHAHAHAHA SHIT!! OK!! OKOKOK AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!! I TAHAHAHAHAKE IT BAHAHAHAHAHAHACK!!” Miles sat back and laughed a bit, enjoying how easily he picked apart his friend.

“Come on, punk rocker! Can’t handle a few wittle tickews? You’re lucky I’m not shocking you! Or going after your piercing~ Man, how hellish would that be?” Brooklyn’s Spider-Man taunted. Hobie was ballistic. Pav noticed this and was about to warn Miles to stop when his spider sense went off. He looked up to the front door and saw the doorknob turning and heard the sound of jingling keys.

“Miles, stop! Your parents are home!” Pavitr said, quickly fishing Hobie’s pocket knife from the punk’s discarded jacket. Miles looked up and towards the hall. He sprang off Hobie as Gwen casually went to get another cup of water. Pavitr cut the webs and Miles helped calm Hobie down just as Rio Morales walked in.

“Miles? Everything alright? It sounded like someone was dying in here,” she said, hanging up her purse and walking into the living room. What she found was quite the wholesome sight. The tv was on as Miles and Pav sat with Hobie on the couch, laughing at some sitcom that was playing. Gwen came from the kitchen and smiled to Rio.

“Sorry, Rio- I mean, Mrs. Morales. The show we were watching is just super funny! I was about to make us some popcorn, want a bag?” the blonde spider-woman somewhat lied, distracting the woman. Meanwhile, Hobie was leaning back on the couch and hugging his torso, still recovering from the harsh tickles he received. Miles immediately felt guilty.

“Hey man, you alright? I went too far, didn’t I?” he asked, looking at Hobie with a worried glance. Hobie just chuckled, and as if he had regained all of his strength just then, he swooped an arm around Miles’ neck and dug his knuckles into his head, giving him a noogie.

“Ah, you little bugga! Who knew you were such a meanie? Yeah, I’s jus ‘bout to tap out. But you good mahn! Was super fun. You’ll still have to watch your back~” Hobie cooed that last part into his ear as he squeezed his ribs, making Miles bark out a laugh.

The teens went on with their night, Gwen declaring that one day she’d get her own personal revenge on Hobie (even though they argued that the pictures and photos she took were her revenge). They found a movie and nuzzled into a large cuddle pile, falling asleep in the blankets and pillows, all of them leaning on Hobie.

And the last thing Hobie thought before he faded into sleep was, God my friends are the best.

[ariasakka]

Enji and Anastasia Pt 1

18+

Endeavor-Enji Todoroki x female reader

Uh embarrassing but I’ve had a bit of an obsession with Endeavor recently…he’s my guilty pleasure at the moment. I think I’ve read about every fic of his that already exists… I’m starved and thirsty so I decided to write one of my own.

Side notes:

1. I’m not a writer. I haven’t wrote fan fic before. This is my first time using tumblr as well as my first post to tumblr. So bear with me if this isn’t the best!

2. I’m not defending his past actions if you do not like him please scroll. Unfortunately I do have a thing for hot abusive men let me cope in my own ways thank you. 🙏

3. Reader notes. Size difference, age difference, submissive girl, dominate man, slight smut, more smut in future parts

To see all my future Enji/Endeavor stories (and this one) search the hashtag #enjiaria

ENJI TODOROKI X FEM READER 18+

Enji and Anastasia’s love story Pt 1

Enji is 35 and single. He is currently the number 2 hero. He owns his own endeavor hero agency. Never married no children. Never been in a serious relationship too busy focusing on becoming number 1. He runs into you at the grocery store when he’s out of uniform getting things to make udon. You’re both looking for the same ingredients and accdiently bump into eachother at the same time. He only bumps into you because he got too distracted by your beauty too focus on where he was going. Hes never seen anyone like you. Olive golden skin, almost black hair that reaches your knees, amber eyes. He was captivated. You on the other hand were always in your own world and too focused on what ingredient you needed next to focus on what was in front of you. Then boom you both collide. He’s about 14 inches taller than you and his thigh is basically bigger than your entire torso, he’s already naturally big and strong, you being small and weak, he ends up causing all of your food to fall to the ground when you both bump into each other. He quickly kneels down to help you pick up your fallen groceries luckily nothing was broken. He silently feels guilty not fully knowing his own strength but knowing he was still stronger than most people he felt bad knowing his bump probably hurt you. Especially since it caused you to fall to the ground. Just as he was about to apologize you quickly did first catching him off guard.

“I’m s-sorry I wasn’t looking where I was going I didn’t mean to trouble you. You don’t have to help me”

You say not looking at his face yet being too busy trying to swiftly pick up your groceries instead.

Enji

“No, it was my fault. I’m sorry. I was too focused on my udon ingredients I wasn’t looking where I was going. Are you alright?”

You

“Oh I’m making udon too! I’m alright sir-“

You’ve both finished putting the groceries back in your basket. As you reply you look up to his face finally and get caught off guard. You almost forget how to speak you have to cut off your sentence. He’s…he’s stunning. You’ve never been the one for crushes or relationships. Or any relationship at all in fact you’ve always been single. Never kissed, held hands nothing. Far too busy in your own world to worry about any of that after all you were only 21 you never thought it was a big deal anyways. B-but with him he’s the only man that’s ever caught your eye. His hair, his eyes, the color. His sculpted face…body..beautiful. It was only now that you also realized how big, muscular, and tall he was you couldn’t help but wonder how nice cuddling him would be in the winter. You were lost in gazing at him for so long you realize you must have looked so awkward pausing for so long. Enji notices your long pause but doesn’t mind he takes this time to admire you back. He doesn’t want to seem too obvious no but god he can’t help but stare at your lips every second you speak. He thinks the long pause must be anxiety after all he is Endeavor. He gently grabs your hand and basket and brings you both back up from the grocery store floor. Little does he know you actually have no idea what Endeavor actually looks like. You’ve heard of him many times before but never actually cared enough to know what he ooked like it wasn’t your style.

You

“Thank you for helping me. Good luck with your udon sir.”

Enji

“Thanks, I’m Enji. What flavor are you making?”

*shakes your hand as he introduces himself*

Now that you’re both standing he can tell you don’t recognize him as Endeavor. Either that or you don’t care. He decides to take a risk and introduce himself. He can’t help it.

You

“Oh hi. Enjis a cute name, I’m Anastasia. I’m making Kimchi udon! What about you?”

Enji thinks to himself, god even her name is beautiful the other girls in Japan are nothing like this.

Enji “f-fish udon. T-that’s a beautiful name”

Enji says flustered not knowing how to keep up the conversation. He’s never done this before. Usually he was just fucking girls who fawned over him being endeavor. Or when he was younger he easily got layed by any girl he pleased after a rumor went around that he had a huge cock. The rumor was started by the girl he lost his virginity to. His best friends sister. The rumor was true. That..that was easy but actually flirting liking someone for more than just wanting them in bed once..that he had no idea how to do.

You glance at your watch and notice how late it’s gotten. Ugh you still haven’t even gotten home and made your udon. You’re starting at a new job early tomorrow. You want nothing more than to admire this beautiful man forever but you know the new job is demanding and you won’t have time for a relantionship. Plus your life is far too stressful already to start your very FIRST relationship at 21..no no that’s just too much. You admire his big hands, the way his black long sleeve shirt hugs his body, his height, his deep voice, calming eyes, sculpted face, and bright red hair once more before saying goodbye.

You

“Sorry I start a new job tomorrow early. I really have to go but thank you for helping me! Have fun with your udon Enji. Nice meeting you! If you ever spill my groceries again say hi!”

You run to the checkout.

Enji stands there a moment admiring you run off to the checkout. To be honest he was far too captivated by your face and hair at first to notice your body. But now that you’re running away oh my. He admires how small and delicate your hands are gripping the grocery basket he wonders what they’d look like around h-…no he had to get that thought out before he went mad. He shamelessly gazed at your small chest, slim waist, and surprisingly big behind for someone so slim in other areas. He loved how your body looked so seductive yet so innocent at the same time. The way ..ugh everything about you was just driving him crazy. Ultimately he knew he’d never been in a real relationship before and was too busy trying to be number one. Plus he was too nervous to even ask for you number. He decided to try to flush you out of his mind..not immediately…maybe after tonight or tomorrow morning so he could focus on work. He went home and went straight to the couch pulling down his pants. Completely ignoring the udon for now. He gripped his cock. It was painful and throbbing. He started to stroke it to the thought of you. He’d never been so infatuated romantically and sensually by someone at the same time. He wanted to make you smile and hold you in his arms yet he also wanted to make you cry on his cock and grip your throat with his hands. God the thought of you was driving him mad. Making him drip more precum than ever before. He’d never touched himself to the thought of one specific woman before. Usually if he was horny he would just call some random woman up and they’d be there in an instant then he’d immediately have his way with them until he filled them with his load making them unable to think of anything else but him. But you..you were so different. He loved how young and delicate you looked compared to him. He wanted to make you cum, stretch you out on his tongue, fingers, the thought of your little body stretching on just his tip was enough to send him over the edge. He came just to the thought of that alone. He immediately cleaned himself up and started preparing his udon. Trying to do anything he could to get you out of his mind especially since he didn’t think he’d ever see you again.

Little did he know you were starting at the Endeavor agency tomorrow. Tsk tsk that was indeed the early job you were starting tomorrow. You’d be running into Enji a lot but this time as Endeavor.

Art and writing had always been your passion you submitted some short stories and art to a bunch of agencies and got hired at Endeavors! He read your submission himself and really liked your writing style he figured you’d be good at making him look well to the public. He needed people to start liking him more if he was going to be number 1. Plus your art, it was unlike any art he’d ever seen before. It was nice, new, hip, yet classy and talented. Impressive. He figured you’d make good merch designs and logos for his company. He wanted a younger touch. He was always a bit of an old soul, he saw on your submission that you were 21. He figured a young touch would be good for the company plus you are also young enough that he figured you would be able to stay at the company for a very long time unlike all the other members who are nearing retirement already.

You work at his agency the next day

Pt 2

[weirdestbooks]

Hermanos (Wattpad | Ao3 | CH HHM Oneshots)

“Rico, do you remember when Padre used to get mad at us for saying we were siblings?” Cuba asked one evening as he and Puerto Rico slowly walked down the streets of the latter’s capital. Puerto Rico was his uncle on his Padre’s side but on the side of his native father’s…Puerto Rico was his half-brother. It was a strange set of circumstances that Padre had hated more than anything.

“How can I not? He never went after me, but his anger was loud enough that we knew it, even though he played nice in front of my padre,” Puerto Rico joked before looking back at Cuba, concern in his eyes. “What’s this about?” Cuba didn’t answer, and Puerto Rico sighed. 

“Cubito…” he began warningly.

“Don’t Cubito me. I’m taller,” Cuba said, trying his best to keep a smile on his face. Puerto Rico raised a skeptical eyebrow, and Cuba’s resolve crumbled. “I’ve just been thinking about things recently. Padre’s gone; you’re a United Statian now, and I’m going to be a new country soon. I…I feel like so much has changed, and I…I don’t want to lose what’s left of my family.”

“Cuba, if you think being a country is going to stop me from being your big brother, I’m going to start thinking that independence made you stupid,” Puerto Rico deadpanned. Cuba stopped in his tracks, gaping at the smaller colony.

“Excuse me?” He asked, startled. Puerto Rico smiled before speaking.

“You heard me. That’s a stupid thing to say. I’m always going to be with you, and I can tell you now that your brother feels the same way. Florida was never hiding from you. He was hiding from New Spain and the expectations of perfection that haunted him. But not from you, you know that.”

Cuba knew that. It was one of the first things Puerto Rico had said to him when they reunited, that he was sorry for leaving Cuba behind. Florida had sworn on his immortality that Cuba would always be his family, be his hermanito.

It was easy to be told that. It was harder to believe it.

“I know I’m just…I’ve never been alone before. I’ve wanted this for so, so long, and I’m not going to give it up, but…I never realized how lonely it was going to be,” Cuba sighed.

“We’re not going to leave you…we’re just going to be somewhere else. A new house, a different country. But come on, Cubito, you know how big this family is and how many countries make it up. Is Dominican Republic any less your aunt because she’s independent and adopted?” Puerto Rico asked. Cuba shook his head.

“Of course not!” he said. Aunt Dominican Republic had struggled with her place in the family due to the nature of her adoption and the nature of the restoration of her independence, but she never stopped being family, always sending letters and remaining in contact, even apologizing to Abuelo for giving him false hope that their family would be reunited again.

“Then why is it different when it’s you and not her?” Puerto Rico asked. Cuba paused, processing that question. Why was it different? Why did he feel like his entire family was going to leave him as soon as he became independent?

“I don’t…I don’t know,” Cuba eventually said. Puerto Rico smiled, soft and sweet, so reminiscent of the foggy memories Cuba had of their native father.

“We’ll be there for you. I promise. We’ll write, and we’ll visit, and we will ensure that you never feel alone. Understood?” Puerto Rico asked. Cuba smiled, pushing aside tears. 

“Perfectly.”

[tqngerine]

stay in the middle — 40. still life

SYNOPSIS: Huening Kai would do anything for his best friend Taehyun, and this one small favor is no exception. It appears that Kai’s fellow campus journalist Y/N has caught his attention, and Taehyun needs help connecting to them. Befriending someone outside of his small social circle wasn’t something Kai did often, but he comes to find that it’s easy to get close to Y/N—maybe even getting a little too close.

word count: 1.1k

“Oh, thank god it’s still here.” Y/N breathed a sigh of relief, clutching onto their beloved translucent pink pouch. What a relief it was to see it and its alternating My Melody and flower pattern again.

Taehyun simply sat behind the table while his big eyes followed Y/N’s every movement, his own notebook and pens now laying untouched beneath him. In true cat fashion, Y/N thought to themself.

“I don’t know what I’d do if I lost all those pens inside.” Y/N continued rambling. “They’re practically my lifeline!”

“Haha, yeah. Losing something so precious to you is really not cool.” Taehyun managed to chuckle.

“Have you lost anything precious to you, Taehyun?” Y/N asked simply, adjusting themself onto the seat across the physics major.

“Oh! Yeah, I have. Quite recently too. It was this red and gray striped headband Yeonjun hyung gifted me before he left the volleyball varsity. I used to wear it everyday to training until I carelessly left it behind court one night and never saw it again the next.”

“Wait, did it have your team’s emblem embroidered on the center?”

“Uh, yes?”

“Wait one sec.” Y/N snaked an arm inside their backpack and fished out the piece of cloth they had kept in there for about a month now. It accurately fit Taehyun’s description, and judging by the way his jaw dropped…

“That’s the one!”

Y/N happily handed it across the table. “I found this laying on the court during one of my practices with my acting partner—“

“Jay?”

“Ah, yeah. You know him?”

“Hyuka mentioned you have a crush on him,”

Y/N cleared their throat. “Anyway, I knew I was gonna be reporting on the volleyball team soon so I held onto it and meant to ask around during my visit, but it completely slipped my mind then.” Scratching the back of their neck, they gave a sheepish smile. “Hope you don’t mind that I’m returning this too late.”

“No! Not at all! Thank you for returning this back to me, I really—“ Taehyun must have realized that he had practically jumped off his seat eagerly, stopping to wince in embarrassment. He lowered himself back on his seat, face struck red.

Y/N gave him a chuckle, hoping that was enough to let him know that he had no reason to be ashamed. They personally couldn’t judge him one bit; they’ve had their own bursts of excitement and assumed Taehyun was the type to convey his own outwardly like them. Just another ball of pure energy like his taller best friend. If anything, it was nice to be able to read his emotions beyond just his expressive eyes.

Unbeknownst to Y/N, however, Taehyun had actually planned to safe keep their pencil case and return it to them the next time they met. You know, in an act of heroic deed. But Y/N coming back and deciding to study worked in Taehyun’s favor too.

Or at least it should have. The guy struggled to focus on his own studying now that they were sitting in front of him. Just the two of them with no Kai or Yeonjun hyung or even one of Y/N’s friends in their company.

He didn’t mean to stare like an absentminded fool while they were engrossed between scribbling down their notebook and typing on their laptop since they made him feel like, well, just that: an absentminded fool. He did make an effort to finish reading his module, especially when Y/N would look up for five minutes to take a screen break. In these breaks, they’d simply cross their arms and lean back, sometimes taking sips of their mocha latte. It seemed like only their hands were put at rest, their mind still occupied with activity.

“You’re a lot more quiet than I thought you’d be.” Taehyun suddenly spoke, shaking Y/N from their trance in magazine-ridden thoughts.

“Well, we are in the library.” They joked.

“I-I mean, I don’t know, even in our previous hang-outs. You’re not as talkative or bubbly as the stereotypical theater kid, I guess? Beomgyu seems to fit that image more.” Taehyun said, playfully twirling the headband in his hands. “I don’t intend it to be an insult, by the way! I just—I remember your role in the theater club’s last production and… okay I’m realizing how stupid this sounds now, but I somewhat assumed you were just as loud as your character then.”

Ah, last semester’s production of Legally Blonde. Even though Jay had easily snagged the role of Emmett Richmond, there was no way Y/N could imagine themself in Elle Woods’ pink heels so they settled for one of her best friends in the Greek Chorus instead. Even that role pushed them way out of their comfort zone. That being said, it was a relief to hear their portrayal was believable enough that someone thought they were just as fabulous and self-confident off-stage.

“There was also that one time you coincidentally caught my off-shot volleyball during one of my practices. That just seemed really badass at the moment, not gonna lie.”

Now Y/N did not expect to hear that. “I… don’t remember that. Wow, we’ve already met before?”

Taehyun’s cheeks blushed furiously. “Er, I guess? But, like, it’s such a random minor moment, I don’t expect you to remember it. Hell, I don’t even know why I still remember it.”

“Is that why you were sweating buckets the first time we talked? Because you thought I was an intimidating and extravagant thespian?” Y/N chuckled. “Wow, I assumed it was either you weren’t used to interviews or that Hyuka had been talking shit about me to you.”

“Oh, I have no issues with interviews,” (he’s a brainy kid, go figure) “and Kai would never do that behind your back. So yeah, that was quite the case.”

“Well, your image has to have shattered since we had that in-depth discussion about different types of penguins at the food hall.” Y/N laughed, recalling the event from a few days ago. “I never even considered that there were that much! How do you know about these things?”

“I just, you know, read a lot,”

“Nerd.”

“Hey!” Taehyun crossed his arms, but the smile he was fighting against told Y/N he was lightheartedly playing along. “You said you needed help researching on astrophysics for your next literature coverage, but if you’re gonna make fun of my brain…”

“No, no, no! I’m sorry, Taehyun, my poor kitty cat! Please don’t leave me to dust!”

Taehyun lost it and burst into purr-like giggles. Y/N couldn’t help but feel relief that he’d easen up to their presence despite his preconceived notions on them. That one lunch spent with him and their friends told them enough that he gelled with their group as easily as a glitter sticker on their notebook (his eyes sparkling like such too). From what they’ve heard even prior, Taehyun had been nothing but loyal to Kai for many years.

It would be pleasant to have a friend like him stick around Y/N’s life too.

< prev | masterlist | next >

A/N: i hope you guys know the exact Taehyun sound I’m referring to when i write “purr-like giggles” thx. so that’s y/n’s life these days! kind of hectic balancing two clubs, a magazine internship, and a social life, huh 😮‍💨 i fear to say that we’re back to regularly programmed schedule this week, so i’ll be seeing you again this wednesday, but man i’ve just really been dying to move the plot forward ! hope you enjoyed still ^^

TAGLIST: open!! leave a comment below or send me an ask to be included in this taglist ^^

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[mariaofdoranelle]

"Ah yes, betrayal. I'm familiar with that." but it is a mermaid AU

The Cheating Client

Written for my Drabblefest

I had so much fun with this!! I have almost zero experience with anything mermaid-related but I love doing fic research, so I thought, what do mermaids do in their free time? Do they work? Do they have an economic system? What’s the social function of every marine being?

So I asked my cousin (who does marine life research) for help. Yes, he did call me crazy, but he also told me about crabs and cleaner shrimps. 🤣 And only DAYS later I realized you were probably asking for a mermaid x human fic which would’ve been a lot easier to write lmaooo but here it is!!

650 words, no warnings

⨯ ⁺ ✦ ･ ｡ﾟ⨯ ﾟ♡ ✧* ･｡* ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

Watching the dolphins play with water bubbles was one of Aelin's favorite weekend activities. Too bad the amount of merfolk it lured was so big it made her bump into some unwanted merpeople.

Rowan Whitethorn was close enough to fit a blue whale between them, trying to catch her eye. Aelin looked away. Just to look back at him again, watching him scan the crowd with his deep green tail and his electric eels, one at each side. His eyes found hers again, so she had to look away once more.

He chose this.

And when Rowan first came to her, wearing that cute grumpy look in his pine-green eyes as he complained his rock home was filled with seaweed, she should’ve known this is how their relationship would end.

The hotter the client, the bigger is the betrayal.

She totally forgot Rowan worked as a security merman in those kinds of events making sure the dolphins won’t be disturbed, looking very hot intimidating between his electric eels.

The crowd dispersed after the dolphins stopped this week’s show, and Aelin swam away from there to avoid awkward interactions. However, Rowan didn’t try to mask his intentions like she did, so he swam faster and gently grabbed her arm.

“Aelin, hi.” He gave her a shy, close-lipped smile. “I sent you a flounder, but you didn’t answer my message asking for the crabs.”

“I didn’t feel like I needed to.” She squinted her eyes at him. “I passed by your house recently. It looked awfully clean.”

Rowan’s face fell, his lips parting as he sensed the ugly truth being revealed between them.

Aelin worked organizing crabs’ schedules. Homes made of rocks tended to get dirty and filled with seaweed, so merpeople came to her to request some crabs to eat it off.

So imagine her surprise when Rowan, one of her regulars, disappeared for a while, and when she passed by his house, it was as clean as a cleaner shrimp’s anemone.

Rowan’s mouth opened and closed before he blurted, “I can explain.”

She crossed her arms, silently nudging him in.

He continued, “My friend told me about this hermit crab service—“

"Ah yes, betrayal. I'm familiar with that." Aelin’s voice was bitter, her stomach hardening with the knowledge that her favorite client was nothing more than a traitor.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, his eyes seeming truly apologetic at least. “If I knew Remelle—“

“Remelle?” Aelin shrieked. Her biggest rival of all people?

The end of her tail flailed, but Rowan stopped her from swimming away.

“It was a one-time thing, and I really regret it because she mistreats her crabs and…” he trailed, grimacing. “Her work ethic is a little fishy.” The ends of Rowan’s mouth twitched, but he was too smart to smile now. “Please don’t fire me from being your client.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Truth was, she couldn’t dismiss Rowan just because he looked for another crab service. He didn’t look happy about it either, but this doesn’t mean she wouldn’t give him a hard time.

“What if I make it up to you over dinner tomorrow?”

That piqued her interest. Aelin stood a little taller, eyeing him carefully. “Seaweed doesn’t fix shark bites, Whitethorn.”

Rowan crossed his arms, a playful gleam in his eyes as his posture stayed firm and strong, looking too confident for his own good. “What about Pirarucu?”

The air rushed out of Aelin’s lungs. Dear Mala, that fish was bigger than some whales. She snapped her parted lips shut, but still took a swift glance at his toned body. “That’s a hard one to hunt.”

Rowan sent her a poorly concealed smug look. “Anything for your forgiveness.”

“Good.” Aelin bit her lip in an attempt to hide her smile. “But you’re not forgiven yet.”

“Don’t worry, princess.” He cocked his head, an indecipherable look in his eyes. “I’ll work for it.”

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[loudstrawberryblizzard]

Izumo x reader insert (modern AU)

This fic includes a 2015's ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks reference. Hope you like it.

It was the 19th November and you were resting a little in bed tired and stressed out by doing all the chores you were given by a home harmonizer robot your big sister(or mother) was recommended by a friend of hers. You just wanted to avoid that robot so badly since you just finished high school recently now but being the middle child, it’s not easy. Suddenly you heard the doorbell rang.

"(Y/n)! Someone is here to see you!" Your mother/adult big sister called out. "Oh, who could that be?" You asked and when you came downstairs, a nice brunette young man as in, your Naruto crush Izumo was at the door. "Izumo. What are you doing here?" You asked with hope. You developed a little crush on him since you binge-watched Naruto with your friends at their houses for weeks.

Izumo said "So basically, like, my best friend Kotetsu just helped me plan the coolest party of the year for my birthday next week on the 25th Nov, and yeah, I really hope you can make it. If not, I’ll probably film most of it to show you." He then gave you a light blue and lime green invitation for it. You just can’t believe it! 😃 your anime crush Izumo Kamizuki just gave you an invitation and invited you to his birthday party for the next week.

You gasped in happiness and need for freedom "Izumo, you don’t realize what this means to me . You are a glass of either fresh spring water or fresh sparkling mineral water in a dry, unforgiving desert." You’re a ray of sunshine in a sea of miserable, foreboding clouds." But your mother/adult big sister said "You can stop now, (Y/n). He’s gone." "Oh, well. Mom/(big sister's name), can I go next week?" You asked and begged "Please, mom/(sister’s name). Please!"

"I’d say yes, (Y/n), but is your homework done?" Your mum/big sister asked. "Yes, of course it’s done! Pathfinder’s in charge of my life!" You replied. Then suddenly "I strongly recommend saying no, (your mum’s name/sister’s name)." "Nobody asked you." You replied but you were scared when Pathfinder has been upgraded but taller walked two steps towards you.

"Relax, (Y/n). It’s only Pathy, new and improved." Your mum/adult big sister said to you calmly. "You upgraded again?" You asked in shock. "(mother’s guy friend's name) told me about it and I couldn’t resist." She replied. "You have to stop talking to (mother’s male friend’s name)!" You protested. "It wouldn’t be easily wise to let (Y/n) go to a birthday party on a school night." Pathfinder said. (School night for your younger siblings) "Is no the only word you know?" You asked the robot almost getting angry. Pathfinder then said calmly "No."

"You see that, mom/(sister’s name)? All he knows is no." You said sternly. "Try to look on the bright side. Pathy can help you help your younger siblings get ahead in math." Your mum/big sister said with a smile and walked into the kitchen. You chuckled "Get ahead in math? Oh, that’s just swell, mom/(sister’s name), because, y'know, that’s even better than a party with all the cool kids!" You said sarcastically getting mad. With that, the home harmonizing robot walked away to living room. Your smart older sister came downstairs "Ok, what are you planning, (Y/n)?" she asked while you were thinking. "Me? Oh, nothin'. Nothin' at all. I’ll just do what I’m told. As always." You said as you walked away. Your older sister was thinking what you were going to do next.

timeskip no jutsu to next week on the 25th of November (the same birthday as Sai) 10 ish at night

You and all of your siblings were sleeping in your beds and you quietly woke up and got ready for Izumo's birthday party, you did your make up, did your hair with a hair straightener and picked a cute party outfit of your choice and crept downstairs to not wake anyone. (If you plan to wear heels at a party, put them on after sneaking out of the house)

You were thinking when you saw Pathfinder charging up for the morning after. "Ok, now. How do I shut you off?" You then pressed the red power button on the charging console causing the charging console and the robot to power down. "Yes!" You cheered quietly and chuckled a little. "Looks like I got the last laugh, Pathy." You then creep out of the house after you powered down the robot. Or so you thought when Pathfinder powered back up while charging. "Baby mode engaged."

The robot made its way upstairs to yours and your siblings room and opened the door realizing you weren’t in your bed like your other siblings in their beds. He rings the alarming sound causing your siblings to wake up and jump out of their beds and says "Alert! Alert!" Your mum/adult big sister came in the doorway when she heard the alarm "What’s wrong, Pathy?" She asked. "Baby (Y/n) has escaped!" The apex robot replied. "Baby (Y/n)?" Your mum/big sister replied.

"Security protocol engaged!" Pathfinder then locked the windows then laser trapped your mum/big sister and your siblings one by one. " Lockdown engaged. Stay safe. I will retrieve Baby (Y/n)." The robot said as he makes his way from the house to track you down. "(Y/n)!" Your mum/big sister shouted.

Insert SpongeBob Meanwhile time card

You made your way to the address of Izumo's house as you could hear some music playing from a block away, maybe some Mac Miller, Snoop Dogg and 3OH!3 playing when you found the address and saw Izumo and the man same age as him with a bandage over his nose and dark black hair must be his best friend Kotetsu and the other third friend with Izumo and Kotetsu is Yamato who is a tall muscular built man with brown hair and wore a flannel shirt and some jeans with vans shoes.

"Gents, the birthday party has arrived." You announced happily and walked to the entrance of the front door. "Oh my God, (Y/n), you made it!" Izumo cheered. You let out a little giggle-chuckle combo "I wouldn’t dream of missing the festivities. Hope you saved me a dance." You said with a cute smile trying to be flirty but actually cute mostly. Izumo laughed "You’re so hilarious, you know that? Get in here!" He said inviting you inside. Then suddenly you felt the back of your hoodie being grabbed. You screamed as you were grabbed and being picked up by Pathfinder who unfortunately found you and tracked you down. You looked up at the robot "Pathy?" "Baby needs feeding." Pathfinder then fed you with a baby bottle, you resisted quickly "Pathfinder! What the hell are you doing? Baby needs to be put down! Put baby down!" You protested but the robot didn’t listen and did nothing but respond "Time for a night time feeding."

The boys had a slight shock on their faces seeing you get embarrassed. Then they had an idea.

"This is so cute!" Izumo happily exclaimed. "Adorable!" Kotetsu agreed. "Get the camera, Kakashi, get the camera!" Izumo called out to Kakashi who was probably inside the party in his house ready to get the camera. Izumo, Kotetsu and Yamato we’re smiling despite the embarrassment you are having.

"Uh-oh. Did baby wet her diaper?" The robot checked you thinking that. "What? No! No, baby did not wet her diaper. Why the hell would you say that?!" You said in embarrassment. "Baby needs burping!" Pathfinder then repeatedly patted your back to burp you as if you were a baby, even though you’re not actually a baby, you then let out a burp (stuck out your tongue at the same time). "That did feel good." You said. And well, the boys started laughing on how cute your embarrassing turn of events is. "Time for beddy-bye." Pathfinder then placed a pacifier (Brit’s and Aussies call them dummies) in your mouth which you then pushed out of your mouth. "Izumo! Just pretend this never happened! Never happened! OK?!" You shouted out loud for him to hear. "OK, (Y/n)! I’ll try not to, but it’s so cute and hilarious!" Izumo shouted back. "Aah! I’m never going to live this down." You said in sadness being embarrassed as Pathfinder carried you all the way to your home. And just dare say, that your mum or adult big sister was so relieved that the robot tracked you and brought you back and was worried sick about you so as punishment, you would have to do all the chores but mostly help your younger siblings with their homework and chores. And good news is that Izumo filmed most of what was going on at his birthday party then posted some pics and videos on Instagram the next time you meet again.

the end.

I was watching Alvinnn!!! And the Chipmunks and was inspired by The App episode and I know how everyone feels being stuck in the house and not able to go events like your friends parties and stuff. 🤭

[dis0rderly-cl0wn-nerd]

For you and J!🤭💜 (The numbering is off🙈)

SHIP QUESTIONS

PRE-RELATIONSHIP

How did they first meet?

Did either of them try to resist their feelings?

GENERAL

Who initiated the relationship, and how did it go?

LOVE

What are their primary love languages?

Who’s the big and little spoon?

What are their favorite things to do together?

What kind of nicknames do they call each other?

DOMESTIC LIFE

Who’s more likely to convince the other to come back to sleep in the morning?

Who’s the better cook?

Who likes to dance?

Thanks for the ask!

PRE-RELATIONSHIP

How did they first meet? J kinda came into my life abruptly. He crawled through my window one night because he needed a place to hide. I was a little scared at first but we quickly warmed up to each other.

Did either of them try to resist their feelings? (Speaking from an irl perspective) I was a bit hesitant to self ship with a character because I didn’t know much about it and I was afraid of being called cringe or weird. But honestly I don’t care about that anymore. After some encouragement from friends and realizing how happy it made me, I finally declared my relationship with J.

GENERAL

Who initiated the relationship, and how did it go? I initiated it. J really liked me but he was a bit hesitant to go any further because he didn’t know how I would respond. I could tell he wanted more and I did as well. So I did the talking for him by telling him how much I loved and appreciated him and that I wanted to be with him. He agreed and so our relationship began.

LOVE

What are their primary love languages? J is a bit sensitive to physical touch so I’ll only do it when he’s feeling like it. He loves it when I play with his hair. It’s the equivalent of petting a cat behind the ears 🤭 He wasn’t very affectionate at first. He thought it was gross and unnecessary. I nipped that in the bud when I kissed him for the first time. He practically melted right into me. As far as I go, I’m not really a hugger but J’s hugs are the best. I also love laying on top of his chest because he is VERY warm. He ruffles my hair and rubs my back when I’m latched onto him.

Who’s the big and little spoon? This was probably answered in the last question but J is definitely the big spoon. He’s much taller than me. I’m 5’6 and he’s in the 6 ft something range. I’m of course the little spoon ☺️

What are their favorite things to do together? We like to draw, listen to music, go down YouTube rabbit holes, and play Minecraft (he loves the TNT 😈) together.

What kind of nicknames do they call each other? J calls me bunny, kitten, kitty cat, doll, sweetheart, sweetie, sugar, baby, princess (I hate this one), and darling. I call him J, my clown, Jack (when he’s feeling soft), honey, and beloved. I’m not as creative as he is 😅

DOMESTIC LIFE

Who’s more likely to convince the other to come back to sleep in the morning? Me because I can never get enough of his warmth. He is like one cuddly cat and I hate it when he has to get up. Now if J’s feeling needy one day, there’s no way I’m getting up. I might as well accept my fate cause he’s never letting go 😂

Who’s the better cook? Neither of us are very good cooks so I guess it just depends on the day.

Who likes to dance? I’ve recently started to like dancing because it’s good exercise and it’s fun. J likes it too. When no one’s watching though. That is reserved for me and him. If the music’s good and he’s up to it, best believe J’s moving them hips 🤭

[jennhoney]

I somehow yet again missed a call from my neurologist. He yet again called me himself. That’s wild for a specialist, I think? Everything is relatively fine. My tests keep coming back normal or close to normal. It’s just that my body isn’t working. I’m almost certain it’s not currently getting worse and it might actually be a tiny bit better very recently. So we decided to wait a month and touch base at the end of August. I have stuff to tell him but I think it can wait and I’m curious to see if I can get a little better in that time.

But I want to tell you and @songbirdstew about the building that my neurologist is in. I think it is a liminal space. Our town has a whole neighborhood called The Medical Quarter and it’s right next to downtown and, not to brag but, I’ve been to a lot of the hospitals and medical offices in the Quarter lately. A LOT. They are all pleasant, bustling, busy places. Except for the building my neurologist is in. This building is right in the middle of everything. It’s between two large hospitals and a ton of other medical buildings. To help paint the picture my cardiologist (and lots of other stuff) is in Med Pavilion 1 and my neurologist is across the street in Med Pavilion 2. But I can’t really tell you what medical Pavilion 2 looks like. I sat and stared out the window at it when they were stopping my heart at my stress test. It’s sort of tucked behind a Firestone. It must be taller than the Firestone but I cannot for the life of me picture it. I have a clear image of the parking ramp. There are always plenty of spaces very close to the door but that’s pretty common for Iowa. We’re a great place to park. Stepping into the building feels like stepping into a very nice, bigger on the inside, empty elevator. This could be explained by it being the overflow building, maybe they aren’t at capacity yet but they anticipate growth. We have a lot of old people. Anyway, this is the building where I was accidentally called back for a mental health check when I was actually there for bloodwork and they quickly realized had “the wrong Jennifer”. But the thing I may not have mentioned at the time was that I was sitting in a big empty waiting room. Not only was there not another Jennifer in there. There wasn’t another soul in there. Medical Pavilion 2 is also not in the MyChart system. Everything else that I’ve done seems to be. I don’t get any reminders about appointments I don’t have any way to verify appointments or reread appointment notes. When I do have to get bloodwork there it goes through some weird journey where they apparently walk it over to the main collection site, a few blocks away, and ask them to book an appointment for the blood they’ve already taken. I know this because once that happens I get a notification that I have a bloodwork appointment in like five minutes but it has already happened in the futurePast that is Medical Pavilion 2. Some such bloodwork came back over two weeks ago. I could see it in MyChart. But I knew something was wrong when I still hadn’t heard anything from the office last week. So I was talking to someone from the office and explained that I had read my report in MyChart and I was pretty sure it said I was normal but I wanted some confirmation from someone that knows what they are doing and she said, “I don’t see it. Did you say you read it in..” and she says a word that I assume is their system but I have never heard in my life and I swear was something like Morpheus or Excalibur. So just before 5 tonight I get a call from my neurologist and I miss it by a second. I keep my phone on mute almost all the time so that wouldn’t be weird except I think I was holding my phone (although not looking at it) and NOW I have a smartwatch that lights up and vibrates on on my wrist when I get calls and texts and I didn’t feel a thing. I only caught the light and motion on my wrist of the words Missed Call fading away. And in the voicemail message my neurologist apologizes for not hearing from him sooner he- “tried to leave a message” on my bloodwork results “but I don’t think it went through”.

So, if I vanish at the end of August for a little while I’m likely on a journey in the Fey realm or some shit.

[twin-wolves-123]

long textpost incoming lol, for whoever cares

i think the thing i was least prepared for about being queer was just how fucking lonely it feels

tbh maybe lonely isn't the right word. helpless? hopeless?

When i first realized it i was in high school, and i didn't really make a big deal out of it at the time since it didn't affect my life a lot in particular-- i had a lot of other personal crap going on and the person who made me realize it ended up graduating anyway. i kind of just viewed it as a fact about me more than anything else, the same way my favorite color is a fact about me. Which is a privilege of course, i didn't really come out to anyone aside from close friends who were also out to me, but i did grow up in a pretty accepting area and was lucky enough to not particularly have internalized a shit ton of homophobia by then. but now that it's actually having a tangible impact on my life that view has definitely shifted to a more negative one.

for context, i think i've fallen a little in love with one of my close friends/roommate over the past couple of months. we've been pretty good friends for a bit over a year now, though only started rooming together at the start of this semester. he's a really great listener- sometimes he will just walk up and ask what i'm watching/doing on my laptop and let me ramble at him for however long about whatever niche interest is currently occupying my attention, he makes time to spend w/ me even if it's very spontaneous, i'm a little obsessed with his laugh/smile, and god he's so fucking smart i think it's insane. and sometimes when he's letting me infodump on him or we're just sitting together doing whatever i just get the urge to hug him or ask to cuddle and it's kind of ridiculous. I recently just got back from a fall break trip that he ended up backing out of and there was a day I was exploring the city by myself just kind of wishing he had been there with me.

issue is, aside from the obvious one, is that he is straight as hell

I'm out to him and he's very chill with it (not that I'd even be friends with him if I knew he wouldn't be), but god, what I don't really understand is how people deal with this. It's hard enough finding someone who likes you back even when your sexualities/genders DO align. i mean, it's not like things have gone perfectly with every girl i've been into up until now. And generally speaking, people are more likely to be straight than not, because... we are a minority lol. The argument often made by, say, homophobic parents of bi children is, just date women (or men, depending on who you are)! but you can't really help who you want, right? being bi in general isn't even a 50/50 split to begin with the same way all sexuality can be fluid, and it's very possible and even probable that i do lean more this way than the other (frankly it's not like i've dated enough to know). And i'm of course aware that things like dating apps and queer communities do exist, but it's not that easy to get over someone just like that, especially since i find it really difficult being into someone if I'm not already friends w them/know i get along w them well as a person first as opposed to seeking out this kind of connection on an app of some kind

so it's times like these where, as much as i've gotten out of the friendships i've made through queer communities (like on campus for example), being Not Straight just really sucks, not even necessarily because of homophobia (either from others/internalized) but simply because it's that much more miserable knowing that someone, even though they make you really happy, would never be able to view you that way, and sometimes i feel like it'd just be easier if i were straight the same way i wish i were taller, or my teeth were whiter, or other similar inconveniences that i can't change. i'll see other couples posting from trips they did together, or for national boyfriend day, or whatever, and it's just that feeling of one day, he'll be doing the same thing with someone he loves and i won't have any part to play in that, because i'll just be watching distantly online wishing it could've been me instead.

and of course it doesn't really help that i really struggle with making friends and am not socially perceptive at all and am often mentally hung up on small social interactions, him being no exception (quite the opposite actually, in general he shows slightly less emotion in conversation than the average person), so a lot of the time i'm stuck wondering whether he really even likes me as a friend at all or is just putting up with me for the sake of politeness.

Anyways. obviously this will pass (i think? regardless of the fact that it usually takes forever for me) but it still just fucking sucks and makes me wish i didn't have to deal with it at all

[rustedhearts]

send her my love (boxer!steve x fem!librarian!reader)

summary: a series of letters written after your recent breakup with steve, recounting your time apart.

uses she/her pronouns and female anatomy.

♡ the king of the ring ♡ main masterlist

tags: angst, hurt/comfort, fluff, mushy-gushy-lovey-dovey love letters.

a/n: pretty self explanatory, but libby’s letters are in pink, steve’s are in black ♡

“…how it hurt so bad to see her cry. i didn’t want to say goodbye. send her my love, memories remain. send her my love, roses never fade.”

—send her my love, journey

december 1992—march 1993

♡ ♡

12/05/92

Dear Libby,

Dear god I hope you open this. My hands are shaking so bad around the pen that I’m sure it’ll be all scratchy and shit, but I hope you know that I’m trying. I know how much you love letters, and after you stopped picking up my calls a few weeks ago…I figured this was the best way to reach you.

It’s been almost a month since we last saw each other. I hate thinking about that day. I hate thinking about you crying, and crying because of me. Because of something I did. I want you to know that I take full accountability for what I did, my love. That’s a word they said I should use more often. Accountability. “They” would be Big and Mikey. When they heard about what happened…I don’t think I’ve ever seen either of them so mad. I think, for a moment, Big thought about coming out of retirement just to kick my ass into next year.

I patched up the wall myself. It was my mess to clean. The house seems so big and empty without you. I never realized it echoed before.

I don’t blame you for going home, baby. I know you’ve been wanting to go for a while. I know I drove you away. Pushed you away. I was so terrible to you and I see that now. I’m so sorry it took something so awful for me to see it. But you were right. I’m just like my father. And I needed someone to tell me that so I could realize how fucking stupid and awful I’ve been.

I hope you don’t mind that I used some of your stationary to write this to you. You left it on the desk downstairs. The shelves came in for your books and I put them up. Maybe when you come home, we can fill them up. I’ll buy you all the books in the world, my girl.

I’m sorry. Please know that.

Love,

Steve.

♡ ♡

12/10/92

Steve,

I was surprised to receive your letter. When I stopped answering and your calls stopped coming, I assumed we were done for good. I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. Despite my every want to feel the opposite, I’m still so terribly in love with you that my head hurts every waking moment of the day. I ache with it. Now that we’re apart, it bleeds. It has nowhere to go. I have nowhere to put it. But this was your doing, Steven. I don’t want you to forget that.

We both said terrible things that day, but what you did was unforgivable. You promised from the start to never raise a hand against me in anger. You promised to never become the thing you hated. I took your word as bond, and perhaps that was my mistake. Perhaps that’s my grievance to regret.

I miss you terribly, but this time apart will be good for us. It’s what we need. I’ve been away from home since I was 19. My brother stands taller than me. His voice is so much deeper than when I left. They’re getting computers at the library soon. Everything is so different, yet it all still seems the same. But even these tiny differences make me realize how long I’ve been away.

It’s snowing here in Hawkins and I helped mom put up the Christmas lights. Nick and I had a snowball fight. I felt ten years old again. Mom made hot chocolate and we watched Charlie Brown. I know how much you love Charlie Brown’s Christmas. But in that moment, I felt wonderfully calm. I felt okay. I felt happy.

And it made me wonder…were we happy, Steve? Or have we been pretending for too long?

I’m glad my shelves came. Use them for your trophies.

XO,

Libby

♡ ♡

12/14/92

Libby,

I can’t tell you how happy I was to get your letter in the mail. I’ve been scared to open it for the past two days. But the thought of going a moment more without knowing what you said would kill me. I can hear your voice so clearly when I read your words.

I’ll never forget what I did that day, Libby. It will always be a reminder of how awful I’ve become. And it will always be a reminder of who I don’t want to be ever again.

I know it doesn’t mean much now since I’m a few months too late, but I’m talking to someone. A shrink or whatever. Big recommended him. Apparently he specializes in “anger issues.” You know how I feel about sitting down and whining about my problems, but…I don’t know. Maybe it’ll help. If it turns me back into the man you loved then I’ll sit on that couch and talk for days.

You asked if we were pretending, and for me at least, I never pretended for a moment. There wasn’t a second that went by that I didn’t love you with every ounce of my being. I’m sorry if you felt you had to pretend. I’m sorry that you weren’t happy, and if you give me the chance, I’ll do my best to make you happy this time around.

No amount of trophies or champion belts in the world could make up for the loss of you, my angel. Please know that and believe it.

Yours,

Steve

♡ ♡

12/22/92

Steve,

I hate the way your words make my heart pound. All that love is still so strong, and it’s all still festering in me. But the heartache is just as powerful. The heartache is just as real.

I cannot give you a second chance just yet. I don’t think we’ve quite earned it. I don’t think we’ve yet reached a point where we’re both okay—on our own. I want to be okay even without you. I fear I’ve become so reliant on you to tell me where life will go, because my life has revolved around your own. I’ve never found my own path to wander. I want that opportunity now.

I went to the Hideout tonight. A Christmas party with some friends. I haven’t felt that young in years, Steve. I’m only 22.

Merry Christmas, Steve. And happy New Year.

XO,

Libby

♡ ♡

1/3/93

Libby,

Christmas was lonely without you. Mikey invited me to his "bachelor pad" in L.A for a "booze fest" (all his words). Gargling gravel sounded like a better time. For a minute, I thought maybe it might be good to get out. To be my own person, like you said. But everything just feels so dull now.

I thought about mailing your present, but I figured you'd just get upset. I want to respect your space and our time apart. My shrink says I have to find more time for other people's wants and needs instead of just prioritizing my own. Is that what I've been doing, Libby? Is that what I've always done?

I guess I kinda did. Took you away from the library and your home. I just wanted you with me all the time. I couldn’t imagine getting through that first string of fights without you. I don’t think I’d be the fighter I am today if I didn’t have you there.

I guess I’m talking about “me” a lot again. I’m sorry I do that.

I hope your Christmas was nice. Hope it snowed the way you like.

Love,

Steve

♡ ♡

1/28/93

Libby,

I haven’t heard from you all month. I thought I’d reach out again. For a few days, I had myself convinced my letter got lost in the mail. I waited for a “return to sender” to come. I think I would’ve preferred the honest rejection to your silence. It’s been so quiet here, my girl. I miss the sound of your voice in our home.

The fights mean nothing anymore. I won the Russell fight last week and felt nothing. Ever since you left, victory tastes stale. The referees declare the winner and I just hear static. Jesus, I miss you so much I started reading some of your sappy literature last week. It’s clearly having an affect.

I hope you’re okay. I hope you’re good. I miss you more and more with every passing day. I miss you more than I thought was ever humanly possible for one person to miss another. I never thought this deep of a feeling could exist. This “break” has taught me a lot.

Been talking to the shrink more too. He says I have an issue with authority and always need to feel in control because of how my dad was. Big fucking brain on this guy, huh? Must’ve went to school in Dumb Fuckville.

Sorry. I’m trying to be kinder. Not swear so much. Wish they made patches for anger like they do for nicotine. Something to ease the ache. But it’s hard to quit something you were born into. The Harrington rage doesn’t just disappear over night. But I swear I’m trying. I promise, cross my heart and hope to die, baby. I’m doing my best to be better.

I hope I hear from you. I hope you’re alright.

I love you.

— Steve

♡ ♡

2/3/93

Steve,

I meant to write. I’ve been so busy now that I’m at the library full time again. I forgot how taxing it can truly be, but it’s like riding a bike. The smell of the books, the feel of the paper, the conversations you have with readers who don’t know where to look, or the ones who do and are searching for more. I forgot how important I feel between those stacks of books.

My girlfriends and I have been going out. They never got to celebrate my twenty-first with me, so we had a belated celebration a few weeks ago. We went to a bar in Indianapolis, took a bus the whole way there. The bar was loud and hot and sticky, and someone spilled beer all over my purse. I know you would’ve hated it, but part of me wished you were there. Bodies were pressing against each other on the dance floor, touching and smearing sweat—but all I wanted to feel was yours. Your familiar frame, right next to me. Only with you have I ever felt so secure.

Anyway, I got my first hangover, and that wasn’t fun. Especially because I’m still staying with my parents and they still think I’m seventeen. Nick tried to get me to buy him beer for his friends. I wish I could be this ‘cool’ older sister for him, but right now he doesn’t like me very much.

I watched your fight last week. There’s something so different in the way you move now. Your punches seem heavier, harder. You take more hits before you hit back. I wish you wouldn’t do that. You know I always worry, Steve. I worry about what might happen if you take too many hits. All those concussions can’t be good. I’m no doctor, but I figure eventually, they’ll catch up to you. I don’t want to see that happen. I can’t fathom the idea of losing you like that. No matter what happens between us, I always want to know you’re well. Selfishly, I always want to know you're out there if I need to call.

I’m glad to know you’re trying, and that you’re still going to therapy. I think it’s very healthy, Steve, and I appreciate and value your honesty. And….I miss you too.

Yours,

Libby

♡ ♡

2/12/93

Libby,

There hasn't been a moment that's gone by since you left that I haven't wished I was with you. In whatever way that might be, all I've wanted is to feel your body next to mine. I miss your touch, your smell, your smile. I never want to know another kiss but yours. I never want to hold another body in my arms that isn't yours. I don't think I could stomach the thought of never having that again.

The longer the time between us lasts and the further the distance grows, the worse I ache for you. God I sound like a fucking dope. It's all those novels you left me, I swear I'm not this sappy. But I guess with you I am.

Please forgive me. Please come home. All I can do now is beg, and show you how hard I'm trying.

I love you, angel. There's nobody and nothing but you.

Love,

Steve

P.S. You're the best big sister. Nick will see that one day when his brain isn't full of beer and Playboy.

P.P.S. Happy early Valentine's Day, baby. I hope the flowers are okay.

♡ ♡

2/17/93

Dear Steve,

I loved the flowers, and I loved the sap. Reading your last letter brought tears to my eyes, and for the first time in a while, they were blissful. I cannot begin to describe the size of the welt in my chest. It feels bruised by your absence and my longing.

Despite every bone in my body yearning for you, I cannot come home. Not yet. I'm not ready. I don't think you are, either. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and while it pains both of us to endure it, I think they're right. Whoever "they" are.

In the spirit of all this honesty, I have to admit: Tom Marrow asked me out for Valentine's Day. And god damn you, Steve, I said no. I said no because I'm wilting without your sun shining on me, and I'm lost without you by my side. I said no because I'll never be able to look into the face of another man without wishing it was yours.

I said no because I know, one day (maybe soon, maybe not), I'll come home to you. Don't let that get to your head.

Love,

Libby

♡ ♡

2/22/93

Libby,

My heart has never suffered as many palpitations in all my high-risk athletic career as it did reading your letter. I hate the way the paper crumpled in my fist when I read about fucking Tom. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to abandon the jealousy that fills me when I think of you with another man. But I can admit, it reached a point even I don't like to think of. I was letting it control me. I'm trying not to do that anymore.

The paper smelled like you this time. You don't know how badly I've missed that smell. I sort of feel like a hound-dog, tracing for more of it in the ink. That's what you've reduced me to, my love. An animal searching for you in the earth.

Please come home. Please come back to me.

Yours,

Steve

♡ ♡

3/2/93

My darling Steve,

I'm coming home to you. Please unlock the door.

Yours always,

Libby

♡ ♡

[chilumi-shipper]

Ready to Let Go

Xiao x Adeptus!Fem!Reader (x Zhongli)

Summary: Zhongli loves you, Xiao loves you, You love Xiao. Seems as though, in the eyes of everybody else, Zhongli was gonna be a problem within your relationship with your fellow adeptus. He would never do that though, not to you, not to Xiao. For the first time, the vigilant yaksha seems happy, and you seem more carefree the moment you two are starting to get close to one another. Zhongli would never trade your happiness for the sake of his own, and that's why, he's ready to let go.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

The God of War, flaunting over one of his very own dearest adeptus, if Guizhong saw him right now, she would've laughed at how much he jumped and flaunted over you whenever you were in his presence.

But love is complicated, he could say he loves you with a burning passion, yet it can never change the fact that you had fell for another, no matter how much Zhongli might push through, you will choose to be embraced within the arms of your true beloved, Xiao.

Neither you nor him ever said anything to confirm the nature of your relationship, but Zhongli felt it, the connection between you and the adeptus was so much more than just two people who used to work along side each other. You and Xiao, he's known both of you for millennias, you're not really the greatest with expressing emotions.

Zhongli was never one to fight reality, in fact he accepted it with open arms, having no care for the pain it might bring.

But just this once, he let's himself drift to a false hope, perhaps you only see Xiao as a friend, that in actuality you tell him the feelings that you're too scared to say to your Archon. But every time Zhongli dreamt like that, he can't help but see Xiao, sadness clouding over him, it slaps the brown-haired man in the face.

He can't do that to Xiao. The poor boy, tormented his entire life, but today, he may very well be bearing a smile on his face, with you around him, with you loving him.

He was sitting between you two, in a table in Wangshu Inn's restaurant area, the light atmosphere was calming.

It was supposed to be a nice get together, yet Zhongli felt irritated. The way your gaze lingers past him and onto the person of your interest as you spoke about how you tried cooking mortal food recently. How you seem to take into account every expression and response Xiao would give, but pay no mind to Zhongli at all.

You weren't being rude and ignoring him the whole time, in fact, you make eye contact with him from time to time, to see if he's understanding you. But Zhongli felt peeved, why couldn't you look at him the way you looked at Xiao?

"I really like cooking actually!" You exclaimed, the cat-eyed adeptus smiling softly while listening to your rambles, his elbow resting on the table, while his chin leans on his hand. That makes Zhongli feel even worse for having such feelings for you, just looking at the small but genuine smile on Xiao's face as he admires you.

"Xiao?" You softly called out to him, clasping your hands together. The adeptus gave a hum in response. "There's this recipe I found called "Tofu Cookies with Almonds", I was hoping you could help me taste test them when I try baking for the first time?" Your voice gets quieter the more you say. Zhongli found it adorable when you get shy, yet he can't help but feel a nauseous felling eating away at his skin, you didn't invite him.

The waitress puts the food you all ordered on your table before Xiao answers. Zhongli looked into your eyes, seeing the nervousness as you anxiously wait for an answer.

"Okay."

Golden orbs then looked at Xiao, seeing he's looking away from you, his ears red from embarrassment. Yet even when he tried to hide it, the Archon can feel his giddiness from miles away.

Zhongli can't help but look back and forth, seeing your eyes light up with happiness because of Xiao's answer. "Thank you so much!" You smiled brightly, proceeding to put some food onto your plate to start eating.

In all this, Zhongli felt as though he didn't have a place. Perhaps you were overjoyed that you didn't look at the fact that you completely discarded him, but someone else noticed.

"Mora- Zhongli can join us too, he's good at taste testing food." Xiao looks at you, before looking at the taller man. "I think." Zhongli then nodded, agreeing with Xiao's statement.

He knows he shouldn't, he knows that he just let the two of you resolve your feelings together, just the two of you. Yet he can't, for once in his life, he feels that it's too hard to let go.

The two looked at you expectantly, despite you making it obvious that you wanted to spend some time with Xiao alone, Zhongli hoped that maybe, just this one occasion, you'll let him intervene with your growing relationship. It's selfish, it's pointless, but just this once.

You smiled, "Okay."

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

"Mr. Zhongliiii!" You burst in the funeral parlor, calling out to him. "You have to help me." The man got up from his seat immediately, worried.

"What happened?!" He asked in a panic.

You looked down onto the book in your hands, the man did the same, looking at a book that has a very interesting title.

'The Art of Romance: For Newbies.'

What?

Usually, if you were to come to him with a book like that in hand, he would have laughed and teased you, eager to see your embarrassed state. Yet, Zhongli felt nothing but hopelessness, you putting in so much effort for someone else, meaning he really has no chance, does he?

"I need to you to help me look for a really nice dress. Like really, really nice! Oh but not too nice, since we're baking, if I get stains on a dress, he might think I'm sloppy. Oh, but if it's too simple, he'll probably think that I don't really care. Ohhh, but I don't want to seem like I care too much--" You looked up at him, rambling on and on about what you're supposed to wear for tomorrow. "It says here that if the person thinks you're too desperate, they might think it's weird." You pointed at the book that you're holding, bring it closer to his face.

Zhongli gently grabbed your hands that are clasped around the book. "If you're worried about Mora, I already have some on me." You peaked your head from behind the book, looking at the brown-haired man's serious face.

"Him?" Zhongli completely ignores your ramblings, only focused on one thing you said. You're worrying so much about what to wear, just to make a good impression to him.

You felt your cheeks heat up as he looks at you with a frown on his face. You laughed a bit to ease the tension, scraching the nape of your neck.

"Xiao..." He's mentally prepared himself for this moment, you would come to him, ask for advice since you knew him as a very cultured man, and you would confess your love, for someone else. And yet, hearing it come from your own lips seem to crack the barriers of his heart with just one word.

Despite the tears wanting to just slip out of his golden orbs, he smiled at you. "I've always sensed your feelings towards him." His words fluster you even more, you didn't realize it was so obvious, but Zhongli was a very observant person, maybe it was just that.

"Do you wish to impress him tomorrow? That's why you're so... jumpy today?" You nodded, feeling embarrassed that you are worried about this sort of thing. Usually, only mortals are prone to these types of worries.

"Y/N, Xiao doesn't care about those trivial things. You just have to be yourself." He told you as a matter of fact.

'Besides, the Yaksha already is making it obvious that he likes you back.' Zhongli kept this thought internally.

"But what if he doessss." You whine, gripping on the book tighter. "Xiao is just so.... Xiao! So unpredictable and complicated." Sighing, you looked up at the man again. "Can you help me, please?"

Zhongli sighed, although it hurts him to help dress you up so pretty, just to send you off to another man, but he'll bite. How could he ever say no to you.

After hours of rummaging through your closet, you finally, finally find something that's actually good in your eyes, even though Zhongli assured you that everything would be fine.

The dress of your choice has Xiao's colors, white, gold, mint green. You really are some piece of work, piece of work that doesn't belong to him.

Zhongli just kept sighing as he walked back to the funeral parlor, he's conflicted, which usually doesn't happen. Is he just gonna leave you two alone for tomorrow with some lousy excuse, or... get in the way.

As he got to the entrance of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he saw Xiao, sitting on a bench just outside. The cat-eyed boy sensed Zhongli's presence, standing up and looking at his way immediately.

The brown-haired man walked up to him, silently asking why he's here all of a sudden, in the city, which also doesn't happen very often.

"Can you help me?"

Oh boy, here we go again.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

"You don't have to straight up lie if you don't like her treats, you can just give polite comments, like saying you're not really a big fan of them or something." Zhongli explained once again, it was the dead of night. Xiao had asked to help with how he should talk to you, he's not very talkative and expressive, but he doesn't want to make you feel like he doesn't like you.

"But that might also hurt her feelings." The Yaksha pointed out, listening intently to the older man.

"Yes, but she will appreciate the truth rather than a pointless lie."

He just needs help expressing his feelings right.

And Zhongli seeing how you two desperately try to be the best you can for one another, it makes him smile, despite the constant heart ache. And the realization that he has no chance for you, with the evidence right in front of him, Zhongli makes his decision...

He's ready to let go.

"I'm not gonna be joining you two tommorow."

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Alternative Ending: Ready to Hold On - Reader chooses not to choose and start a polyamory relationship.