#i think i need them to fight each other guys

[hhughes]

៹࣪ ៸៸ KISS ME LIKE YOU WANNA BE LOVED . . . ꒱꒱

˖ ࣪ ⭑ 𝘩𝑒𝘢𝑑𝘤𝑎𝘯𝑜𝘯𝑠 | small moments they kiss you . . .

𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒕. quinn hughes ; jack hughes ; luke hughes ; nico hischier. 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕. fluff. domesticity. 𝒙𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒊. headcanons have become my favorite to write so if you have any reqs for them, you know where to send them. as always reblogs and feedback is appreciated and I hope you liked it <3

യ QUINN HUGHES

quinn isn’t the kind of guy who says a lot—he’s more action than words, more steady hands and lingering glances than pretty speeches. and his kisses? they’re the same way. when he kisses you, it’s slow, patient, like he’s trying to memorize the exact shape of your lips against his. he doesn’t rush it—doesn’t need to. it’s never just a kiss with quinn. It’s all the things he doesn’t necessarily say out loud, but he still wants you to know.

morning kisses with quinn are lazy, like he’s still half asleep but can’t resist pressing his lips against yours first thing. you’re warm and tucked close against his chest, tangled up in each other, and when you start to stir his hands tighten ever so slightly, pulling you even closer. he kisses your bare shoulder first, then the curve of your jaw, before finally tilting your chin up and pressing a deep kiss to your lips. slow. unhurried. as if he has all the time in the world and he wants to spend every second of that time kissing you. his lips are warm, the faintest trace of sleep in his eyes, and when he pulls back his voice is still thick with sleep as he mumbles “morning baby”

after a long roadie, quinn kisses you like he’s making up for lost time. and he is. his hands are firm on your waist, pulling you close the second he steps through the door. the first peck is urgent, a sweet ‘hello’ before he slows it down. cupping your face and tracing his fingers over your features as if he’s making sure he still remembers them. when he finally pulls back, both of you are breathless as he leans his forehead against yours, and mumbles a sweet “i missed you” against your head.

quinn is the type of guy that would kiss you in the middle of an argument. not to distract you or manipulate you or anything like that. but to remind you that even when the two of you aren’t on the same side, and maybe your spitting mean words back and forth, he loves you. his jaw tight, hands clenched, chest tight as you keep hurling words at him and instead of responding he just grabs you. cups your jaw gently and kisses you. hard. desperate. “I don’t wanna fight” he murmurs, voice strained, “i’m gonna give you some space before we both say things we can’t take back. i love you” he’d say, before kissing you one more time and making his way out the room.

he gives you the most devastatingly sweet kisses when he thinks you’re asleep. slipping into the bedroom after a late night game, his lips barely graze your forehead, your cheek, the tip of your nose. there’s something tender about the way he kisses you then—like he’s whispering something he doesn’t quite have the courage to say out loud. and just before he lets sleep take him, he buries his face in your hair and murmurs, “l you so much, baby.”

യ NICO HISCHIER

nico kisses you like he’s trying to make sure you feel it. he’s not the kind of guy who rushes through things—when he kisses you, it’s deep, thoughtful, like every touch of his lips is intentional and he wants you to know that. sometimes, it’s soft. sometimes, it’s teasing. and sometimes, when he’s really missed you, his kisses are so intense they leave you dizzy.

soft, sleepy morning kisses is a staple with nico. the sun is just starting to filter through the curtains, and you’re still warm from sleep when nico shifts closer, his fingers tracing slow, lazy patterns against your back. his lips brush against your temple first, then your cheek, and finally, he tilts your chin up, pressing a lingering kiss to your lips. his voice is rough, barely above a whisper. “morning, schatz.” then he kisses you again, deeper this time, like he’s trying to wake you up in the best way possible.

the desperate, need-you-now kind of kiss. when it’s been days since you’ve seen each other—maybe weeks—and the second you’re alone, he has to kiss you. he pushes you against the nearest wall, one hand gripping your waist, the other cradling the back of your head as his lips crash against yours. it’s all heat and longing, and when he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against yours, his breath uneven. “you have no idea how much I needed that.”

he’d love teasing you with kisses. i’m convinced. the make-you-beg-for-it kiss. you’re pouting, arms crossed, and nico just smirks. he leans in, lips barely brushing yours—close enough that you can feel his breath but not quite enough to satisfy. when you whine, he chuckles, finally closing the distance, his lips soft but insistent against yours.

the kiss that ruins you? the one he gives you when you’re curled up on his chest. and the two of you just co-exist so peacefully. he presses a kiss to your temple, then your cheek, then the corner of your lips, like he’s savoring every bit of you. taking every opportunity to make sure you’re real and you’re his. whispering the sweetest of sweet nothings in your ear and against your skin. like he’s worshipping you

യ JACK HUGHES

jack kisses you like he needs to. like it physically pains him when his lips aren’t connected to yours. like it’s second nature, like he couldn’t stop if he tried. he’s always touching you, always pulling you in, always pressing quick kisses to your temple or your cheek, like he just has to be close to you.

the interrupt-you-mid-sentence kiss. jack would love these. you’re talking, saying something completely normal, and jack just can’t peel his eyes away from your lips. and suddenly—jack just kisses you. just leans in and steals your breath right out of your lungs. when he pulls back, he grins, thumb brushing over your now swollen bottom lip. “sorry, couldn’t help myself.” he says with a cocky grin, head a little dizzy with how hot you look when he kisses you stupid

the jealous, you’re-mine kiss. we all know jack is a jealous king. and when he’s jealous? it’s very obvious. his arm wraps around your waist a little tighter, the little glares he sends at whatever guy is eyeing you across the room. but he won’t kiss you in front of them. no. they don’t deserve to know what you look like with that blissed expression on your phase. the little sighs that escape when he angles your head just right. but the second you’re alone, his lips are on yours, firm and possessive. when he finally pulls back, his voice is low. “can I take my girl home?”

the late-night, too-tired-to-think kiss. it’s almost 2 AM, and you’re both half-asleep, tangled up in each other. it’s one of those nights where the pillow talk has just been too good and neither of you wanna sleep and end it. like you just can’t wait until tomorrow morning to see each other again. and your kisses border that fine line between sweet and sexy. jack shifts, his lips brushing against your neck before finding your mouth, slow and lazy. “we should sleep” he mumbles against your neck, and you let out a breathy sigh before replying “yeah we should” but neither of you stop kissing and touching and soaking each other up.

യ LUKE HUGHES

luke kisses you like you’re everything. because to him? you are. he’s sweet and playful, but when he kisses you, there’s a hint of seriousness that you don’t often see otherwise—something so full of adoration it makes your heart ache. like he’s confessing all the things he’s too afraid to say out loud.

he’s another one who I think loves teasing you with kisses. because he knows how much you love them. he kisses you over and over—quick, playful pecks, until you’re laughing and swatting at him. and then, just when you least expect it, he kisses you deep. slow. intentional. when he pulls back, he smirks. “missed me?”

when he’s frustrated—whether it’s from a bad game or just stress—you’re his escape. his kisses are rough, his hands gripping your hips tightly, pressing you against whatever surface is closest. he growls against your lips when you tease him about how needy he is, but he doesn’t stop, not until he’s completely lost in you.

when you’re having a bad day, luke’s first instinct is to pull you into his chest, tucking your head under his chin. pressing sweet, slow kisses everywhere from the top of your head, to your forehead, to your nose before finally reaching your lips — reassuring pecks to let you know he’s there and he’s got you. he doesn’t pressure you to talk, or make unnecessary noise about how it’s all gonna be okay, just holds you and lets his kisses do the talking.

[xxdedboixx]

~ Selfish (and Jealous) ~

One Piece Captains

How selfish are each of the captains when it comes to your attention? And just how much more selfish they can be when they become jealous.

NSFW for each captain below the red lines.

18+ MDNI

Luffy

Luffy is accidentally very very selfish. It doesn't even really cross his mind that he could possibly be being selfish and if someone brings it up all he thinks to say is "Well I AM a pirate" with a laugh and exaggerated shrug.

He'll just butt into conversations you're having, either running over to show you something cool or just wrapping himself around you in a tight hug to listen in. Maybe he'll even dramatically kiss your cheek just to make you laugh.

When he's intentionally being selfish it's a whole other deal though. He is suddenly one of the most jealous people ever. For example, you might be talking with a captain of another crew or gushing about how strong someone is. As soon as he hears praise for someone else he is right beside you, pouting or otherwise trying to draw your attention. "Hey I'm supposed to be the coolest guy you know" an exaggerated pout is permanently stuck on his face and he's glaring at the other person. If he doesn't manage to draw your attention though he will wrap his arms around you and run off with you (sometimes this is the first step of he's feeling particularly neglected that day).

Jealous of the other captains (Law and Kid mainly)? He will immediately be starting a fight for your affection. You mention one of their attacks is cool? He's immediately showing off the "super secret epic move" he's been "working on" (he probably just made it up completely on the spot). You like their style? He's pouting and grumbling about how his hat is so much cooler.

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When it comes to the bedroom Luffy is yet again accidentally selfish. It's not necessarily a bad things though because the way he is selfish isn't what you may think.

Instead of focusing on his own pleasure he is just so focused on the moment. You have his undivided attention and he is not letting a second go to waste. This also means you need to be focused on him though. Any time he is not touching you is time wasted if you ask him.

He's selfish in terms of not listening to you. Yes how you feel is important but what you say isn't. He is 100% accidentally overstimulating you because he just can't get enough of how you sound.

I also firmly believe that he prefers to focus on you rather than taking care of his own needs. He will only stop touching you when he absolutely can't hold back anymore and even when he is actually fucking you he is still groping you in every way possible.

How about how selfish he would be if someone else was involved? He probably just accidentally ignores them, forgetting they're even there sometimes just because he wants to hear you even more. If he does remember that someone else is there then he's gushing about you and showing off how good he can make you feel. You always have to be the focus of both of their attention, he just won't allow it to be any other way.

Trafalgar Law

Law isn't really selfish but he's not not selfish y'know? He has a good handle on his emotions for the most part so it's rare he actually lets any selfishness or jealousy seep through the calm and smug facade.

He also knows that you wouldn't be dating if you liked anyone else so he doesn't really get jealous.

If he wants your attention then he's probably going to be selfish and immediately ask that you come to his office just to spend time with him, no matter what you're doing. And since he is your captain you have to obey (he likes to pull the captain card a lot). But if he's content just doing his own work then he doesn't really mind letting you do your own thing.

If you're talking to someone else when he wants your attention there's 2 options. Option 1, he calls you into his office, maybe whoever you're talking to even thinks you're in trouble with the way he says your name, but he's actually just tired and needs your attention to refill his battery. Option 2, you're mid conversation and then you're in his room. This is usually much more of a last resort. He might use this method when you are refusing to go to bed or when you're ignoring him for whatever reason.

He knows it's selfish to want you to spend most of your time in his general vicinity but he just can't bring himself to care. You both might like time to yourselves but that doesn't mean you can't have your alone time in the same room.

He doesn't really get jealous when you hang out with other people but he does prefer it if you stay near him, he'll tolerate other people talking to you as long as it remains friendly and if they try to flirt, then you don't flirt back.

When it comes to the other captains (Luffy and Kid) he won't intervene in the dramatic way the others would. He prefers to be more casual, he might just wander over an arm around your waist or shoulder. He isn't one for PDA but sometimes he just has to show off his claim over you. He might even whisper a joke in your ear to irritate the others or make a sly remark about them.

The way he feels when you interact with them could be considered jealousy but he would probably just say that they irritate him and he doesn't want you wasting time on them.

If you mention something cool that the other captains have done, he doesn't do much more than raise an eyebrow at you, maybe it even irritates him but you won't necessarily know until later. If it irritates him enough then... Well check out the NSFW section.

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If you manage to make Law actually jealous then he might just take it out on you in the bedroom. In reference to what I mentioned before. If you talk too highly of the other captains then he is going to tease you endlessly. "Do you think those idiots could make you feel as good as I do?" His fingers might lightly trace over every sensitive place he can think of. "Come on, you talked so highly of them, where's my praise?" He won't let you finish, edging you until you're gasping out apologies. Even then, it's not an apology he's after, it's the satisfaction of knowing that even if they are 'cool', they could never make you feel the way he does.

When you're having sex otherwise he doesn't really seem selfish or jealous. He's actually very giving. Unlike Luffy, he will do whatever you ask him, if you've been good and you ask him nicely enough. He loves it when you beg (I'll probably make another post about this at some point).

I doubt he'd be comfortable with anyone else watching but if it ever did happen then he would be the one completely in control, giving orders. He might be sitting on the other side of the room and instructing them how to treat you, or he might tell them to just watch so he can show off how well he knows you. He's definitely making sure you are the centre of attention.

Eustass Kid

Kid is insanely selfish and very easily made jealous.

He lets his emotions get the better of him so if he's jealous everyone knows (even if he denies it).

He hates when you interact with anyone outside of his crew. Even going as far as making sure you are never sent to go shopping alone. It's not that he doesn't trust you, he just prefers that you have a guard dog to make sure no one even thinks of hurting you or trying to take you away.

If he wants your attention then he is going to yell your name and demand that you accompany him, he'll claim he just needs your help if anyone asks but in reality he just wants you by his side. Like how Killer is never too far away, he just likes to know what's going on and prefers to have you close by.

He wouldn't get jealous of his own crew per se (because he trusts his crew and friends a lot) but if he notices you spend more time with anyone in particular he might become more irritable. If you both have down time and choose to hang out with someone other than him he is probably going to seek you out and hang out with both of you. It won't necessarily improve his mood and he'll probably sit there glaring at you both (after all you chose to spend time with someone other than him) but at least he can spend time with you.

The only person he could never be jealous of is Killer because he trusts him completely and I would even go as far as to say that he shares everything with Killer.

Because he's pretty much always keeping an eye on you, the moment one of the other captains gets too close to you he is by your side, hurling insults and taunting them. "Why are you wasting time talking to these losers?" "Get back to work." Any excuse he can make to keep you away from them. Again, he trusts you but he just gets so jealous. The idea of them wasting even a second of your time irritates him beyond comprehension.

If you insist on talking to the captains or compliment them in any way, he becomes insanely angry. You are not spared from his wrath either. If you compliment them when they aren't around then he's just gonna curse under his breath and probably call you an idiot. If you compliment them to their face then he curses and storms off. "Fine if you like their company so much stay here then!" "Fucking idiot, complimenting this trash." Anyone who witnesses him storm off will immediately jump out of the way and probably avoid him for the rest of the day. Eventually if you confront him about it he'll shout about how he's the only one who deserves your praise. He's selfish so the mere thought of you complimenting someone else fills him with rage, those are his compliments, his attention, you are his.

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When it comes to the bedroom his selfish side really shines through. He's going to make sure you enjoy yourself but he's also a bit of a sadist so if he wants you to beg for it then you are going to beg. I also firmly believe he is the king of degrading praise.

"my pretty little whore" "such a good slut for me huh?"

If you've pissed him off then he is going to leave you there without letting you finish. But other times he is still focused mainly on himself but he will consider how good you're feeling, it boosts his ego to know that even when he is the main focus he can still make you feel just as good.

If you've made him jealous then he's going to show you just how much better he is. He will not stop until you are crying out, whimpering that you didn't mean to make him jealous, that he's the only one you admire and that he's the only one who can make you feel so good.

Kid would also probably be the most likely to involve someone else. Obviously the first person to come to mind is Killer but I don't doubt he would also be ok with sharing with a couple other members of his crew (the other two who immediately come to mind are Wire and Heat). As long as it's both of them dominating you then I think he'd be very very into it. He'd give the others tips and taunt you for getting off to the idea of both of them.

Although he's easily made jealous normally, because he has so much control in the bedroom it takes a lot more to make him jealous.

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If you've made it this far thank you very much and please check out my GoFundMe to raise money for my top surgery. I also take requests but will be more inclined to respond if there is any type of donation attached (even just $1 because everything counts)

[ilyrafe]

𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒊𝒐

a/n: i don’t know if rafe’s birthday has ever been addressed, but i do think he’s a scorpio (just like me hehe)

flirty

rafe just loves when he makes your cheeks burn. you get all shy and can’t even look at him — that makes him so proud and so happy. he’s the reason for your beautiful smile.

“i’ve got to be the luckiest guy in the world, the most beautiful girl is all mine.”

“oh, stop it.” you giggle, slightly pushing him back.

“c’mon, pretty girl. don’t go all shy on me now.”

you’re a giggly mess and he loves it.

jealous

“i’m sorry, baby.”

he says, after picking a fight with a guy again, because he dared to speak to you.

“you always say that, and you keep doing it.” you huff, crossing your arms over your chest. “you picking up a fight every time a guy comes up to me makes me feel like you don’t trust me.”

“i trust you! i just hate when these fucking dudes keep approaching you like you’re single, i know what they’re thinking, y/n.”

you can’t resist his pretty blue eyes. he gets on your nerves, but you love him.

“let them think. they only get to think, only you get to do it.”

rafe grins, because you know exactly what to say.

passionate

rafe is most passionate during sex, but it took a while. at first, sex was just sex, but as you got to know each other more, rafe was more loving, more attentive to your needs and wants, and soon sex became love making.

the hand holding, the kissing, the aftercare. it is heaven. you don’t have to lift a single finger, he’s more than happy to do the work.

loyal

the first time you couldn’t go to a party with him, you were a ball of anxiety, fearing he would cheat on you with some girl — you’re not stupid. you know most girls want to fuck rafe. would he really do that to you?

you had your answer months later, when you overheard him and hollis having a business conversation. the door was slightly opened and you couldn’t help yourself but watch them interacting.

the way she touched his arm, the way she spoke. she couldn’t have been more obvious. he grinned at her, so charmingly, and your heart was about to stop.

“my girlfriend convinced me to have this conversation with you. don’t make me tell her she was wrong about you.”

physical

his hand never leaves your person when you’re together. he’s always holding your hand, or he has one hand on your waist, or your thigh. he needs to feel you at all times, mostly because he hates to be alone and your presence brings him so much comfort.

when you’re sleeping together, he wants to feel your body against his, almost as if you’re his teddy bear.

“rafe, you’re taking all the space again!” you whine, sleepy as ever.

“hm, sorry, baby.” he mumbles, eyes still closed, as he gives you more space, but pulling you closer.

[nanamineedstherapy]

Your jjk caveman crack fics are literally the best thing ever 😂 do you think we could get a part 3???

Thank you for the ask, I was already gonna post this. Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Ooga Booga Sukuna gets Reverse Bonked

Previous Chapter 2: Ooga Booga Gojo tries to Court you (Tumblr/Ao3)

Summary: Prehistoric, period-accurate Neanderthal JJK daddies courting you with grunts, rocks, & zero verbal communication. Just prehistoric buffoonery.

A/N: Listen. I don’t know how we got here. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just know that prehistoric Sukuna is going through it, and honestly? Good for him. This chapter is dedicated to all the idiots in love who have the combined IQ of a rock & the tension of two angry stray cats fighting over a single chicken bone. As usual, => This is a different reader, but the same Sukuna—unfortunately for you. => Some bits are suggestive (in regards of mating), but nothing in detail, only in comedy. => This is Sukuna’s chapter, but don’t worry—the other guys are also getting their solo stories, with guest appearances in each other’s on a regular. So I recommend reading all of them, but I can’t force you to make good life choices. Now, let’s begin.

Sukuna, the undisputed apex predator of the prehistoric world, wakes up.

This is already unacceptable.

Sukuna does not wake up confused.

Sukuna does not wake up with a headache the size of a mammoth's behind.

Sukuna does not wake up in a cave that is not his.

Yet here he is.

His nose twitches—this place smells wrong. The fire is too small. The air lacks the familiar stench of victory. And worst of all, the pile of furs beneath him? Not his.

Then, he sees you.

The audacity.

The sheer, reckless audacity of you.

Sitting there, cross-legged, casually sharpening a rock, as if you didn’t just bonk the most dangerous being alive on the head and drag him here like a sack of mammoth dung.

Sukuna moves to sit up—except he doesn’t.

His brain short-circuits.

His wrists and ankles are tied.

Him. Sukuna. The strongest. Bound like a common prey animal.

His first instinct? Murder.

His second? Murder, but angrier.

You glance up. See him glaring. Raise a smug eyebrow.

Then, with the infuriating calm of someone who does not fear death, you reach out and pat his head.

Oh.

You will pay for this.

He—a god among men, the most dangerous being alive—has been bonked and dragged to a cave like a defenseless animal.

By you.

But Sukuna is smort so he will find a way to escape.

He gets an idea immediately.

Sukuna is also stronk. These flimsy ropes should be nothing.

He flexes. Twists. Yanks.

He will be free in mere seconds—

The rope does not budge.

You observe him silently.

Your expressions unreadable.

Then you slowly grab a stick from beside you—

AND BONK HIM ON THE FOREHEAD!!!

His entire being vibrates with rage.

This—this has never happened before.

A second bonk follows.

His eye twitches.

Fine. You want a fight? Sukuna will not even need his hands.

He leans forward, bares his teeth, flexes every muscle he owns. His glare alone has sent cavemen running.

He exudes menace.

You yawn.

Then. Without hesitation.

You reach out and grab his chin.

He stops breathing.

Your grip is firm, but what’s worse—you squeeze his cheeks.

…Like he is an adorable little animal.

Rage. Shame. Disbelief.

You boop his nose.

HUMILIATION!!!

He will try again. NOT BECAUSE THIS FEELS NICE, but because he’s exhausted.

---

The next morning, you leave the cave.

Sukuna, apex predator, descends into rabid, frantic gnawing.

His teeth work overtime. His dignity is irrelevant.

He is almost free—

Then.

You return.

Carrying food.

His stomach betrays him.

Loudly.

You know. You heard.

You smirk.

Then you feed him.

Not throw the food at him. Not let him grab it himself. No. You hold it up to his mouth.

You expect him to take a bite.

Like some helpless captive wife.

He contemplates death.

Then. With slow, soul-crushing defeat—

He takes a bite.

Disgraceful.

---

Now that you have secured the beast, you begin the ritual.

Sukuna, still bound, watches with narrowed, suspicious eyes as you approach—arms full of rocks.

You drop them in front of him like a sacrificial offering.

Not just any rocks.

Sharp ones. Deadly ones. The kind that could easily pierce flesh, shatter bone, and end lives. (Unlike a certain white-haired idiot who collects useless shiny ones.)

Sukuna blinks.

Stares at the pile.

Then at you.

What is this? A challenge? An insult? An attempt at trickery?

He grunts. (What is this nonsense?)

You grunt back. (Good rocks. Kill things. Useful.)

His fingers twitch. Even bound, he is a warrior. And a warrior recognizes quality weaponry when he sees it.

This is… acceptable.

You nod, satisfied.

Then, just because you can, you pat his head.

Sukuna’s entire body stiffens.

You leave again and return moments later, dragging an actual, freshly hunted animal carcass.

Bigger than you.

Not stolen. (Unlike certain white-haired idiot. Maybe you learned what-not-to-do by watching him.)

Not leftovers scavenged from some beast’s kill.

This is primal.

Earned.

Dominant.

Sukuna sniffs the air.

His instincts kick in.

This is real food. Warrior’s food.

You tear a chunk of meat, toss it into a flame, let it sizzle and cook—the rich aroma fills the cave.

His stomach makes that sound again.

You hear it.

He knows you hear it.

You smirk and bring some cooked bits to his mouth.

Sukuna scowls, looking anywhere but at you.

His entire existence is suffering.

Then, with murderous reluctance, he eats.

It is good.

Too good.

Too competent.

He hates it.

---

It is time.

Sukuna does not know it is time. But it is.

You grab him by the scruff like a misbehaving cave bear cub and drag him to the river.

He thrashes.

Snarls.

He is Sukuna. Apex predator. The most dangerous being alive. He does not need cleaning.

You grunt. (You stink.)

Sukuna snaps his teeth at you. (I will kill you for this insult.)

You dunk him in the river.

It is instant chaos.

He thrashes like a drowning bison.

Water explodes in all directions.

A fish gets yeeted into the sky.

Birds evacuate the trees.

Somewhere, in the distance, an elder caveman sees the commotion and rethinks his entire existence. (It was just Yaga.)

But Sukuna is still tied.

So, in the end, it is just dramatic splashing.

His pride? Destroyed.

His dignity? Evaporated.

His hair? Now suspiciously soft.

You grunt approvingly. (Worthy mate.)

Sukuna glares death.

You pat his head.

He roars in betrayal.

---

The moment of truth.

You drag him back to the cave.

The fire flickers. The air is thick with something tense.

You crouch down.

And, without hesitation—

You untie him.

Sukuna freezes.

Oh.

Oh no.

He is free.

He should run.

He should crush you, burn this place down, reclaim his pride, and remind the world why he is the strongest.

But…

He does not move.

Instead, he stares.

At you.

At the organized cave.

At the good food.

At the comfort.

At the competence.

His stomach does a weird thing.

Not hunger.

Something else.

…Oh.

OH.

He has been courted.

By you.

A woman smaller than him?

The realization is devastating.

You smirk.

And, one more time…

You pat his head.

Sukuna growls.

But he does not leave.

---

Sukuna is suffering.

It has been days.

He should be fine.

He should be thriving.

He has good food, a strong cave, sharp rocks, and the privilege of not being bonked daily. (Progress…?)

But there is a problem.

He wants you.

Physically.

Desperately.

Like a fever in his bones.

Like an itch behind his ribs that he can’t reach.

Like an unrelenting cave mosquito bite, but worse because it is YOU, and mosquitoes die easily, but you refuse to perish.

You glare at him across the fire.

He glares back.

The air is thick. Heavy. Crackling with something primal.

But there is one fatal flaw.

Neither of you know what you’re doing.

You move first.

Sukuna tenses as you grab his chin again, your grip rough, firm—like you’re inspecting game.

His stomach does that thing again.

He does not like this.

He likes this too much.

You shove him down.

His brain shatters.

He snarls, trying to flip you over—to dominate. To win. But your grip on his wrists tightens, and suddenly,

HE. IS. PINNED.

His vision goes red.

THE AUDACITY.

THE. AUDACITY. Again for emphasis.

But then…

You do nothing.

You just stare at him.

Waiting.

Sukuna stares back.

…Now what?

Sukuna, desperate to reclaim dominance, growls.

Flips you over.

You flip him back.

He flips you again.

You reverse.

This goes on for ten minutes.

At this point, it is not romantic.

It is not primal.

It looks like two prehistoric idiots trying to invent wrestling.

Somewhere outside, an elder caveman hears the commotion, shakes his head, and decides to write cave poetry instead of mating this year. (It’s Ijichi and he’s not an elder, just looks like one.)

Inside the cave, the match continues.

Grunts.

Snarls.

Dirt flying everywhere.

At some point, you both just stop.

Panting. Staring. Confused.

Sukuna frowns. (This should be instinctual. Why is it not happening?)

You squint. (Maybe… different approach?)

He grabs your toes.

You instinctively kick him.

He growls.

You growl louder.

The problem is, neither of you know where to put things.

Hands? Everywhere.

Mouth? Nowhere near the right spots.

At one point, Sukuna headbutts you by accident.

You elbow him in retaliation.

Then he chokes on his own spit.

This is not going very well.

You pull back.

Stare at each other.

Both of you look deeply disappointed in the other.

Sukuna exhales sharply and grunts. (What now?)

You grunt back. (We… thonk.)

A silent, wordless truce is reached.

For now.

But the tension remains.

You glare.

Sukuna glares back.

This is not over.

Sukuna is determined.

You are determined.

Neither of you will be defeated.

---

So, the next night, you and Sukuna do what any couple of prehistoric idiots would do.

You watch Nanami.

For research.

This is a flawless plan.

A foolproof plan.

A brilliant plan.

It is not.

You and Sukuna are in the bushes.

Close.

Too close.

Way too close.

You are practically inside Nanami’s cave.

Sukuna’s arm brushes against yours. His breath is hot against your neck.

The scent of raw violence and bad decisions lingers in the air.

Neither of you acknowledge it.

You are professionals.

Well.

You are Neanderthals.

Same thing.

The fire inside Nanami’s cave casts perfect shadows on the walls.

A masterclass performance.

A step-by-step tutorial.

A once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.

Your tiny prehistoric brains absorb the data.

You both squint.

Sukuna nudges you and grunts. (That look right?)

You tilt your head. (Maybe…?)

You lean in.

Then Sukuna leans in.

Then you lean in more.

Then Sukuna leans in more.

You are practically between Nanami’s legs.

And then—

Nanami notices.

Nanami stops mid-....

Turns his head.

Narrows his dead, exhausted, so-done-with-life eyes.

Sukuna freezes.

You freeze.

There is a moment of tense silence.

A life-defining moment.

A moment where you both reconsider your entire existence.

Then.

Nanami picks up a rock.

A very big rock.

You both start to back away.

Slowly.

Carefully.

Retreat.

Disengage.

Escape.

Nanami does not care.

He hurls the rock.

Hard.

(Because unlike you two and a certain white-haired tribe fool, Nanami has a concept of privacy. And money does not exist yet, so no, he will not be starting an adult site. No. Thank. You.)

The rock sails through the air.

The trajectory is perfect.

The angle is flawless.

The impact should be devastating.

It should crush one of you on sight.

But instead—

It misses.

And instead—

It hits Gojo.

Who was minding his own business.

(Also watching Nanami with his woman for research.)

Gojo collapses instantly.

Directly onto his woman’s chest.

His woman looks down.

Pauses.

Then just shrugs and drags his lanky ass back into their cave.

Like this happens often.

Like she is used to this.

Like she has accepted her fate.

Meanwhile, you and Sukuna, still recovering from near-death-by-rock, decide that maybe this particular research method is flawed.

And with whatever dignity you have left,

You. Retreat.

Nanami’s woman yanks his hair back.

Nanami sighs.

Shakes his head.

Goes back to it.

As if this is normal.

As if he is unbothered, unfazed, and entirely too used to it by now because Gojo exists.

But now, you both have studied.

The blueprint has been acquired.

The forbidden knowledge is yours.

It is time.

Back in your cave, you and Sukuna recreate the motions.

At first, it is awkward.

Very awkward.

There is fumbling.

Some miscalculations.

At one point, Sukuna forgets what legs do.

He just stands there, confused.

You overcorrect.

And by overcorrect, you mean you accidentally knee him in the stomach.

Hard.

He folds in half like a poorly constructed shrubbery tent.

This is not going well.

Then—

Something clicks.

Sukuna growls.

Pins you down.

His grip is tight.

His eyes are dark.

His muscles flex.

He grunts. (Submit.)

You flip him over.

Your grip is tighter around his throat.

Your eyes deadlier.

Your muscles flex harder.

You grunt back. (No, you submit.)

Silence.

Sukuna pauses.

Then—

He lets you.

His pupils dilate.

His breath hitches.

Oh.

OH.

He likes this.

You smirk.

Something clicks (aka Evolution in Real-Time).

Then finally, it happens.

It is violent.

It is chaotic.

It is not historically accurate.

But it works.

Afterwards, Sukuna.exe has crashed.

He is a mess.

Sprawled out.

Chest heaving.

Staring at the ceiling like he just witnessed the invention of the calendar.

His brain is fried.

His life has changed.

Meanwhile, you stretch.

Feeling accomplished.

Victorious.

Like a goddess.

Sukuna, however, is still processing his entire existence.

He has been tamed.

Fully.

You pat his head.

He glares.

Weakly.

Then you crawl onto his chest and fall asleep like a starfish.

He just sighs.

This is his life now.

A/N: Well. That happened. I don’t know whether to feel proud, concerned, or vaguely threatened. Sukuna has officially entered his “I don’t know what just happened but I liked it” era, & frankly? He deserves to suffer.

Vote wisely. Or don’t. Nothing is wise in this story. 💀

Next chapter will be out soon :)

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[gothamhappiness]

haiiii i really like your writing and i was wondering if i could request a fic for the batfam and a he/they reader who has chronic pain and is going through a pretty not fun flare up and feels bad bc they haven't been able to patrol or help the others for a while, and can you make it really comforting

-🔆🦈(so i can find this later)

Hi sweetie, thank you for this request! I tried my best for it to be a gentle and comforting short oneshot.

This is my first platonic!batfamilly story, it was really fun to write. Hope you'll enjoy too!

FRIENDS ARE THE BEST PAINKILLERS (GN!reader x platonic!batfamilly)

Warnings: no proof reading, chronically ill!reader, reader!vigilante, mentions of pain, self pity and guilt, fluff and comfort

You wish the pain would go away now. 

You wish your body and mind would work together, instead of fighting each other. Weren’t they supposed to play on the same team?

Speaking of a team, you were watching the news. The Batfamily was all out tonight as some villains escaped Arkham. You were worried about them. You knew they were well trained people, but anything could happen to them.

And more than anything you were feeling guilty because you couldn't help them for another emergency. You were supposed to be one of them, you were supposed to be a vigilante too, and yet you couldn’t count how many patrols you skipped by then. 

You hated yourself for not being able to help. You couldn’t wait for the chronic pain to go away so you would be back on the field. You promised yourself you would work twice as hard to compensate. Yeah, you needed to prove to everyone that you were still worth it, that you were still part of the team.

You kept watching the news, your eyes glued to your phone.

You breathed a sigh of relief when the Batfamily brought everyone back to Arkham after a couple of hours.

You were proud of your people. You knew they were the best, and once again they showed it. 

Without thinking about it, you opened the group chat you had with them. You hadn’t sent messages in there for days now, too ashamed to reply. You wanted them to forget about you. But at the same time you missed your friends. 

“Hey guys, great job tonight! Hopefully I'll be by your side next time you'll need help” you sent while biting on your lips. 

You were such a loser, you thought. They clearly didn't need your help. You were about to put your phone down when you received a notification from Dick

“That would be great! We've been missing you. And you're truly the only one who appreciate my jokes here” you smiled as you read the messages

“Where have you been?” Jason asked you as he was away with Artemis and Bizarro when your illness had resurfaced again

“Home. Chronic pain and all. Life sucks” you replied

“It's okay, don't beat yourself up and come back when you'll be ready” Bruce sent you and you had to admit you had to read over and over again his message, feeling giddy.

Batman wasn't often messaging you, especially such encouraging words. You felt warmth blossoming inside your chest.

“Thanks a lot” you could only typed away

“You hungry? We were about to go to Batburgers. We could eat over at your place if you're not too tired?” Stephanie offered and it made you smile even more.

“I'd love that” you instantly replied

You told them what you would like and then waited for them. 

You slowly but surely clean up a little bit around even if it wasn't something they wouldn't have seen at their own place before. But you wanted them to feel good in your home, like you were feeling good around them.

A few instants later, you heard laughter echoing in your building corridors and you went to open the door. It was smelling fried food and it was also bringing you quite a lot of comfort. It might be a better night than you anticipated. 

When you saw them, you felt so grateful to have them.

Cassandra was the first one to reach for you and she gently hugged you, careful not to hurt you. You hugged her back before greeting everyone else. They all softly hugged you or embraced your shoulders. You leaned down to peck at Barbara’s cheek as she also came. The only one missing was Bruce but you didn’t really think he would be part of the improvised party. 

Tim, Jason and Damian started to gather seats around your table that was way too small for that many people, but as always, you all found a way to make room for everyone. 

Soon enough you were eating fries and chuckling at Jason's annoying remarks thrown at Dick. Barbara made a sarcastic comment about Tim who huffed and turned towards you.

“You’re gonna let her talk to me like that under your roof?” He asked you and you tried not to smile at that

“Yeah, no. Barbara, please stop. Can't you attack someone of your size for once?” you said to which Jason and Stephanie loudly laughed as Damian grinned

“Hey, Y/N” Tim huffed, faking offense “I thought you were on my side” 

“Oh no, I'm always on the side of the strongest” you shrugged “And Babs can too easily kick my ass or fry my phone, so yeah sticking by her side” you replied

“Smart move” Barbara hummed in approval

You continued to chat around, realising that for once the pain was bearable. Maybe it was because you were surrounded by people who loved you and made you happy. Cassandra put a hand on yours so your attention would be on her.

“You good?” She signed to you and you shrugged

“Right now yes, but this was truly a bad flare up and I don’t see the end of it” you admitted

“I'm sorry about that. We should have come over sooner” she said and you shook your head

“You guys are busy, it's okay” you smiled

“L/N have you eaten enough lately? You seem like you haven't got all your much needed nutritions" Damian's voice interrupted your discussion with Cassandra. 

You arched an eyebrow at that, surprised the grumpy boy seemed to care about you.

“Oh well, it's true I haven't been the best with food lately” you sheepishly admitted and Stephanie gently stroked your arm to comfort you. “But it's okay” you quickly added as everyone’s attention was now on you, and it was making you feel a little bit shy.

“Of course it is not. A warrior needs food to properly function. I will ask Alfred to cook for you and to send you the meals” Damian said and you had to admit you were half embarrassed, half exploding with joy to be under everyone's care.

“You don't have to bother him for me” you tried to refuse but Damian tutted you

“Nonsense”

“Good idea, Dami!” Dick nodded “it's true you need food and we'll deliver it to you so we'll be sure you'll eat it all” he added

“I take the first delivery” Jason said and instantly everyone started to argue over it. 

You leaned onto your seat and smiled to yourself. 

Life wasn’t that bad after all.

--

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@silverklaus

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[katerinaaqu]

Yes you are right to bring it up because people often forget this task he had.

Agamemnon was not a king among mindless puppets or weak villagers who didn't dare to raise their heads against others. He was a king among kings. Each one of them had their own autonomy, their own wealth and their own army and each one of them could decide at any moment to leave (see for example Achilles) or even worse: shift their loyalty to the enemy if they wanted to (honor and dignity being the things stopping them from doing so). His task was much harder than what people think. And he managed to keep them all together for a decade and fight this war that arguably was no one's direct business (the profit holding them together along with the oath of Tyndareus) so not only he is holding an army of kings around him despite the problems for over a decade but he manages to do so without any conflicts after (none of the kings turned against him or his kingdom after the war for example) so no matter what one's opinion is on Agamemnon one must admit what he does is admirable and hard.

We cannot fully speak on city states in Homer given how even Homer himself lives before the crystallizing of the political form yet alone the mycenean kingdoms but I definitely see what you mean and as I said above every kingdom was autonomous and had its own government.

Well we do not know if we can talk about mercenary armies there so early but again I see what you mean which is why we have the type of war that has plunders and takings of Cities and villages in these poems. It is not because Greeks are madmen thirsty for blood, it is because the plundered provide provisions and resources to all these armies (subject that I touched a bit more to my Ismarus retelling):

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62363005/chapters/159572866

And yes the logistics alone are monstrous and is not just the army that needs to be managed; is also the horses the other animals they have for food or transportation or others (mules dogs sheep etc) or the fixing of the huts and the ships that rest at the bay and of course the slaves and servants in the camp that also need food clothes etc. Now we do not fully know who provided weapons for the foot soldiers but yes most likely it is personally owned given the nature of the departure and all. A family or an individual signs up for war and must provide himself with all he needs for war (which is like 90% of the time in historical wars you are right) so yup Agamemnon had an immensely hard task to fulfill.

I mean no one is a perfect guy at homer which is why he is so awesome. Even Hector has his moments in the book. But I agree Agamemnon is immensely cool and he is unfairly treated (I wouldn't necessarily call others like Odysseus flashier per se although I definitely see what you mean and the dude has a whole book dedicated to himself hehehe 😉) but I think the main problem nowadays is modern retellings that use Agamemnon as the villain aka the devil himself. Almost all movies have all Greeks have their reasons and then Agamemnon is the only asshole that doesn't care for anything but profit etc

And of course no one bothered to read the actual books and even if they do, they totally are biased that only Agamemnon is the insufferable asshole and so on and so forth (without touching the subjects of all the modern flashy words like misogynistic or sexists or racists bla bla bla)

We all love to talk about Achilles's revenge for Patroclus but what about Agamemnon's revenge for his brother?

In Rhapsody 11 of the Iliad we have Agamemnon in battle and he absolutely slays quite literally several Trojans, including but not limited to; two bastard sons of Priam Isus and Antiphus. But during his ferocity in battle he encountered two more opponents

Peisander and Hippolochus sons of Antimachus

And these two were the source of his rage. The two of them rode the same chariot which was out of control due to the fact that their reins were lost and Agamemnon stopped them! The two brothers tried to beg for their life, saying that their father would pay ransom for them but Agamemnon didn't bulge at all! And why?

If you are indeed wise Antimachus's sons; who once upon a time suggested at the Trojan assembly to kill Menelaus and godly Odysseus when they came as ambassadors, so that they wouldn't return back to the Achaeans, now you shall pay for the shameful deeds of your father!

(Translation by me)

Oh boy! Hear the lion roar!

Antiphus was a person who was bribed by Paris to prevent Helen from returning to Menelaus, had suggested to kill his brother and arguably a man he did consider his friend (if not from the very beginning after so many years of warfare) and now he saw his sons on the field and man no mercy given! Agamemnon dragged down Peisander and smote him in the chest with his spear and boy oh boy did he not stop there! The brother tried to run and flee but Agamemnon smote him too, cutting off his hands and then his head and let them both lie there and he went on and on in a killing spree, calling out to Achaeans come close to him!

DUDE!

CHILLS MAN!

Honestly I don't think I ever saw anyone talking about that but Agamemnon literally shone, ate and left no crumbs in that scene! Agamemnon with his hands bloodied from battle rushing forward towards the gates of Troy, calling onto the rest of the Greeks and the Trojans scattering "like frightened cows scared by a lion coming at them". Zeus even drew Hector out of the cloud of dust because of this enraged attack. Zeus even sent Iris to Hector to tell him that he would charge the attack if Agamemnon was wounded by a spear or an arrow. Like...Zeus told Hector to stay out of the way of Agamemnon the way he led the attack to the walls!

Honestly whenever I hear that Agamemnon was just a flamboyant asshole who did nothing and he didn't aspire the crowd of the Greeks and all like this scene just screams as to why Agamemnon was a king! Not because he was in charge of the richest kingdom only! But because he was heading first in fight; leading havoc and calling upon others to follow his example! To the point that Zeus needed to protect even Hector from this attack! And man did Agamemnon slay more! The first to come at him was Iphidamas who tried to strike him but his sword didn't pierce the armor and man Agamemnon then kept going:

And lordly Agamemnon grabbed the spear in his hand and drew it towards him with the fury of a lion and taking it off his hand: he smote him to the neck with his sword, and he went limb

(Translation by me)

DUDE! Dude! Like...why are we not even talking about this move?! Like honestly Agamemnon is incredibly underrated for his power at war, his power as a leader and above all his care for his brother and friends! Dunno guys but this scene gave me a howling fit! And he didn't stop there! Iphidama's brother Coön furious to see his brother die he attacked Agamemnon FROM THE BACK and wounded his arm and yet Agamemnon rushed upon Coön and killed him when he was trying to drag the dead body away! And even if he was bleeding profoundly he kept attacking the enemy!

In fact the pain became so great and the blood was growing dry that Homer describes it the same terrible and strong as the pain from childbirth! Agamemnon eventually could take no more and he took his chariot to leave the battlefield by shouting orders STILL to his comrades to protect the ships as he was leaving. And only THEN did Hector move! Honestly Hector! The prince of Troy was advised by Zeus to avoid the battlefield till Agamemnon was out of the game!

WHY ARE WE NOT TALKING ABOUT THIS?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I'm gonna die on that hill but yes I am not becoming Agamemnon hater! I can recognize his moments when he was an asshole without making it his entire persona and without appreciating these moments!

And yeah he didn't really kill their father (although I bet he absolutely would want to!) but the concept of "sons will pay for the sins of their father" was a common trope in antiquity. Ironically it is the same thing Agamemnon is killed by Aegisthus for, for Aegisthus was carrying the revenge against Agamemnon's father Atreus

[youngsadlesbian]

hey! i saw you were taking requests so:

a fic where popular!wanda and popular!reader have always been rivals. they love eachother as much as they hate eachother because they were childhood bestfriends, not until wanda left without a word, leaving reader alone.

i think it would be great if they have a scene wherein they get stuck in a bathroom after a couple of friends locked them in there, and they start talking about what actually happened.

ANDDDDD wanda getting pissed at reader's boyfriend, even if she has one as well.

i hope you consider this, thank you!!

BETWEEN LOVE AND WAR

pairing: wanda maximoff x reader

summary: rivals since wanda left without explanation, you love each other as much as you hate each other. when you're locked in together, buried feelings resurface. between stolen kisses, jealousy, and secrets, you must decide—keep fighting or finally surrender to love.

a/n: thanks for the request hope u like it <3

word count: 2k

warnings: angst if you blink, enemies to lovers but mostly fuff.

Highschool hallways were your battlefield.

From the moment Wanda Maximoff waltzed back into your life years after disappearing without a trace, she had been nothing but a thorn in your side. The childhood best friend you had once adored had morphed into your greatest rival, someone who matched you in everything—popularity, grades, social influence.

If you threw a party, Wanda threw a bigger one. If you aced a test, Wanda’s score was somehow a fraction higher. It wasn’t just a competition anymore—it was war.

And she played dirty.

“Nice speech, printsessa,” Wanda cooed as she brushed past you after the morning assembly, the smug smirk on her lips igniting a fire in your chest. “Almost convincing. Too bad I wasn’t impressed.”

You clenched your jaw, forcing yourself to take a steady breath. “That’s funny, Maximoff. Because last time I checked, you were watching my every move like your life depended on it.”

Her green eyes sparkled with amusement, but there was something else lurking beneath the surface—something almost… regretful? You ignored the nagging thought.

“Oh, sweetheart,” she purred, stepping closer until you could smell her familiar vanilla perfume. “If I wanted to watch something entertaining, I’d look anywhere but at you.”

A slow smirk curved your lips. “Then why are you still here?”

For a split second, Wanda faltered. But before you could dwell on it, she rolled her eyes and spun on her heel, walking away as if she hadn’t just invaded your space like she owned it.

That was how it always went between you two—like a storm brewing just beneath the surface, waiting for the moment to explode.

But nothing could have prepared you for what happened next.

It was supposed to be a harmless prank.

The idea was simple—your so-called friends thought it would be hilarious to lock you and Wanda in the girls’ bathroom until you either killed each other or worked things out.

“You guys need to fix your tension!” one of them had laughed before slamming the door shut behind you. The sound of the lock clicking into place sent a wave of dread through your stomach.

You whirled around, heart pounding. “You have got to be kidding me.”

Wanda groaned, banging a fist against the door. “Let us out, idiots!”

No response.

You let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing your temples. “Perfect. Just perfect.”

Wanda turned to glare at you, arms crossed. “This is your fault.”

“My fault?” You scoffed, incredulous. “How the hell is this my fault?”

“You have terrible taste in friends.”

You let out a humorless laugh. “Oh, and you would know all about loyalty, right?”

The second the words left your mouth, the air between you shifted. Wanda tensed, her expression hardening as if you had physically slapped her.

And maybe, in a way, you had.

A thick silence stretched between you.

Then, Wanda exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. “I had my reasons,” she muttered.

Your heart clenched. “For leaving?”

She didn’t look at you. “Yeah.”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, forcing yourself to stay composed. “You never even said goodbye, Wanda.”

The raw emotion in your voice made her flinch.

You hated the way your chest ached. Hated the way her absence had wrecked you when you were younger.

Wanda finally met your gaze, and for the first time in years, her walls cracked. “I was scared,” she admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “My father got into trouble. My family had to leave town overnight. I didn’t have a choice.”

Your breath hitched. “You did have a choice. You could have told me. I would’ve understood.”

“I didn’t want you to understand,” she snapped, frustration laced in her voice. “I wanted to protect you. I thought leaving without a word would make it easier for you to forget me.”

You let out a bitter laugh, shaking your head. “Well, congratulations, Wanda. It didn’t work.”

The weight of the past hung heavy between you.

Then, in the quiet, Wanda’s voice softened. “I missed you.”

Your heart clenched at the admission.

But before you could respond, a loud click echoed through the air, and the door swung open.

Your friends had let you out. But neither of you moved.

Because everything between you had just changed.

\*/

You knew something was wrong the moment you spotted Wanda at the party later that night.

She was standing across the room, her gaze locked onto you like a predator watching its prey. And she was pissed.

At first, you thought it was just the unresolved tension from earlier.

But then you followed her line of sight—straight to your boyfriend, who had an arm draped around your waist.

A smirk tugged at the corner of Wanda’s lips, but there was no humor in it. “Didn’t know you had such low standards, printsessa.”

Your jaw clenched. “Excuse me?”

Wanda stepped closer, her presence overwhelming as she tilted her head, eyes dark with something dangerous. “Your boyfriend. He’s a walking red flag, sweetheart. You can do better.”

You glared at her. “Oh, so now you care about my love life?”

Her expression darkened. “I’ve always cared.”

The words made your breath hitch, but you refused to show weakness. “Funny. You didn’t seem to care when you disappeared.”

Something flickered in Wanda’s gaze, but before she could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.

“Wanda.”

You turned just in time to see her boyfriend—a tall, broad-shouldered guy who looked like he had just stepped out of a magazine—wrap an arm around her waist.

Wanda’s jaw tightened, but she didn’t move away.

Your stomach twisted, but you refused to acknowledge the feeling.

So instead, you smiled, voice dripping with false sweetness. “Well, isn’t this adorable? You’re acting jealous while you have a whole-ass boyfriend.”

Wanda’s grip on her drink tightened. “It’s not the same.”

You scoffed. “Oh, so you can date whoever you want, but I can’t?”

Her eyes burned into yours. “I don’t want you with him.”

Your heart stuttered, but you masked it with a smirk. “And why the hell not?”

Wanda took a step closer, voice low. “Because he’s not me.”

For a moment, the world stopped.

Then, before you could process what was happening, Wanda grabbed your wrist and pulled you away from the crowd, away from her boyfriend, away from everything.

Because this war between you and her?

It had never been about hate.

Wanda’s grip on your wrist was firm but not painful as she dragged you out of the party and into the cool night air. The music from inside was still pounding, but it felt like a distant echo compared to the erratic beating of your own heart.

“What the hell was that?” you snapped, wrenching your arm free the moment you reached the empty backyard.

Wanda didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she ran a frustrated hand through her dark hair, her green eyes flashing with something wild, something desperate.

“You know what that was,” she finally said, voice tight.

You let out a humorless laugh. “No, I really don’t. Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re just pissed I’m not still waiting around for you like some lovesick idiot.”

Her jaw clenched. “That’s not fair.”

You scoffed. “Oh, now you care about what’s fair?”

Wanda took a step closer, invading your space. “I never stopped caring.”

Your breath hitched. The heat of her presence, the intensity in her gaze—it was suffocating in the best and worst ways.

“Then why did you leave?” The words slipped out before you could stop them, raw and aching. “Why did you let me believe you just didn’t give a damn about me anymore?”

Wanda exhaled sharply, looking away for a moment. “I told you—I thought it would be easier that way.”

“For who?” Your voice cracked, betraying you. “Because it sure as hell wasn’t easier for me.”

Silence.

Then, so softly you almost didn’t hear it—

“I couldn’t bear to say goodbye to you.”

The confession landed like a punch to the gut.

For so long, you had convinced yourself that Wanda had abandoned you without a second thought. That she had simply moved on. But the way she was looking at you now—like you were the only thing in the world that had ever mattered—made that lie crumble to dust.

She took another step closer. You didn’t move away.

“I missed you,” Wanda murmured.

Your chest tightened. “Then why did it take you so long to tell me that?”

Her eyes flickered to your lips for just a second. “Because I was scared.”

Your pulse roared in your ears.

“And what about now?” you whispered.

Wanda reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear, her fingertips lingering against your skin.

“I’m still scared,” she admitted, voice barely above a breath.

But she didn’t pull away.

And neither did you.

You weren’t sure who moved first.

One second, you were standing there, staring at Wanda like she was the answer to a question you didn’t even know you had been asking. The next, her lips were crashing against yours in a kiss that tasted like frustration, longing, and years of unresolved emotions.

It was messy, desperate—more of a battle than a kiss.

Your hands fisted in the fabric of her jacket, pulling her impossibly closer. Wanda’s fingers gripped your waist like she was afraid you’d disappear if she let go.

The intensity made your knees weak, made your mind spin.

But just as quickly as it started, reality slammed into you like a freight train.

You pushed her away, panting. “Wanda, I—”

Her expression was unreadable, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “Don’t tell me you didn’t feel that,” she said, almost pleading.

You swallowed hard. “I have a boyfriend.”

Wanda flinched at the reminder. “You don’t love him.”

Your silence was all the confirmation she needed.

She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “Of course. Of course you don’t.”

You ran a shaky hand through your hair, your mind a whirlwind of emotions. “And what about your boyfriend, huh? What does this mean for him?”

Something dark flashed across Wanda’s face. “He was never you.”

Your breath caught in your throat.

The weight of her words settled between you, heavy and undeniable.

For so long, you had been fighting—against each other, against your feelings, against the past. But maybe… maybe you had been fighting for the wrong reasons.

Maybe you weren’t rivals. Maybe you were just two people too afraid to admit that you had never really stopped loving each other.

And maybe… it was time to stop fighting at all.

\*/

You ended things with your boyfriend the next day.

It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t pretty. But it was necessary. Because Wanda had been right—your heart had never truly belonged to anyone else.

And as for Wanda…

Well, she wasn’t far behind.

She showed up at your locker that afternoon, her usual smirk replaced with something softer, something real.

“So…” she started, leaning against the lockers, “you free later?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Why? Planning on dragging me into another emotionally charged confrontation?”

Wanda grinned. “Tempting. But I was thinking something more along the lines of an actual date.”

Your heart did a stupid little flip.

You pretended to think about it. “Hmm. That depends. Are you finally ready to admit that you like me?”

Wanda rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the blush creeping up her neck.

“Shut up,” she muttered before grabbing your hand and intertwining your fingers like it was the easiest thing in the world.

Maybe, after all this time, it finally was.

[mooyuun]

Caleb's Timeline. 🍎

A timeline post, so I can write little things that I liked about the cards, and their order.

Past time.

Borrowed Promise. (4) he really likes to do things for her, comically thinking about him carrying all the bags with that super thigh grandma jacket.

Summer’s Echo. (4)

Verified Rumor. (4) “honey” other of my fav voicelines

Pathless Realm. (Anecdote) if for some kind of magic or whatever MC doesn’t like Caleb, maybe Greyson can keep him 😆 their interaction makes a good plot for a BL school life shounen ai.

Stage Observer. (4) cutest memory, Caleb + microphone + MC = Hey everybody! I’m so in love that I will add this minute of how I’m happy to have MC in my life”. Also Caleb brain freezing when MC kissed him. 😂

Rain’s Embrace. (Bond Story affinity 5) “I’m gonna open it~~~” best voice line for me.

Longtime Yesterday. (4) i like that Caleb friends are so cool with MC too, there is some occasions sprinkled in some cards where Caleb's friends helps him to take care of MC and I think is cool because they acknowledge the importance that MC has in his life.

Skyline. (4) love that they both get anxious by the thought of the other getting a gf/bf, also so sweet that Caleb supports all MC dreams and how he says that he will take the responsibility so she can keep focusing in her dream of being a hunter.

Present time.

Under Deepspace chp. 1 (main story)

Under Deepspace chp. 4 (main story) he kabooms, and is cool to see how in the next chapters she gets an unhealthy obsession of discovering the reason of explosion, but he kabooms.

All Homecoming Wings. (main story) Is curious that Caleb, for now, is the motor of the main story. The reason of why she goes to all the adventures with the guys and now the reason of her investigation towards the chip, the little kid and Ever.

Endless Summer. (5) Caleb pls kiss MC already, MC nobody thinks that you actually had something in your eye girl…

Exclusive Aftertaste. (5) I think they kissed here, Caleb kinda changes course before fading to white, but the apple sound at the end also makes me think that they didn’t

Lucid Dream. (Permanent Myth Cards 5) someone rescue Caleb, poor boy is controlled by Ever and his only defense for now is a black hole in his own brain. Also MC matches his vibe, both of them are super attached to each other. Also poor MC, sadly she doesn’t have the big picture and she doesn’t understand that exposing herself in skyhaven means a future of deaths and torture. She usually doesn’t have good plans and is too hot headed in some occasions, at the end, the boys had to help/intervene to save her from death sometimes.

Hidden Waves. (5) MC finally tells him that he’s not alone and both can fight together, it seems that Caleb is realizing that he doesn’t need to do things alone.

Longtime Moments. (4) Both fight together, I think Caleb understands more that he doesn’t need to do everything for himself 🥹

Painful Signals. (5) MC is so furious that she’s trembling, go girl defend your boy!! Also Caleb is the meme lord and Gideon I luv u, I’m sad that people went without you in Valentine’s Day XD

Intertwined Gold. (4) the card that everybody thinks about since they talk about a kiss that we don’t know if is a future card or a card where it was implied. I love too how both of them are domestic already and how Caleb is like “she’s not bullied in her work right? 🤨”

AU - Alternative Universe.

Tain ted Cuts (5). the bad ending destroyed me, all the bad ends of the boys kinda parallels how a possible bad ending would be in main story. So thinking about how MC waited for him is too sad. Also we have a nest/bird reference like it happened in past cards with the seagulls and how it seems that MC abandoned the nest/disappeared, so maybe a reference for a future card or myth. At the end, if you go for the good ending, is fluff. This AU with Caleb didn’t feel dangerous, he is so mentally restrained that MC was not afraid of him and when he actually bites her, he runs (imo he literally trows himself to danger so he can die, because he’s so scared that he hurt her that I think he preferred to die than to live with the knowledge that he almost kills her 🥲)

[mya-valentine]

February 15th - Pillowtalk by Zayn - Roranora Zoro x Reader

The sea was calm tonight, the sound of gentle waves lapping against the hull of the Thousand Sunny echoing through the quiet night. The stars overhead seemed brighter than usual, casting a faint glow over the ship’s deck. Inside Zoro’s quarters, the air was thick with tension, a mixture of unspoken words and the weight of the love you shared—a love as pure as it was raw.

You sat cross-legged on his bed, your arms crossed as you glared at him. Zoro stood by the door, arms folded and jaw clenched, his usual calm demeanor replaced by frustration.

“Why are you always so reckless?” His voice was low, but the edge in his tone was unmistakable.

“Oh, I’m reckless?” You shot back, your own anger bubbling to the surface. “Says the guy who takes on ten enemies at once without batting an eye.”

“That’s different,” he argued, stepping closer. His broad shoulders seemed to fill the small room. “I know what I’m doing.”

“And you think I don’t?” You stood now, the bed creaking slightly as you rose to meet his intensity. “I’m not some helpless bystander, Zoro. I can take care of myself.”

His jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he looked at you. “It’s not about whether you can take care of yourself. It’s about the fact that you don’t have to. I’m here, dammit. Let me protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection!” The words were out before you could stop them, and the moment they left your mouth, you saw the flicker of hurt in his eyes. But Zoro, being Zoro, masked it quickly, his face hardening into a stoic expression.

For a moment, the two of you just stared at each other, the silence between you charged. This wasn’t the first time you’d had this argument, and it wouldn’t be the last. Both of you were stubborn to a fault, and your love often felt like a battlefield—a constant push and pull of emotions that neither of you could fully control.

Finally, Zoro sighed, running a hand through his green hair. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, his voice softer now.

“And you’re infuriating,” you replied, though the fire in your tone had dulled.

His lips twitched, the ghost of a smirk forming. “Guess we’re a good match, then.”

Despite yourself, you smiled. It was moments like this that reminded you why you fell for him in the first place. Beneath his gruff exterior and no-nonsense attitude was a man who loved deeply and fiercely—a man who would move mountains for you, even if he didn’t know how to say it.

Zoro stepped closer, his calloused hand reaching out to cup your cheek. His touch was gentle, a stark contrast to the fire in his eyes. “I don’t want to fight with you,” he said quietly. “Not about this.”

Your heart softened, and you leaned into his touch. “I don’t want to fight either. But you have to understand—I’m not going to stand on the sidelines while you put yourself in danger.”

He sighed again, his thumb brushing against your cheek. “You’re going to be the death of me, you know that?”

You smiled, wrapping your arms around his neck. “And you’re going to be the death of me.”

For a moment, the world outside disappeared. It was just the two of you, locked in an embrace that felt like both a truce and a promise. His forehead rested against yours, and you could feel the warmth of his breath on your skin.

“Stay with me tonight,” he murmured, his voice barely audible.

“I wasn’t planning on going anywhere,” you replied, a soft laugh escaping your lips.

The hours that followed were a blur of passion and tenderness, a dance between the light and dark that defined your relationship. Zoro wasn’t a man of many words, but he didn’t need them to show you how he felt. The way his hands moved over your body, the way his lips claimed yours—it all spoke volumes.

The bed creaked beneath you as the two of you moved together, a symphony of reckless abandon and raw emotion. It was in these moments that you felt closest to him, as if the walls you both built around yourselves had crumbled, leaving nothing but vulnerability in their wake.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he muttered against your skin, his voice rough and low.

You chuckled, your fingers tangling in his hair. “You don’t say that often.”

“Doesn’t mean I don’t think it,” he replied, his lips trailing down your neck. “You drive me crazy, you know that?”

“You’ve mentioned it once or twice.”

When the two of you finally collapsed onto the bed, tangled in each other’s arms, the room was filled with the sound of your labored breaths. The lantern light flickered, casting shadows on the walls, but you didn’t care. All that mattered was the man lying beside you, his chest rising and falling in time with yours.

Zoro turned his head to look at you, his eyes soft in a way that only you ever got to see. “You’re not going to let me sleep tonight, are you?”

You grinned, resting your chin on his chest. “Maybe. Or maybe I just like keeping you on your toes.”

He rolled his eyes, but the small smile on his lips betrayed him. “You’re trouble.”

“And yet, here you are,” you teased.

The morning came far too quickly, the golden light of dawn streaming through the small window. You woke to the feeling of Zoro’s arms wrapped around you, his body warm against yours. It was a rare sight to see him so peaceful, his usual scowl replaced by a serene expression.

You traced your fingers along his jawline, marveling at how someone so fierce and unyielding could look so soft and vulnerable in moments like these.

“You’re staring again,” he muttered, his voice thick with sleep.

“Maybe I like what I see,” you replied, your voice equally soft.

He cracked one eye open, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re incorrigible.”

“And you love it.”

“I must be insane,” he muttered, but the way he pulled you closer told you everything you needed to know.

The two of you stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other as the world outside slowly came to life. It wasn’t until the sound of Luffy shouting about breakfast reached your ears that you finally forced yourselves to move.

“Duty calls,” you said with a sigh, sitting up.

Zoro groaned, running a hand through his messy hair. “Do we have to?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Since when do you care about crew duties?”

“Since I started liking mornings with you,” he admitted, his tone casual, but the weight of his words made your heart skip a beat.

You leaned down to press a kiss to his forehead. “Come on, swordsman. Let’s go face the day.”

Life on the Thousand Sunny was never dull, but with Zoro by your side, it was an adventure in every sense of the word. Your love was a paradox, a blend of chaos and calm, light and dark. You fought like warriors and loved like it was the end of the world, and through it all, you knew one thing for certain—you wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Because with Zoro, every battle, every argument, every moment of passion—it all felt like home.

[httpuckdrop]

ashes – day 138

jack had your valentine's day planned out long before the day arrived. a cute little picnic out in the february sun, with all of your favorite snacks and possibly even some painting. but when the day finally arrived, you both woke up to a storm.

typical jack to not check the weather beforehand.

however, the day was far from ruined. instead, you had your picnic in jack's living room, spending the day listening to the raindrops against the windows and just enjoying each others' presence. jack eventually brought out his old photo albums from when he and his brothers were still kids – ones you had never seen before, because otherwise you would've been obsessing over them every day up until now.

"this is from luke's tenth birthday," jack said, pointing at a picture of his brother with his face stuffed full of cake. in the next one, a dalmatian was licking whipped cream off his face. "our dog, amber. not nearly as calm as you could think from just looking at her."

"she looks sweet, though," you commented, eyes flickering over another picture of amber fast asleep in jack's embrace.

"her looks betray her." jack shuffled a little closer to you on the couch, side of his head leaning against yours. "i've been thinking about getting a new one, actually."

"a dog?"

"no, a new brother." he hissed when your elbow thrust into his side. "maybe not a dalmatian specifically, but… i don't know. i've just thought about it."

the next page showed a few pictures of jack on a stage, sitting in front of a grand piano in a pretty suit. he can't have been more than 13, and your eyebrows rose at the sight. "a piano man, huh?"

he rolled his eyes. "mom forced me to take classes. i hated it at first, but then…" he shrugged. "i kept it up for five years, and it grew on me. it was kind of nice to have something else to focus on other than hockey."

you never could've guessed that he would have done something like that. jack was so sporty, a very typical jock boy – he seemed more likely to be the one making fun of the music nerds than be one himself.

even when you'd spent so much time with him, you realized that you still had so much to learn about him; so many new sides to discover, so many layers to unravel.

frightening? no, exciting.

"i remember this one time when i was fourteen… quinn and luke were at some friend's house, so i was the only child at home. and our parents were fighting." your gaze fell to his hand which was resting all lonely on his thigh, so you took it in yours. "they were, like, yelling and everything. and i couldn't do anything about it. so i just sat down at the piano at home, and… played." you could feel the shakiness in the deep breath he took, but you didn't say anything, instead settling for a squeeze of his hand. "i think i did it to drown out the sound. it was the only thing i could control."

of course. his need for stability and to always be in control was deeply rooted in him. it made so much sense being put in perspective with your relationship; he craved the stability of knowing you're there with him and he hated the way you pulled away, leaving him unsure.

"what made you quit?" you hummed after a few long moments of silence.

"hockey was getting more serious… and the guys on the team didn't really think it was cool to spend my free time learning how to play classical pieces."

"i'm sure you still remember something," you said, head resting on his shoulder. "you should play for me sometime."

"i promise." he kissed the top of your head before flipping over to the last page of the book, revealing even more pictures of little jack – this time with a big, red bruise on the side of his cheek and boxing gloves covering his hands. "oh, right. i used to box."

"oh, you were a little fighter, huh?" you joked. "how come?"

"hockey wasn't enough. i wanted to be physical off the ice, too." his tone was lighthearted, yet there was a hint of sincerity in it. "something about it made me feel… invincible, you know? knowing that i could take a hit and still stand to deliver one of my own."

"uh uh. sounds totally sane."

he reached up to flick your forehead with his fingers, before giving your hand a gentle squeeze as an apology. "i guess, as a kid, i felt… powerless? a lot of the time. especially when my parents argued. and boxing helped with that," he said, and you could feel him nodding along to his words. "once, my dad came home from a night out with a black eye, and i've never felt so useless. i wanted to be able to fight back for him. or myself. or anyone else who needs it."

you want to protect them, you thought to yourself. his protective instinct was clear as day – even in the way he couldn't not be there for you, even when you said you didn't need a relationship or someone to take care of you.

he didn't fight just to fight. he fought to protect. it was the same thing with his fight at the first game of his you attended; he punched that rangers player to protect his teammate, not because he wanted to injure him.

"my coaches told me that i had to quit once i joined the ntdp, though. it made sense, since i never thought i'd have to use it in real life," jack said with a shrug. "so i didn't argue. but, in some twisted way, boxing made me less physical on the ice. like i had an outlet, somewhere to just let it all go, so i could just skate away from arguments on the ice."

"you're a good man, jack hughes," you said, leaning slightly to the side so that you could look up at him, glistening eyes studying his features. "you know that, right?"

he paused for a few moments, merely breathing as his gaze fell on you. "i'm good because of you. you make me want to be good."

[ssentimentals]

hi nini!! hope you doing great today 😊 saw your prompt list for your 1.7k followers celebration (HAPPY 1.7K FOLLOWERS NINI!! 🥺💐). could i possibly request svt woozi x oc/reader with prompt no. 8 pls? thank you so much!! been reading your works since last yr and all of it are so amazingggg ><

hi anonie! ahhh thank you so much!! i'm so happy you're enjoying my works :') and of course you can request, thank you for doing so! 💜

prompt: 'who did this to you?'

'baby, i'm home!' you announce, closing the door behind yourself. quickly taking off your hat and scarf, you start unbuttoning your coat, talking loudly: 'god, it's freezing outside! please tell me that you managed to fix our heater, this zero degrees situation is frankly ridicilous. oh and i also got us tacos cause it's friday and we deserve tacos!'

you stumble into the living room with wide smile and bag full of said tacos in your hands, pausing at the sight of an empty room with your boyfriend nowhere in sight. jihoon always makes a point of greeting you from work, has this whole routine of coming over with gentle smile and even gentler hands that instantly pull you close for a hug. the silence in apartment is suspicious and you paddle slowly to the kitchen and then to the bedroom. you call his name again and when instead of a usual 'hey baby' you get 'don't come in!' from him, you start getting nervous. 'what's happening? why i can't come in?'

'uh- nothing, it's all good, you can enter the bedroom just not our bathroom, okay? i'll be out in a second.'

jihoon's voice sounds strained and it lacks usual warmth that he always has reserved for you. without thinking twice you enter the bedroom and make a beeline towards the bathroom, leaning on the door but not opening it, not yet. 'what is going on?' you ask carefully. 'i'm getting anxious here, ji, don't do this to me.'

jihoon knows how bad you are with situations like that, knows that your anxiety skyrockets when you have no idea what is happening. last thing he wants is to make you worried though, so with a sigh he unlocks the door, letting you in. he saw his reflection in the mirror and is aware of how black eye contrasts with his pale skin, but when he catches look of pure shock on your face, he thinks maybe he underestimated his skills of using concealer. 'um,' he starts unsurely. 'sorry, i don't have my own makeup so i took your concealer without asking first.'

that brings you back as you sputter, stepping closer to him with worried eyes. 'wha- you think that's what i care about right now?' you ask indignantly and with careful hands you take a hold of his face. 'baby, what happened? who did this to you?'

jihoon doesn't really want to answer this question. he knows it's very justified but he can't tell you that some guys at work were making stupid jokes about his relationships and one of them took it too far. he normally can't care less of what people think but not when it comes to you; he's not proud of how he handled it, but he doesn't regret sticking up for you against others. looking at your eyes that are slowly starting to fill up with tears, jihoon knows that he'll fight however many guys on this planet because you are his diamond and he won't let anyone speak badly about you. out loud he says only: 'you should see the other guy. this,' he motions to his black eye, 'is nothing compared to how he looks now.'

it's not enough to ease your worries but it does make you laugh and spal his shoulder. 'jihoon!' you shake your head. 'don't even try to cover it up with jokes. oh god, it looks horrible,' you lean closer, inspecting his face. 'oh baby. what happened? are you okay? should we go to the hospital?'

your sweetness washes over him and jihoon smiles, tugging you closer. 'no need, i'm good. just got this black eye and that's it. and we just- misunderstood each other.'

you raise your eyebrow at this. 'you're not type of guy who punches first and asks questions later. what happened, baby?'

jihoon glances at the bag on the floor and smiles. 'did you got us something on the way home?'

you turn, smiling. 'yeah, tacos from our favorite place. wait, don't try to distract me mister, tell me-'

'i am starving,' jihoon interrupts and leans in, pecking your lips. 'you know what can really help me right now? will make me feel better? you on my lap while we're eating our favorite tacos. hm? can we do that, angel?'

jihoon knows that you're tactful enough to know when not to push, but he can see battle happening in your eyes. at last you decide to let it go for now, letting him pull you to the kitchen. jihoon easily wraps one arm around your waist and pulls you on his lap, ignoring your squeak of protest. 'thank you for the tacos, baby,' he mutters, kissing your shoulder. 'you're the best.'

'mhm,' you turn to him, wiggling a little until you get comfortable. 'we will talk anyways, ji. just not now.'

jihoon nods. not now is enough. he was so distraught when he came back home that having you like this is truly the only thing that can make him feel better. he hugs you tighter and leans with his forehead on your back. 'tell me about your day, baby. please,' he asks quietly.

your hand finds his and you giving it a squeeze before starting to recount everything what happened with you today. jihoon feels tension leave his body at the sound of your voice and your body close to him. when you absentmindedly start caressing his hand, he smiles. yeah, he's very okay with getting into fights on your behalf. you deserve it.

a/n: hopefully you liked it, let me know! <3 - nini

request your own here

[leashybebes]

fic: blue and gold (16/28)

for today's @bucktommyfluffebruary fic i swapped in alternate prompt showering together because they for sure know they're dating by now.

my fill is here and the tumblr version is below for those who prefer to read here. ps, pretty sure this chapter takes the rating to M.

"I am never doing that again," Buck says firmly.

"No?"

"You and Eddie definitely had an unfair advantage."

Tommy's clearly fighting a smirk. "How's that?"

Buck splutters. "Combat training!"

"Ohhh. I thought you were referring to basic hand-eye coordination," Tommy says. "Which, apparently you and Sal were born without."

Buck pouts. "Asshole. Plus, I have paint in places I don't even wanna know about. Somehow."

"Well, someone felt the need to restyle his jumpsuit," Tommy points out.

"Sue me for wanting to look pretty for you," Buck says.

"Are they always like this?" Sal demands from the backseat.

"Literally always," Eddie says heavily.

Buck wants to protest, defend their collective honor, but he'd honestly forgotten the two of them were even there.

"Get outta my truck," Tommy says.

Sal and Eddie do as they're told, stepping out into the parking lot where they left their cars. Buck flips them both the bird as he and Tommy drive away.

"Assholes," Tommy says fondly.

Buck murmurs his agreement and sets his hand on Tommy's thigh.

"Wanna take a shower together when we get back to your place?" Tommy offers. "Scrub off that paint?"

"Uh. Yes," Buck says firmly.

***

Paintballing is apparently not his thing, but if it leads here, maybe he could be persuaded, he thinks later as Tommy pulls him closer under the spray of hot water, kissing him eagerly. He runs his hands up the planes of Tommy's back, the slide made smooth by the water and the slick of soap suds. Buck's shower is generously sized but they're both big guys and it's a little cramped before too long. Buck's not complaining though, not by a long shot, not when he can feel Tommy hardening against his hip.

They've long since given up on vaguely romantic notions of gently washing each other's bodies in favor of getting as close as physically possible. Along with the paintball-induced bruising, Buck knows he's going to have stubble burn on the sensitive skin of his throat, a dark smudge in the shape of Tommy's mouth on his shoulder, and if he can swing it later, fingertip marks blooming on his hips. He can't wait.

"God, please," he groans, letting Tommy press him into the tiles. The shock of the cold makes him shudder, but it only heightens the delicious sensation of the heat of Tommy's body against him.

"Yeah?" Tommy kisses him again, his voice low in that way that's always left Buck weak. "What do you want, baby?"

"Anything," Buck says honestly. "Everything. Jesus, just don't stop touching me."

"I promise," Tommy tells him earnestly, and Buck feels briefly like he might cry.

It's nothing, really. A day with their friends that ends like this. It could be any day. But that's the thing. It could be any day, because this is their everyday, now.

"I love you," he gasps out. "Tommy, I love you so much."

They're making it. They're going to make it.

Buck is more sure every single day.

[runninriot]

Another Love

written for the @corrodedcoffinfest pop-up event It's Complicated

wc: 1.966 | rated: M | tags: past friends with benefits Eddie/Jeff, newly established Steddie, unrequited love, complicated feelings, mild hurt/comfort, friendship | also on ao3

   “Guys, this is Steve. Steve, these are the guys. My best friends, who will not embarrass me today. Right?”

Eddie laughs, tries not to let his nerves show by making a silly grimace in the direction of Gareth, who lovingly scoffs and rolls his eyes, says ‘You don’t need us for that, you’re pretty good at embarrassing yourself‘, just to be a little shit. And maybe that’s good, because it means they’re not pretending to be something they’re not. There’s no need to mask who they are in front of Steve, Eddie knows that.

He knows that, once they’ve warmed up to each other, they’ll get along just fine. But still, he can’t shake the funny feeling in his gut.

This is a big deal for him, finally introducing his boyfriend to the people who, apart from Wayne, mean most to him in this world. He wants, no, needs them to accept this new person in his life, because there is one thing he’s absolutely certain of – Steve is here to stay.

Gareth and Doug, being the lifesavers they are, immediately start wrapping Steve up in a conversation and it helps ease Eddie’s nerves a bit. But out of the corner of his eyes, he can see the tension in Jeff’s shoulders. Can sense his resentment of the situation even if Jeff is obviously trying his best not to show it.

He stands off to the side, pretending to tune his guitar which he’s definitely not. Eddie knows he’s already done that before even coming to the venue. Out of all of them, Jeff’s always been the closest to a professional.

It’s something Eddie admires, one of those things he loves about him.

Jeff and Eddie go way back, met long before Gareth and Doug entered the picture. They’ve been friends forever, through thick and thin, always together against the rest of the world.

He’d never admit it out loud but Jeff’s opinion matters most. And that’s not only because he’s his best best friend. It’s also because he doesn’t know what he’d do if Jeff didn’t give him his blessing. There’s so much at stake here, so much to possibly end in ruins. This is so much more complicated than just wanting his friend's approval - there's more to consider. More to fight for. So that's what Eddie is willing to do.

   “Hey, man,” Eddie claps Jeff on the back trying to act casual, ignoring the twisted knots in his stomach. “Can we talk?”

   “If it’s about your boyfriend, then no.”

Jeff takes a big swig from his beer, the look in his eyes unusually cold and distant.

   “Come on, man. I thought we agreed that-”

   “Well, I’ve changed my mind. Look, Eddie. I’m happy for you, I really am. But you cannot expect me to put on a brave face and pretend that this doesn’t fuck me up.”

His words slice through Eddie like a knife, sharp and quick, no mercy on his heart.

Eddie probably deserves it for thinking he could ignore the giant ass elephant in the room and simply wait it out. Wait for the problem to solve itself, for everything to go back to normal, back to easy. Because truth is, there is nothing easy about this.

Eddie knew from the start that this would be complicated, no matter how much he wished it wasn’t. He knew and yet, stupid as he is, he still hoped they could just... move on. Not forget but maybe lock up the memories of a different time and go back to how things were before. When they were just friends, no feelings involved. At least not those kind of feelings.

   “I’m sorry, Jeff,” he says, head tilted down to avoid his friend’s piercing gaze, “I know it’s-“

It’s what? Hard? Unfair? Well, yeah, obviously. At least from Jeff’s point of view. But what is Eddie supposed to do? He didn’t choose to fall in love with someone else, it just happened. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have feelings for Jeff, only they’re different now. Not that he ever-

It’s a cruel thought, even though it’s true. They both know it because Eddie never pretended to be in love when he wasn’t. Was he attracted to Jeff? Oh, absolutely. Otherwise they wouldn’t have ended up in bed together. More than once. And it wasn't just the prospect of easy sex that had Eddie coming back for more - it was the thought of falling asleep in Jeff's arms. To be held by someone who makes you feel safe and cared for. He loved the kisses and giggles and how okay it was to be vulnerable and open because there's nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to hide because Jeff already knows everything about him.

The problem is, while it had all started out as casual fun between mates, something changed over time. Something Eddie noticed too late or he would’ve ended it sooner. Jeff never told him about his feelings, so that’s on him, but it is just as much Eddie’s fault because- he should’ve known anyway. Should’ve noticed the shift. But he hadn’t. Or maybe he simply refused to acknowledge it. Selfishly ignored it until he couldn’t anymore.

When he met Steve, he instantly knew he needed to put his cards on the table and come clean about what this would mean for him and Jeff. Told him about this guy he likes – ‘Don’t know if it’s mutual but I’d like to give it a shot, see where it’s going. Maybe it’s nothing but maybe- I think he could be the one.’

And at first, Jeff seemed to be fine with that. Said he understood that they couldn’t hook up anymore. Said he’d miss the fucking but ‘Eh, whatever.’

Only it wasn’t whatever.

But Eddie was so lost in his own head, so caught up on Steve, Steve, Steve that he didn’t see what it was doing to Jeff. Didn’t notice him pulling away more and more until Gareth mentioned it. Asked if something had happened between the two because they were acting weird.

So, when he finally confronted Jeff, things seemed... okay. Better. At least that’s what he thought when Jeff told him he’d get over it, that he just needed some time to adjust. Promised Eddie that nothing had changed when it came to their friendship but right now, Eddie isn’t so sure about that anymore.

And it kills him.

Makes him lie awake at night because he can’t stop thinking about all the worst possible outcomes. What if this breaks up the band? What if Eddie loses his best friend?

   “I don’t want to lose you, Jeff.”

    You’re up in five, someone calls from the side of the stage and Eddie knows this is the worst possible timing for a heart-to-heart. They should be getting ready, he should be talking to his boyfriend who he abandoned and left with people he doesn’t really know, in a place he’s never been to before. But he can’t step away, can’t leave it like that, not when Jeff still hasn’t said anything.

   “I need you. You’re my best friend and I- I love you.”

It’s a stupid thing to say, to use this word, this feeling that is the cause for this mess and the reason for Jeff’s pain. But it’s the right word nonetheless, because it’s the truth. Eddie loves him. Maybe not like he loves Steve but different from the way he loves Gareth and Doug. This love goes deeper than friendship, soul-deep.

   “I love you. You’re important to me and I know- I know you're hurt and I am sorry but I can’t change that my heart belongs to Steve.”

Eddie can’t stop, knows he should because right now, he’s only talking himself deeper into the hole he dug for himself. But he refuses to lie, refuses to try to appease Jeff with false hope – he needs to know where they stand. And if that means Jeff will tell him to fuck off, if that will be the end of their friendship, then-

   “I hate you.”

Eddie’s heart stops at Jeff's words, eyes filling with tears as he braces himself for the biggest regret he'll ever have in his life.

   “I hate you so much for even thinking you could ever lose me!”

They’ve got eyes on them now, Eddie can feel it, but he doesn’t care. Can’t, not when Jeff moves closer, taking one of Eddie’s hands to place it on his chest, right above his heart.

   “It hurts. It fucking hurts. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be friends anymore.”

Eddie doesn’t know what to say, just sniffs and blinks away the tears blurring his vision.

   “It’ll take some time for me to... get over this. But you and me, we’re bound for life, man. So don’t you ever think you’re getting rid of me. You hear me, asshole?”

Jeff smiles at him and even though there’s still sadness in his eyes, Eddie can feel that he means it.

   “Uh... sorry to interrupt but, um, they said you’re up next so I-“

When Eddie turns to the voice coming from behind, he finds Steve standing there, hands in his pocket, nervously looking to the side.

   “I’ll be down there somewhere. Have- have fun.”

Steve’s about to turn around, ready to step away but Eddie can't let him go like that, so he stops him.

   “Baby, wait!”

He looks back at Jeff, hoping, praying to find what he’s searching for in the other man’s eyes.

   “Go on, your boyfriend looks like he’s waiting for a kiss. Would be rude to leave him hanging.”

   “Are you gonna be mad at me if I do?” Eddie’s not asking for permission to kiss his boyfriend, not really. But he’s willing to tone it down around Jeff if that’s what it takes.

Jeff scoffs, lets go of Eddie’s hand and takes a step back.

   “So mad. But I’ll get to have you all to myself for the next 40 minutes so I guess it’s fine,” he jokes and it feels like a peace offering. Like maybe it’s the first step to better, before hopefully they can go back to how things were when everything was good, not complicated.

   “I love you,” Eddie says again just because.

   “Love you too, man. Now go take care of your man and then let’s get this fucking show started.”

Eddie nods, taking another moment to look at his best friend before walking over to Steve.

   “Everything good with you and Jeff?” Steve asks quietly as Eddie wraps his arms around his middle to pull him close.

   “I think it will be, yeah.”

Eddie's glad he never made a secret out of his past with Jeff, couldn’t bear withholding something so crucial from Steve. He needed him to know that no matter what, Jeff will always play an important role in his life. That if Steve wanted to be with him, he’d have to accept that there will always be a place in his heart that’s occupied by someone else.

Steve throws a look over Eddie’s shoulder and smiles to himself before leaning in to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek.

   “Is that all?” Eddie asks when his boyfriend pulls away, leaving him longing for more.

   “For now,” Steve confirms with a wink, “Your friends are waiting.”

With that, he wanders off into the crowd and Eddie, for the first time in weeks, feels a weight lift off his shoulders and heart.

Maybe it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Maybe it just needs time and trust and mutual understanding.

He’s willing to try, willing to do everything to make this work

Because what he’s definitely not willing to do, is to give up one love for another.

[autistic-value]

Let's talk about Catra and Hordak

Since this is where most of the drama comes from

It's no secret that Entrapdak shippers are anti-catradora and vice versa. Why? Mainly, the issues people have within these ships are not the ships themselves, but the characters within them; mainly Catra and Hordak. Entrapdak shippers hate Catra because of the toxic relationship she had with Entrapta and other characters. Because of what she did to Entrapta, tasing her and sending her to beast island, and how she just got worse and worse in season 4.

The same could be said about Hordak, regarding the Catradora shippers who despise Hordak for most of what he's done. It's no secret he took over the scorpion kingdom, created the Fright Zone, and brainwashed and conditioned a lot of Etherians into believing the cause, just as Horde Prime did to him. And a lot of that was the cause of a lot of Adora and Catra's issues.

Here's the thing though

I really think Hordak and Catra are similar in a lot of ways. Both grew up in a abusive environment forced to portray themselves as perfect in order to no longer face any abuse from their respective "mentors".

But both Shadow Weaver and Horde Prime would never see either of them as nothing but inferior.

They both suffered years of abuse, Hordak perhaps even longer. And yes, the actions of Hordak had contributed to Catra's abuse as well, but it is a cycle. A cycle they both decided to break.

Catra overheard Shadow Weaver telling Adora that she was a distraction to her, then leaving. Leaving, because she wasn't going to be a part of Shadow Weaver's manipulation any longer. And yes, she may have left due to that very manipulation, but eventually she stays, at the very end, together with Adora.

Then there's Hordak

Ever since meeting Entrapta again, he chooses to hide his returned memories this time and at the end, when Entrapta is being held in front of him and prime, finally he sees the error of his ways, breaking the cycle quite literally. By throwing prime off the ledge.

He does this great speech about giving himself a name, a life, making a friend. He defies Horde Prime's will and finally, FINALLY breaks the cycle and gains control of his independence. And yes, there's that whole thing that happened after, but that was Prime, not him.

My point is, we should stop hating on each other and the characters because people, it's just a show, these are fictional characters with flaws that any person in real life would go through. Not to mention, again, how similar Catra and Hordak are.

If we hate on Catra for the things she did, we have to hate on Hordak for the things he did too. And vice versa. They both had terrible pasts, a long list of crimes, but they're making up for it in their own ways. Redemption is a long road, but it's a good one.

Anyway, this is just my opinion and analysis on the whole thing, you don't have to agree, but let's try to get along alright? Fandom fights and shipping wars are never fun and I really think you guys take defending and attacking a fictional character from a fictional show way too seriously.

I still love Entrapdak so much but I'm not gonna attack Catradora or Catra Enjoyers over it. And if they say something about Hordak or Entrapdak I don't like? The block buttons right there. There's really no need for so much drama guys.

Thanks for listening 🙏🙏🙏

[jynmelshian]

the thing about melshian is that melshi comes across as a very serious, loyal, devoted person who sets his eye on something he wants and does anything he can to get it — unless he knows for sure that he can't. he needs confirmation, or hope, that what he wants is achievable, otherwise he won't even try. hence how he's so adamant to tell cassian that there's no hope of escaping. he's 100% sure there's no point in thinking about it, so he wants to make sure no one else is wasting their time with it. and then this changes when cassian flips the whole operation round on its head and shows him that there IS a way out, there IS a reason to hope. and then melshi shows no hesitation in helping with the escape plan and fighting his way out. he seems to me like someone with quite a one track mind, stubborn but sensible. and then cassian is flighty like this is a core aspect of his character. he doesn't stay in one place, he doesn't stay in one relationship, he's not good at vulnerability, and up until the narkina 5 arc he has run away from every sign that the rebellion IS right and IS his calling and IS the only way to be free. he is deeply loyal to a few select people, but even in those dynamics he finds it hard to commit, and he certainly can't commit to a cause at the beginning of the show. narkina is the first time we see him step up to the mantle, take the reins and fight not only for his own freedom, but for the freedom of everyone around him. before, the acts of rebellion he's taken have been selfishly motivated but also out of loyalty to at least one person: avenging clem as a teenager, and getting money and clearing his name to protect himself and maarva. one could argue that there was still selfish motivations in stirring revolt at narkina, because he wanted to be free and knew that the only way for him to get out would be to take everyone else with him, but i think any potential selfish motivation went out the window when he realised how much he'd need all the help he could get. and it showed that he can be a team player and can be a leader - or at least a stepping stone for other leaders to function and progress the cause.

and who is by his side as he steps into this role? melshi. even with the little glimpse we get into melshi as a man, it's apparent how well they complement each other. the wordless conversations they have, the way cassian's conversations with kino reveal so much about melshi's ideology and the way he expresses himself and what he shares with cassian, it all points to a man of ideals, someone who refuses to conform and maintains his pride and takes shit from no oppressive system. he's untethered because we get no insight into his life outside of narkina, but we understand the level of dedication he shows to the things he cares about, and how he's obviously already fired up and ready to rebel since long before cassian showed up, he just needed a spark. as duncan pow put it, he was waiting for someone like cassian to show up, to show him that someone else does think like him, someone else is not going to stand for how narkina 5 treats them, and that someone is giving melshi permission to stand up. he's sort of the perfect foil for cassian if you think about it. and i do think about it.

and it culminates in the scene on the cliff face: "stop saying that" becomes "tell me they're leaving". if melshi is the no bullshit, won't waste his time on idealism if he doesn't think it's achievable, probably the least optimistic guy but definitely the most headstrong and stubborn, than of course he'd find cassian's constant "they're leaving" at the very least annoying, because he's convinced himself they're going to get caught and he's not going to be able to climb back up. but there's something kind of idealistic about cassian, how he's fundamentally pragmatic but also optimistic, something that's established in the scene where he tells maarva he has enough money for them to "get away". and the loyalty we've only ever seen him show to his family and closest friends on ferrix now extends to his fellow rebel and escapee and manifests as giving hope, and that rubs off on melshi, because how can it not? it actually makes a difference, hearing cassian say they're leaving, even if they're not. it's the hope that counts, and it's the fact that he has someone there as constant reassurance. a constant reminder that he's not in this alone and he no longer needs to hide behind his own rationalisation and pessimism to survive. there really is hope, and cassian is a walking reminder of it.

and to think that they reunite in the rebellion a little way down the line, and die on the same day for the same cause, and it all started in a slave revolt and a prison break and one man giving another man hope. it's a beautiful and underrated dynamic, i think.

[bonniepop]

title: of rumors & wrong assumptions parts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 (apparently) character: iwaizumi hajime warnings: i leave oikawa alone in this one. for the most part.

-

you manage to avoid drama for a good few weeks.

a welcome relief, seeing as you and oikawa were the center of attention for a more-than-uncomfortable amount of time. but as high school was wont to do, you became old news quick, with some other couple receiving the brunt of the gossip.

you did, however, have a sneaking suspicion that iwaizumi was behind the damage control. and while you three, along with oikawa, got along more and grew closer, you never really got a chance to ask.

the general student body was more or less updated with the fact that you weren't together, but murmurings of, but they looked so cute! (gross) or they sure act like a couple (worse) floated around your classmates before ultimately being silenced.

thank god, you think, because if you'd been caught watching volleyball practice from the mezzanine balcony of the gym at the same time those rumors went around, you'd be well and fully screwed.

now, though, you were afforded peace. oikawa and iwaizumi invited you to watch practice once and it became a sort of routine, joining them in the gym and going to your corner on the balcony, unpacking your things to finish your schoolwork. there were some noisy oikawa fans, but they never really stayed for long, and often left after one or two games.

some volleyballs ended up in your vicinity, though, which was technically unavoidable, but you would always hear iwaizumi's sorry! and throw the ball back.

the routine was nice. after practice, oikawa or iwaizumi would call you down and you'd stay a good few feet away (boy sweat) as you leave the school premises. turns out, you and iwaizumi head home in the same direction, so each time oikawa separates from your little trio, he leaves with a wink and waggle of his fingers.

this time, though, he throws in a, "you know what to do, iwa-chan!", which you can only assume is about homework, so you roll your eyes and wave goodbye.

your routine silence with iwaizumi settles between you as you walk home. you feel that iwaizumi wants to say something, but maybe you're imagining it.

when your turn comes, you turn to look up at him and smile. "i'll see you tomorrow."

you nearly jump back at the very severe glare he's sending in your direction.

"yeah," he grunts, his jaw flexing. "see you tomorrow."

you squeak out a, "take care," and scurry away in fear.

-

since you and oikawa were friends now (small barf), you ask for his advice in chem lecture. thankfully, it was audiovisual day, so you were seated at the back of the dark room while a movie played on the screen.

he listens intently as you recount the series of events to him, and he groans. "he really needs to do something about that face of his," he sighs. "he's not mad. i told you, that's just his face. he just has the guy equivalent of resting bitch face."

"he looked like he wanted to spike a volleyball to my head."

"that's how he looks at me," oikawa deadpans.

you sniff. "anyway."

oikawa purses his lips a bit. "if it bothers you so much, do you want me to talk to him about it?"

"will it make a difference?"

"honestly?" he says, thinking a little. "maybe not."

"i suggest you both pay attention before i do a pop quiz for this," your teacher says from behind you, scaring you into sitting up straight.

"sorry, sir," you and oikawa say in unison, and the teacher passes between your seats.

oikawa looks at you. later, he mouths, and you nod.

-

later turns out to be at lunch with iwaizumi.

"iwa-chan!" oikawa whines. "you really need to work on your expressions."

iwaizumi looks absolutely livid. "what are you talking about?"

oikawa gestures to his friend's face. "that! i keep telling you this. you look so... unfriendly!"

iwaizumi looks like he's ready to start a fight. but then he and relaxes his brow. "how about now?"

"loosen up on the chin."

iwaizumi follows suit. "now?"

you watch the exchange between the two of them as you eat your lunch, oikawa making the effort to rid iwaizumi of his resting bitch face. you had to agree with oikawa on this one—when iwaizumi sat down for lunch and looked like he wanted to murder his bento.

"better!" oikawa says cheerfully. he takes iwaizumi's chin and turns his face in your direction. "doesn't that look better, _____-chan?"

the relaxed look morphed into a murderous one. "if you want to keep that hand, i suggest you stop touching me."

oikawa simply laughs and pats iwaizumi's cheek. "you're funny, iwa-chan—OW! that hurt!"

lunch was now a (well, mostly) peaceful affair. the first time you three had lunch together—or when oikawa both dragged you kicking and (very quietly) screaming to his and iwaizumi's class room to have lunch with them—there was chatter, but now that it's been going on for a few weeks, people stopped caring.

iwaizumi uncovers his lunch. "i heard something funny the other day."

you pluck a grape from your lunch bag. "hmm?"

"apparently some people thought i was gay."

he says it as soon as you pop the grape in your mouth, and you nearly choke to death. oikawa rushes next to you to whack you in the back, after some desperate coughs, the grape dislodges. you chew and swallow quickly to avoid another mishap.

you take some breaths before turning to oikawa and smacking him in the arm. hard.

"that's my back, you idiot! you don't hit me like you're serving a volleyball!"

he looks offended beyond belief. "you ungrateful little—i just saved your life!"

"you nearly gave me a spinal fracture!"

iwaizumi fixes his glare on oikawa. "you're trying to stop her from choking, not dislocate her vertebrae."

oikawa sits back down and pouts. "you two are so unappreciative of me! you deserve each other." he dramatically stands up and, taking his lunch, marches out of the classroom.

iwaizumi scoffs in oikawa's direction. "drama queen." he looks back at you. "you okay?"

you stretch your back on your seat. "yeah, i think. he hit me pretty hard."

"you want a painkiller or something? i think i have some—"

"oh, no—i'm okay, really."

iwaizumi shrugs. "if you're sure."

awkward silence settles between you two as iwaizumi eats his food and you fidget. "so, um," you clear your throat. "you were saying? sorry. i interrupted you."

"oh, yeah, some—"

you nearly jump back when oikawa shows up suddenly. "i forgot my milk," he mumbles, sitting back down with his lunch.

iwaizumi rolls his eyes. "embarrassing for you."

"shut up," the volleyball captain says, grabbing his carton and taking a huge sip from the straw.

"anyway," iwaizumi goes on. "some people thought i was gay."

oikawa, who clearly has no regard for your personal wellbeing, perks up. he looks absolutely delighted. "you don't say?"

"shut up or i'll punch you again."

oikawa's mouth clamps shut, but he still can't help his smile.

iwaizumi shakes his head. "and what if i was?"

your eyes nearly pop out of your skull. is he serious? "are you?"

he rolls his eyes. "no. but if i was, i would not be with oikawa. gross."

the joy in oikawa's face was quickly replaced by offense. "hey! i'd be a good boyfriend!"

"your last girlfriend dumped you." iwaizumi picks up some of his lunch.

"wh—stop bringing that up!"

"so... you're not?" you ask tentatively.

iwaizumi is surprisingly calm about this. "no. or, well, i don't think i am." he thoughtfully chews his food. "i know someone who's like... what's the one that likes both? my cousin is that."

"bisexual?" oikawa supplies, apparently not too hurt from iwaizumi's last quip to listen to the story.

"yeah, that. he was bisexual, but when he moved to... i think australia? he found out he was gay. so, i don't know. maybe i'm not gay now, but who knows?"

"you're surprisingly relaxed about this." oikawa leans back, a little apprehensive. "i thought you'd be mad."

iwaizumi rolls his eyes. "being called gay is not an insult."

"that's very mature of you," you tell him, and he looks down at his food. it strikes you that he may be shy about that.

you and oikawa share a look as the bell rings. you start packing up your lunch. "i'll see you guys later?"

"oh," oikawa starts, "we don't have practice later. coach has a thing with his kid, so we have a free afternoon."

"oh, okay."

"i can pass by your room after school," iwaizumi offers.

you look at him. "um... why?"

he cocks his head, confused. "so we can walk home together."

there's a beat before oikawa goes, "since you walk in the same direction, might as well go together! good thinking, iwa-chan!"

something occurs to iwaizumi before he glares at oikawa. he looks a little red in the face, so you don't know if it's from rage or embarrassment. probably rage.

you finish packing up your lunch amongst a mild scuffle between the two and you stand. when you look up from your bento, you find one of iwaizumi's fists curled around the lapel of oikawa's jacket and the other fist in the air, ready to land a punch.

they freeze and look at you.

"sure," you say.

iwaizumi's hold slackens. "huh?"

"sure, we can walk home together after class," you clarify.

oikawa's jaw slackens and iwaizumi lets go of his friend.

"see you," you say, before waving and leaving.

behind you, you can hear oikawa cry, "OW! what was that for?!"

iwaizumi snaps, "for being annoying. now go back to your seat before i punch you again."

you bite back a laugh and walk out of the room.