#if EX is coming back i need to mentally prepare for what this is gonna do to character xisuma after. gestures

[shepscapades]

okay am i crazy? someone please tell me I'm crazy, I saw the thumbnail for Xisuma's newest hermitcraft episode and was immediately reminded of the deepslate/blackstone palette and building style of all of the buildings from the Evil Empire in season 8. Clicked on the video and the introduction "Previously, on Hermitcraft" was voiced with Evil Xisuma's voice filters. I had thought Xisuma said in a recent FAQ video he had no plans to bring Evil X back into hermitcraft plot because the storytelling wasn't really his top priority, but this kind of seems like foreshadowing of some kind? Thoughts?Regardless, kind of a sickening thought for c!xisuma that Ex might just be. lurking. very cool <sweating

[kayentokk]

Easy Peasy Sukuna Squeezey(Part 1);A Lot More Ice Cream

Pairing;Sukuna x Fem! Reader

Summary;Sukuna always knows what to do when you’re upset, but this time he thinks he’s gonna need a lot more ice cream to fix the problem. 

Contains;feelings, some sadness, cheating mentions, angst kinda (not in a death way), comfort(Sukuna comfort), 🥹

wc; 1,261

A/N;uhmmm y’all I think imma make this a series. Cuz I wanna drag it out and I have more ideas for this storyline, so bear with me. And I hope you enjoy the first chapter!

Series M.list Next

The smell coming from inside was musk, and humid. You could feel it radiating through the door. You knew this was coming, hell this is what you came over here for. But it still hurts like a bitch to know your boyfriend, ex, is in the middle of sex with one of your mutual, ex, friends. 

You were tipped off today by one of your ex’s friends, the only reason he told you was because quote unquote he “can give you a better time than that prick.” At the time you thought, he’s probably not wrong, maybe you’ll even take him up on the offer after this. That’s not likely though. You’re just, rightfully so, in your feelings and feeling angry about the whole situation. 

You still wanted to see for yourself though, so you went to his apartment. You quietly unlocked the door and turned the knob, you just needed to know for yourself. You didn’t want to be privy or see the adulterous, disgusting act. 

As if the clothes, that obviously belonged to him and his little- thing, that were in a trail leading to the bedroom weren’t enough, a loud, keening, high-pitched whine was let out. You didn’t need to see or hear anymore, that was enough. 

You had tried to tried mentally prepare yourself before you got there, deciding to walk there for the commute instead of driving because you could clear your head better, but nothing prepares you for betrayal. And this was betrayal at its finest. 

You placed the keys on the counter, opened the door, and slammed it shut loudly on your way out. You were hoping to startle them, but you’d be long gone before they got a clue. 

You didn’t want to go home, so you didn’t. It’s not like you had anything waiting on you there, besides the memories that were once happy of you and him. And that’s just depressing. 

After walking for a while, you noticed where you were headed. Sukuna’s house. It was only natural to want to go there. Sukuna is your best friend, of sorts. You guys grew up together, you went to the same schools your whole life, and your mothers were best friends. So you guys were destined to be close in some way. 

You stopped yourself right across the street from his complex. All the intrusive thoughts immediately rolled in, what if he has girls over? Or he’s having a party? Or maybe he’s not home?   M-maybe he doesn’t want to-

“Hey,” a gruff voice greets you.

It’s Sukuna. 

He’s in his car, the windows are rolled down and the music is low so that you can hear him, he has a couple of bags in the front seat, he must have just been returning from somewhere. 

“Hellooo? Earth to y/n?”

You snapped out of it, “hey,” you greet him lowly.

“Were you coming to see me?,” he asks reaching for his phone from his back pocket, “I didn’t think I got a message from you.”

“You didn’t. I didn’t know I was coming here either to be honest.”

“Oh…well, are you gonna get in or what? It’s freezing outside and you’re letting all my heat out of the window you psycho.”

It’s cold? Yeah, it is the middle of winter. You hadn’t noticed until he mentioned it. He moved the bags to the backseat without even having to get out of the car, the perks of having long arms, and you got in. It was warm, and your fingers started to defrost.

He parked the car in his designated spot, and you went to get out of the car but not before he stopped you by grabbing the hood of your coat. You turned your head and looked at him. His bright garnet eyes were piercing right through you, and you wanted to break. You wanted to crumble and cry and scream, you hate that look. Like he knows something is wrong. 

“You gonna tell me what’s wrong? or we jus’ not gonna talk today?” 

Your lip quivers and at that small twitch Sukuna’s face drops. The normal irritated grimace that dawns his face is replaced with something else, something you’ve never seen before. It’s almost a saddening expression, it doesn’t suit Sukuna at all, you think. 

In all the years you guys have been with each other, Sukuna thinks, he’s never seen you look so delicate or fragile. He’s seen you cry over getting a “boo-boo” or “ouchie” when you were small, he’s seen you cry over being reprimanded, hell he’s even seen you cry during your period, but all those things he could fix. A bandaid, a cookies and cream waffle cone, and a movie. Easy peasy, Sukuna squeezey. But a part of him felt like this ouchie would be harder to fix if he could fix it at all. 

“He cheated ‘kuna,” you spoke plainly. It was harder to admit than you thought. You immediately felt repulsed from it.

He didn’t know what to say, he was in utter shock and he wanted to kill the dirty bastard. How could he? You devoted yourself to him and you cared and treated him with all the kindness in your heart. Sukuna was so enraged and he also felt….sad? This wasn’t the usual agitated feeling he got when you were upset, this was different. He knew this was different. You weren’t even crying yet, just sitting silently in pure consciousness. 

You didn’t really want to talk about it if you’re being honest. Your boyfriend-ex, cheated on you. What else was there to say about it? But the silence was killing you.

“You could say something y’know,” you sniffled bringing a hand up to rub your nose. “It’s more embarrassing if you don’t,” you chuckled dryly.

Sukuna, however, didn’t find it funny. Nothing about this was funny. And it was becoming apparent to him, that he’d need a lot more ice cream. 

What do you want him to say though? If he told you he’d kill him that wouldn’t solve the issue or lessen your hurt, If he acts out of character and said sorry you’d just think he’s taking pity on you and he knows you hate that. 

So Sukuna does what he knows best, he “ignores” it. When you were both in your adolescent stage and you were mad at him about something harsh that he probably said that’s what he did. 

He’d still talk to you even if you were ignoring him, which pissed him the hell off by the way, he’d do anything you wanted. And eventually you’d forget why you were mad at him in the first place, it was his way of apologizing. That was the only way he knew how to treat you without you feeling like he’s pitying you.

So he turns off the car, gets out, grabs the bags he put in the back seat, and when he sees you’re still in the car he gives you a nod and says, “come on, we don’t want you to freeze do we?” And you smile, it’s only a fragment of what it normally is, but you smile. And Sukuna feels relief, of course if you wanted to talk about it he’d listen. But right now, it’s freezing outside and he doesn’t think a car is the right place to have that conversation. All the people passing by while you’re hyperventilating and crying over your jerk of an ex is not exactly what you want to happen either.

So you follow him into the apartment. 

@/cafekitsune for the divider

[morimemichael]

Jealousy

Slashers reaction to their s/o flirting with someone else/getting compliments from someone else.

This goes for OG!Michael, RZ!Michael, Brahms, Ghostface (Stu), Pyramid Head

WG: jealousy issues, doubtful behavior, a little gore, some NSFW, dev!consent?¿ apart from that I’ll try to include some fluff too (cause I can’t live without it :’D)

OG!Michael

You’d be mesmerized to know how many things Michael can know or find out about you.

That’s how he found out you were extra friendly with a coworker.

Maybe he hasn’t made it clear, but he didn’t have any intentions to share you with other men.

You were his and his alone.

Something inside him snap when he saw your lips kissing goodbye on this guy’s cheek.

To you was something insignificant, but to him?

Ohh boy…

He was jealous.

No need to mention that Michael slaughtered this poor guy.

He got home with you, disappointed, and a little sad for what he saw today.

You were starting to wonder where he was, it was already dark and you hadn’t seen him in all day.

Your question was answered when you felt a large hand going up your back, straight to the back of your neck.

His breathing low and steady as always.

His hand grabbed the back of your neck and squeezed it a little bit, making you move away from the kitchen, but not so far.

“Hey, Michael! Missed u today, where u been?” You asked him, not being aware that he spent almost all day stalking you

He didn’t reply, instead he moved his hand upward and grabbed you by the hair this time, tucking at it so he could whisper in your ear

“That hurts!” You yelled at him, but he didn’t care. You tried to reach his hand holding your hair, but with his free hand he catches yours and puts it behind your back twisting it.

“What the hell is wrong with you!?”

He tucked at your again in protest

Then you realized that he might have been stalking you throughout the day and saw that little interaction between you and your male coworker. It must be that right?

“I’m s-sorry Michael, I’m sorry, it’s not gonna happen again.” You apologized.

He lowered his head so it leveled with your right ear.

“Mine.” He whispered, his voice raspy but clear. “Say it.”

“Ok…ok, I’m yours. Only yours…” You swore. He let you go, your hands reaching the cold marble of the kitchen.

Latter that night when you both went to sleep, he apologized for the way he treated you earlier.

RZ!Michael

Things with Michael turn different when he’s jealous. First things first, sometimes you can’t tell if he’s jealous or not cause his behavior it’s almost pretty much the same.

You both know each other since you were 9yo. You were the only one who used to play with him, and he’s thankful for that. But your heart was torn apart when he committed that awful crime. You knew his sister and father were shitty, but you never expected Michael to kill them.

When you found out he scaped the mental hospital he was being kept, something inside of you wanted Michael to come see you. You weren’t so wrong after all.

So it’s been a couple of weeks since he’s staying with you, and you know better than to ask him where he goes at night, leaving you alone in the house.

There was this particular time when your ex stopped by and stayed for lunch when Michael was out stalking, as usual. Or so you thought. Turns out that he decided to stalk you this time, and when he saw this foreign man to his knowledge, he snapped.

You didn’t had time to even serve lunch when you heard your ex screaming. “Holy shit!” And he sounded in pain too.

When you came back to the living room Michael had stabbed your ex’s hand to the wooden table that was already prepared to eat.

“Michael…please.., he’s my ex.”

Michael wasn’t sure of your words, so he pulled out painfully the kitchen knife of your poor ex’s hand, a pained moan scaped his mouth. The he grabbed the doomed guy by his neck and looked at you again.

“Michael, Michael, please…I swear he’s my ex. Please!!!” You begged him.

Michael decided enough was enough and let your ex go, but not before pointing you to go upstairs with his knife. You obeyed.

Once you both were there he grabbed you by the throat this time and squeezed a little bit. Now you were scared. He tucked a little bit just to let you know that if he want to, he could kill you any minute.

He bend you over the edge of the bed so your stomach was facing towards the bed, and your ass up.

“how romantic” You mocked. To be honest this wasn’t the first time you two fucked. But this? Holy fuck, this was totally different. You weren’t even sure if you’re disliking this.

“I’m not sharing.” He growled at your ear. He took out your pijamas and panties with one hand, with the other he took out his mask. He positioned himself with your entrance. Spit a little bit his cock to use it as lube.

He grabbed you by your neck again and put it the tip of his cock.

“Michael, I’m not even-” You protested, reaching your right hand to his leg to try to stop him, but he grabbed it and pulled it against him so you were closer to his chest.

“Shut up, and fucking take it.” That’s all he said before thrusting all the way into you. He set a brutal pace and all he could hear was your screams and moans of pleasure.

“Fu-uck Michael!! Don’t stop, don’t stop!!” You moaned. He got closer to your ear again.

“This is what you get for making me jealous.”

You thought you could make him jealous more often.

BRAMHS HEELSHIRE

“Brahms!” You moan your lungs out. He had you lay down facing the bed, and now he was fingering you like his life depends on that.

And all for what? Well, you told Malcom earlier that he had a nice hair cut today. Apparently, Brahms didn’t like that.

He slapped your ass with his free hand “Your mine, mine!” He growled on your ear.

“Okay…okay, I’m sorry.”

“Yeah…I bet you are.” He stated, his fingers moving faster now.

You were reaching the point of your climax when he stopped, and pulled at your hair.

“You wanna cum?” He asked. You nod and hummed. “Well, beg for it.” He slapped your ass again.

“Please…I’m so close.” You begged vaguely.

“What was that? I couldn’t hear you.” He replied, voice deeper now, filled with pure lust.

“Brahms, please…please I wa-I need to cum, please! I won’t do it again I promise!”

His fingers thrusting into your core in a brutal animalistic way. That was enough to make you cum that night.

Once you were finish he grabbed you by the hair again and said “if I see you again with him, his dead. You hear me?” He question.

“Yeah-yeah.” That’s all that would come out from your mouth.

PYRAMID HEAD

This big guy had never talked and never will, so if something just bothers him he will let you know in other ways.

Like when, for example, James complimented your bracelet one day. He was pissed, but he didn’t say anything, not that he could. So what did he do instead?

Well, he fallowed James all around Silent Hill making his life more miserable if that’s was even possible.

You weren’t exactly pissed at his behavior but you certainly didn’t like it. So next time he sees you you’ll let him know.

To your fortune that time was right now.

“Is tormenting James even necessary, Pyramid?” You asked annoyed.

He lowers his head and shakes no.

“So, why are you doing it?” He couldn’t answer you knew it so you asked him again. “Is it because you’re jealous of James?”

He shakes his head no several times, trying to hide the obvious feeling .

“Yeah…you definitely are.” You said.

He lowered his head again and was ready to leave when you grabbed his large hand.

“You can stay, it’s okay. It happens.” You smiled at him. From under his large pyramid, something like a tentacle came out to caress your chin.

“Promise me you won’t do it again, ok?”

He just nods and walk away peacefully.

GHOSTFACE

Since you two finished watching that movie, you wouldn’t stop talking about the killer.

How he was using a kitchen knife to kill people on the movie, or how he used his own hands to choke someone. You could notably see he was pissed at your comments of appreciation.

“Oh come on! I’m just messing around!” You laughed at him. He couldn’t be mad just because of that right?

“Well, go messing around Michael Myers then, perhaps he will burie his knife in you.” Stu said back.

“Stu come on! It’s just a movie!” You laughed a little bit

“If it’s just a movie don’t make me jealous!” He confessed.

“Jealous?” You giggle, then tried to hug him.

“N-no, no, you go hug Michael, he needs it more than I do.” Stu’s voice faking a sad tone. “Or go kiss his mask instead, cause apparently you don’t like mine anymore….ouch.” He continued.

“Well, if you say so…then I’m heading to Haddonfield then!” You said smiling to wait his reaction.

“No babe, don’t leave, I was just kidding.” He pouted, grabbing your hand so you wouldn’t leave.

“Ok..I promise to not saying anything like that again about Michael, if you promise to not get jealous.” You offered.

“Deal.” Stu replied smiling.

“I’m starving, wanna order some pizza?” He offered.

“Hell yeah.” You said, pizza didn’t sound that bad.

“Besides…I like your costume better.” You confessed.

“Ohh…” Stu was flattered, and couldn’t help but blush a little bit.

After that, you ate your pizza and cuddle all night, you being the smaller spoon. You quickly fell asleep in Stu’s warm arms.

Well I needed a little bit of humor with ghostie okay? 😭 I hope you liked it! See ya around 😊

[fandomfix13]

Get Him Back - Rafe Cameron 18+

* HI ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE IVE WRITTEN ANYTHING BUT IM HERE NOW

* TBH THIS IS MY FIRST TIME WRITING SMUT SO BARE WITH ME

* This is so super long and also completely filthy at parts SO MDNI and pls read warnings

* little bit of fluff? Def some pretty smutty smut. This did not start out as smut but here we are

* WRITTEN IN Y/N’s POV, lots of dialogue

*anything in italics is your inner monologue

Word count: 4K

WARNINGS: MDNI!, mentions of cheating (not rafe), toxic ex,  oral (giving and receiving), fingering, rough-ish??, p in v sex, hair pulling, light choking??, not rated e for everyone

The rain is pouring down in sheets. Falling harder than it has in a while. My head is pounding from holding back tears, that I might as well let out. I never thought that I would be in this situation. Forced out of my boyfriend's car after a fight at nearly one in the morning, with a dead phone, left to walk home alone in the pouring rain. How cliche. Not to mention the fact that I’m just over three miles away from home. What a dick. Some “man” he is to leave me like that. For all he cares, I could be kidnapped out here. However, it's highly unlikely being that I’m wandering in one of (if not the nicest) neighborhoods in this entire state. Constantly guarded by a neighborhood watch, with gated community after gated community.

 I can see the the sharp rain plummeting down in the glow of the street lights. Unlucky for me, the wind has picked up too making this walk even more miserable. At this point, I have two options; 1. I could continue to walk home in this miserable weather OR 2. I could lose all dignity and show up to Sarah’s house after not talking to her in months. Seeing as this storm is showing absolutely no sign of stopping, its looking like the second option is better. As I turn the corner, I approach the Seabrook Gated Community. A little ways down is the fence that Sarah and I used to hop all the time when we would sneak out. That’s my in. It’s an old rusty fence that is hidden behind some overgrown hedges behind some wildly overpriced house that rarely ever has anyone living in it.         

After nearly slipping off of the slippery fence, I make my way down the street to Tanny Hill. Mentally preparing myself for the absolute humiliation that will occur if Sarah opens the front door. We had our falling out about 3 months ago and we haven't spoken since. We have tried our best to avoid each other at all costs. At least I’ve tried avoiding her, that is, until this very moment. 

As I approach the front lawn, I genuinely consider turning around and quite literally braving the storm and walking home. As it is, I’m already soaked from head to toe and probably on the verge of pneumonia. However, I shake off my thoughts and walk towards the front door. I knock three times in hope that someone will hear. I don’t ring the doorbell out of fear of waking up the entire Cameron household which is the last thing I need to do. After a few seconds, nobody answers. This house is huge maybe they are coming. I convince myself that nobody is answering the door so I turn accepting my fate and I walk away. Suddenly, I hear the front door unlock and my breath gets caught in my throat when I hear his voice. 

“Y/N? Is that you?” Fuck. Me.

“Hey Rafe.” I choke out. God I probably look insane.

“What are you doing here?” he looks at his phone “at 1:26 in the morning.”

“Um. Is Sarah home?” I spit out, trying to avoid conversation.

“She’s not…but I am.” He leans against the door frame looking me up and down in a ‘you good?’ way. “You also didn’t answer my question.” He adds.

“I uh…I didn’t know where else to go.” I say quietly. I was right. This is in fact humiliating. He just stands there and stares at me. Clearly unamused at the fact that I still haven't answered his question as to why I am standing on his front porch looking like a wet dog. I would stare too. “Are you gonna let me inside? Or are you just gonna keep staring at me in silence.” I add.

“That depends.” He says lookin back into the house then back at me. “Are you gonna tell me why you’re here? Or are you just gonna avoid the question.” Touche. We stand here in silence for a moment as he watches me get pelted in the face by the rain and I chatter my teeth. He finally pushes the door open further and gestures for me to come inside. Thank go Sarah isn’t home because I would be shitting myself out of embarrassment right now. I walk in and Rafe opens a hallway in the closet as he reaches in and grabs a towel that he throws at me. “If You get anything wet, Rose will lose her shit.” 

“How kind.” I say with strong notes of sarcasm.

“Hey I didn’t have to let you in. I could've just left you outside on your own.” he’s right.

“Well you wouldn’t be the first guy to leave me outside tonight, so I probably would’ve been fine” I blurt out without thinking. What happened to me tonight is none of his business. Plus I’m sure he will hear about it anyway. However, he did let me inside which he did not have to do, so I could at least pretend to be grateful. 

“Damn. That's rough. Sorry about that.” he almost sounded embarrassed.

“No, it's fine. Thanks for the towel.” he nods and sits down at the kitchen counter. We stand in silence for a bit as I ring my hair out into the sink. This couldn’t be more awkward. Here I am standing in my ex best friend’s house with her older brother, who was in fact my first kiss in a game of truth or dare years ago, and who happens to be the best friend of my boyfriend who just dumped me on the side of the road in the middle of the night. This is just grand. “Do you have a phone charger? My phone is completely dead.” 

“Uh yeah its upstairs. Do you wanna-” he cut himself off before speaking again. “Do you just wanna come up with me so you can change?” Right. So. Apparently this absolutely CAN  feel more awkward. Whatever. I need to charge my phone and honestly a change of clothes sounds devine. I silently follow Rafe up the stairs and into his room. “If you want you can take a shower to warm up. Your teeth haven’t stopped chattering since you got here.” he’s being frighteningly nice. 

“Um sure.” I say hesitantly as I am incredibly confused by his nice attitude. I plug in my phone and Rafe hands me one of his old t-shirts and a pair of booty shorts that were surely left here by some random girl, but honestly I don’t care. I have to get out of these clothes. “Thanks.” I say taking the clothes and entering his bathroom, closing and locking the door quickly behind me. Literally what the fuck. There is no way this is really happening. 

I take my time in the shower as I let the steaming hot water warm me up for a while. When I’m done, I put on the clothes that Rafe gave me, and open the bathroom door seeing him sitting on his bed, scrolling through his phone.

“Hey Topper called you like five times when you were in the shower.” He says unfazed. My attitude shifts almost immediately. 

“You didn’t answer it did you?” I blurt out. Nice job y/n! That wasn’t suspicious at all!

“No…why would I?” he laughs clearly confused as I let out a sigh  of relief. Once again. Awkward silence. I take a seat on the edge of the bed going through my phone. “Are you gonna call him back?” he asks. Before I could answer him, his phone starts to ring. Toppers name is displayed on the screen. Rafe looks at his phone, then back to me, then back to his phone. 

“I am NOT here. Answer it. Put it on speaker.” I say frantically. Now he's intrigued.

“Hey Top!” Rafe answers. “Rafe! I fucked up man. I fucked up BAD! I’m coming over. I need a drink asap.” I am immediately shaking my head and mouthing ‘no’. “Top I can’t tonight man. My dad is on my ass and if Rose finds out I have someone over, I’m dead bro.” Is he seriously helping me right now? 

Topper scoffs on the other line. “Since when have you given a shit about what Rose thinks? I’m already on my way!” 

“Then turn around and go home man. I can’t tonight.”

“What is up with you dude? You never turn down a drink” its silent for a minute “Oh shit do you have a chick over right now?” Im disgusted at the change in tone in Top’s voice when he  brings up Rafe having a girl over.

“Yeah bro I do. And she’s alone right now in my bed so I gotta go. I'll call you tomorrow.” Rafe responds, very quick to go along with Topper’s question.

“That’s my man!” Topper laughs “is she hot? She better be hot!”

Even Rafe rolls his eyes at Topper’s comment. “Yeah she’s hot. Okay gotta go man.” Rafe responds as he hangs up the phone. Is that true, does he think I’m hot? I don’t care. Do I?

I let out a huge sigh of relief that we dodged the bullet of Top showing up here. 

“So. Are you gonna tell me why I just had to lie to my best friend?”

I shift nervously. “Well technically you didn’t lie. There is a ‘chick’ here and she is sitting on your bed.” I try to make a joke avoiding this conversation at all costs. 

“Y/n.” He says, raising his eyebrows. He clearly wants an answer. 

“I broke up with Top and he didn’t take it well.” I say on an exhale. He doesn’t say anything because he’s not stupid. He has probably figured out that much already. I let out a heavy sigh. “He kicked me out of his car in the middle of the road three miles away from my house in the fucking rain because I accused him of cheating on me. He told me that I had no idea what I was talking about. He said I was crazy, and that I was making shit up. But I’m not. I know for a fact that I’m not. It’s not the first time either. He’s done it before, which I’m sure you already know since you’re his best friend and he probably tells you everything.” I make that realization as I’m rambling my story out to him. Rafe is probably well aware of Topper’s lack of loyalty. 

“I uh. I knew about it the first time.” He admits. His honestly with the situation makes me laugh a little as I roll my eyes.

“Of course you did. Being that it was with your sister. I’d be shocked if you didn’t know.” The look on Rafe’s face instantly changes. It’s almost like he’s holding something back. “Unless…Sarah wasn’t the first girl was she. There was someone else.” Tears that I have been pushing back for weeks start to well in my eyes. Not because I’m sad, but because I’m furious. Even Rafe doesn’t know what to say. Without thinking, I grab my wet clothes and my barely charged phone, and head towards his bedroom door. “I should go. Thanks for the shower and-” 

“Y/n don’t be ridiculous” he says quickly following me. “You can’t leave right now that storm is getting worse” He puts his hand on the door, shutting it. 

I turn and he is standing close enough to me to create an odd sort of tension. 

“Why don’t you get him back?” Rafe suggests as I roll my eyes.

“I don’t want to get back with him Rafe I’m so ov-” he cuts me off.

“That’s not what I’m saying. I mean get him back. As in revenge.” he says as he steps closer to me. Jesus Christ I’m an absolute idiot.

“Revenge…right.” I laugh awkwardly. He continues to inch closer, creating an even bigger amount of tension. Not that tension is an unfamiliar thing with Rafe and I. There has always been a weird tension between us. Ya know…the whole best friends brother thing. I’ve known Rafe for almost 10 years. Something about his cocky attitude has always been attractive to me. Call it toxic. I don’t care. It’s just the truth. Rafe and I are standing right infront of each other. He is towering over me as my back is still to the door. 

“You know…They say that one of the best ways to get over a guy is to get under another.” He almost whispers while moving my hair out of my face. I can’t help but blush. The thought of getting back at Topper crossed my mind the second he cheated on me. The thought of getting back at him by hooking up with his best friend? That’s even better. Rafe leans down and starts to kiss my neck. “Rafe we probably shouldn’t do this” I whisper clearly enjoying it.

“Of course we shouldn’t. But I do shit that I shouldn’t do all the time.” He stops kissing my neck to look me in the face.

“Me too” I nod letting out a breath as I crash my lips onto his. The kiss is instantly filled with an insane amount of intensity. Rafe backs me up against the wall as he deepens the kiss. He moves from my mouth to my neck, leaving hickeys all over. He is making sure that I can’t hide what we are doing. And I’m totally here for it. His hands move from my hair, to my hips, to underneath the hem of my shirt. Well. Technically his shirt. I’m braless since my bra got soaked in that rain earlier. He quickly realizes this as his hand grazes over my tits. He starts to grip them while kissing me, making me moan softly until he stops for a second. 

“As hot as you look in my shirt…it’s coming off” he nearly growls. I lift my arms as he lifts the shirt over my head and throws it across the room. I reach for his shirt to take it off. Once he takes it off his mouth is back on mine. Our foreheads are pressed together as our bare chests are rising and falling against each other. He hoists me up, grabbing my ass as I throw my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. We don’t last long against the wall before we move to the bed.

He lays me down on the edge of the bed as he hovers over me kissing me yet again. Each kiss gets more aggressive. We bite each other's lips between kisses. He moves his mouth from my lips to my neck leaving more marks. Slowly, he makes his way to my chests. The marks he makes get darker and darker. He puts his mouth over my nipple, making me moan as he slightly bites down. He quickly moves his hand up to cover my mouth.

“Shhh. Baby we gotta stay quiet.” He says as he moves from one nipple to the other. I moan into his hand as he stifles the sound that comes out. His hand moves from my mouth to my throat as he wraps his hand around it lightly. His lips meet mine again. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this.” holy shit. I moan into our kiss as his hand is on my throat. His hand travels down my body until its hovering over my shorts. He’s moving his hand from one thigh to the other. Barely grazing the spot where I need him the most. I breathe into our kiss as his hand stops at the waistband of my shorts. He’s such a fucking tease. He hovers his hand there for a minute sensing that I want more. 

“Oh my God Rafe” I moan out of anticipation.

“You want more baby?” he smirks against my lips.

“You know I do” Smartass.

“Say less” he moves from his position above me, to kneeling on the floor at the edge of the bed. He hooks his fingers around the waistband of my shorts, pulling them down, revealing my bare pussy. He pulls me closer to the edge of the bed and spreads my legs in one swift motion, causing my breath to hitch. He leans down and attaches his mouth to my clit. This of course causes another accidental moan to slip from my mouth. I immediately throw my own hands over my mouth to quiet the noise. His tongue is swirling circles over my clit as he inserts two fingers without warning. As hard as I am trying to stifle my sounds, nothing could stop the groan that I let out at this moment. He moves his fingers at a faster pace that matches what his tongue is doing. 

“Holy Shit Rafe.” I whine.

“You like that?” he smirks up at me. I nod and roll my eyes to the back of my head before shutting them tightly. But suddenly Rafe stops. “Open your eyes y/n. I want you to look at me when you cum. I want you to see who is making you feel this good.” I do as he says and open my eyes as I prop myself up on my elbows to get a better view. “Atta girl” He smirks before burying his face into me yet again. He adds a third finger as I throw my head back while remaining eye contact. He curls his fingers as he eats me out and I want to scream at the pressure building up inside of me. I reach forward and tangle my fingers through his hair as he grins up towards me. 

“Rafe! Oh my God” I let out a string of other soft noises and words.

“Go ahead baby. Cum for me,” I look Rafe in the eyes as I jerk my hips and arch my back, completely unraveling in front of him. As he removes his fingers from inside of me, he brings them up to my mouth. “I want you to see how good you taste.” he says as I take his fingers into my mouth until they are clean. He removes his fingers from my mouth and laces his hands through my hair as he devours me with a kiss. 

“That was incredible.” I breathe heavily.

“Oh we aren’t done yet princess.” the sound of him calling me princess was enough to nearly send me over the edge again. 

“I’d hope not” I tangle my tongue with his as he deepens the kiss by pulling my hair back. I reach for his pants and I undo his belt. 

“Eager are we?” he scoffs, pulling away for a moment. He removes his belt and  his pants. Leaving his boxers for me to remove. I gesture for him to sit on the edge of the bed where I just was. When he sits, I climb onto his lap, straddling him over his boxers. I can tease too. I lean in kissing him as I slowly start to rock back and forth on his lap. I can feel him getting harder by the second. To be honest this is doing just as much for me as it is for him. I start to kiss his neck, leaving marks similar to the ones he left on me. I start to rock faster back and forth until he is letting out moans the way I was. I cover his mouth.

“I thought we had to stay quiet.” I give him a sly smile before kneeling on the floor and removing his boxers. I come face to face with his cock as I run my tongue up the side, looking up at him while I do it. I move my tongue to the other side slowly, taking my sweet time. 

“Fuck y/n” Rafe groans as he places his hand in my hair. 

I wrap my mouth around the head of his cock and start to suck slowly, using my hands to work the rest that I can’t fit in my mouth. I bob my head up and down while I look up at him, my eyes are starting to water. He grabs my head and slightly pushes me down further, and I can feel his tip hit my throat. When it does Rafe lets out a deep moan with a mumbled string of “oh fucks”. After a few minutes, I can sense that he is going to cum. I don’t bother asking where he wants to finish before he finishes in my mouth. I swallow and look up at him with a smile.

“Holy shit. You really know what you’re doing.” He lets out a heavy content sigh. “We still aren't done yet. I need to be inside you.” He says laying me back down on the bed. I still cannot believe that this is happening. 

Rafe wastes no time climbing on top of me leaving sloppy kisses up my chest and meeting my mouth with his. “You sure about this?” He looks down at me.

“Never been more sure about anything.” I nod. 

“Good” He says as he grabs a condom from his nightstand and puts it on. Seconds later, he is lining himself up at my entrance. His tongue plunges into my mouth as he enters inside of me. His cock stretched my pussy perfectly. He moves with smooth motions leaving us both moaning into each other's mouths as he starts to pick up the pace of his thrusts. He brings his hand to my throat once again,barely applying pressure, making me let out a moan that was too loud to be stifled. He doesn’t seem to care. 

“You like when my hands are around your neck?” He whispers in my ear.

“Yes! Oh my god yes” I am starting to get louder. He moves his hand from my throat to my mouth to keep me quiet again. I moan into his hand as his thrusts hit the perfect spot inside of me. He can tell that he has hit the spot when my hips start to buck in perfect rhythm with his thrusts. I am almost screaming into his hand. As he leans down to kiss me again. 

“You gonna cum with me?” he asks, pressing his forehead against mine. I nod unable to speak, to stop myself from screaming. “Words y/n. Use your words” 

“Fuck yes. I’m gonna cum!” I whine out. He thrusts in and out a few more times, hitting the spot perfectly making me squirm underneath him. With one final thrust, I arch my back as I scratch my nails down his, definitely leaving scratch marks. We cum simultaneously as we let out deep and hungry moans into each other's mouths. He just gave me the best orgasm I have ever had. He pulled out and laid next to me.

“Holy shit. I’ve waited so long to do that.” he says looking at me out of breath.

“Me too. I always had a crush on you ya know.” I say looking at him equally as out of breath.

“Yeah I know.” He smiles and lets out a soft chuckle.

“Took you long enough to do something about it.” I laugh back.

“Thank God I did. And I plan on doing it again. Just so you know.” I winked at me 

“I’d hope so.” I smile, laying there next to him. He was right. That was the best way to get over someone. 

** hi! I really hope you liked this. If you did and want to see more let me know what you want to see! I had fun writing this and in my many many years of writing fanfics this is somehow my first time writing smut so I hope it was okay lol ❤️

[moonlightdreamzz]

kill bill

part one

you return back to korea one year after you and hyunjin broke up, only to find out he has replaced you. how could he replace you?

→ g: all of it. the pain, the sexy, the happiness. angstsmutfluff! <3

🎧 ➤ kill bill by sza

warning! you’re a heartbroken bitter ex girlfriend here, although for a valid reason. party environment! mentions of (w**d) and alcohol, language, and infidelity!

I'm so mature, I'm so mature

I'm so mature, I got me a therapist to tell me there's other men

I don't want none, I just want you

If I can't have you, no one should

it felt so, so good to scream these lyrics from the pit of your stomach. you imagine anyone that could hear you and felix passionately singing alongside sza had many questions, the first being; who hurt you? but, as always neither of you care in this moment. the two of you have finally finished cleaning up the dorm in preparation for changbin’s surprise birthday party; the only thing left to do now was decorate and get ready.

you have no idea where the rest of the members are, but who are you to ask questions? knowing your friend, he didn’t trust them to get the job done in time. they could be so damn silly sometimes, taking forever to do the simplest tasks. it was adorable watching their sad attempts to hold all their jokes and playful tendencies within. they failed every time.

felix, who is clearly exhausted from your early morning grind can’t help but to back into the wall and slide down to the wooden floors. he takes a deep breath before blowing upwards, causing the hair covering his forehead to lift ever so slightly.

“someone’s tired.” you chuckle, deciding to lay on the couch over the cold wood. you are so tempted to beg felix for a quick nap, but you know he’s gonna ridicule you for it if you do—in a friendly way of course. he has been talking about this party and how perfect it has to be for what felt like forever. you know deep down his real reasoning for being so prompt was because of who’s birthday it is.

“how can I truly be tired though, y/n?” his aussie accent is thick as he confesses his shame to you, “you came all the way here, landed early as hell in the morning with jet lag, and here you are cleaning with me. i need to get up.” just like that, felix has risen again and stretches his arms out before moving to start taking the decorations out the box.

he was always too hard on himself. “lix,” you coo, walking towards him and placing your hand on his shoulder gently, “getting rest is vital. even if for thirty minutes, why don’t you relax for a little bit? at least close your eyes?”

you can tell he’s considering it by the way his eyes look straight ahead into nothingness, but just as quick as the thought comes, it goes. he inhales deeply before continuing to take things from the huge brown box.

“i promise I’ll rest after this is all over. i just…i don’t want anything to mess up on my end.”

so, they really were all the same huh? those words trigger what feels like a thousand memories into your mind— all of someone you know you will have to see tonight. you were certain he has spoken that exact sentence to you on multiple occasions when you expressed how worried you were about his physical and mental health. you still have no idea what you’re going to say when the two of you eventually bump into each-other at this party.

you’re fidgeting now, and felix’s heart feels as if it wants to jump out of him for the day, but not because he was in love with you or anything. no, felix was incredibly guilty. he knows you’re thinking about his bandmate. you were always so…dazed when he was on your mind.

all day there has been this weird silence in the air between you and felix, which was abnormal to say the least. before you moved back home, you were two peas in a pod. your conversations could last for hours if you let it. all of the boys, but especially felix told you that they loved how free they felt around you. they loved how normal they felt in your presence. you didn’t know why it was such a bad thing, but apparently it was a sin here to have some fun.

the minutes keep passing by and felix has yet to utter a word to you. have things really changed this drastically since you left? was he angry at you for leaving? did you not check up on him enough?

“felix i—

“hyunjin has a new girlfriend!” he spits out as if there was a pistol on his scalp. the balloon he was blowing up flies from the machine, squealing as it tries to find a place to land. if there was a metaphor to describe what those words just did to you, it was that. you felt like a lifeless balloon. the tension in the room is so thick you feel like your throat is about to start closing on you.

your clear vision is now red, so much so, that you were certain your tears would be the same color if you weren’t fighting for your life to hold them in your tear ducts. you hate that even after a year, exactly a year by the way, that he still has so much control over your emotions.

“who?” are the only words you can manage.

felix thought that confessing to you would make him feel better, but as he watches you clearly refraining yourself from having a mental breakdown, he feels a thousand times worse. maybe he should have listened to changbin and chris when they told him to just let you see it. no—he was right. if you were going to hate him, he would rather you be able to say he warned you instead of you finding out from seeing hyunjin waltz in here with his new woman.

“some girl. she’s not famous, and I have no idea where he met her. i’m sorry, y/n. i know you’ve been going to therapy and everything and I just—I never wanted to trigger you. it’s still not an excuse I just—

“lix,” you finally breathe after what felt like days, even though it had only been a minute or two. “i’m not angry with you. how could I be?”

“because i’m your friend.”

“you’re his friend too.” is all you can muster. you know a look of defeat was prominent on your features, but you can’t fake it right now. it wasn’t worth it. you’re trying to push it down, but the rage is burning in the pit of your stomach. you looked so sane to the naked eye. upset? sure. pissed? maybe? but you were way more than those two emotions. you were heartbroken and livid all over again; a woman scorned. all you can hear in your mind right now is the last thing hyunjin uttered to you.

i will never be able to replace you. i need you to breathe. i love you. i’m so sorry. i’m sorry I failed you when I promised I never would.

you heard it in your dreams and nightmares what felt like every night. his voice cracked so clearly on the phone that night. he usually tried to be tough for you, pretending as if nothing could get to him, but not this time. he was so hysterical.

you believed him. you didn’t want to, but he was sobbing. or maybe your ego was big as fuck, and the thought of hyunjin unable to move on from you fed into your fantasy of him suffering without you. you hated that you felt this way, but it doesn’t matter now. it was all a lie.

“y/n.” you hear felix trying to snap you back to reality.

there’s a million things you want to say. you want to see her. you want to ask felix if hyunjin is as happy as he was with you. but you figure you’d save those questions for when he had to see you tonight. if he moved on genuinely, fine. but he was going to have to say it to your face.

“I’m cool.” you smile as if you hadn’t heard the news. you begin ripping the plastic off the decorations you assumed went on the wall based on their shape. you can feel felix’s doe eyes burn holes into you, but you learned a long time ago how to ignore that.

“you sure?” he questions in disbelief.

“positive. i just needed a minute to digest it. I’m good.”

the song you and felix had been shouting the lyrics to has replayed, neither you or Felix knowing the lyrics sza was singing beautifully would foreshadow what was to come later tonight.

I did it all for love

I did all of this on no drugs

I did all of this sober

Don't you know I did it all for us?

fit pics; a necessity when going to any function, but especially when you want your ex to feel sick to their stomach.

yes, you are that girl that makes your friends take your pictures over and over again—hating them all. no, you are not ashamed. this was jisung’s fifth round of taking pics of you, and you are trying so hard to hold in your laughter at his frustration. he’s looking at you, and you know he hasn’t blinked or breathed—already knowing that you’re going to tell him you don’t like the twenty new pictures he’s placed in your camera roll.

“if you don’t like these, i don’t know what to tell you. you look mad good. stop acting like that.”

“you’re lucky I’m pleased.” you smirk, pushing him playfully, “this is the least you can do for the many years you’ve spent trolling my ass, or have you forgotten?”

“i don’t know what you’re talking about.” he smirks back. his eyes attempt prove his innocence, but they fail and he can’t help but to push you back to play it off.

the music can be heard from outside of the dorms, and you have no idea how they are pulling this off tonight, but you never ask questions; you simply follow suit. you didn’t intend on missing the surprise, but jisung called you frantically saying that he was going to be late and that he would owe you if you pulled up alongside him. truth be told, you pretended that you were fine with being late because you loved him oh-so much, but in reality you wanted to make an entrance.

you wanted hyunijn to pace back and forth as his new girl got ready—heart practically beating out of his chest at the thought of having to see you. you knew he would arrive in preparation to say surprise! to his bandmate, subtly searching for you everywhere. obviously, you aren’t there, but he won’t know whether you are just in the bathroom, late, or not coming at all.

the time will continue to pass—but still no sign of you. his girl is there, so he won’t express his interest about your whereabouts out loud, but he will text felix wondering where you are. she’s coming, is all felix is going to respond, already receiving the text from you that you were running late to ride with jisung, but not wanting to spill your beans to your ex, regardless of the fact that he was hyunjin’s friend too.

you know his anxiety is going up and down right now. he’s probably not paying ole’ girl any attention because hyunjin knows. he fucking knows that any second now you will walk into that dorm and he’ll have to recall his last words to you. he’ll also have to see how damn fine you look tonight from head to toe. he’ll think of every single late night he tried to replace your body, but couldn’t. you love changbin so much, but he was crazier than you when it came to his lovers. he will understand. you also know he’s probably ten shots in by now, so if he was upset with you, the alcohol had drowned it away.

“come on.” jisung instructs. you’re surprised he’s not snapping in your face like everyone else does when you daze out. it had rained earlier, so the weather is perfect—not cold, but not hot. you and hyunjin love this kind of weather. if the two of you were still together, you’d probably be outside whispering sweet nothings to each-other while smoking a blunt and embracing the relaxing breeze that blew through the city.

you follow your friend, taking his hand that was extended out to you. he knows you too well. your anxiety was beginning to build up from the pit of your stomach. it always makes you feel sick and dizzy and you want to turn around and run off, but you can’t. your feet have began to hurt too—your boots although fashionable, never being the move when you were going to be standing for a long time.

“these are some of the trainees that’ll be in the next group.” jisung spills as you approach the entrance. you can’t tell whether they want to be here or not, but you can’t lie, this is adorable.

they greet the both of you respectfully—you, only because you were with their hyung, and the two of you step in promptly. immediately the smell of marijuana clouds your senses, and you can’t help but let out a cough. the music was so loud that you know you will likely have a headache in the morning, but it was worth it. there are people everywhere and they’re all doing the same thing; smoking, taking shots, and trying to find their person for the night.

“look who it is, finally.” a drunk changbin stumbles your way, immediately embracing you and picking you up. he reeks of everything in this room, including women, but you expect nothing less from the man of the hour. he looks nice—a typical all black fit from him. he continues to slur things to you that you can’t understand, but you know it’s something along the lines of “i’m so happy to see you.” and “don’t think you’re running from these shots.”

jisung doesn’t understand what he’s saying either, and the two of you make eye contact before he pats changbin’s back to put you back down in the ground.

“happy birthday!” the two of you yell in unison. ah, you would be lying if you said you didn’t miss him. he was always so sweet to you, and in this moment as you and jisung congratulate him on another year of life, you heart is warm seeing the genuine smile on his face.

“thank you, love.” he slurs once more. “you know, you were always my favorite. my favorite girlfriend that is. smart, gorgeous, and actually fun.” the music seems as if it’s gotten even louder, but you hear him loud and clear.

now you’re the one smiling. “thank you. i got you a lot of gifts, but the rest of them I need you to open sober. here’s one you can have now.” you see jisung’s panic as you hand his bandmate a little bottle of hennessy. you know the second either you two walk away or changbin does, that he’s going to cuss you out for not telling him you brought a gift. “from me and jisung.” you add with a potent smirk on your face. you see him exhale beside you, and here you are again holding in your damn laugh.

“now y/n…you know you have to take a shot with me, right? thank…thank you.” all of a sudden there’s a hand on changbin’s shoulder, and she’s pulling him back towards where the bedrooms are. you make your false promises knowing he won’t even remember you’re here soon.

“you owe me two, han jisung.” you twirl to face him now.

“yeah, whatever. look, as always I’ll look out for you, but I can’t lie it’s time for me to put some shots in my body and find me something to lick on…for later.”

“ew! you’re like…fifteen.”

“i’m literally twenty-two?” he blinks repeatedly.

“whatever. i’m going to the bathroom.”

and you’re off. you see a couple of familiar faces on what should be a short journey to the restroom, but isn’t due to how crowded the this place is. your heart is racing, fearing that you’ll say excuse me to someone, and they’ll turn around just for it to be hyunjin. you planned this out so well in your head, just to be shaking in your boots now…literally. your feet hurt even more then they did ten minutes ago.

you finally make it to the restroom after what feels like forever. you’re afraid to even go in there, terrified about who you may see partaking in adults activities and not wanting to argue with someone who was hogging the room just because they hate parties. you hate those kind of people.

you knock—nothing. you knock again—nothing. you can barely stand now because you genuinely have to pee, and maybe there is someone in there, and they are responding— you just can’t hear them, but fuck it. you open the door quickly, closing it just as fast so a creep doesn’t try to slide in here with you. you’re about to run to the toilet when you notice someone very familiar sitting on the floor with his face buried in his hands. no fucking way. no way.

he looks up at you, his eyes irritated at first from being intruded on. he probably did say someone was in here. but the second he sees you, his eyes widen. it’s as if he’s seen a ghost.

“y/n…y/n?”

you haven’t heard him say your name in a year. you haven’t heard his voice. you don’t know how you’re still standing considering the fact that you’re having a stare down with the love of your life. you know your eyes are softening as you continue to make eye contact with him. he’s still so…beautiful. how was it possible that he has become even more attractive, even with his eyes slightly red. had he been crying?

snap out of it, y/n!

just as quick as all of the memories begin to run through your head, you turn the movie off, pulling down your shorts and panties. “move, hyunjin.” is all you say, quickly sitting down on the toilet and emptying your bladder. he scoots ever so slightly, eyes still burning holes into you even as you pee loudly and your eyes look straight forward now.

this isn’t happening right now, is it?

authors note: part two coming soon…🤝🏽 I wanted to make this one big story but I said … that’s going to take too long to finish hehe. i hope you guys liked this.

© 2023 moonlightdreamzz. no one has permission to steal my work in any way, shape, or form.

[cevansbrat0007]

The Lonely Hearts Club: Part Two

Summary: Full Story! Breaking up with Andrew Barber is hard to do. You of all people should know, considering you just tried. Now what? Read Part One.

Warnings: Mature Themes, Angst, Discussions of Break-ups, Fun with Exes, Jealousy, Andy Being a Menace, Confident Reader, Eventual Smut, Cursing, Expect Additional Future Warnings, Minors DNI

A/N: Dedicated to @atkissoflife, @that-one-anxious-mango, and @piscesmermaidprincess. This multi-part fic features a combination of requests from the likes of @writer84, @lexivass, @moejdaw, and several others. It is also, part of my ongoing Growing Pains Series. All mistakes are my own. Likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated.

___

February 15th - 12:25am - Los Angeles, CA

Wow. Just...wow.

You stare down at your phone as you wait for the bartender to bring you your check. While you had initially been prepared for Andy to be upset over your note, as well as your pretty abrupt departure, you certainly hadn't expected this.

If anything, he seemed almost...unbothered. By all of it. Granted, it was sometimes hard to gauge a person's tone via text. But you'd also been in a relationship with the man for the better part of six freaking months! At this point, one could argue that you were practically fluent in Andrew Barber and all of his fucking moods.

The guy was up to something, without a doubt. Which meant that you were now officially on high alert. Because your man - your ex - had never been the type to play fair.

Especially where you were concerned. You should've known that it was gonna take a hell of a lot more than a handwritten letter and a box of artisanal muffins to knock some sense into his stubborn ass.

"Argh! You are such a fucking ogre, Andrew!" You groan, burying your face in your hands. "Why can't you ever make things easy?"

The next time you look up it's to see the bartender returning with your credit card. She goes to hand it over, only for you to interrupt her mid-sentence.

What was her name again? You could've sworn it started with a "D".

"Sorry, I know I said I was ready to close out. But since men are stupid, I think I'm gonna need another margarita. Quite possibly two."

Delta gives you a sympathetic nod before pocketing your card once more. "You got it, sweetie. Still want sugar instead of salt?"

"Yes, please." You mumble, reminding yourself that it was okay to feel annoyed. Because you were. This was supposed to be your time, damn it. You deserved to take some space for yourself!

Even if it meant sitting alone at a hotel bar, missing the one person you loved more than anything, the day after motherfucking Valentine's Day. Cheers, bitches.

___

Two Weeks Later – Somewhere in Downtown Boston

Andrew Barber stares blankly at his computer screen, mindlessly tapping his index finger against his temple as a fresh wave of anger courses through his veins. 

He’d been so good the last two weeks. So patient and understanding. He’d given you your space, just like you’d asked. Never intruding with the exception of the text he shot off that night.

Even when he’d come across your latest Instagram post from a few days ago showing off your apparent date with another man. Some pretentious looking fucker who went by Russell Cromwell. You two had looked real cozy while sharing a plate full of Birria tacos. And then you’d posed outside of the restaurant with your arms wrapped around his waist. 

But the real kicker had been the last photo in the carousel. The one where you’d kissed him on the cheek – when you’d done the “knee thing” that actresses used to do in those old black and white movies you loved to watch so much.

Oh yeah. The two of you would be having a discussion about that one real soon. His wayward Baby Girl could count on that shit. 

Honestly, you had no idea how hard falling back had been for him. It had been a real struggle. Because at his core, Andrew Barber was a man of action. He was well-known for his cunning and mental prowess. This was a man who had graduated at the top of his class, who had then gone on to become the youngest District Attorney in the city of Boston’s history. 

And in times of crisis, he was someone you could count on to remain calm and collected while you worked towards a solution. Nothing could shake him, save for the trial and media circus that had briefly surrounded his late son. 

After that particular tragedy, Andy had resigned himself to being alone. Forever. He often tried to convince himself that he preferred it that way. Andrew Barber didn’t do love. Not after what happened with his ex-wife, Laurie. He was better off living a life of no commitment. 

Even if it meant a lot of lonely nights filled with a seemingly endless revolving door of meaningless one-night stands. 

And then he’d met you. 

Yes, you.

The woman who had somehow, against all odds, brought magic back into his life. Your laugh, your smile, your very presence – it colored his whole goddamn world. He told you that all of the time, and yet it was almost as if you didn’t believe him.

At first, he was convinced that you were too good to be true. Although he’d been quickly dispelled of that notion when you’d had the balls to walk out on him during your very first date. It’s quite possible that he’d fallen for you right then – because you were the type of woman who knew her worth.

By then, Andy had become convinced that you were a gift from the universe. The way he saw it, after everything he’d been through, he was owed you. You were the woman of his dreams – his very salvation – all wrapped up in a curvy little package. And when you ran that night, it called to the primal part of him that felt compelled to give chase. 

Just like now.

But what you had yet to understand was that, once a man like Andrew Barber had deemed you his forever, there was no going back. There was no letting you go. No means of escape.

At most, he’d been granted you a temporary reprieve. You both needed time to assess the situation, survey the damage, and then calculate your next move. 

And sweetness, you’d already played your hand when you’d left that little note skipped town under the pretense of taking a fucking business trip.

Fine. Now it was on him. And while you still held most of the cards, that certainly didn’t mean that Andrew Barber was walking around without an ace or two in his back pocket. And you had better believe that he was more than ready to play his own. 

But first…he needed some fucking coffee. And lucky for him, he knew just where he could find the perfect cup – shot of chocolate, dash of cinnamon, hold the whip. 

___

Forty Minutes Later – Monarch Media Group (20 Minutes Outside Downtown Boston)

You lean back in your chair and rub your tired eyes. For the life of you, you simply couldn’t seem to focus today. Or any other day for the matter.

Even though it had been almost a week since you’d returned from your trip to L.A., you still felt just as conflicted about things with Andrew Barber as you did before you’d left. And not only that, but you also found yourself feeling on edge about the entire situation.

Because after your brief text exchange the morning of February 15th, he’d left you alone. The most impatient man you’d ever encountered this side of Boston had actually found it within himself to respect your wishes. 

No calls. No texts. No emails. Not even so much as a fucking smoke signal.

And while part of you was pleased with that particular development, there was no denying the fact that you missed your Big Man. 

You could be woman enough to admit it. You missed the hell out the handsome, grumpy-faced district attorney who, up until recently, had been a major mainstay in your life. But after some serious soul searching and a generous amount of tequila, you’d come to the conclusion that it was important for you to get your mind right before moving forward with anything.

You owed it to yourself to figure out who you were outside of your relationship with Andy – needed it even. Because that man was a force to be reckoned with. He could be so dominant sometimes, his personality so completely all-consuming that it was easy to lose yourself in him. 

To allow yourself to become so entirely eclipsed by his brilliant shadow. Which is something that could absolutely happen the moment you stopped paying attention to your own wants, and needs, and desires.

And if that ever were to happen, part of you wondered whether or not you would be able to find your way back. Honestly, you had no idea.

Because after all of this, if you chose to be with him…it would mean that you were all-in. There was no other option with him.

That beautifully stubborn man didn’t have a lower setting.   

However, the last thing you’d ever expected was for Mr. Andrew “My Way or the Highway” Barber to go quietly into that good night. Well, suppose you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Because if anything he could very well be planning–

Your inner musings are interrupted by Anya, your favorite receptionist at Monarch Media Group. Granted, she was also the only receptionist at the company you’d worked for over the last several years, but that was neither here nor there.

Anya gives you a knowing look before taking a seat on the edge of your desk. “Hi, friend.” She lightly pokes your shoulder. “How ya doin?”

“I’m okay.” You blow out a breath and then decide to exit out of your Outlook. “What’s up?”

“Oh…nothing much.” You watch as your friend and coworker helps herself to a piece of chocolate sitting in a nearby dish. 

“Okay.”

“I just stopped by to tell you that your coffee has arrived.” She dutifully unwraps it before popping it in her mouth.

“What?”

You hadn’t ordered any coffee. You didn’t usually even drink the stuff this late in the day. Unless…

“Yep. And just so happens, it was hand-delivered by the handsomest door-dasher I ever did see.” Anya pokes your shoulder again. “I would’ve accepted it on your behalf, but the guy insists on giving it to you himself. Probably angling for a tip if you ask me.” She throws you a conspiratorial wink for good measure.

Speak of the devil. Hello, Mr. Andrew “Check Out My Shit Timing” Barber.

“Ugh.” You bury your head in your hands to muffle your cry of frustration. “Can you please just tell him I’m not here?”

“I’m afraid I already let that cat out of the bag. But by the look on your face and the way you’re rocking back and forth like a human pinball, I take it I shouldn’t have done that.”

“No!” 

“Did you and Andy like…break up…or something?” Anya pauses as she reaches for another piece of candy, her hand hovering in mid-air.

No, Anya. I always feel like jumping out the nearest window. I’m fucking squirrley like that.

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” You wail. “It’s just…it’s just really fucking complicated, okay?” 

“Gotcha. So…about the coffee…” 

“I’m going. I’m going.” You stand up in a huff, wishing you knew where you put the ponytail holder that had been on your wrist just this morning. “But if he pisses me off, I’m dumping that shit on his shoes. Hot or not. I do not care.”

“Okay, but if it comes to that can you please try to do it off company property? I’m all for you handling your business, but I’m also thinking about all the paperwork I’m gonna have to do if you accidentally injure one of the city’s hottest attorneys.”

“Fuck you.” You grumble as you stalk towards the front of the office to confront the annoying asshole who also happened to be the love of your life. 

“What can I say? I’m a selfish bitch.” She chirps, blowing you a kiss.

“Your words not mine. And stay the hell out of my chocolate, you mooch!” You call out as you turn the corner, fully intending to give the Boston D.A. a piece of your mind before you politely, and very firmly, shoved him out the door. 

Because if that man thought that he could just waltz right into your place of business and act like he owned everything and everyone, then he was sorely mistaken. You were going to prove to him, and whoever the hell’s job it was to oversee this whole godforsaken cosmos, that you knew how to stand your ground.  

The sight of him standing right there in the lobby is easily enough to temporarily rob you of all reasonable thought. His back is to you, giving you the brief opportunity to give him a thorough once-over. His tailored white dress shirt is rolled up at the sleeves, exposing his brawny forearms. But what really draws your attention are his slate gray slacks, which only serves to highlight his perfectly sculpted backside. 

He looked good. Nobody deserved to look that damned good, least of all your ex-boyfriend. 

Wait. Is that – is that what he was now? Is…is that how all of this worked? Fuck! 

You note the lack of tension in his broad shoulders. All things considered, he seemed pretty relaxed. But the real question was…how long could it be expected to last?

Andy picks that moment to turn around, his bright blue eyes locking with your own as an eager grin slowly spreads its way across his handsome features. You take a steadying breath and choose to ignore it. 

“Andrew.” You exhale, trying your best to appear unaffected by his presence. It was a lie, of course. But if you managed to keep this unexpected interaction short and sweet, you just might be able to pull it off. “Wh–what are you doing here?”

“Hi.” He cocks his head to the side as he drinks you in, almost as if he’s amused by your disgruntled demeanor.

“Hello.” You cross your arms over your chest, wishing that you had chosen to wear a different sweater today. Andy loved you in this color, especially because of how it paired with your particular skin tone. 

“Happy Wednesday, baby.” 

God, he really needed to lose that stupid smile. Otherwise, how on earth were you supposed to maintain your composure? 

“Sure.”

“Brought you something.” Andy holds out one of the cups of coffee he’s carrying. “Figured you might be able to use a little pick-me-up.” 

“Thanks, but I’m good.” You tell him with a shake of your head. 

“What? Since when?” He rears back before offering up a playful pout. “We always get coffee together on Wednesdays. It’s our thing…our little afternoon delight.” This time you’re treated to a wink.

“Shh!” You hiss, bridging the distance between your bodies to slap a hand across his mouth. “Don’t say that!” 

The last thing you needed was someone to overhear that and think you two used to sneak away sometimes in the afternoon to…to well…you know. Some of the people you worked with possessed very vivid imaginations.

And besides, that whole afternoon delight business had only happened once or twice. Okay, quite possibly four and a half times – and then one more after that. 

Amusement sparkles in his gaze as he stares you down. And then you feel the faint flick of his tongue brush across your palm. When you don’t react he does it again, this time following it up with an exaggerated groan. 

You immediately jerk your hand away as if you’ve just been burned. Knowing that things were only bound to get worse, you snatch one of the coffees before grabbing his arm and dragging him outside and into the unseasonably warm weather. 

Thank goodness for small favors.

The smell of spring was definitely in the air these days, but all you can focus on is the sound of Andy’s laughter trailing behind you. Frankly, it’s enough to set your teeth on edge. Even still, he allows you to lead him down the street. At some point there’s a slight shift that results in your relinquishing his arm so that he can lace his fingers through yours.   

But you'll allow it if it means that he’ll behave for as long as it takes to make it to your destination. Which just so happens to be an empty bench located at the edge of a nearby park.

To his credit, the attractive buttface at your side doesn’t say anything during your impromptu power walk, but he also doesn’t need to. Because after two long weeks without you, the man was probably venturing into serious touch-starved territory. 

You knew it. And so did he. So part of you didn’t see the harm in giving him this one, small thing.  

Relief fills you when you finally reach the bench. Of course Andy sits first before pulling you down with him – but thankfully not onto his lap. Although you’re positive that the thought was there.

Eventually he lets go of your hand. Unsure of what else to do, you finally take a sip of your coffee. The rich, slightly bitter flavor of chocolate and mocha bursts onto your tongue, followed immediately by a quick hint of cinnamon.

Mm. A perfect cup.

“I’ve missed you, baby girl.” Andy’s large, lightly calloused hand cups your face – the roughened pad of his thumb caressing the curve of your cheek. “It hasn’t been a very fun couple of weeks.”

“I know.” You whisper as you lean into his touch and your eyes flutter closed. Perhaps you were just as starved for affection as he was. “I’m sorry.”

“Did you miss me?” His tone is gruff, but there’s no mistaking the emotion behind his words. Or the pain in his eyes for that matter. 

“I did, Andy.” So much.

“But you still left. Tried to break up with me before hopping on a plane and running off all the way to L.A. to share some chips and queso with good ol’ Rusty.” Your eyes fly open as Andy’s hand drops away. “Or did I read that wrong?” 

How the fuck had he known where you where? You hadn’t included anything about your intended destination in your letter…

“I saw it on your Instagram, in case you were wondering. Was actually able to use that stupid account you set up for me after all.” His teeth sink into his bottom lip as he narrows his gaze, trying to read your expression. “Couldn’t really get much else, although I enjoyed those pics of you at the beach.”

“It was a work trip.” You remind him, suddenly feeling defensive. “And Russell is an old friend, nothing more.”

“Hm.” Andy quirks an annoyed brow. “Are we talking about the kind of friend who also  accompanies you to the beach so you can show off your brand new bikini? Not that I’m complaining any about that gorgeous, sunkissed glow you’ve got going on, princess.” 

His big body is certainly tense, but there’s no ignoring the feral gleam in his eyes. Almost as if he’s dying to undress you and spend the next several hours checking you for tan lines. 

And he would, too. It’s not like it would be the first time. 

“I went alone. Russell stayed behind for that one.” You roll your eyes at the sight of his nostrils flaring. “Jesus Christ, dude! I know you may not believe that I’m a big girl, but I am. And if I wanna go hang out at the beach by myself, then that’s exactly what I’m gonna do!”

Which was exactly what the fuck you’d done. And it had been positively marvelous. 

“Fine.” He grunts, raising his palm towards the heavens. “God forgive me for having the sense to worry about my girl, especially since the last time I checked, she still couldn’t swim for shit.”

“Whatever, Andrew. This girl does whatever the hell she wants now, so you had better get used to it.” Your mouth is set in a thin, firm line while you silently dare him to disagree.

“I’m not quite sure how that’s different from any other day with you, but alright.” Andy tries to calm himself by playing with a stray curl that’s fallen free from your bun. “You’re still mine, sweetness. Even when you insist on being a brat. Or did you somehow forget that part?”

You swat at his hand instead of responding, hating that steady feeling of warmth that was currently pooling in your belly. 

“Did you?”

You make a show of ignoring him in favor of enjoying what was left of your coffee.

“You know, they say that sometimes silence speaks louder than words, baby girl.” You find yourself resisting the urge to clench your thighs together at the sound of the dark chuckle that rumbles through his chest. “It’s alright, though. Guess I’ll just have to remind you again once we get past this little wall you’re trying to put up between us.”

He gifts you with a flash of his pearly white teeth. Andrew Barber was the type of man who would only let you get away with so much before he put his foot down. And you would do well to remember that. 

“Pretty sure you meant to say “actions”, jackass.” Apparently he finds your acerbic wit funny as well.

“Eh, I’ve heard it both ways.” Andy shrugs before going back to toying with your curls. “But I think you should know that I’m not very happy with you, baby. And I’m trying to be patient here, but it’s kinda difficult when I can’t even get you to talk to me.”

“I was going to call you…” That wasn’t a lie. You had just been trying to drum up the mental fortitude you knew it would take to pick up the phone and actually dial his number. Sometimes, dealing with Andrew Barber could require some serious patience. 

“Were you now?” He doesn’t believe you. You can hear it in his voice.

“I was.”

“Okay, then have dinner with me tonight.” He releases your curl, watching the way it bounces as it springs free.

“Andy.” You let out an exhausted sigh.

“Meet me at my place. I’ll swing by Imperial Wok and pick up a few of your favorites so we can eat. And then we can talk in a quiet, private setting without any interruptions. How does that sound, princess?”

“Wonderful.” The word slips out before you can catch it. “But I–I can’t.”

Andrew Barber’s excited smile dies on his lips the moment that phrase reaches his ears and registers in his brain. As much as you hated to admit it, being alone with this man wasn’t a very good idea right now – especially behind closed doors.

Because while you’d never seen the man in court, you’d definitely heard plenty of stories about his ruthlessness. And you knew firsthand just how persistent he could be when he was determined to get his way. 

When Andy wanted something, he didn’t stop until he got it. Not only was he relentless, but he also wasn’t above using every tool at his disposal – including sex – if it meant having you back in his life. It wouldn’t matter all that much to him how it came about.

The same way he wouldn’t care if whether or not your desired reconciliation only happened because he’d lured you into his bed before fucking you back into submission. 

“The fu–why the hell not?” He growls, his hand grips the arm of the wooden bench so hard his knuckles go white.

“Because I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?” The pronounced tick in his jaw makes it clear that he’s beyond frustrated by your refusal. 

Unfortunately, that was too damned bad! By the time this was all said and done, your handsome ogre was going to have mastered the art of having some goddamned patience. At least you hoped that would be the case…

“Both.” You offer your Big Man a small apologetic smile as you rise from your seat. “Let’s plan for sometime next week. Maybe we can shoot for Monday. I’ll, uh, send you a text or something and we can find a place to meet. But I really need to get back to work now.”

Andy stares at you for what feels like a full minute as his impressive brain works overtime to figure out his next move. And then he stands up before taking your empty cup and discarding them both in a nearby trash bin.

“Alright.” He mutters with a nod in your direction. “I guess I’ll just have to wait for your message then. Now, let’s get you back to your office.” A lump forms in your throat when he wraps a muscled arm around your shoulders as you two begin walking back the way you came. 

Fuck, you really hated this shit. But if this relationship was ever going to have a chance of working, you had to continue standing your ground. Even though it hurt like hell.

“I, um...I know you said that we probably won’t be able to sit down and talk until next week. And I suppose I can understand where you’re coming from with that, but while I have you now…” He lightly coughs into his elbow.

You glance up at your hotshot attorney, trying to figure out where he was going with this so that you could potentially cut him off at the pass.

“I at least wanted to say “thank you” in person for still agreeing to help Lydia with the charity gala this Saturday. I’m sure that it wasn’t an easy decision for you, especially given how things have been between us lately. But I really do appreciate it. And, frankly, I’m sure the kids at St. Augustine’s do too.” 

You feel the blood drain from your face as the reminder of this weekend’s event all-but smacks in the face. “Shit!” You hiss, pulling away from Andy as you reach your building. “It’s this Saturday? Are you sure?”

 “I am.” He confirms, his eyes filled with surprise. “I just spoke with Lydia yesterday when I–”

“Fuck!” You exclaim as your hands fly to your hips, uncaring that you just interrupted whatever it was he was about to say. 

In all of the chaos, you’d completely forgotten that you had agreed to help the wife of one of Andy’s colleagues with her annual charity ball. Starting by arriving at the hotel early Saturday morning to aid in the event setup, before heading up to your room to get ready for the evening's festivities.

A room that had been booked during a time when you and Andy were on much better terms.     

“She did mention that she sent all of the volunteers an email a couple days ago with a list of instructions. Maybe it got buried in your inbox, baby.” He rests his hands on your biceps, giving you a reassuring squeeze. “But she is definitely expecting you and I’m afraid it’s probably too late for you to back out at this point.”

Deep down you knew he was right. And quite honestly, you wouldn’t even dream of doing something like this close to the actual date of the gala. But there was still the issue of having to share a hotel room with your ex.

Closing your eyes, you force yourself to take a deep breath. “I–I wouldn’t do that. I’m not that big of an asshole. I just don’t think it’s a good idea for us to share a room…” You trail off, hoping that he would at least be somewhat understanding of your current plight.

“Ahh.” You can see the moment when realization finally dawns. “Right. Almost forgot about that.”

No, he actually hadn’t. But since Andy didn’t feel as though there was any real need for you to know that, he was going to keep that particular tidbit to himself. Even he was capable of showing some restraint every now and again.   

“Like I said…” You find yourself anxiously bouncing on your toes. “I don’t think –”

“I get it, sweetheart.” 

Wait. He did? Just like that?

“You do?”

“I do.” His words are accompanied by a lopsided grin. 

He didn’t. But then again, you didn’t need to know that either.

Andy’s hands leave your arms so that he can tenderly cup the sides of your face instead. “You just leave it all to me, baby girl. I’ll call the hotel and change the reservations.”

“You will?” You place your smaller hands overtop of his own. “You…you don’t mind?”

“Not at all.” Andy leans down to press a sweet kiss to your forehead. “And I promise to be on my best behavior Saturday night.” He gives you another kiss, which you allow. “If you want, I’ll even send over the updated confirmation info.” 

“Thank you.” You murmur, wishing that you could give-in just a little more and offer up your lips for a kiss. A real one this time. 

But you couldn’t afford to do that. Not even when Mr. Andrew “Give Me A Gold Star For Being Helpful” Barber was acting sweet. That would only throw everything off balance all over again. 

Andy’s heated gaze drops to your mouth before he slowly pulls away. “Don’t work too hard, okay?” His husky voice sends one last tiny flutter through your belly. 

“Same goes for you.” You tell him as you begin to head into the building.

“Goodbye, baby girl.” 

“Goodbye, Andrew. See you Saturday.” 

He waits until you’re safely inside and out of sight before turning on his heel and proceeding in the direction of his car. Oh, you’d be seeing him on Saturday alright. And he would be on his best behavior – depending on just how much patience he could muster. 

You two would be sorting this shit out then, whether you liked it or not. When it was over, you’d both spend the rest of the weekend making up for lost time. And Andrew was going to do everything in his power to ensure you enjoyed every fucking second of it. Just like he planned to enjoy getting reacquainted with that delicate sweetness between those luscious thighs. But first…

He needed to go make a call.

END

*Part Three Coming Soon...*

___

Unofficial tag list -

@blueraspberryreader

@openup-yourmind

[farfaras]

I think I got an ex but I forgot him.

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3 (this is it.) AO3 link.

–

Their plan changed. Them planing to come out changed things, mostly the storyline they were going for. Jonathan realizing he was lonely and didn’t actually love Steve as a way to end the relationship seemed too gut wrenching for a baby gay to witness. So that was out.

The timing of them getting together would stay the same. But instead of those elaborate phases they planned, they would just take it one day at a time. Like normal couples would. When they decide to break up, they would just say they realized they work better as friends. Simple, easy.

Today was probably the hardest part of the plan. Coming out to everyone. Dustin actually convinced them, made them believe that the whole crew would be supportive. If anything went sideways Steve was definitely putting this on him.

They had get togethers almost weekly now. It was a comfort thing. Most of the time the brats used these gatherings to play their nerd game. The rest of them just hanging out. Steve only wished Mike took better care of his basement.

The party and Eddie were playing their game on the table. Steve made sure he sat down close to Jonathan, Robin on his other side. Eleven and Max were reading some comics in the corner, on a beanbag. They looked comfortable.

Steve was anxious. He didn’t know how Jonathan could take this level of anticipation and anxiousness. He was fidgeting almost violently, so Jonathan took his hand in his. Robin, who was in the middle of a rant, faltered for a second before going back to talking. Both Steve and Jon’s attention on her. Even though she was still talking, she looked Steve in the eyes and raised a single brow. He knew what she was asking. He hopefully telepathically sent the right message.

When the party announced that they finished their session for today, Mike rushed to get some drinks. Jonathan dropped his hand and resumed his previous position. Steve caught Will and Eddie curiously eyeing the movement, while Dustin was downright staring and not so subtlely hiding his grin.

Everyone was chatting amongst themselves, when Mike returned Jonathan cleared his throat. “Uh, guys?” His voice was slightly louder than it normally was. Also firm. “We have some news.”

Mike raised an eyebrow. “Who’s we?”

Steve spoke up. “Me and Jonathan.”

“Unexpected but welcomed duo, huh.” Robin tried to lighten the mood. It was like every time someone heard the word news they assumed the worst. Steve gave her a grateful glance.

“It’s nothing bad, don’t worry.” Steve reassured them. They seemed to relax at that, nodding and giving them their full attention. Jesus, their faces were earnest and curious. Steve didn’t know if he was gonna survive this. He turned to Jonathan. “Should you tell them or do you want me to do it?”

Jon gave him a small and teasing smile. “I’ll tell them. You got the worst of it already.”

“Hey! What the fuck? I thought we were cool, Jonathan.” Dustin protested when he heard Jon. And that reaction just proved his point.

Jon just stared blankly at him. “Someone just spit it out already.” Mike said, rolling his eyes like the impatient little shit he was.

“You just don’t know how to wait, huh.” Lucas shot back.

“Shut up.”

“Grow up, Mike.”

“Oh, please…”

Eddie’s voice cut through the argument dryly. “Kids! Please, just stay quiet so they can say what they need to.”

Jonathan muttered a quiet thanks before taking a deep breath, probably mentally preparing himself. “I’m just gonna say it.” He looked around, then directly at Steve, before addressing the whole group again. “Steve and I are dating.”

It was like Steve was able to watch all their reactions in slow motion. He mostly just felt Robin’s, her gasp and the way her neck almost fell off from how fast she turned to them. Eleven just nodded and went back to reading, he supposed they haven’t taught her all about what the world thinks about homosexuality? Max’s was kinda scary, she just smirked as if she was going through all the new material she had to tease Steve in her mind. Mike and Lucas both raised their eyebrows, they were comically up. Will’s eyes sparkled and widened at the revelation, he was surprised too. And Eddie was almost unreadable. His mouth slightly opened and he looked shocked, frozen.

Mike broke the silence. “There’s no way.”

“It’s true!” Dustin looked ready to defend them if anyone had something even remotely weird to say.

“You knew?!” Lucas almost shrieked.

“I did.” Dustin looked so proud.

Steve didn’t want to look at Robin right now, he had absolutely no idea how she might react. Or if she was gonna be mad about not knowing first. He felt a hand in his that wasn’t Jon, so he looked up to find Robin softly looking at him. She squeezed his hand. “Thanks for telling us, both of you.” She directed this to Jonathan, too.

“It’s kinda weird that you both dated the same girl,” Max started. “But I guess you’re cute, or whatever.”

“Cute or whatever.” El repeated. Still not paying much attention to them.

Steve laughed. “Thanks?” “I guess.” Added Jon.

The only ones who haven’t said anything were Will and Eddie. The rest of the room put their eyes on them.

“Oh. Um. Even if it’s kinda unexpected, that’s great.” Will nervously said. He looked around. “Right?” A chorus of yeses and rights filled the room. Steve could breathe easier.

“Yeah, great.” Eddie muttered. “We’re all happy for you guys.” His smile was small, almost subdued.

“Okay, now that that’s over,” Jonathan tried to end this conversation, the kids wouldn’t have that though.

“Wait! I have questions!” Lucas of all people exclaimed. “When was this?”

“Uh– well. We got together a few weeks ago. If that’s what you were asking.” Steve answered.

“When?”

“Like 2 weeks after.” Jon replied. They didn’t need to say after what, it was implied.

They answered all their questions with their planned answers.

Who made the first move? Actually Jonathan because Steve wanted to go at his pace.

How did they get together? Jonathan asked him after they came out to each other.

Were they in love? (This was El) At that, they got caught off guard, they didn’t expect someone to ask that. “We haven’t been together for long, El.” She didn’t seem to understand but left it alone after Max said she’d explain it to her later.

Everyone, like Dustin said, was supportive. Which they were grateful for. And Steve was also super happy for Will and Robin to see that their friends would support them too when they decided to come out.

Steve just didn’t know why Eddie was so quiet all of the sudden. He wasn’t like that, which made Steve worry he was actually not all that okay with this. He didn’t want that to be the case, he didn’t think that was the case. But people could surprise you sometimes.

Steve and Jonathan were holding hands while they answered questions. Whenever Steve chanced a glance at Eddie, he looked like he was staring at their hands but quickly redirected his gaze to something else. Steve felt uneasy.

All too soon it was time to go. Everyone was climbing the stairs, Jon was pulling his hand to get out of the basement. Eddie was still packing some of his stuff. Steve stopped walking. “Go ahead, I’ll catch up with you outside.” He told Jon and pressed a kiss to his cheek. He just nodded and left the basement. Now it was just Steve and Eddie.

“Hey, Eddie.”

“Yeah?”

“What’s up with you?” Steve hadn’t known Eddie for long. But during these last months they had developed a friendship, so Steve thought he knew Eddie an appropriate amount to know something was off.

Eddie’s eyes were slightly more open than usual. “Nothing’s up. Why do you think that?”

“Well, you were awfully quiet at the end there. Not really like you, is it?” Steve went up to Eddie so now they were standing in front of the other.

“Yeah, I’m just kinda tired you know.” He was looking down at his feet.

“You’re not… uncomfortable, are you?” Steve was scared that he might regret asking that. But the way Eddie wasn’t even looking at him right now, made it hard.

Eddie’s eyes widened and worry splayed over his face. “No!” He loudly said. “Not at all, please don’t think that.” He sighed. “I really am just tired, Steve. I promise.”

Steve nodded, maybe he was being paranoid. “Okay, I just. Well, I was worried for a sec.”

“I’m sorry.” Eddie moved his hand, like he was gonna rest it on Steve’s shoulder but then he aborted. Okay, that didn’t really help his case, but Steve wanted to believe him. “I know how I could’ve come across. But I’m happy for you, Steve. Um, both of you. You deserve it.” He smiled and didn’t give Steve time to respond before he bolted.

When Steve stepped outside, Eddie’s van was already gone. Will, Jon and Robin were waiting for him by his car.

“Just ‘cause you’re the boyfriend now doesn’t mean I’ll give you shotgun privileges, Byers. I hope you know that.” Robin deadpanned.

Jon put his arms up, innocently enough. “I didn’t expect you to.”

“Good.” Robin narrowed her eyes at him. “We’ll have to schedule our shovel talk, by the way.”

Will cackled while they all climbed into the car.

The ride was short, or more like it felt short. Steve didn’t even feel like time was passing with his friends making him laugh and happy.

He dropped off Jon and Will first. Jonathan gave him a peck on his cheek as a goodbye before he and Will entered their home.

Robin was awfully quiet when it was just the two of them left. She was unbuckling her seatbelt to get out when she decided to say something. “I could’ve sworn it was gonna take you longer to figure out your sexuality.” She looked at him, fondly. Steve was expecting a lot of things, but not that. “Even if I wasn’t given an exclusive, I’m happy for you, Dingus. Hope he treats you well.” She got out of the car with a salute, the dork.

What did Robin mean by all that?

-

This was like a whole other level of fucked up. The universe really liked to just tell Eddie “fuck you!” whenever it wanted. And this moment felt like it was up there, in the top 5.

It was one thing to have a crush on a straight friend, who was so unattainable that he didn’t even need to worry about ever bringing it up, outside of his mind. Steve was a great friend. Which just made him crush harder. It was so easy to almost, not completely, ignore it. Eddie had it all mapped out, he was gonna pine from afar until Steve got a girlfriend. Then he’d make himself get over him. He knew it wasn’t gonna be easy, but he had to. For his sanity.

Leave it to Jonathan freaking Byers, to throw that down the drain.

Eddie was well aware how bad his reaction was to the whole thing. He didn’t want Steve thinking the worst of him. He tried his best at reassuring him that he was happy for them! Even if he wasn’t at all. But at the end of the day, Eddie figured he’s still a coward. Because he ran so fast at the first opportunity he had to get out of there.

He supposed that now that Steve was taken, he still would have to get over him.

But it was so much worse now.

Steve being straight kinda softened the punch of any unrequited feelings Eddie had. He had to accept the cruel reality of Steve never even being able to return them. And he was sure he could live with that.

What he wasn’t sure he could live with is Steve liking guys, but still not liking him.

He bitterly wondered what could Jonathan possibly have that he didn’t. Which wasn’t fair at all because it wasn’t his fault that Steve would choose to date him instead of Eddie. Eddie even liked Jonathan.

This was gonna be torture. But Eddie knows that he was still gonna suffer through it. There wasn’t anything really, that could keep him away from Steve.

[mrs-johansson]

Escape from LA - Lisa Manobal x Fem!Depp!Reader

Part 1:

“And the Grammy goes to… Y/n Fleur Depp!” The present read out the card and I just let my head fall back as I let out a big sigh. My sister was the first to bring me in a big hug and then my manager and producer who were also such a big part of this album. I hugged everyone around me and at the table next to us was Harry sitting. I looked over and he was already on his feet clapping with a genuine smile on his face. I put my hands together and leaned forward a bit to express my gratitude.

Walking up the stairs will never get old or boring, it’s always a huge honor. Accepting the award I stepped up to the mic.

“Thank you so much for this. Ugh… It’s always an honor to get one of these but I think it’s even more special to me to be named beside my fellow nominees. I would’ve never thought that my name would be in the same conversation as ABBA. Absolutely insane to me,” I chuckled looking down at the award. “And everyone else in the category, you guys are incredible and the art that you all create is what this world needs and I’m just happy to be named beside you. I uhm… I wanna thank Romeo and Phil, my producers and Jenna, my manger. My family, of course, you guys are the best. But mostly my amazing fans, who relentlessly support and love me, and without you, I wouldn’t be standing here, so thank you.”

***

Y/n Fleur Depp parties with sister, Lily-Rose Depp and ex-boyfriend Harry Styles at the 2023 Grammy after party

The Depp sisters enjoy a night out in Los Angeles after the Grammy Awards

Y/n Fleur Depp bags 2 Grammys just before kicking off her Reflections World Tour

Y/n Fleur Depp supports Harry Styles at his Melbourne concert just a week before her world tour kicks off

***

“Tonight we have a very special guest with us, multiple Grammy award winner singer, and songwriter, please welcome Y/n Fleur Depp,” said Jimmy Kimmel, and as the door opened I stepped out, waving to the crowd and making my way to the chair after sharing a hug with the host.

“Y/n, welcome to the show, how are you doing?” Asked Jimmy. “Thank you, happy to be here. I’m great, how are you?” I asked politely. “Great, thanks. Are you and Harry back together?” He replied so fast and my eyes just went wide as the whole crowd started cheering. “Oh no, we’re not. I’m absolutely single, believe me. I don’t need anything right now,” I chuckled uncomfortably. I admit I’ve been talking the most with Harry since we’ve broken up but there’s nothing between us and we both know there’ll be nothing. “Okay, just making sure. Did you enjoy his concert?” “Yes, definitely. He is an amazing performer so I wasn’t worried.” “You start your tour in two days and it’s gonna be a very long journey. You start in LA on February 22nd and the last date is in Soul, Korea on December 22nd. That’s a long tour.” “Yeah, it is. But it’s gonna be awesome. We’ve been preparing for a while now and I’m very excited to see everyone and sing the new songs,” I smiled giddily and the crowd cheered hearing my words. “How do you prepare for a tour like this? I mean obviously, you have the dance stuff and all but mentally and physically?” “Yeah, I prep for the show with all of the dancers 3 times a week for like… 3 months. But I work out every day also, even if it’s pilates or gym. Shows can be very hard on your body when you perform 5 times a week for two and a half hours, so I try my best to prepare for the year. And mentally I guess I just try to enjoy every quiet moment before going on the road. It’s very hard obviously being away from my friends and family but someone always comes to each show so that’s nice,” I explained. “And as I know, you bring your cat on tour with you.” “Oh absolutely. He’s my baby, I can’t leave him for that long.” “His name is Bucky, right?” “Yeah,” I smiled. “How did you get the name?” He asked. “Uhm… I really like the Marvel movies and Bucky is one of my favorite characters of all time so I thought why not? The Winter Soldier already seems like a black cat type of guy so I chose that.”

After the interview, I got back to the green room and I was a little angry not gonna lie. “I go to one of his shows with literally multiple people and have one drink with him at the fucking Grammys, and suddenly we are back together. How does that work? And besides, we broke up over 4 years ago,” I packed up my bag and grabbed my phone. “You know they always do this, don’t bother,” said Chloe, my assistant, as we made our way to the car. “I know they do, but fucking hell, I can’t be single for one goddamn minute.”

***

“Hello, it’s Y/n Fleur Depp and today I’m gonna let Elle ask me anything,” I smiled at the camera.

“What’s your favorite memory from doing your last album?” Asked the journalist.

“I’ve got to work Doja Cat on one of the songs and I think it was one of the greatest days of the album making. We just had such a fun time with that song and we were just vibing a lot. She has a really interesting character and it was refreshing to work with someone like her.”

“What are you most passionate about outside of singing?”

“Ooh, that’s a hard one… food? I don’t know, I just love to try new stuff and cook new stuff. It’s a fun thing to get into.”

“Biggest pinch me moment in your career?”

“Oh my god, on my last tour, I was in New York, performing at Madison Square Garden and it was like halfway into the show and I looked up to the… well VIP section I guess and Rihanna was there, dancing and singing along. I almost fainted.”

“What is the best industry advice you’ve received?”

“Enjoy every second of it. I think especially now with social media, there are so many opportunities for people to make it in the music industry. And now, someone can easily take your place overnight if their song is gonna be a trend on TikTok. So I enjoy every little moment.”

“Who’s your biggest cheerleader?”

“My sister Lily, for sure. She has always been my biggest supporter. Since we were little kids, she always made me sing her favorite songs. And even now, even if I have a show on the other side of the world she will fly out and dance and sing through the whole thing. She’s the best.”

“What’s your 5-year plan for your personal life?”

“Oh damn… Uhm… I just want to be in a secure and stable place. Definitely move out of Los Angeles, it’s been too long for me to live here. I want to live somewhere different and new and have new experiences. And uhm… be in a calm and loving relationship.”

***

“Come on people, night one,” I stood in a circle with all of my dancers. “I just want to say how proud I am of us and the work all of you put into this tour. I am extremely grateful for all of you because everybody in this crew is so amazing, dedicated, and talented. I want us to have fun. It’s gonna be a long road but we’re gonna shake up the world and do some incredible stuff. I love you all and let’s have some fun,” I said and we cheered before putting our hands in the middle. “Reflections on 3, 2, 1!” “REFLECTIONS!”

I stood on the lift and I got my mic handed to me. Then the intro for Ready for it began playing on a loop.

The podium rose and the crowd erupted in cheers and screams. “Los Angeles… Are you ready for it?” I said and seconds later the song started.

About an hour into the show, I was at the front of the runway part of the stage. Sitting on a chair with only a guitar and a mic stand.

“Before we dive into the next song I wanna thank all of you for coming,” I said and as soon as they started cheering I smiled widely. “The last few years were absolutely crazy. ” I looked around the stadium. “But now, we are finally at peace kind of and I think we should enjoy it. We worked so much on these shows because I think we all took doing concerts for granted and me and my crew want to give you the best. It’s so cool to be back on stage, in front of all of you. Uhm… I love you and thanks again,” I smiled and they all cheered which made me smile even more. I just love that they love me.

Doing another hour and a half was a little exhausting but I enjoyed every second of it. “Thank you so much, Los Angeles, I’ll see you tomorrow,” I blew kisses all around the stadium as the lift was moved down.

I walked behind the stage and as soon as I stepped into the hallway, I had champagne sprayed all over me as my friends and family screamed around me. “Oh shit,” I covered my face as the champagne was just coming. “Congratulations!” heard Lily’s voice before she hugged me as soon as the alcohol stopped flowing. “Thank you, it was so fucking cool,” I said. “Oh my god, it was!” She shook my shoulder and I hugged everyone who was around basically then made my way to the dressing room, changing to something that wasn’t covered in champagne.

Once I cleaned up, I checked a couple of messages on my phone when I heard a knock on the door. “Come in,” I said, still scrolling through my phone. “I brought some guests, sissy,” Lily spoke and I looked up immediately, not hearing a noise from the guests.

All of a sudden Blackpink was standing in front of me with shy smiles. I’ve met Jennie before and we clicked really well. She is a very funny and sweet person, but I haven’t met the other members yet. “Oh my god, hello,” I went to hug Jennie and she was quick to greet me too, before turning to her members. “It’s Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa,” she pointed at each of them. “I know, I’m a fan, you know that. It’s so nice to finally meet you,” I said, honestly feeling happy to meet them. “We’re happy to see you, it was an amazing show by the way,” said Rosé with a noticeable Australian accent. I put my hands together and bowed my head. “That means a lot coming from you. We should hang out. Are you guys free for the next…” I looked down at my watch, checking the time. “…couple of hours?” I asked and they all looked at each other before nodding their heads. “What do you have in mind?” Asked Jennie. “We could have some drinks back at the hotel if you’d like. It’s a calm place,” I suggested. “Let’s do it.” Jisoo excitedly said and we all chuckled. “We’re gonna be great friends, Jisoo.”

[giggly-squiggily]

Lee Nurugai and Ler Shion Pleaseee (Hell's Paradise)

AHHH YES! I haven't written for Ler!Shion yet, so this was a delight! I've gotcha covered, y'all! (Also I'm really sorry, but I'm gonna have to turn down the Tokoyami All Might request- it's nothing bad; I just don't really know how to write those two interacting if that makes sense- sorry!)

Cloud 9 (Taglist Peeps): @thatbigbisexual29 @cupcake-spice13 @rachi-roo @imjusthere07

“My, what do we have here? Gabimaru and Nurugai? What a sight for sore eyes.”

Gabimaru dropped his head low with a groan, suddenly very tired. Nurugai blinked, confused by her master’s words and cheeky smile. “I don’t get it.”

“Don’t you, now? I suppose we don’t see eye to eye on these things.” He puffed, proud. Nurugai looked even more lost as the small shinobi beside her let out another low, exhausted noise. “Not a fan of jokes, Gabimaru?”

“Jokes are fine when they’re funny.” He leaned into his fist as he watched the blind swordsman take a seat, hands quick to assist his student in cleaning their weapons. “Did you sell your soul to the comedy gods?”

“Perhaps. One shall never know.”

“Sure you didn’t get the short end of the deal?” Gabimaru asked. He instantly regretted it when Shion paused, thoughtful.

“I suppose you could say it was a…short sighted decision.” He grinned.

Gabimaru fell backwards with a loud groan. Nurugai laughed, though he was unsure whether it was directed at him or the joke. “Walked right into that one, didn’t you?”

“Forget this island, I’m gonna die from terrible joke poisoning.” That earned him a snicker from the older man, Nurugai grinning in her arm as she put away another sword. “Can’t you go five minutes without telling one?”

“I could, but where’s the fun in that?” He put away the final sword, finishing their small pile. “In life, we need humor. Else we’d be far too devastated to go on.”

Gabimaru didn’t have an argument for that. Tossing an arm across his eyes, he blocked out the sights of the world around him, suddenly very tired. Did he use too much Tao again? He could practically hear Sagiri lecturing him now.

“Before we all came together here, Tenza-” The girl paused, something sad cracking her voice at the mention of the man’s name. “Our comrade- he acted just like you. He was so over Master’s puns; one time he challenged him to a duel.”

“Really now?” Gabimaru peeked from his arm, brows furrowing. “Did he win?”

The child shook her head, something warm in her expression. “Nope. Master was far too skilled. I like to think he might have won if he had help…”

A pause. The two looked at each other and then at Shion, currently lost in thought.

“Do you think…?” He began.

“It’s worth a shot.” Nurugai nodded.

“Hm?” Shion, who had come back too, looked up in their direction, tilting his head curiously. “What is?”

“Master…if Gabimaru and I fought you and won...” Nurugai stood, stretching.

“You stop with the puns. Or at least, reel it in.” Gabimaru crouched to his feet, preparing to fight. “What do you say?”

“...” Shion was a picture of calm, considering their offer. In the distance, the rest of their party seemed to fall quiet as well, noting the sudden change in the air.

“It seems…” He began, folding his hands in his lap. “You two failed to see the outcome of your decision.”

“Huh-” Nurugai began. It was the only warning either of them got before Shion pounced, moving far faster than either expected.

Gabimaru was the best of the best from his village. Any other day, he’d be able to move, grab Nurugai and avoid the ambush. 

Today though, he had overused his tao, leaving his body exhausted and sluggish. He was quickly pinned to the ground by the blind swordsman. 

“Even as exhausted as you are, you still fight. I admire you for it.” Shion didn’t seem phased at all by Gabimaru’s weak attacks, mentally comparing them to a feisty kitten. Nurugai knew better, opting to escape instead, but Shion’s quick hand grabbed her by the shirt, pulling her down beside the ex-Shinobi. “And where are you going, Nurugai?”

“Wait! Wait, master- hang on!” She cried, suddenly panicked. Gabimaru had no idea where this was going, but judging by the small smirk on Shion’s lips, he was sure he wasn’t gonna like it. “Forgive us, please!”

“No can do. Not only did you turn on your master, but you sided with a criminal as well. That is truly unforgivable.” Shion’s playful tone softened the harshness of the words as he properly trapped them, shaking out his arms so his hands were free of his sleeves. “Any final words?”

Gabimaru didn’t have any. He simply raised his chin, gritting his teeth for what’s to come. He could handle it!

The second those fingers touched his ribs however, it was all over.

“Gah!” He gasped out, just barely fighting down the growing laughter in his throat. Beside him, Nurugai was a giggling mess in an instant, swatting at Shion’s hand as he clawed at her side. “No-nohohohoho! Nohohoohoh tihihihihickling!”

“Aehahahahahahaha! Mahahahhaster, pleahahahhahse!” Nurugai squealed, her voice shrill with mirth as she wriggled in place. “Wehehehe’re soohohohohoharry!”

“As I’ve said, your actions are far too unforgivable. You must face your punishment.” Shion tsked softly, as if he was wounded by his student’s “Betrayal”. His hand stuck to her side as his other pinched and kneaded up and down Gabimaru’s ribcage, earning a series of grunts and barks between fits of giggles. “As for you, Gabimaru- well, I won’t deny I’ve been a tad hurt. You find my jokes rather lacking.”

“Tehehehell behehehehehtteheheher johohohohohkes thehehehehn- GEHAHHAHA!” A howl ripped from his throat when Shion dropped his hand to his belly, pressing in with little warning. “COHOHOME OHOHOHON NOHOHOHOT THEHEHEHERE!”

“I wouldn’t be so quick to sass me- I’ve witnessed all of Sagiri’s antics and know just where to tickle you.” Shion was smiling- a proper one at that. Gabimaru didn’t know if he wanted to knock it off his face or hide away from it. “My, you truly are quite sensitive, aren’t you?”

Oh, he wanted to punch him. He wanted to sucker punch him in the nose so bad-

Beside him, Nurugai had taken refuge in his collar, burying her face against his shirt with white knuckled fists gathering the fabric. Her laughs were still loud- almost enough to pierce his eardrum, but Gabimaru didn’t complain. If anything, it reminded him of his wife. Her laugh was like that too when he tickled her neck- going from soft to shrill in seconds. The image made him smile.

Then Shion found that terrible spot along his lower belly and all fond memories faded in an instant as the ticklish took over once more. “AH! Nohohohoho, not thehehere, you sohohohn of a-”

“Mahahhahahahster, pleahhahahahahhahse!” Nurugai cried, eyes starting to mist over as she weakly pushed at Shion’s hand kneading her hip, squeaking like a mouse caught by a cat. Gabimaru, not wanting to blow out either hers or Shion’s eardrums, had covered his mouth with his arm to block out the noise. It worked- somewhat. “Pleahahhahahse foohohoohohrgiihhiihihive uhuuhuhus!”

“Hm…” Shion considered, pausing briefly as the pair beneath him gasped for air. “Well…I suppose I could forgive you..”

They waited, breathless and giggly. Shion nodded his head slowly at both of them, drawing out the anticipation.

“.....Very well.” The weight pinning them down was released. Nurugai cheered weakly with a laugh, remaining where she was as Gabimaru covered his face with his arms. He didn’t need a mirror to know his face was bright red. He thanked whomever was watching over him that the rest of their vanguard party wasn’t there to witness it. “I suppose I can turn a blind eye for now.”

“Pfft-” Maybe the tickling broke his humor, or perhaps he felt a bit bad for hurting Shion’s feelings, but Gabimaru couldn’t fight off the snort that escaped. Before him, Shion seemed surprised.

“Don’t-” He began when Shion fluffed with pride, only to laugh again as he sat up, gently shoving the blind swordsman. “Whatever. You got me once. Just once.”

Nurugai giggled as she sat up, eyes dancing as she looked at Shion. “Round two!” She cried, leaping upon him before either man could react. Gabimaru took his chance to back away as student and master duked it out, the girl surprisingly coming out on top from the looks of things.

“Had fun?” A hand touched his shoulder, making him jump. Just like that, he could feel his Tao begin to return. “Master Shion can be rather devious with his tactics. Best not to get on his mischief side in times like this.”

“Speaking from experience?” Gabimaru raised a brow as Sagiri took a seat beside him, grinning when she pinched his shoulder. “You don’t have to worry about it, you find all his jokes funny.”

“Not all. I simply humor him.”

“Uh huh. You know what he told me? He said he’d turn a blind eye to us.”

Sagiri sputtered a laugh, barely fighting it back as Gabimaru hummed. “Humoring him my ass.”

“One more word out of you and I’m tickling you to tears.”

“Sorry mom.”

He managed to get away before she could grab him, giggling like a child as he bolted. It didn’t take long before Sagiri had him pinned and tickled once more.

Worth it.

Thanks for reading!

[yourfifitherealone]

I'll Always Love You, No Matter What pt2 What I Did

When you woke up you felt a arm wrapped around you in a warm embrace. You let out a relaxed sigh softening your shoulders and closed your eyes. (I didn't fall asleep with anyone did I?) You jumped up and looked behind you, it was your ex in your bed. "What the hell Midoriya?!" "Well good morning to you too darling." He said giving a tiny head bow.

"Get the hell out of my house!" He laid back down, protesting. "But it's comfy and I'm still tired pleaseeee?" You hit him in the chest and get out of bed. "This is so stupid, stupid, stupid..." I started mumbling to myself (I can't believe he's fucking here, in MY house!!) I started heating up (he's not supposed to be here-). "Hey you okay?" The bed creaks as he sits up he looks considered.

"Why are you here?!" You felt tears rolling down your cheeks. "Hey don't stress too much, the baby. C'mon sit." I couldn't even hesitate before he sat me down on the bed by my waist. "I just wanted to see you, make sure your okay, make sure the... baby's okay." Deku said with a laugh. "Why do you care so much?" You asked, defeated.

"Well I'm hoping it's mine even if it's not. I'm so ready to be their father. And maybe hoping that we can get over what happened." "Why do you keep coming back I told you I literally cheated and you still care and get jealous and even break into my house?" He was starting to try to move past it. You didn't really think I could really just to tell him. You didn't really cheat this baby is 100% his. But even tho he acts like it, most people don't want kids or especially a woman with kids.

He'd just leave eventually, after my body changes after pregnancy, taking care of a baby financially, nobody wants that. I wanted him to see me at my best not whatever this was. I know it's bad to say but it feels so true. "I still love you. It'd take a lot and I mean a lot to get me to stop. You were my first love and probably my last. You'll always be beautiful and nice to me" he kissed me on my cheek.

I was tempted to tell him. I felt so guilty. Oh by the way, all your family friend are expecting a baby shower in a few hours." "WHAT?!" He laughed, "See it'd be nice to get gifts for the baby and I bought some diapers a few bottles for the baby." "Why would you do that Izuku?" He shrugged "But they'll be in the backyard so get... mentally prepared for that, doll."

You were stunned you couldn't believe this but you could believe Izuku the dramatic villain would. You rolled your eyes "ughhhh I need food." "I'll make breakfast" He skipped out the room with a smile on his face.

*a few hours later*

You thought it was VERY extra and to invite all your friends and family to a little party in your back yard that you didn't even know about until minutes before it started but you can admit that the party was very enjoyable. You honestly didn't even know how he knew all your friends in the first place, but you don't doubt he searched through your phone or staked you going out. There was snacks and a cake Izuku shoved in my hands right before pushing me into the crowd of people to "go have fun". After everyone went home you were exhausted giggling to yourself about the funny moments and jokes everyone shared, you went back to your room to see Izuku on your bed in your room. "Why are you still here?" "No hi or thank you lovely boyfriend? Wow so rude" he says rolling his eyes.

"Thank you I really did have fun so thanks for that but uh you have to leave still." He looked up at you from his almost finished cake slice annoyed. "I don't HAVE to y'know? I could just stay here regardless or what you think" "I'm not gonna argue with you-" "then sit down and stop saying such annoying things like that." Deku was usually nice and respectful and loved to laugh and eat sweets all the time but then sometimes he'd get rude and really snarky which nobody wants to deal with so you sit down on the bed facing the wall. You felt his arms creep over your shoulders going down then resting on the sides of your stomach. He placed a tiny peck on my cheek and asked "Are you mad at me?" "Yes, you annoy me."

He sighed and sat behind me so that I was now sitting in between his legs. "I'm sorry, Love I didn't mean to. I just don't wanna leave you or the baby" "okay whatever you can stay IF you get a job." I started feeling uneasy as he laughed intensely "I do being me, Villain Deku! I have all the cash I need with the League they will keep us very comfortable, I can assure you" "and what happens if they drop you like a bad habit huh? Then how will you get money?" He moved from behind me to beside me with his hands balled in fist. "They won't do that. They would NEVER do that! You don't understand that they're family to me! And. I'm family to them!"

"Okay whatever I'm fucking tired." You got up from the bed turned off the light and laid under the light covers. Izuku stormed out the room while doing so, slammed the door so hard you thought it would fall off. You instantly fall asleep right after too tired to be bothered with your ex throwing a tantrum about you disliking his job for obvious reasons. The next morning you woke up to speeding cars and sirens on cops cars 'the nice sound of crime because of LOV'. For a few seconds it was fine then it started getting irritating. Your breath hitched, your heartbeat was racing then your mind starting racing. Your were tired of feeling like this even if it was indeed for a short amount of time so you decided to go start your morning routine.

(some brutal imagery only imaginary in first sentence, arguing in the 2nd-3rd paragraph under this)

As soon as you get to the bathroom it feels like your brain is slowly getting sliced in half. You felt like you had a hangover but never drunk, you felt sick with no fever or cold. You sat on the closed toilet seat with your hand in your hands, you then start getting flashbacks to that day you realized you were pregnant. You cried thinking about how he'd leave you and that he wouldn't be above it since he was just now starting to get into illegal activities that a "bad boy" stereotype would do, graffiti petty stealing, sending the president multiple sex websites and pictures of penis's. And how would all that affect the child you were going to have? Your face dropped with heavy guilt when you remember dropping the test in the trash and covering it with tissue paper. After you walked into the kitchen to see your boyfriend making lunch for you two. "Oh hey babe I'm almost finished sorry for taking so long I kept reading and reading and re-reading the directions oh my god it was so complicated the wording was-" "I cheated on you Izuku..." He chocked on his own breath for a second and held his mouth in shook.

"Your joking right? Stop playing like that that's not funny!" You took a deep breath and chocked out "I'm not joking." He looked disgusted and probably (definitely) felt buckets full of betrayal. "Are you fucking serious?! I could throw up right now-" "I'm sorry-" "YOU DON'T GET TO BE SORRY!" he shouted back. You didn't know if you were apologizing for this poorly thought through plan of escape out of the relationship that would've ended with you and your heart in pieces or for making him think his own girlfriend would do this to him.

"I don't know what to say except I'm sorry honestly truly I feel horrible about it 'Zuku-" "Don't call me that your...your terrible your horrible how fucking dare you?! Who was it?! Who IS it?! When, HOW, WHY?!!" You didn't realize but you started slowly standing behind the dinning room chair. He turned off the fire and the grabbed the nearest knife. You got nervous you REALLY, REALLY didn't think this plan through.

He sat on the floor crying with his head in his hands it actually felt like a stab in the heart to see your lover on the floor crying sobbing even and you could do absolutely nothing about it, even if you did you weren't sure if that'd make him even more upset you played with his feeling like that to see what he's do for so long. You felt tears fall down your face as he curled up into a ball holding his knife in his hands it was his favorite knife he used for everything, everything. You left him alone but checked on him from time to time. He had cried himself to sleep on the kitchen floor still tightly gripping on the knife. Leaving your room felt like a bad gamble and or a very risky game of Russian roulette, but he deserved it after what you had told him and worse that it was a lie that had broke him like this. You cautiously walked into the kitchen with fluffy socks silencing your walk, he had tears stains on his pretty face, how can someone look so damaged and full of despair in such a beautiful peaceful way? You went back to your room and wrote a short note of a apology to him and a plea for him to not do anything too harsh (which was hard to ask of since he's Villain Deku not just Midoriya) and find a kind way to let his anger and that you understand why he wouldn't want to listen to you but even if it didn't seem so, you cared about him being safe and not going to jail.

Then went to sleep praying he didn't slit your throat in your sleep or steal all your stuff and hoped he took his stuff and left you alone... forever maybe even kick you out in the morning, anything not to see him this crushed. When you woke up he was gone with all his stuff and pictures (probably burned in a alley somewhere). The food on the stove was gone leaving only the somehow disrespectful dirty pots and pans on the stove. You sighed knowing he did that on purpose to be petty and knowing damn well that you deserved it...

You tried so hard to keep him away...

[shipsgaysfordays]

Qualms

 This is a response to today’s prompt from @wolfstarmicrofic

ALSO THIS IS A SECOND CHAPTER SO I WOULD RECOMMEND READING THE FIRST CHAPTER FIRST.

Links here

Plus a reminder that in this fic Remus uses they/them pronouns and Sirius uses all pronouns.

CW: Mental illness, questioning of reality, a knife and a bit of violence described with said knife

Remus had no qualms about meeting Sirius, absolutely none. Definitely didn’t despise the combination of THAT location with THAT person and THOSE memories and some stupid thing that Sirius wants to tell Remus so maybe just maybe Remus would forgive her, which they never would do such a thing. No matter how much nostalgia and trauma inducing memories they would be dancing around, nothing could make up for what happened. 

They packed a cloth bag: healing elixir in case they get the upper hand, a knife, poison which will hopefully not get confused with the healing elixir, rope, matches, cigarettes, a sandwich and book for the train, and some chocolate. Despite packing food, Remus couldn’t eat on the train, they couldn’t do anything as they simply stared off into space considering what would be happening in just a few hours. Do they try to start more casually or take the knife out immediately, or maybe give zim food with the poison, or a multitude of options that they considered. 

Moving like a zombie, they walked forward with no thoughts until they were eventually stomping on dead grass walking over annoying little hills until finally standing in front of the decrepit wood shack. I can turn back now, Remus thought, I can turn back and leave and forget that I ever had this life just like Mary did, leave everything and everyone and every memory behind. But they knew, they knew they would need to push through and do it, so they pushed open the door. 

They could feel the sense of magic in the room, not from the atmosphere or anything idiotic like that since the shack was hell, but they could feel power…there wasn’t a sound upstairs. Remus stood in the empty first floor, considering walking up but they had a feeling if they did they would be ambushed, they had a feeling either way that would happen. They hadn’t prepared enough for more people to be here than just their ex lover. Since this seemed like it could be the end, and since they wanted to make it apparent that they were in the home, Remus began stomping around and observing all the little dents and destruction caused to this wooden torture palace when they were young. The image of antlers stuck in the wall and a young annoyed and terrified deer came to mind. 

Anxious steps came closer and closer down the stairs, “Remus,” a familiar gruff voice began. Their back had been turned, quickly Remus spun around and opened their cloth bag, pulling out the knife and pointing it across the room. 

Immediately Sirius’ hands shot up. “I don’t mean to cause trouble.”

“Of course you don’t, you never do, you lying bastard,” Remus voice filled with a sarcasm that sounded almost like what burnt caramel tastes like. Slowly, they took steps closer and closer to Sirius. Zer anxiousness and fear clear in zer wide eyes. 

“I just…I-I need to tell you something, but I don’t know how.” 

“What, you’re gonna tell me you love me, beg for me to come back to you like we’re 16 again, like things are that simple again,” Remus backed them into the wall, holding the knife to their neck, “James and Lily are dead, and you’re barely even you anymore. Padfoot is gone and dead, Lord Black just needs to join them.”

Time felt like it stood still. Remus stared at them, their eyes wide with fear and tears, a part of them wanted to hug them and make things better because it was Sirius. That stupid youthful Moony part of them wanted to throw the knife across the room, kiss him and tell her everything would be okay. But this was how things turned out, Sirius would live up to the expectations of his family and Remus would live to be the murderous killer that everyone expected him to be. 

Sirius's eyes glanced behind Remus for a second, “no,” they started to say.

Remus' eyes were locked on Sirius, “yes,” they said as they began to move their hand.

Then something very unexpected occurred, a third voice spoke, though I guess it’s not too unexpected since Remus had felt other people must be present, he just didn’t expect that voice of all voices. 

“Accio knife,” a man's voice spoke anxiously at the sight of Remus and Sirius.

Small droplets of blood began to trickle down his neck, Remus’ fingers brushing it, nose filled with the smell of copper because of the wolf. Remus couldn’t look away from them, both breathing heavily.

“I–I don’t know what to do…don’t leave,” Remus’ arms started holding them. They stayed there for a few minutes, Sirius holding them back as they stared at the figure behind Remus.

“Please, let me explain.”

A big part of Remus wanted to say no, fuck no, nothing could help this situation. Still another part felt at home in her arms and was desperate for him to stay, so lowly they spoke, “okay.”

“I was falsely imprisoned, for a crime I didn’t commit.”

“Why should I believe you?”

“Just, let me continue…I didn’t commit the crime, no one did.”

“You expect me to believe the Potter’s killed themselves and their child.” 

Sirius was about to speak, until.

“No, because we never died,” Lily’s voice rang in their ears, it was impossible, but it did. 

Remus broke apart from Sirius and stared behind them, Lily and James, next to each other. James holding a bloody knife that they had in their hands only seconds ago. 

They glanced back at Sirius, “What are you doing to my brain?”

“What do you mean, Moony?” Lily spoke softly.

“None of this is real, IT CAN’T BE REAL, I–” they breathed heavily, “this isn’t real, I’m alone surrounded by ghosts by thoughts by everything fucked up in MY MIND.” Remus’ hands ran manically through their hair. 

“Moony, we’re back, please,” James touched their arm. Immediately they backed away, quickly into the corner of the room. 

“No…no, no no no,” Remus shook their head, “no, it can’t be real. I’m alone. I’m alone, I’m sorry I couldn’t fix this before and make things right but you don’t need to….my mind doesn’t need to lie to me.” They fell to the floor, their eyes wide as they trembled. 

“Remus, look at me,” Lily spoke softly, starting to crouch next to them. “Look at me,” she spoke sternly this time.

They looked up into the green eyes and the face and the Lily of it all was overwhelming, it was her, or the closest thing to her. She grabbed their hands that had been moving like a pendulum, “I need you to take a deep breath for me, I know it’s a lot, but it’s real.” 

Remus’ face went blank for a second, looking at their best friend whom they thought was dead, they took a deep breath, not wanting to make her angry. Their hands pulled away but she continued to grip tight. 

“Lily I–” James started from across the room, where he had been helping with Sirius’ small wound. 

Their breath hitched, they felt trapped, and like their air was closing in, they needed…they needed, “GET AWAY FROM ME,” Remus screamed, breaking their hands free and pushing Lily away. 

 It was all too much, they looked back to Sirius, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I’m sorry,” they wailed as they ran out the door. How is this reality? They questioned as they ran into the night.

[specialofficerlemons]

Moving On [Chapter Seven]

Fandom: RVB

Rating: M

Warnings: suicide mentions

Pairing: Northington (Agent North Dakota/Agent Washington)

Summary: (Modern AU) Out of a job and in deteriorating mental health, David Washington starts going to a free PTSD support group. There he meets a traumatized combat veteran and he tries his best to move on after his abusive ex-boyfriend’s suicide.Cute Northington about dealing with trauma.

Chapter Summary: Wash and North met at peer support groups, but now that they are dating, going to groups together had started to get a little...uncomfortable. Wash isn't sure how to remedy this, so he seeks out peer support counseling.

Notes: I've started making notes again for how I would like this fic to go, including involving York in the future, it's just a matter of connecting A to B (more like A to Z), but I'm not too stressed about putting a lot of pressure to get there. I'm just kind of writing how it comes. Be prepared for a lot of minutiae about therapy and peer support and healthcare lmao probably gonna throw in shit about taxes and rent too

Wash didn't tell North everything about his fear of dogs. That would involve him telling him about his relationship with Epsilon and that would just be way too much too soon. He explained that he lived with a guy who had a dog that terrorized him, which was true. He just didn't tell him the nature of their relationship or anything about the guy he was living with. Wash could kind of tell that North knew he was holding back, but he was letting it go, that he could tell this was something sensitive for him, that he would tell him when he was ready. And he would! He would tell him when he was ready. He just had no idea when that would be.

After that, things went back to normal. Well, normal for them. There was work, therapy, peer support groups, and spending time together. North had a lot of doctor's appointments, Wash had come to discover. The VA kept jerking him around. Wash could relate somewhat with his experience of trying to get on Medicaid and then get a therapist and then a psychiatric nurse practitioner, but North had been dealing with this for years. Ever since he returned home it had been an uphill battle to get basically any kind of medical care. Wash learned that he was in a lot worse shape than he was originally from his injury because of the bullshit he'd had to go through to get care. If he'd been able to get into physical therapy (and he hadn't been abandoned by the state and homeless for some time) he would be much better off.

As it stood, they were attending a lot of the same groups, except when Wash would have to miss because of work or North would have to miss because of a medical appointment. As nice as it was to have met in group, to have met someone who knew what the other was going through, it was starting to get a little…uncomfortable.

Wash had not yet started to open up to the others in group about his past, about Epsilon, really about anything that wasn't a surface level problem like work being shitty, but he almost felt like since he started dating North that he had been going backwards, like he had been regressing. He felt…self-conscious in group in a way that he hadn't before. When they were all strangers, he felt comfortable sharing things, to a degree. But with North in the room, he felt like he had to monitor everything he said. What if he said something in group that he hadn't told North about yet? That felt…wrong somehow.

He wasn't sure how to bring this up to North. He had been going to group longer than Wash had, after all. It didn't feel fair to ask him to stop going. On the other hand, these groups were really important to Wash. They provided much needed structure in his life even when he wasn't getting much actual support from the groups themselves. This rinky-dink little mental health center was a life-line for him. He only had access to his actual therapist once a month and his psychiatric nurse practitioner every three months, but he could come to this little set of office suites in a strip mall any day of the work week.

Wash had been spending enough time at North's place that they often carpooled to group. They tried to be discreet. There were a decent amount of people that came to these groups, but there was a dedicated core group of people (of which Wash and North were part of) and neither of them really felt like being super public about their relationship. They lived in an area that was mixed politically. The city they lived in wasn't super conservative, but surrounding area was and there were some pretty reactionary individuals who sought treatment at this clinic and it wasn't their business anyways. North always reassured Wash that he wasn't in any way ashamed of dating him and they had gone on a few public dates, but Wash was honestly a little frightened of PDA and the concept of being out in public (North wasn't too fond of crowds himself), so they mostly stayed in together. As much as Wash knew that North loved him and wasn't ashamed to be seen with him, there was still that nagging voice in the back of his head whenever North let him out of the car before he pulled into the parking lot so they wouldn't be seen getting out of the car together.

North was already seated in the waiting room when Wash entered in through the doors, like usual. He had a flicker of a different kind of a paranoia. What if people noticed this pattern, that North always came in first and then approximately three minutes later Wash did, and put two and two together anyways? Maybe they should change it up? He temporarily put the thought out of his mind as he approached the front desk to check in. He looked over his shoulder at North who was reading on his phone before looking at the receptionist. He had an impulsive thought.

Before he could think better of it, instead of checking in for group, he was saying, "is there anyone available to do a peer-to-peer…check in?" The receptionist looked down at her computer and typed for a bit.

"Do you mind hanging out for bit?" she asked.

Wash swallowed. He could back out now and just go to group like he was supposed to.

"No, that's fine," he answered.

"Okay, Emily could see you in about 20 minutes. Is that okay?"

Group started in about seven minutes. Group would be about to end at that time. If he took this appointment time, he would miss group and he wouldn't be leaving with North.

"Yeah, I could do that," he heard himself say.

"Great," the receptionist said, not understanding the gravity of the situation. She did this stuff all day. This was no big deal to her the way it was to Wash. "Can I get your name?"

"David Washington."

"Alright, David, I've got you scheduled. Emily will see you in about 20 to 25 minutes. "

"Thank you," he said, unsure of how he was acting so calm on the outside when inside he was anything but.

He went and took a seat. He and North didn't sit next to each other, but when he settled into his chair, North looked up from his phone and smiled at him. Wash smiled back, trying not to betray the anxiety he was feeling inside. His heart was hammering in his chest. Why did he do that? He could have stayed after group and made an appointment. Why was he choosing to sit out of group? He started doing some breathing exercises to try and calm himself down. He intentionally clenched all of his muscles and then released them, releasing all of the tension he had been carrying without realizing.

He felt a vibration on his thigh. He opened his eyes, realizing he had shut them when he had started doing his exercises. He pulled out his phone and saw a message from North asking if he was okay. He looked over at his boyfriend and gave him a smile. He was starting to compose his message back when the door further into the building opened and Aiden called them for group. North stood and Wash felt like he still had a chance to. But he had already made the appointment. He wasn't going to back out now. Other people were walking towards the door with North and he had noticed that Wash wasn't joining them. He shot Wash an inquiring look and Wash tried to give him one that he hoped expressed that everything was fine. After the door closed behind the gaggle of people heading to group, leaving Wash alone in the waiting room with one other person, Wash sent a message to North explaining why he wasn't attending. He didn't want him to worry.

Wash spent the next 20 minutes playing games on his phone and listening to music, almost jumping out of his seat every time the door opened. Other people left through the door and the other person in the waiting room was called back, but not Wash. This was actually his first time taking advantage of being able to have a one-on-one appointment with one of the peer counselors. It had taken him a while to open up to his therapist and he was going through his predicament in groups; the prospect of trying to open up to a third party that was made up of a rotating cast of characters just wasn't appealing to him. But it would be a while before he saw his therapist next and he wanted to be able to keep going to groups and really, who better to know about this kind of problem than the people who ran the groups?

Wash was starting to get nervous that group would end and North would come out before he would be collected and that would just make thing more awkward, but the peer counselor he recognized as Emily waved goodbye to a client and saw him in the waiting room and called out to him. "David?" she asked.

Wash nodded. "Uh, yep, that's me."

"Fantastic," she said, giving him a big thumbs up. "Just give me three minutes, five minutes tops and then it will be your turn." And with that she disappeared behind the door again.

Wash was glad he wasn't forgotten or anything, but the next five minutes seemed to stretch into 20 while he waited, fidgeting and glancing up at the clock. He had put his phone and earbuds away when he had seen her and he didn't feel like getting them out again.

After seven minutes (he had been keeping track) she reappeared from the door and beckoned to him. He followed her past the larger rooms they used for groups and into some smaller offices. She took a seat in a desk chair that had been pulled away from a desk and gestured to a small collection of seating options: a loveseat, another desk chair, and one of the folding chairs that they used in the group rooms. Wash chose the desk chair and positioned the back towards the corner so he could face the door.

Emily gave him a warm smile and grabbed a notepad that was sitting on the desk. "So, David…"

"Um…I actually go by Wash," he interjected. He bit his tongue. He wasn't sure why he was telling her that. He hadn't told anyone at this place that except for North and that was different.

"Oh, okay," she said without missing a beat and made a note on her pad. Wash grimaced. Was that going to be put in his file or something? "And what are your pronouns?"

That took Wash by surprise a bit. "Oh, uh, he/him I guess." It wasn't a question he was used to being asked.

Emily made a note of that as well. "Is this your first peer counseling session, Wash?" Wash nodded. "And what made you want to come in today?"

Wash crossed his arms defensively over his chest. "I don't know." That was a lie. He knew. But it felt weird to just come out and say it. It was like a ritual. You always had say 'oh I don't know' first. "I was already here and it's gonna be a while before I see my therapist next and there's some stuff that I kind of needed to work out."

Emily nodded. "This is your first peer session, but I've seen you in groups before, yes?"

Wash was sure he was in one of her groups, but he wasn't sure which one. "Yeah, I'm in a bunch."

"Yeah, I run 'mind over mood.' I'm pretty sure I've seen you in there."

Wash disguised his grimace as a small smile as he nodded. He was not particularly a fan of mind over mood. It was heavily CBT based and he was really coming to hate CBT.

"So, if I ask you to rate how you're doing on a scale from one to ten..."

"Um, a five or six?" He always hated ranking how he was doing unless he was doing really good or really bad. He never wanted to give a number that was too far from the middle because things could always get better or worse, right?

Emily wrote down his answer, then asked, "so what brings you to a peer counseling session specifically?"

Wash chewed his lip as he thought over how he was going to tackle this. Emily had asked for his pronouns so maybe it wouldn't be so bad if she knew about him and North. Then again, maybe it was like a company thing and not something that reflected her personal values, though pronouns had never been brought up in group. Maybe it was something new they were trying to implement…

Wash sighed and closed his eyes. He had to say something. He had already completely fucked up his routine today to get this appointment, he wasn't going to waste it.

"Okay, so I come to groups a lot, like three times a week," he started. "And I've…made a friend…with one of the guys in some of my groups." Emily made some quiet affirmative sounds, showing that she was listening without interrupting. "And we like to hang out and stuff and we’ve…gotten really close. It's…nice. I didn't really have any friends before I met him." Wash cleared his throat. "But now I have a problem. Going to groups together, like going to the same groups that he's in has started to get kind of…weird. Like, it's not the worst, but it can be kind of uncomfortable."

Wash paused to wait for her reaction. He noticed that she wasn't really writing any notes down on her notepad and he was kind of grateful for that. He wasn't thrilled with the idea of there being some kind of paper trail for this situation.

"That sounds like it would be uncomfortable," Emily said. "A lot of people come here for anonymity and while it’s expected to form some bonds with your peers, by building a closer friendship, you've lost that anonymity."

Wash let some of the tension in his shoulders go.

"Was it worth it to you? To build that relationship?" Emily asked.

Wash had a bit of paranoia, wondering if she meant relationship in a neutral sense or if she meant something more. "…yes. It was."

"And I'm guessing groups are still important to both you and your friend?"

Wash relaxed a little that she had used the word friend. "Yes, they are."

Emily smiled at him. She seemed extraordinarily chipper. "Well, let's brain storm some ideas for how both you and your friend can get your needs met in groups without losing out on your relationship."

Wash tried to shoot a weak smile back. This was good, this was what he was looking for. He nodded.

Emily clicked her pen a few times, the nib of it popping in and out and in and out before she put it to her paper and scribbled a bit to get the ink flowing, then flipped the page of her notepad to a fresh page. "So tell me, what groups do you go to?"

"Mind over mood, positivity, meditation, PTSD, anxiety…" Wash listed all of the groups that he was in.

Emily was writing all of these down. "And is your friend in these groups as well?"

Wash nodded. Was it okay that he was telling her what groups North was in? He hadn't said who it was, so it should be okay right?

Emily made a note of that as well. "And are they in any groups that you aren't?"

Wash was about to say no, but now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure. North had his own life that Wash wasn't privy to and there were times that he was at the clinic that Wash wasn't. Wash hadn't put much thought into it before. He had kind of assumed that North was maybe going to peer counseling since getting mental health care through the VA was just as difficult as it was getting physical health care. "I…don't know."

"Well, that's something that you could ask them. Now, let's work off the assumption that they aren't going to any other groups besides the ones that you are both going to." She tore the piece of paper she had been writing on off the notepad and pinned it down to a clipboard and handed it to Wash. "Now, how about you rank your groups from the ones you like the most or find the most helpful down to the ones you like the least or find the least helpful." She fished an extra pen out of the desk drawer and scribbled onto her notepad to make sure it worked before handing that over as well.

Wash looked down at the list. PTSD was and anxiety were tied for the most helpful group for him with PTSD maybe being more helpful. He didn't always like them--cramming a bunch of traumatized and anxious strangers into a room wasn't always the most healing environment and it could get a little…intense--but they were most helpful for him. Meditation was in the middle. Mind over mood he had already established he was not a fan of, but it was better than positivity. He didn't like positivity group or find it particularly helpful, but he kept going because it had become part of his routine. He had marked them all appropriately, but just as he was going to hand it back to Emily, he hesitated.

She seemed to sense this and her eyes crinkled as she smiled. "I won't be offended if you don’t like mind over mood," she reassured him. Wash flushed with embarrassment and handed her the paper.

Emily looked over it and nodded, then handed it back. "Perhaps the next time you hang out with your friend you can have them do a similar thing and you can maybe split up the groups that you go to. If it's not a big deal for you not to go to positivity group, but they really like it, maybe you can stop going to positivity group and they can keep going to it. Maybe they aren't super attached to PTSD group and will let you have that one. Maybe you can switch off the weeks that you go to meditation if you both feel like you can’t live without it."

Wash knew that North would not be able to give up PTSD group, but he would be happy to let him have positivity group. He could honestly have mind over mood as well. But then again, it wasn't just about the content of the groups.

"That's…not a bad idea…" Wash felt bad that he was going to throw a 'but' out there. He felt like he should just try this idea and work things out with North and if he ended up going to three groups instead of five maybe that would be okay. He was trying to convince himself of that, but he could feel his anxiety spiking.

Emily gave him a knowing look. "There's a hiccup, though, isn't there?"

There was a hiccup, but Wash felt like it wasn't okay for him to say anything about it. Was his routine really more important?

After a few minutes of silence, Emily interrupted his thoughts. "What's going on for you, Wash?"

Wash noticed that he had been picking at a scab on his arm. It was a scab from where he had picked at it in the past. He had been trying to stop, but it was not something he did totally consciously. He just kind of zoned out and did it when he was lost in his head. He recrossed his arms, tucking his hands into his armpits so he wouldn't be able to pick. "It's nothing…" Another lie, another ritual, something he felt like he had to say. He knew what it was, what he was thinking, but he didn't feel like he could come right out and say it without saying 'it's nothing' first. Emily didn't call him out on it, didn’t press him for more before he was ready. She let him take his time. Eventually he sighed. "Like, I don't actually like positivity group, right? But going to it is…important to me. It's part of my routine. I work nights and having something small to do during the day helps…I don't know…orient me. It keeps me grounded."

Wash covered his face with one hand and picked at his lip with his teeth. "But also…Nor- my friend, has been going to groups way longer than I have. I feel like I would be a total asshole if I asked him to stop going to groups because of me."

Emily nodded and leaned back in her chair. "Wash, the groups here are for everyone. It doesn't matter how long someone has been going to them. You are equally entitled to benefit from our groups as your friend is. Do you think your friend would feel the same way about it as you? That you're an asshole who's kicking him out of groups?"

Wash sighed. North wouldn't think that, but Wash was worried he would go too far in the other direction and neglect himself, that he would leave groups solely for Wash's benefit and not think about himself. "No, but it's not that simple." He recrossed his arms, but continued to pull skin off his lip with his teeth. "He has a tendency to…give too much of himself for others. I'm afraid that if I ask him about this that he'll…stop going to groups that he wants or-or needs to go to, just for me."

Emily gave him an odd smile that he wasn't sure how to interpret. "It's sounds to me like you might have a bit of that tendency yourself, Wash."

Wash flushed, suddenly indignant. That wasn't him, that was North's thing! "Wha- I-" he sputtered, but wasn't able to form a complete rebuttal.

"You yourself were just saying that he had been going to groups longer than you have, like that gave him seniority in groups," she elaborated. "Like he deserved to go to these groups more than you did."

Wash looked down at his shoes. She was right. He did have a similar tendency to North, even though his motivations were different. North had this big brother complex, where he felt like he had to take care of others. This only got stronger when he was in the marines and his team relied on him. North gave and gave and gave because he felt like everyone was counting on him to protect them and take care of them. Not only that, but his self-esteem had largely depended on his ability to protect and take care of others and after he became disabled, that had taken a major hit as he had to try and rebuild his identity outside of that.

Wash was different. Wash didn't feel like he deserved to be taken care of, so he never tried to get his needs met. And so he ended up giving parts of himself away because he felt like he didn't deserve safety or security or good things. It had caused a few clashes between him and North, with North's urge to care for Wash and Wash's instinct to not let himself be cared for. It wasn't nearly as bad as it could be. They were both in therapy and they were trying to work on these things, even though they flared up in weird and destructive ways (like the dog park incident).

It was only while he was introspective that Wash realized that Emily had switched from using the gender neutral "they" to a more definitive "he" to refer to Wash's mystery friend, as he had used the pronoun himself. Wash tried to rationalize his insecurities away. It was perfectly fine to have a male friend and so far Emily had used the word friend many times and she hadn't used any weird inflections to imply that he was anything other than a friend. Still, he was anxious.

"Yeah, I guess so," he said, looking up, but not looking at her.

"Wash," Emily said, crossing her hands over her lap. "You deserve to go to groups just as much as your friend does. The support and the structure they provide is important to you. Don't discount that." She reached over to the desk and grabbed a folder and rifled through it. "I do recommend talking about this with your friend, but I also have another suggestion."

Wash did look at her now. She handed him the paper and it was a calendar with the groups printed on it.

"There are other groups that you might consider going to, especially if you're not getting much benefit out of positivity or mind over mood."

Wash scanned the calendar. It was a copy of a copy of a copy and a little difficult to read.

"I'm actually trying to get a new group started, but I have to prove there's enough interest in it first."

Wash looked back up at her. "What group?"

"Alternatives to suicide," she answered, the pleasant expression she had never leaving her face.

Wash felt a jolt of anxiety go through him, but he tried to keep it hidden. "W-what kind of group is that?"

"Well," Emily started, "the current response to a person expressing suicidal thoughts or ideation is to hospitalize them. This prevents a lot of people from talking about the things they're feeling for fear of being hospitalized and hospitalization itself is traumatizing to people who are suicidal which can make suicidal feelings worse and may not be all that effective at preventing suicide." Wash looked down. This he knew from experience. "This group is a place where people can talk openly about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with suicide without having to worry about that. We'll discuss ways of avoiding attempting suicide and how to deal with suicidal feelings and ideation."

Wash started picking at his scab again. There were many times he had considered suicide after Epsilon had killed himself, but he had never gone through with it and he had what his therapist had referred to as 'passive suicidal ideation' a lot.

"Yeah, you can mark me down as…interested, I guess…"

Emily made a quick scribble on her notepad. "Well, if I get approval, that could replace positivity for you," she said.

"Yeah," Wash said, getting a little lost in his thoughts again. He would honestly prefer frank discussions of suicide to the trite, motivational bullshit in positivity group. "Yeah, that could work."

Emily seemed to observe him for a bit and Wash cleared his throat and tucked his hands in his pockets to try and keep from picking at his arms any more. "Is there anything else you'd like to talk about today?" she asked.

Wash shook his head. "I don't think so."

"Wanna take a little time before heading out?"

Wash was going to say no, but thought better of it. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths and tried to seat himself in his body, grounding himself before opening his eyes again. When he opened his eyes again, Emily nodded to him. "And now how would you rate how you're feeling on a scale from one to ten?" she asked.

Wash kept himself from sighing. The other part he hated. It was supposed to be comparative, so they could try and track if the groups and session were working or not. It was something they needed to do to keep getting funding. "A six or seven," he answered.

Emily made a note of it and stood up. She held out a hand for him to shake. "It was a pleasure to talk to you, Wash. I'll miss you in mind over mood, but hopefully we'll get approval for the new group and I'll see you there."

Wash shook the hand offered with only a little hesitation. He wasn't sure about Emily when he first sat down with her. The only experience he had had with her was in mind over mood and he had no idea what a one-on-one peer counseling experience would be like, but it actually had gone really well. She had helped him come up with some solutions he could try, she didn't pry into his business, and now that he knew she was trying to start the alternatives to suicide group, he had a new respect for her.

He walked to the bus stop and pulled out his phone. He had told North not to wait up for him. He had to get ready for his shift that night so there wasn't really a point in going back to North's place. He texted North to let him know that he was done and that it went well, knowing North well enough that he was probably thinking about what had happened. North responded and asked if Wash wanted to come over for lunch before group the next day. Wash replied in the affirmative, thinking that it might be a good time to bring up splitting up groups. He tucked his phone back into his pocket and listened to music while he waited for the bus.

-

Wash was sitting down at the small table in the cramped kitchen in North's apartment, fidgeting with the strap of his shoulder bag. Inside was the stuff he usually left the house with. He always felt like he had to carry a few things- a notebook, several pens, a book, some sensory items that his therapist had recommended he use to ground himself, a water bottle, some snacks, tissues, lotion, some over the counter pain killers- he always felt like he needed to be prepared, even if he rarely or never used the things he carried (he had never in the entirety of the time he had carried the book in his bag ever opened it to read it). Inside it was also the paper where Emily had written down his list of groups.

North was finishing filling up Theta's water dish before he sat down at the table with his own lunch. He gave him a quizzical look.

"Aren't you hungry? You know you can help yourself to the food in my fridge- how many times do I have to tell you?" he asked with a chuckle.

Wash looked down. "It's not that. I actually…wanted to talk to you about something."

North paused in his chewing and set his fork down. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, everything's fine, I just wanted to talk about what I talked about in peer counseling yesterday."

North's expression remained skeptical.

Wash cleared his throat and pulled the paper out. He had folded it several times and the creases were apparent as he unfolded it. He didn't show it to North yet. "So…we're in all the same groups and…it's getting a little uncomfortable," he said. He felt like trying to say this was like trying to spit out a fish. It wanted to come out, but it was still difficult.

"Wash, I can drop out of some groups…" North started, reaching a hand across the table.

Wash pulled his hand back, balling it into a fist before releasing it. He laughed a little and looked at North with a half-smile. "I knew you were going to say that!" he said. "I…at first I didn't want to tell you because I knew you were going to say that, but I knew that wouldn't be…right. That I shouldn't do that to myself…or to you…so I talked about it with a counselor yesterday."

North looked a little nervous. "How…specific were you?"

"I wasn't," Wash answered. "I didn't give your name, I just said that I had made a friend in groups and it was getting awkward." That seemed to put North at ease. "And she gave me some ideas for solutions."

Wash had been unfolding and re-folding the paper as he had been talking. Now he set it on the table in between them.

"This is a list of all the groups we share- all the groups I go to. I ranked them from the ones I like the least to the ones I like the best. The counselor suggested that we could, like, split them up? I don't care if you take positivity group. I won't ask you to give up PTSD group, but maybe…" Wash hesitated. "Maybe we could each go every other week?"

North gave him a half-smile. "Like splitting custody of it?"

Wash laughed, glad that North was bringing some levity to the situation. "Yeah, exactly. You can honestly have mind over mood as well."

North looked over the list. "Well, in the interest of fairness- not being self-sacrificing," he cut Wash off before he could protest. "You can have anxiety group. If you're giving up two groups, I can give up one group."

Wash thought that was fair. "The counselor I spoke with said she was trying to start a new group and…I would like to go to that one, to help make up for giving up some groups." This made Wash nervous. He and North had made a lot of progress and North had seen him have now two breakdowns in public, but getting into topics like suicide were a bit more complicated.

"What group?" North asked.

That was the question Wash had been afraid he would ask. "It's called…uh, it's called alternatives to suicide…"

North looked like he wanted to ask more questions, to dig in more, but Wash saw him physically bite down on the insides of his cheeks and his heart warmed with appreciation. There was a moment of silence before North opened his mouth again. "I should…I should let you know that I actually have another group that I go to: co-occurring."

Now it was Wash's turn. "What's that group about?"

"It's a group for people who have mental illness and also…struggle with substance abuse."

All thoughts about splitting up groups were forgotten. "I…I didn't know that that was something you…dealt with."

North reached into his pocket and pulled out his ring of keys. He flipped through the keys and membership cards to two small items. North held up the ring so that they were displayed. One was a black NA key-tag and one was a bronze AA coin with a hole punched in it. Wash leaned forward to look at them, then looked up at North.

At first, he felt a flash of anger, of why didn't you tell me? You've seen my guts, why am I only finding this out now? But he knew he was being unfair. He remembered what he had been thinking in his session with Emily, about how North's identity was wrapped up in being able to provide for people and to care for people. He knew how hard it would be to let someone see something like this, something that others might consider a weakness. North was not looking at Wash, but slightly beside him.

Wash sighed. "Thank you…for showing that to me, North. I…" he wasn't sure if he should be saying this or not. "I wish…" he changed the trajectory of his words from 'I wish you had told me sooner' to, "I wish you would let me in more. I know that you're older than me and that…that you've been doing this kind of thing longer than me, but I need you to treat me like I'm as capable as you are- like an equal."

North looked taken aback, then he looked away. He started blinking and Wash felt like a monster. He had made him cry. He shouldn't have said anything, he should have just kept his mouth shut, he should have just been happy that North told him at all, he should have-

"You're right," North said. He sniffed and rubbed his eyes before looking back at Wash. He was definitely crying, but his expression was soft. "I've been…unfair to you. I'll…I'll try to do better in the future."

Wash let his breath slow down from the pace it had started to pick up to and he hoped his heart would do the same. It was hard to go from saying 'treat me like a capable equal' to start spiraling in his own head. Just wait until we have our first real fight he thought to himself. He winced when he realized what he had thought, worried about somehow manifesting it into reality.

"Are you okay?" North asked, his eyes still wet and now shining with worry.

"Yeah," Wash said, trying to dismiss it. "Just a…stupid thought…" He mimed tapping himself on the head, like he was trying to knock the thought out of it, like you would knock water out of your ear.

North chuckled, but Wash could tell he was still worried.

North resumed eating his lunch and Wash fidgeted before he made himself a sandwich. When Wash sat down, North pointed his fork at him. "Today is meditation group. How do you want to split that one up?"

Wash thought as he chewed his bite of sandwich. "Well, mediation doesn't really involve much talking really. I don't mind still going to that one with you."

North smiled at him. They still had a long way to go, but they were making progress.

[purplesurveys]

1542

What's your favorite non-fast food restaurant? It’s a nearby place that serves Korean cuisine. I love love love them because they’re super nearby; they have lots of options on their menu - they even have some local specialties; and I appreciate that the owner is Korean so the experience is as authentic as possible. The staff are also really nice!

What is something you hate, but wish you loved? Video editing. I feel like I’m the type to make lots of short-form vlogs if I only knew how to work those video editing programs and enjoyed using them.

What’s something terrible that happened to you in the past that you can actually laugh at now? I guess all the cringy stuff that happened in my previous relationship and its destructive aftermath; all the dumb arguments, me crying over my ex, the cheesy lines I once used. There are times I’d look back on those times somberly just because of the grave effects it had on my mental health; but there are times where I’d also laugh and cringe it off. If you could profoundly release anxiety's grip on one area of your life what would it be? My job. I wish I can have Bea’s chill approach to work, but I don’t think it would ever work with how uptight I innately am.

What product would you never be willing to go off brand with? Shampoo and conditioner. My hair isn’t at the healthiest state as it is, so going brandless on it just feels too big of a risk.

What are your favourite tv shows to binge watch? Easy watches, like Friends and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. If I’m gonna binge watch something multiple times they have to be shows that don’t cause me stress a la Breaking Bad, lol. What's the pettiest thing you've done? I’ve done a lot of petty things lmao but a recent one that comes to mind was when I nearly got into a minor accident with this motorcycle, and when he drove past me while glaring at me the entire time I shot him finger hearts and gave him a shit-eating grin. In my defense the near-accident was caused by him so I felt like I had merit to be petty, haha.

People with mental illnesses, what is an unexpected GOOD side effect of your illness? You always prepare yourself for the worst outcome, lol. < This is a good one. Another good thing, I guess, are those moments when you need to be alone and seek distractions, which will sometimes lead you to experience things that give you peace. Not too long ago I felt like getting away from the world for a bit which ended in me driving aimlessly for an hour, just going around the city. For the most part I don’t want to romanticize things like this, but then again I also don’t want to invalidate the happiness that these moments give me.

What is one thing you always have next to you when you go to bed? My phone. It’s one month into 2018. How fucked is your year so far? I barely remember anything that took place from 2016 to 2020 because my memories from then were largely linked to my ex; but if I remember correctly 2018 was actually a bit kinder to me compared to the turbulence that was 2016 and ‘17. I don’t think I have a lot of negative memories from 2018.

What is the worst thing your significant other did/say but you still decided to stay in the relationship and work on it? My ex was basically a huge gaslighter and I remember just swallowing every time she would invalidate my feelings or not apologize for remarks that hurt me.

What food blew your mind the first time you tried it? Risotto. The first time I tried it, it was my dad who made it and I was just stunned to silence. Ever since then I always get risotto if I see it on a menu.

What’s your favorite question to ask someone you’ve just met? If they’re into K-dramas or K-pop. Most of the time the answer is yes so it’s always able to open up like 10 minutes’ worth of conversation.

What small thing did your parents do for you (or a sibling) that you've grown to appreciate (more)? So my dad is super in touch with my food preferences, and what will happen sometimes is that when he’ll make a certain dish for dinner that he knows I don’t like too much, he’ll make a small serving of something else that’s just for me to eat. So for example if he makes sinigang for the rest of the family, he’ll make like one serving of pad thai for me haha.

What is the common stereotype about your job? That it’s all about planning events and meeting celebrities. It is those things to some extent, but it’s more than that and certainly not as glamorous as it seems.

What was the most scary symptom that you had which actually turned out to be minor? I’ve had toothaches bad enough to make me file leaves from work and miss a lot of sleep, when they turned out to just be wisdom teeth that needed to be extracted.

What board game do you absolutely hate playing? Monopoly, only because I never understood how it works.

What's the cutest thing your SO does, but denies it's cute in any way? I don’t have one.

[nekonokimochi]

十気持ち

さぁー

Here we go again. This goes out to the pick me bitch that's self loathing is so bad it loops back to being their only good feature. You filter so hard cause you can't hide a personality that ugly. Assuming every guy you've interacted with was into you? Literally nobody sees you the way you do. The audacity to be treated special when you make everyone else know they're in last place. Can't book a fucking day off but you can find your way to tiptoe round the tulips. You think I don't see your subtle pick me behaviour? Bitch everyone's got big boobs, you're not special. How is someone gonna own that anyway? Not like you got the thing waist. Your family call you a sloth cause you expect all the work to come your way. Pretending to be working class when you're clearly rich, fucking hate people like you. Crying your white tears so you can be accepted and go to sleep in your massive house, cosplaying like you take small steps like the rest of us. Always the uwu and never the rage. Always the know it all and never the known. You're so basic your name is average. You're so mental absorbed your name is even male. How you gonna friendcest and call yourself a girl's girl? I can cut every motherfucker off and you don't think I won't do the same to you? I'll make you feel so alone you wish people DID pick you. It's always you you you. Always the last word. Hitting on other people's partners isn't the flex you think it is, who taught you to be such a whore? Imagine being so self absorbed that you ask you friend who's mourning to do all the stressful shit and then have the audacity to say 'aw it was so stressful, but fun' like fuck you. I'm a dirty fighter and I'll make it sure you wished you didn't breath this morning. I could make you wake every day with the darkest wish in the brightest sun. I wish that every second of every moment you feel people's eyes on you, and you beg and plead and grovel that you hadn't demanded this attention.

I will give you the attention you so crave, and I will bask in the tears you will shed.

And to the other motherfucker. You're called an asshole once and you haven't got the independent thinking to crawl out of that self fulfilling prophecy? You think you can sneak around, be dishonest for no good reason and expect that burden of truth isn't going to crush you? We will be the judge and jury and when we wait for your testimony, I will scrutinise you to the point of no return. Always number two and never first place. Now you've finally gotten it. Number one douchebag. So disappointing you couldn't use your "egotistical hardworking intelligent" brain to make decisions for yourself and to walk away from the titles given to you. It's like you were so desperate not to live in your brother's shadow, you found the furthest cliff and jumped; and dived into the sea of assholery. Why are you so prideful? You couldn't even succeed at the gym. Wow your shoulders are so wide, have you ever considered being of normal appearance? I don't blame you for low self-esteem, I'd cry if I woke up looking like you. You're so aggravating and delusional frankly, trying to protect someone who threw you under the bus the moment she could. Whats it like, chasing a smell and it's the shit you didn't wipe? You love to piss everyone off, but you'll always defend her... You cringe aw uwu but that's all you'll do for her. And all of this in front of your ex? You're all crazy. What is wrong with white people? They just always think that love is inescapable. Like the rest of us, learn to fucking get over it. Disney adults need a push off the top of the castle.

You're both awful, and should I ever need to, I hope you both prepare yourselves. Because I will absolutely make it known how I feel about you both, and what your position is in life.

This was a shitty entry but I couldn't sleep.

[storytimewithnova]

"Battles of Love: Defeating the Seven Evil Exes"

Introduction learning about the exes

shona Is sitting on a swing talking to Kita

Shona: look Kita If we’re gonna date you may have to defeat my seven evil pretty exes

Kita:You have 7 evil exe boyfriends?

Shona:Seven evil pretty exes, yes

Kita:And I have to fight—

Shona;Defeat!!

Kita:Defeat your seven evil exes if we’re going to continue dating?

Shona:Yeah Pretty much,

Kita:Who are they exactly?

Shonq:Pretty ex #1 Kozume kenma gamer addict he is Lazy AF and he is also my first bf don't be fooled my his kitten act he is far from Cute and cuddley when you piss him off

Kita: bare that in mind who's next

Shona: Semi Eita No discernible personality but my biggest Simp

Kita: Mhm simple enough he seems Tame

Shona: really Kita don't be fooled by my exes personalities let's continue next we have Evil pretty ex 3 oikawa Tooru self centred personality but always loved me A little bit too obsessive

Kita: ......

Shona :i will just continue then and move on from him Evil pretty ex 4 suga overprotecticve and a bit suffcating love him don’t get me wrong i just felt like i couldn’t breathe very controling

Kita:So suga is a control freak noted

Shona:Evil pretty ex 5

Kita:Wait atsumu is one of your evil exes

Shona:Yes he cheated on me yet. He crawls back to me every time

Kita: thst strangely makes sense

Shona:Evil ex 6 kageyama tobio abusive self explanatory we Don't need to go in to that one

Kita:I have see that actually when we have played karasuno

Yes so lets not talk about him now bad news takes the form of evil pretty ex number 7 Shirabu Kenjiro Salt shaker in human form yes he was a sweetheart with me but he is also cold

Kita:And i have to defeat them to be with you why do they all still want you

Shona:Short answer pretty much yeah as far as They are concerned I’m still with Them

Kita:Oh wow okay

Shona:Good luck shin

And so i begins

Chapter 1: The First Battle

Kita took a deep breath as he prepared himself for the first battle. He stood in front of the school's gaming club, where Shona's first evil pretty ex, Kozume Kenma, was known to spend most of his time. As he entered the club room, Kita could feel the intense gaze of Kenma on him.

"Who are you?" Kenma asked, lazily looking up from his game console.

"I'm Kita. Shona sent me to defeat you," Kita replied calmly, trying not to let his nerves show.

Kenma smirked, setting aside his game. "I wasn't expecting her to actually send someone. Fine, let's get this over with."

The two engaged in an intense battle, strategically using their gaming skills to try and outsmart each other. Despite Kenma's reputation as a gaming addict, Kita surprised him with his talent and determination. After a long and grueling match, Kita emerged victorious.

Kenma stared at him in disbelief for a moment before finally admitting defeat. "Well done. I can see why she chose you," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

"Thank you," Kita replied, feeling a surge of confidence.

With the victory against the first evil ex under his belt, Kita prepared himself mentally for the next battles that awaited him.

Chapter 2: The Simp Showdown

The next evil pretty ex on Shona's list was Semi Eita. Unlike Kenma, Semi was known for neither his gaming skills nor his eccentric personality. In fact, he was rather ordinary in appearance and demeanor. However, what made him an evil ex was his relentless devotion to Shona.

Kita found Semi waiting for him outside the school gates, a bouquet of flowers in hand. "I knew you'd come. But defeating me won't be as easy as you think," Semi said, a glimmer of determination in his eyes.

Kita knew he had to come up with a strategy to overcome Semi's persistence. He couldn't let Semi's charms sway him from his goal. He took a deep breath and steadied his resolve.

As the battle began, Kita skillfully evaded Semi's attempts to win him over with compliments and gestures of affection. He focused on showcasing his own qualities and strengths, proving to Semi that he was worthy of Shona's love.

Hours turned into minutes, and minutes into mere seconds as Kita and Semi traded verbal blows and rebuttals. But ultimately, Kita's unwavering determination prevailed. Semi stood there, defeated and speechless.

"I never thought I'd lose to someone like you," Semi muttered in disbelief.

Kita offered him a genuine smile. "Thank you for the challenge. I hope you find happiness, Semi."

With that, Kita moved on, leaving behind a stunned Semi.

Chapter 3: The Narcissistic Encounter

Oikawa Tooru, the third evil pretty ex on Shona's list, exuded an air of self-centeredness that was hard to ignore. Kita knew the battle with him would be anything but pleasant.

He found Oikawa at a local cafe, surrounded by admirers fawning over him. Kita approached the table with confidence, refusing to let Oikawa intimidate him.

Oikawa smirked, his eyes gleaming with arrogance. "So, you're the one Shona sent to defeat me, huh? Well, good luck, little kitten."

Kita ignored the patronizing nickname and jumped straight into the battle. He skillfully dismantled Oikawa's narcissistic facade, exposing the flaws in his reasoning and highlighting the toxic nature of their relationship.

With each argument made, Oikawa's confidence wavered. He was not used to someone challenging him in this way. Kita's insight and authenticity struck a chord with him.

In the end, Oikawa lowered his gaze and sighed. "You're right. I'Thank you,"ve always been obsessed with my own image. Shona deserves better. I hope you can give her that."

Kita nodded respectfully. "Thank you for understanding and acknowledging your mistakes. I wish you well, Oikawa."

As he walked away from the defeated Oikawa, Kita couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Only four battles remained, and he was determined to face each one head-on.

To be continued...

Chapter 4: The Suffocating Love

The next evil pretty ex on Shona's list was Suga, the overprotective and suffocating ex-boyfriend. Kita had heard stories about how Suga's love for Shona became controlling and stifling. He knew he had to approach this battle with caution.

Suga was waiting for Kita at a park, holding a bouquet of roses. His face wore a mixture of longing and desperation. Kita took a deep breath and prepared himself for the emotional turmoil that lay ahead.

"Suga," Kita began, his voice firm yet gentle. "I understand that you care deeply for Shona, but love should never suffocate or restrict someone's freedom."

Suga's eyes welled up with tears. "I only wanted to protect her, to keep her safe," he whispered, his voice filled with remorse.

Kita sympathized with Suga's intentions but knew that his actions were unhealthy. He explained to Suga that love shouldn't control or manipulate, but rather support and uplift.

Hours passed as Kita patiently and compassionately guided Suga towards acknowledging his mistakes. Eventually, Suga realized the toxicity of his behavior and nodded, defeated.

"You're right. I went about it all wrong. Shona deserves someone who trusts her and respects her independence. I hope that person is you," Suga said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Kita smiled. "Thank you, Suga. I believe we all deserve a chance to grow and learn from our experiences. I wish you the best."

Leaving behind a contemplative Suga, Kita moved on to face the remaining three exes, each battle edging him closer to a future with Shona.

Chapter 5: The Cheating Temptation

Atsumu, the fifth evil pretty ex, was known for his infidelity. He had repeatedly betrayed Shona's trust but always found his way back into her life. Kita knew this battle wouldn't be easy, as Atsumu had a way of worming his way back into people's hearts.

Finding Atsumu at a local café, Kita approached him, determined to break the cycle of cheating and heartbreak.

"Atsumu, it's time for you to face the consequences of your actions. Shona deserves loyalty and commitment," Kita stated firmly.

Atsumu smirked, his eyes full of arrogance. "I may have cheated, but no one loves Shona like I do. You're a fool if you think you can replace me."

Kita's resolve remained unshaken as he laid out the painful consequences and emotional distress Atsumu's actions had caused. He made it clear that love without trust and faithfulness was no love at all.

As Atsumu listened to Kita's words, his cocky façade began to crumble. Guilt washed over him, and he admitted his mistakes with remorse.

"You're right, Kita. I let my selfish desires ruin something beautiful. Shona deserves better than me. I hope you can be that better," Atsumu said, his voice laced with regret.

Kita nodded, accepting Atsumu's acknowledgment of his wrongdoings. "Thank you for understanding, Atsumu. I wish you the strength to change and grow."

Leaving behind a defeated and introspective Atsumu, Kita braced himself for the battles yet to come.

Chapter 6: The Shadows of Abuse

Kageyama Tobio, the sixth evil pretty ex, was known for his abusive behavior towards Shona. Kita had witnessed the scars of their toxic relationship during their matches. He knew he had to approach this battle with utmost care.

Finding Kageyama training alone on a volleyball court, Kita took a deep breath. He couldn't erase the pain Shona had endured, but he could help her move forward into a healthier future.

"Kageyama, what you did to Shona was inexcusable. Love should never hurt or belittle," Kita said, his voice steady but filled with conviction.

Kageyama glared at Kita, gripping the volleyball tightly in his hands. "She deserved it. Shona was always too weak and pathetic," he spat out, his words dripping with venom.

Kita's eyes hardened with resolve. He patiently and firmly discussed the importance of respect and equality in a relationship. He made it clear that abuse had no place in love, and that true strength came from supporting and uplifting one another.

As Kageyama listened to Kita's words, his facade of anger cracked, revealing the brokenness underneath. Tears trickled down his face as he confronted the reality of his abusive actions.

"I don't know if I can ever atone for what I've done. Shona deserves someone who will protect her, not hurt her. I hope you can be that person," Kageyama whispered, his voice filled with regret and self-loathing.

Kita couldn't erase the pain of the past, but he could offer Kageyama the chance to grow and change. "Thank you for acknowledging your mistakes, Kageyama. I wish you the strength to find healing and the courage to become a better person."

Leaving behind a shattered Kageyama, Kita prepared himself for the final battle that awaited him. Only one evil pretty ex stood between him and a future with Shona.

To be continued...

Chapter 7: The Salt Shaker's Redemption

The final evil pretty ex on Shona's list was Shirabu Kenjiro, the cold and salty ex-boyfriend. Kita had heard rumors about Shirabu's sarcastic persona and bitter attitude. However, he believed that everyone deserved a chance at redemption.

Kita found Shirabu standing by a serene lakeside, his gaze fixated on the shimmering water. As Kita approached him, he could sense the walls of resentment and bitterness surrounding Shirabu.

"Shirabu, I understand that you and Shona had your differences, but holding onto bitterness doesn't serve anyone's happiness," Kita spoke softly, his voice filled with empathy.

Shirabu turned to look at Kita, his expression guarded. "She was always too optimistic, too carefree. It annoyed me. I didn't want to be dragged down by her naive positivity."

Kita sat down on a nearby bench, inviting Shirabu to join him. With patience and understanding, he explained that love isn't about changing someone to fit our ideals but accepting them for who they are.

He shared stories of Shona's kindness, loyalty, and unwavering support, hoping to open Shirabu's eyes to the qualities that made her special. He urged Shirabu to let go of his bitterness and give love another chance.

As Shirabu listened to Kita's words, something shifted within him. He realized that his resentment had been a shield, protecting him from the vulnerability of genuine love.

"You're right, Kita. I've been holding onto anger and resentment for far too long. Shona deserves someone who appreciates her for exactly who she is. I hope that person can be me," Shirabu confessed, his voice tinged with newfound hope.

Kita smiled, his heart filled with admiration for Shirabu's willingness to change. "Thank you for opening your heart, Shirabu. I believe in second chances, and I hope you can find happiness with Shona."

As the sun set, casting a golden glow upon the lake, Kita and Shirabu nodded at each other, silently acknowledging the connection that had formed between them.

Chapter 8: A Future Together

It had been a long and challenging journey, but Kita had defeated Shona's seven evil pretty exes. Each battle had brought him closer to understanding the depths of Shona's heart and the strength of their connection.

Sitting on the swing once again, Shona looked at Kita with eyes filled with gratitude and affection. "You truly went above and beyond, defeating my exes to prove your love. But more importantly, you showed me that genuine love is patient, understanding, and empowering."

Kita smiled warmly, his hand reaching for Shona's. "I did it not only for you but also for us. Love should never be a battlefield; it should be a sanctuary where we both can grow and thrive."

They shared a tender moment, their hearts intertwining as they embraced the love that had overcome the odds.

As the sun set on that fateful evening, Kita and Shona walked hand in hand, ready to face a future together. They knew that their love had been tested and proven, emerging stronger than ever.

With each step they took, they left behind the shadows of their past, liberated and eager to create a new story filled with joy, trust, and unconditional love.

And so, their journey continued, with a newfound resilience and an unbreakable bond, as they discovered that true love could conquer all obstacles and that their love story was just beginning.

The end.

[padawansuggest]

Anakin: *comes crashing into Obi-Wan’s apartment with the twins in a sling on his back and chest, and Ahsoka following behind* Obi-Wan, I need help!

Obi-Wan: *lowering his data pad* Things were so peaceful after you moved out, I should have changed the locks. What’s up?

Anakin: *stopping so Ahsoka can take a fussy Leia off his back, and giving a confused Luke a little kiss* So, Padme’s off planet and won’t be back for a week and a half, which is an issue because we got invited to Bail’s cousin’s lesbian wedding, and you know I LOVE lesbian weddings-

Obi-Wan: Which is shocking because you kept your own a secret from everyone around you.

Anakin: Hey! I don’t identify as any gender so I’m not sure I could produce the butch lesbian energy I love in weddings.

Ahsoka: Master, that’s what Padme is for.

Obi-Wan: Sweetie… did you think /you/ were supposed to play the butch in your marriage?

Anakin: Huh. You learn something new every day. Okay, fine, well, I can’t take the twins, they’re too little and fussy for a gathering like that!

Obi-Wan: *big sigh* Okay, I’ll watch the babies while you and Ahsoka-

Anakin: Oh no, Ahsoka’s not going, she’ll watch the twins.

Obi-Wan: …okay so… Ahsoka, why would you /not/ want to go?

Ahsoka: lol my ex girlfriend is there and things did not end well.

Obi-Wan: You… can’t be civil?

Ahsoka: Let’s put it this way; we originally bonded over a love of sparring together.

Obi-Wan: Oh. That could be dangerous in a crowd.

Ahsoka: lmao ya.

Anakin: Which is why Ahsoka’s gonna stay home with the twins, and I can’t just go to the wedding on my own, I have no impulse control! Every time a well meaning lesbian asks me about my gender presentation I get some sorta mental dysphoria and can’t function for a half hour. I need a buffer!

Obi-Wan: Okay. Fuck it, fine, is it an open bar?

Anakin: Of course it is.

Obi-Wan: *mentally preparing both an outfit and to wake up tomorrow in a completely unknown place* Okay, give me a bit to get ready.