#if I get caught it’s a $200 fine ugh

[skywalkir]

i kinda feel bad that I haven’t done much ic writing yet, ive been working extra long hours the last week and i just haven’t had the energy to do anything at all. im off work for 2 weeks starting on the 26th but until then ill be low activity 😭

[oceantornadoo]

the realistic aftermath of ghost catching the handy in the back alley with best friend!johnny…a few weeks later

“ugh johnny, get off.” you tried pushing against him but he was deadweight, 200+ pounds of muscle at the mercy of many, many alcoholic drinks. “fhehnihernr.” you rolled your eyes. “i don’t know what you’re saying.” instead of answering, he wrapped his arms tighter around your waist, pulling you into him by your stomach. “miss? did you need some help? or another drink?” you laid your hand on top of johnny’s and he growled in approval. “two waters, please.” the bartender nodded and turned around to grab the cups. “wanna be closer t’ ye, leannen.” you chuckled in spite of yourself. “can’t get much closer than you are now.” to save him from responding, the bartender placed down your waters and you took them, nodding your thanks. “drink up, come on.” you pushed the water cup toward him, ignoring his messy mohawk and gleaming blue eyes. how even shitfaced, your best friend was too handsome and flirtatious for his own good. “let’s go back to gaz.”

johnny slid into the booth first, wrapping an arm around gaz’s shoulder. “gazzy!” you snorted, attempting to slide in after johnny. he halted your plans by dragging you into his lap, losing no strength even with his lack of sobriety. instead of protesting, you laid back on johnny’s chest, mouthing “sorry”to gaz. gaz shook his head, opting to answer with a sip of his beer. “you’re lucky cap isn’t here.” johnny had finished the water cup, slamming it down on the table. you leaned forward, ignoring his growl at the movement, and placed the second cup in his waiting hands. he chugged it, muscled throat pumping at the exertion. you overted your eyes, wisely placing your gaze on the football game on the tv. “why’s that?” thankfully, johnny sounded more sober now, the slurring at a minimum. “‘cause you two are disgusting.” you shot him an affronted look. “i’m not doing anything!” gaz pushed at your shoulder, causing you to tilt, until johnny righted you in his lap, grip growing tighter. “soap’s annoyin’ but he knows how to take a woman’s no for an answer. you jus’ never tell him no.” hmph. he did have you there. instead of forcing you to answer, johnny rested his chin your shoulder, drawing the blame back on him. “think yer jealous ‘cause i hav’ a new favorite sergeant. she’s a wee more bonnie than you, gazzy.” he placed down the second water cup, sounding s bit more sober now. “well ‘ve got 100 quid on you tossers so don’t fuck it up.” instead of letting you answer, johnny pushed you off his lap and out of the booth, murmuring something about going to the dance floor.

and now you were here, arms wrapped around johnny as you danced way too slowly to the 80s rock crooning out of the pub speakers. the tension was calmer now, the drinks in your system finally hitting, putting you at an equal level with johnny’s slowly sobering brain. he rocks you gently, strong arms keeping you steady as your fingers skim his triceps, defined even under his shirt. his fingers splay against your waist, brushing the top of your ass as you sway off beat. gaz’s words swam through your mind, coupled with the looks ghost had been giving you since he caught you two in the alley. he hadn’t told anyone, hence the bet gaz mentioned, but youve felt the silent questions coming off of him every time you entered the room. johnny feels you tense in his arms, too intuned with all your movements. “ask me, lass.” you swallowed at the low gravel of his voice, accent deeper in your ear. “are- are we doing something wrong? i dunno, johnny, it was all fine before anyone said anything and now-“ he stops you with a pinch to your hip. “‘s a pile of shite, bon. unless,” he pulls back slightly, grasping your chin to force you to meet his eyes. “tell me to stop.” you shake your head immediately, noting the smile on his face. “don’t stop. i like being close to you, anyway i can. even with the blurry lines.” he tucks you back against his chest, grip finally relaxing. “no lines, jus’ us.”

[lume-nosity]

nerdy bf kazuha hcs !! (ugh yk kazuha is so yk like he's 🥰🥰 and like kazuha is so 😍😍😍😍 and then when he 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

contains: highschool au, mentions of other characters, mentions of getting high lol, kazuha wearing glasses 😋😋😋 (i hc that this man is blind. thick glasses, like a 200+ grade on his glasses.)

notes: here in the philippines, you just sit in one classroom with all the same people. so basically you and kazuha are in the same section, and he sits riiiight beside you. aside that this is vv messy lol, and my first time writing a hc format !, this was to make up for that kazuha fic for valentines that i didn't write lol

how is he like before classes?

he's running with you, why? he woke up late and rushed to class with you 💀

you're probably bugging him while he's spending free time in the library !!; "i need to study, dear..", he says, as he continues to be favored by most teachers...

of course — you have your own things to do and such so, you and him may just be staring at each other... until he's caught off guard by a mutual friend.

since kazuha and you decided to make your relationship public, kazuha has been suffering a few stolen haikus. you two have very few fingers to point, yet not a single one has been recovered.

how is he during class/in the middle of the day?

he's insufferable and cute, but mostly insufferable in the good way.

he's good at studying. he is smart, very, but when it comes to his "deep poems" it's probably something he scribbled while he was high lol.

in your row, (from left to right) you have kazuha, you, ayato, and yoimiya. whenever the other two aren't paying attention, kazuhas definitely teasing you.

...

"why don't you understand? it's quite simple..."

"just let me copy a few missing sentences??"

"no 🥰"

"little shit."

...

and oh man when you're daydreaming infront of him??? and he sees it???? AND YOU'RE STARING AT HIM FIXING HIS GLASSES?????? damn bro he's so fine

kazuha, while being a good student and never causing any fuss (at least nothing serious), might be reprimanded by teachers for paying attention to only you. jesus, it's a miracle you two have not been separated away just yet.

good lord he's honestly so demonic 😭, like you'll ask him "hey 'zuha, can i get some notes from you? i didn't copy fast enough.." and then he'll deny you for a bit before letting you copy 💀

and yk whats sexy and cool? volunteering to answer — you get nervous each time he raises his hand though...

does he bring you back home?

you bet your ass he does, and he's on time too. your poor boyfriend (not really, he does this willingly) multi-tasks while walking you back home, he's writing an essay or something 💀

maybe he might've been writing a haiku that'll be stolen if he doesn't put it away, but who knows? because it certainly isn't you.

...

"what 'cha writing?"

"a haiku, why?"

"can i see? please? just one, tiny glance.."

"as much as I'd like to, no sadly. i'm not finished oka-"

...

you proceed to a) attack him verbally, asian mom style b) keep staring in hopes that you'll be able to see it or c) snatch it away from him (never been successful)

...

i made this to deny and cope because i have a crush on my guy friend now because omg i... i think i... like him 😟 pssst some of the teasing kazuha does is very much based on my crush 🤯

i'm so disappointed in myself

my goodness

this is really good… i can clearly picture that whole thing in my head. kazuha with glasses… so fine tbh. (aha i have glasses too we could be twinning then)

kazuha please let me copy your notes fr like i’m too tired for school HDHAJC

also… did i read that last part right 👁️? another mutual has a crush on someone too?

wow, interesting, seems like a bunch of my mutuals have crushes that i wasn’t aware of? it’s cute, really. (not in a teasing way but in a more genuine way because i’m audibly going ‘aww’)

if you really do feel that way towards your friend, and would like to end up with him, (or you’d like to shoot your shot) i answered an ask similar to that here

either way, no matter what you do, i hope it works out well <3

[they-deserved-it]

"Gotta get away, better not get caught~" The thief sung as he weaved around the foot traffic, yelling following close behind his fast feet.

"I think for once, I'm fine with missing the best part~" He dodged surprised pedestrians with a snide smirk on his face, briefly touching the stolen wallet in his pocket as two cops on foot sped after him.

"STOP!" One yelled, panting slightly.

"No thanks!" Jax called back, tilting his head back and cackling as he slipped into an alleyway, ducking behind a dumpster and listening to the slap of rushed shoes on pavement as they neared, then fade.

The thief chuckled and stood up, dusting imaginary grime off his worn out T-shirt and pants, before exiting his hiding place, whistling cheerfully. Nobody even gave him a second glance.

He smirked and pulled the wallet out of his pocket, opening it. A license, credit card, a $25 Starbucks giftcard, and-

"200 dollars?!" He muttered, smirk turning into a scowl. "Well...better than nothing." He grumbled, shoving the stolen property back in his pocket. "At least that giftcard will get me a nice Ristretto." He pulled out his phone next, causally scrolling through his social media feed.

"Hmm...cute, nice....ugh, thats so dumb...ooooh, girl that is a look!" He mumbled as he went through post after post. He paused for a moment, clicking that users profile when he heard the car coming towards him. It was only at that moment that he realized he was standing in the middle of the road.

And another to realize that the car was about to hit-

[zukuist]

𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞

200 followers special

includes: multiple characters (would add more tags but.. i reached 30 ;;)

your name is shortened to y/n, they/them pronouns

notes: thank you for 200 followers! this isn’t really going to be that long, but im just doing the characters i really like so ;; ALSO I MIGHT’VE GOTTEN KIRI’S ENTRY A LITTLE WRONG so ugh sorry ;;

—

shouto todoroki

— THE OBSERVANT SIMP

from the start, he’s quite oblivious to certain things, (social ques, signs of romantic interest, etc.)

but when he’s observant with someone, then that totally means you’re special to him. does he realize how much he pays attention to you? hmm.. maybe?

he’s going to be the first one that notices you’re hungry, even if you don’t realize it yourself. he’s quick to grab a snack and break it open to you

same thing with being thirsty— if he notices that your water bottle is empty, he’ll quickly find the nearest vending machine and buy a bottle.

temperature is also no problem. he can immediately tell whenever someone’s cold; but he usually helps you first

too hot? he’s slowly putting down the room’s temperature

too cold? his left palm starts emitting some sort of heat in your direction, hoping it creates some sort of aid

if your shoelaces are undone, and/or he notices that there’s a button undone on your shirt— he’ll fix it for you

will ask to take your pictures on dates, and he’ll also help you pick out the best photo (not that any photo of you is short of any beauty)

in short— people will notice that he’s actually a big simp for you; because of how observant he is with you specifically.

katsuki bakugou

— THE TSUNDERE SIMP

just because he’s simping for you doesn’t mean he’ll treat you any differently. bakugou will be bakugou, and you eventually learn how to adapt to that.

but even so, his simp habits slip out sometimes.

when he’s cooking, he’ll accidentally make too much to eat, and he’ll coincidentally put the extras in another box and hand it to you

he’s a good student, even with studies. but would he say he’s a good teacher? hm. probably not

but if he notices you need help, he’ll sigh, feining annoyance as he decides to tutor y’all, because those ‘idiots’ are hopeless

rolls his eyes when he sees food on your cheek, but he’ll grab a tissue and wipe it off for you— claiming how you’re so messy.

he’ll act like he hates hearing your ‘annoying ass singing’ but he’ll lean against the doorway and listen to you rock out to whatever song you’re singing to.

denki will call him a simp for looking after you, and bakugou will just yell at him to “SHUT UP” >:T

he secretly likes taking care of you. his words aren’t the softest thing in the world, but his actions make up to it.

izuku midoriya

— THE DETAILED SIMP

as katsuki bakugou would call him; he is a nerd

he definitely meant that as an insult, but his input on detail makes it very useful in things like relationships

he remembers every detail of your quirk, your limits, potential secret moves.

it would’ve been stalker-ish, if it weren’t for the fact that deku does this out of admiration for his s/o

so if you so happen to collapse due to overusing your quirk— deku has a detailed plan on what to do. it’s almost scary.

he puts detail in a lot of things, anniversary gifts, birthday gifts, and so on.

deku’s also the type to plan things weeks before it actually happens. like.. planning out the perfect birthday gift

and with this, his memory is really good. so it’s very unlikely that he’ll just suddenly forget anniversaries and birthdays.

i hc deku as a bad cook, so he eats takeout food more than his homemade food

but he’s takes note of your allergies, your dislikes with food— and he finds himself mumbling small details to recall what you like

when you walk out in pretty/good outfits for dates

his face will break out into shades of red— suddenly rambling all the good details of your outfit, complimenting you while he’s at it

“y/n’s looks fantastic as always. i might die from their beauty”

if anyone calls him a simp, he’ll be really embarrassed about it. “me? a s-simp? is that a bad thing?”

just tell him it’s fine.

denki kaminari

— THE HYPEMAN SIMP

a big simp

like.. really big

he worships the ground you step on, and hypes up everything you do

y’all know when irene from red velvet literally breathed in north korea, and the crowd just

*claps*

yeah, that’s denki to you

it’s so blantly obvious that he’s simping over someone, and everyone’s just kinda used to it at this point

he’s just a big fanboy sometimes

whenever you’re sparring with someone, he’s always in the background like

“go s/o!!” 🤩

and he has tendencies to go a little easy on you like.. what’s he gonna do when you get electricuted??

but that doesn’t mean he’s never serious— nah.

there are times where he’s just a little bashful just being in your presence

sneaking glances your way, as he silently fanboys about you in general.

“s/o looks really good today. they always look good but !!”

when y’all weren’t together, the bakusquad was just tired of the constant romantic pining

it was really obvious that he was simping back then, and they’re not so sure as to how you didn’t say anything about it

mina always called him a simp

so yeah!! it was a big relief when you got together with him. he never makes you feel terrible, because he’s always your #1 hypeman.

eijirou kirishima

— THE HELPING SIMP (rip idk what to call this)

i didn’t really know what kinda name i went for this one but let me carry on

kiri upfront is very confident, and friendly. he never shows a mean side to anyone,

and there are rare cases of him being bashful

he’s kinda almost like a golden retriever? since he’s always nice and friendly to everyone

but then when you enter the room; he suddenly goes quiet, and he’s left alone with his rather loud thoughts about you

he didn’t really know how to properly approach you at first

but him being kiri, he’s still rather friendly to you (for now)

when he’s messing around, practically sharing one braincell with kami and sero

and then you suddenly walk in— he snaps out of his foolishness, and greet you with his very warm smile

“hey y/n!” he waves at you, and he hopes you don’t mention the teasing look on both kami and sero’s face

sometimes when he’s doing his close combat training, and he notices that he’s getting too close to you

he’ll be like “woah man, maybe we should move locations.” bc he doesn’t wanna hit you by accident ;;

kirishima prefers to not stand near you when his hair is all spiky. like he’s never conscious about it, until he’s around you

man poked sero with his hair before, and he doesn’t want to do that to you

kiri always looks at your hand, just to see if it’s occupied with something. his thoughts linger to what your hand might feel like

“their hand looks really.. soft. argh! i shouldn’t be thinking about these kind of things in public! im sorry y/n”

bakugou really only notices kirishima’s simping ways

bakugou always mentions the fact that kirishima goes really silent whenever you’re around—

and he’s secretly contemplating on having you around more so he can just shut up 。・°°・(＞_＜)・°°・。

moving aside all of that, kiri always carries your things.

you’ll beg him to give you at least one thing, and he’ll say no because it’s “not manly to let someone carry all of this.”

if you’re sad, he’s the first one to cheer you up— reassuring you that everything will be okay.

kiri’s just wants to be at your service at all times! it’s manly to help people, right?

hitoshi shinsou

— THE DISCREET SIMP

no one would be able to tell that he’s simping for someone

because unlike kaminari; he’s not like IM HITOSHI SHINSO AND IM ACTUALLY A SIMP

he’s a lot more discreet, and no one has really caught on, besides you and kaminari of course

he’s a lot less sarcastic with you, asking you about anything that’s happened instead of just being there

he prefers it to hear you talk. the way each word and syllable rolls off your tongue smoothly, and the way you use your hands to emphasize things

he’s amused.

oh and the way he looks at you? almost any normal person can sense the simp in him pop out (he’s so contained though)

he’s definitely the person that’ll get rid of any bug that’s terrifying you— even though he’d normally just leave it to them

he’ll do it, regardless if it’s the biggest fucking spider he’s ever seen, or the smallest spider

he’ll do it to make you feel safe.

he has these random spurs of compliments during the day

the source mainly comes from his staring habit

and they’re just so unexpected and out of the blue. hitoshi’s amused whenever he sees your reaction to his compliments

like.. you could be really frustrated about something, and he’ll just go “your eyes are pretty.” that’s his discreet method tO MAKE YOU TEMPORARILY DISTRACTED FROM THE ISSUE—

call him a simp, whatever. it’s true anyway so he doesn’t why should he be ashamed of it?

he’s discreet about it, since it’s your business and his business. but you can definitely feel his feelings loud and clear

neito monoma

— THE 180 SIMP

“i’m not a simp!”

[you enter the room]

*nervous laughter*

he had his last laugh, and he never thought he’d be this soft around someone.

especially if you’re from class 1-A like.. i became the thing i hated, ugh.

relentless teasing is amped but this is his way of making sure you remember him loud and clear

but he’ll never tease you in a condescending way— like how he torments the rest of class 1-A

that’s reserved for them 💅

always compliments you, that’s the first thing he does when he sees you—

and they’re never generic compliments either

“it’s nice to see you here, y/n! you make the world better day by day!”

“i’m still wondering what you’re doing in class 1-A, you’re much better than them!”

everyone secretly wonders how you got monoma to like you

monoma canonically likes pastels. spread the word

so sometimes, you’ll walk over to your desk— and you’ll just see this random pastel ornament sitting on your desk

you know who it’s from

whenever monoma starts becoming annoying, kendo will definitely use you as a weapon to make him shut up

he’ll be laughing at the expression on his face, thinking he’s absolutely winning at this

but the smile is wiped off his face when he hears “ok go on, i’ll tell y/n about your antics.”

“no, no! i’ll behave now, please don’t tell y/n.”

class 1-b literally use you as blackmail whenever monoma acts up, and it’s because of how different he is around you

like.. his personality takes a 180, (besides the obvious teasing) it’s alarming

—

©️zukuist 2021, bnha|mha belongs to horikoshi kohei. do not repost my work❕

[d-dixonimagines]

hi! so i saw you had your requests open and i’ve been really into the walking dead (daryl) and i really like your stuff!! so i’d love to see what you’d do with 13. & 17. maybe in a more crack/fluff kinda thing if you’d like?:D

have a great day:) <33

Prompts: "Truth is you terrify me." "I can feel you staring at me."

Thank you so much for reading my stuff!! I am terribly sorry that I took so long to get this posted. I hope you're still enjoying the show!!

a/n: It's been a long time since I've really been here and posted anything, and I've hated it a lot because I want to write for you all and I love writing for this character and this show!! I just got back on some ADHD medication that should hopefully help me focus more and get me back into a smoother groove, so hopefully I will be around more. My requests are currently going to stay closed, just until I get caught up on everything that I owe! My page says I'm on a hiatus, but I'll still be around! Thank you to everyone who has stuck around and who continues to read my stuff!! <3

If there was any silver lining in being in an apocalypse, it was how clear the night sky was due to lack of lights polluting everything, which made night watch far more bearable. You were supposed to keep watch for walkers and other intruders, but it was hard not to be distracted by the billions of shining stars. "I can feel you staring at me." You spoke up before tearing your gaze away from up above to look at Daryl. "You're supposed to be helping me keep watch, not star gaze." You let out a faux sigh of irritation and rolled your eyes, a small smirk appearing at the corner of your mouth. "But star gazing is far more interesting than keeping watch." In all honesty, keeping watch with Daryl was one of your favorite tasks. During the day you're both thrown into the hustle and bustle of keeping things running and whatnot, being able to relax and be quiet and have good company has quickly become your favorite things to look forward to, and there wasn't a lot of that these days. Daryl let out a quiet scoff, looking forward. "Would you rather be able to read someone's mind or control their mind?" He asks randomly, but you smile, knowing what he's starting. When you have to stand in one spot for hours on end with not much to look at, you come up with anything to keep yourselves entertained. "Read their minds, probably. If I was able to turn it off." "That wasn't part of it." He interjected. "You either get to read their minds, and everything that comes with it, or control minds." "Ugh, fine. I'd still pick reading minds, I think. Imagine all the time we could save when it comes to figuring out if we can trust someone or not. Cut out all the bullshit completely." Daryl nodded, contemplating your answer. "You don't think it'd be easier to control their minds? Have people do whatever you wanted?" You shook your head, "No." You responded confidently. "That gives someone way too much power, and even if it's intended to be used for good at the beginning, having it get turned for bad would be inevitable." "Alright, fair enough." "Ok, your turn!" You paused a moment as you thought of one. "Would you rather..." a smile appeared on your face as one came to mind. "Fight a chicken to the death every time you get into a car or an orangutan to the death once a year, but you get a sword?" You raised your brows at him, laughing at the quizzical expression on his face. "Throwing realism into the wind, I see." He teased, getting a scoff out of you. "What, like mind reading and mind control are real?" He gave a shrug. "They just go by a different name." "Alright, Mr. clairvoyant, just answer the question." He smirked, thinking about his answer. "Chickens would be pretty easy, and I don't get into cars much these days," he contemplated. "But you get a sword if you fight the orangutan." You pointed out. "Assuming this is a full grown orangutan, that's nearly 200 pounds, and you're basically fighting like seven people at once. Plus you have to watch out for their teeth, they're really good at swinging from trees, I'd rather fight the chicken." "You make a lot of really great and valid points," you started. "But. You get a sword." You didn't have anything else to offer other than that. Why wouldn't he want the sword? "If you want a sword so bad, just talk to Ezekiel or Jerry, they'd probably hook you up." You considered it a moment, but shook your head. "That's not the point." Daryl just shook his head. "Ok, enlighten me then." You turned slightly to face him. "First of all, chickens are psychotic. They'll go straight for the jugular, and once they go for your eyes, you're done for. They'll distract you with flapping wings, you'll get all disoriented, I think it'd be more difficult than you think. Simple, yes, if you get the upper hand. But you're in a car, remember. If you fight an orangutan, you have a full year to ready yourself for said fight. You're not trapped in a tin can. And, you know what I'm going to say next. You get a fucking sword!" You exclaimed excitedly.

"Maybe

it's a new sword each time too!" He looked at you with an amused expression. "Wow," he started, shaking his head. "What?" You narrowed your eyes at him. "Nothing, I just think that's kinda impressive. You're pretty impressive." He looked at you in a bit of awe. "Thank you," you smiled, feigning arrogance. "Truth is you terrify me." "What? Why?" His confession caught you off guard, causing you to chuckle. Shrugging, he answered, "There's just this way about you. You see the bright side in every situation. You'd rather fight a 200 pound orangutan over a chicken just so you could get a sword." "I don't know about all that, fighting an orangutan is a fake scenario." "But you'd do it. In any situation, literal or not, you're not afraid to just jump in. You're cautious when you need to be, you're an expert in strategy, and no matter the outcome, you're always looking at the silver lining. In a world like this, it's super rare to find that quality in people still. It's inspiring." Staring at him with your mouth slightly gaping open, you struggled to find the words. Any words. He rendered you speechless, which was a hard thing to do most of the time. You cleared your throat, bringing yourself back and playfully nudged his arm. "Look at you getting all mushy on me," you teased, laughing as he rolled his eyes. "Don't let it go to your head, you'll float away." A smirk hung at the corner of his mouth as he looked away from you. "I am letting it go to my head, thank you! All of that coming from you? It's quite the compliment." You smiled at him proudly. "You're not so bad yourself, you know. Those chickens won't stand a chance."

[fandom-monium]

Battle Tactics

Summary: In which multi-agency training exercises are a great place to make friends. Or enemies? “Ah, I think you just fell for me."

WC: 3.4k

TW: Spencer Reid x GN!Reader, fluff, meet cute??, Reid in his tactical vest 🥵, introducing ChaoticDumbass!Reader, kind of a crossover :D))

⏤

"Reid… Reid… Reid, get up."

"Nooo..."

"Are you serious right now?" Derek raises an eyebrow as the young doctor curls back into the seat of the SUV. He shoots Emily a look. "Is he serious?"

She shrugs, snickering when Spencer hisses as the cloud-filtered sunlight of Brooklyn hits his face. "Can't blame him. This isn't exactly his playing field. Or should I say his lab?" 

Spencer groans.

He loves his team. Honestly. They're his best friends in the world, and he'd gladly hang out with them whenever he can, treasure every moment he could get. There's literally nothing he wouldn't do for them. He’d have their backs no matter what.

Except right now. 

He should've called in sick when he had the chance. Or better yet, quit on the spot. Yeah, that’ll show them, forcing him on this training exercise. Sadly, he used up his vacation days and he's about a week ahead of paperwork, so he’s fresh out of excuses. (And if he quit, he’d have no other friends but that’s beside the point.)

Sometimes being a genius truly is a curse, he laments.

Every year, Homeland Security hosts a multi-agency counter-terrorism drill. Every year it's a different state, different scenario, and the BAU doesn't always attend but when they do Spencer dreads having to make the trip. Like now. Was it wrong he hoped a case would come up on the ride here? He supposes no, since there was nothing. Not a last minute case from JJ or a call from Garcia interrupting the long walk to the plane. Apparently, serial killers just had to pause their streak for today. 

Stupid serial killers.

He’d take murderers any day than be in the parking lot of the abandoned bank, decked in his tactical vest and the comfiest pair of pants he owns⏤a worn out pair of slacks, but he's working with what he's got, okay? (He’s not about to waste money on athletic wear. Not like he has much use for them anyway.) His vest is tight against his chest. The wind needles through the fabric of his pants. He caught his reflection earlier; how is it that he still looks like a child playing pretend after all his time at the BAU? 

"Ha ha. Funny. But you wouldn't be thrilled either if you were outmatched by everyone around you, completely out of your element," he grumbles, plopping back into the seat, "Just crack a window and leave me here."

"Can't. Hotch’s friend from Homeland personally invited us this year so the drill's mandatory. Something about ‘improving interpersonal relations’," Derek says. Spencer almost smiles at his attempt at Hotch’s monotone voice. Then Derek crosses his arms, leans against the side of the car, and Spencer envies how effortlessly cool he looks. He looks like he belongs here. "And you'll turn into a giant french fry if we leave you here."

"Literally the middle of winter but sure. Now if I were to bake in the car, it'd have to be the middle of summer and with the windows closed it would have to reach over 200 degrees. Although the highest it’s been in Brooklyn recorded⏤"

"Reid, get out of the car or I will carry you myself."

"… Can you?"

"Reid."

“Morgan.”

“Man, if you don’t get your ass up…”

Spencer rolls his eyes, "Ugh, fine." He lands on the asphalt with a thump, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder. He trails after Derek and Emily.

"Hey, look on the bright side," She says as they push their way inside, wading through the sea of navy windbreakers. They pay them no mind, agents standing around, waiting for further instructions. 

Worst. Convention. Ever. 

Spencer grimaces. "What bright side? I'm surrounded by peers who are about to witness my physical ineptitude in person."

"Don't say that! You’re an essential part of this team."

"I appreciate the thought, Emily, but the majority of serial killers don't have an understanding of law enforcement procedures or squad formations."

“Don’t worry,” She jostles his shoulder, offering him a smile, “If it makes you feel better, I doubt we’ll be assigned the more active positions.”

Spencer nods absentmindedly, doing his best to keep his head down. She’s right; there are two active positions for the training exercise, terrorists and strike team members. With the federal departments gathered here today, the probability is at least 30% or less, and that’s without external factors…

“And as long as we stick together you should be fine,” She adds before following Derek. 

Of course. Leave it to Emily to keep her head straight, even in a room full of federal agents. Most of them seasoned veterans with decades of experience. Probably.

Yeah, he’ll be fine. So long as he’s got his team, so long as he doesn’t draw attention to himself, he’ll be okay. 

“Thanks, Emily, I actually do feel better and you're gone.” Spencer turns, the space next to him empty. He huffs; she probably went off with Derek to sign in. Wherever that is. 

With an exasperated sigh, Spencer steels himself, dragging himself in the last general direction Derek headed. He weaves through ATF, US Marshals, ICE, tugging his windbreaker closer, hoping to see familiar black hair, or a bald head, or even JJ's blond ponytail. But between the tactical vests and uniform jackets almost everyone looks the same, and he suddenly feels stranded. 

Then he does one of the many things he hoped to avoid: he trips.

He's glancing over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of who he thinks is Derek when it happens. If he tripped on himself or on uneven tiling he can't say, because before he realizes it the room tips on its axis. His vision blurs. His life flashes before his eyes. One second people are upright, next they’re at a 45 degree angle. This is it, he realizes, mortified. Less than an hour at the drill site, and he’s about to embarrass himself in front of colleagues. He can see Derek's disappointment, shaking his head as his "pretty boy" title is swept from under him by the polished, marble floor. 

Who the hell decided to clean before a counter-terrorism drill? Unrealistic. 

Accepting fate, Spencer shuts his eyes, grabbing blindly. He catches a railing. 

Or the rail catches him? Fabric wrinkles under his grip, hands clutching his forearms. Spencer’s eyes shoot open.

“Ah, I think someone just fell for me,” You smirk down at him, eyes glinting with mischief as you cradle him between your arms. 

His ears grow hot, and he shakes his head, “What? No, that-that’s not⏤” 

“I’m kidding,” Your tone is less teasing and more soft when you ask, “You okay?”

… He is now. 

Like everyone, your tactical vest is fitted over your chest, your navy windbreaker unbuttoned, but what draws Spencer's attention is the police badge printed on the breast. Although your hands (gentle, he realizes with his heart in his throat) burn through his sleeves, and his usual repulsion for touch hits him as he all but rips himself from you, startling you. "Sorry! Sorry. Yes, I’m fine, thank you,” He ducks his head, embarrassed. 

You chuckle. 

Huh. Weird. Normally strangers laugh at him, but with the way your eyes gleam and your lips quirk up slightly, he’s not so sure. You look at him like you’re childhood friends, your smile easy and familiar, and for a second he questions if you actually met before.

Spencer scoffs. Impossible. He’d definitely remember a face like yours.

"No problem," Your smile turns into a toothy grin. You wave at him. "Detective (Your Name) (Your Last Name), NYPD."

 If he’s disappointed you don’t offer your hand, he doesn’t mention it. “Doctor Spencer Reid.”

“Doctor? Do people actually get injured at these things?” 

“Actually paintball game related injuries are higher than you'd expect, with 94% of injuries inflicted on males. But no, I'm not a medical doctor,” He swallows, trying to shove his heart back into place. You’re just a person. No need to be nervous. “Though I'm surprised they allowed the local police to participate this year.”

You tilt your head. “Why?”

“Statistically, police don't have the best track record during drills, specifically infiltration missions,” he says with full confidence, instinctively going off into a tangent. Infamous cases, recent statistics. He may not excel at physical activity, but if there’s one thing he knows it’s facts.

But his voice dies painfully, heart plummeting as your bright grin dwindles. “… Yeah. After our scores from last year's tactical village, we were asked to sub for the DoD,” You reason, shoulders tense and smile forced. Defensive. 

“Oh, I hope I didn’t offend you! I’m sure you did great⏤”

“Right,” Your eyes narrow and Spencer winces at your clipped tone. You bare your teeth. He shrinks back. “You know what, Doctor? You can take your stats, and shove it up your butt because my squad and I are going to win this thing.”

“That’s not how these drills work,” He says meekly.

“Don’t care,” You grind out before stalking off.

Brow furrowed, he calls after you, “What if we end up on the same side?” 

“Winning this thing!” You don’t bother to look over your shoulder, while Spencer’s slump in defeat, watching helplessly as your back disappears in the crowd.

At some point Derek materializes behind him. “Hey, there you are! Come on, I saved you a seat,” Spencer feels himself being tugged away. Beside him, Derek raises an eyebrow suggestively. “I saw you talking to that pretty officer. Did you get their number?”

“Uhhh no. Something else.”

“Oh?”

“Their animosity?”

“... Oh?”

⏤

Spencer thinks if the universe was a person, he’d definitely⏤to quote the Great Penelope Garcia⏤throw hands with them, because this is ridiculous. 

It’s one thing to be forced to participate in the training exercise. To not get interrupted by cases that should have come up. 

It’s another to be put into Strike Team: Alpha. 

He couldn’t have been in a worse position.

Spencer swore his soul left his body, nearly sliding off his chair when they were assigned as strike team with the US Marshals. Meaning more walking, more running, and more gunfire. To make matters worse, he was split from his team, unable to do anything but trade helpless glances with Emily as he headed to his sector. At least his team leader, a senior Marshal, was sympathetic enough to assign him on perimeter check, leaving him at one of the upper level staircases. Away from the main entrances.

Or maybe that was to get him out of the way. That makes way more sense.

He slouches against the wall, resting on the wide platform below the flight of the stairs leading up to the next floor. His radio crackles low at his hip, and he ignores most of the muffled check-ins as he lets his mind wander. Not like anyone’s coming to him anyway.

He should be grateful, he supposes. In spite of his terrible luck today, so far his experience hasn’t been that bad. 

Well, aside from you. 

Guilt shoots through him as he recalls your pursed lips and indignant expression. He had sat a few rows behind you during the intro, catching the way your squad slouched when you were assigned as this year's hostages. All you guys have to do is sit around, wait to be rescued. Or shot up with paintballs. Whichever comes first. Lucky.

Although, contrary to your team, Spencer's certain he saw you square your shoulders, and he imagines your eyes burning with frustration, not having the chance to spite him. That is, if you still even care about that. He cringes, another pang of guilt hitting him. He really didn’t mean to upset you. Perhaps he should apologize.

For what? He only made a statement based on statistics. The facts don’t lie!

But he offended you.

He was right. He shouldn't have to apologize for that.

…He definitely has to apologize.

Spencer shakes his head. What's he thinking? He’s not Derek. He can’t just walk up to you after what happened. And he’s seen your coworkers; your sergeant could fold him like a lawn chair and the dark, curly-haired woman has daggers for eyes. No doubt she’s carrying one too. Hell, you probably forgot his name already, pushed the whole ordeal to the back of your mind. 

His chest aches at the possibility. It's the guilt, he tells himself. He’s been told he's a people pleaser.

Lost in thought, he barely catches his radio spit out, “Repeat: hostages⏤uh⏤terrorists? Moving now⏤”

He sighs, pushing off the wall. No point in dwelling on you. You’re strangers. Your opinion shouldn’t matter to him. 

“⏤Alpha⏤top floor⏤move in⏤” 

He straightens his vest. Yes, just forget about it like you probably did. It's not like the team attends every year. (No, he's not disheartened by the thought.)

Above, rapid gunfire echoes down the hall, shouted orders barely reaching him. 

Besides, he thinks albeit bittersweet, unholstering his standard issued glock. He doubts he'll ever see you again. What are the chances of you two bumping into each other again⏤

“I call the stairs!” 

… No. He whirls around, looking up in time to see you full sprinting, not even pausing as you hurl yourself from the top of the stairs. The flight of stairs he happens to be standing at the bottom of. Oh⏤

“Shit⏤” You’re thrown off balance, your form contorting from an athlete's confidence to Spencer-level clumsiness. He doesn't need a 187 IQ to know you'll injure yourself.

Without thinking, he throws open his arms. His gun clatters to the floor.

And regret and you slam into him full force, the both of you grunting from the impact. Spencer's reminded of the first time you met, thrown off his feet, the room tilting. But while you caught him with grace and assurance, this is a mess of limbs as he awkwardly curls his body under you, shielding you, and he swears he skids a couple feet as his back hits the floor, knocking the wind out of him. He lays there, unmoving. 

“Oh god, are you okay?” You wail, scrambling off to kneel beside him. “No, of course not, I just body-slammed you. Do you have a concussion? How many fingers am I holding up?”

He stares up at you, bleary-eyed.

With a string of curses, you brush his hair out of his face as you check for injuries, your fingertips rough and palm lined with calluses. He groans. If this was anyone else, he'd flinch away, maybe even push them off himself as he recites the amount of germs that transfer from touch alone, but for some reason he leans into yours. He’d probably welcome it too if the room would just stop spinning. Though, at least the sound of gunfire seems to have died out. Or is it the ringing in his ears? 

Then the scent of dark roast wafts through his nose and he smiles faintly; you get coffee breath, just like him.

“Hey, Doc, stay with me,” You move to his head, mistaking his smile for delirium. You lean over him. “Come on, say something. Anything. Hell, talk statistics to me,” You heh, despite the situation. 

In your haste, you miss the flash of annoyance that crosses his face. First he trips into your arms, then you literally sweep him off his feet, and now you have the audacity to laugh at him? Blinking away his daze, Spencer decides it’s his turn. For once, even just for today, he wants to throw you off. 

“I…” He flinches, pain shooting through his skull as you begin to gently lift his head into your lap. You hum, listening, and he, conjuring his inner Derek, tries to lay on the charm. His voice comes out scratchy⏤the struggle to breath is real⏤but it’s all he’s got, and he hopes it’s enough as he wheezes, “I think you just fell for me.”

You drop him. He yelps as the back of his head meets tile again.

“Sorry! Sorry...”

“It’s fine,” Spencer hisses. Lucky for him, you hadn’t raised him too far off the floor. He sits up, cradling the back of his head. “I kind of deserved that.”

“Yes, you did,” Finally getting a good look at you, he feels a mix of satisfaction and pride wash over him, your expression all flustered. To think he had it in him. Derek would be proud.

But your breaths are ragged, your chest rises and falls, and he deflates, realizing he didn't do anything. You bolted down the hall. You're just exhausted.

He squashes his dismay, clearing his throat, "Listen, I’m sorry about before. I know you and your team were amazing. You’d have to be if you were invited here.” You stare him down, eyes wide and unblinking like bright spotlights, and he tugs at his collar, feeling hot all of a sudden. He hadn't moved from his position, so why does he feel like he ran a marathon? He rushes to fill your silence. “I-I wasn’t trying to be condescending or anything! It’s just I'm not great with people, and I didn't want to be here and maybe I subconsciously took that out on you and⏤"

"Okay."

Spencer pauses. "Okay?"

He blinks up at you, taken aback as you stand, dusting yourself off. You shrug, "You don't have to explain. I probably could’ve reacted better too, but I’m used to people looking down on us as cops, and it didn't help that everyone here outranks us. So apology accepted." 

You offer your hand to him. He doesn't hesitate, taking it as he returns your smile. "Besides, I just tackled you. I think we're even,” You add, pulling him to his feet. You have the sense to look guilty, sending him a sheepish look. "So, you alright? You need me to take you to the medics?"

Well, only if you want to. He shakes his head. He’s not Derek. He could never. "No, I think I can manage from here, thank you.”

But as you step back and turn away, it’s then Spencer realizes he doesn’t want you to leave. He wants to keep talking to you. 

The thought almost gives him whiplash. 

You’re strangers, maybe a little more at this point, he almost laughs. But you’re the most interesting person he’s met in a long time, and Spencer thinks he wouldn’t mind getting body-slammed if it meant he got to chat with you for a moment. And as he wrestles with himself, trying to figure out what could possibly make you stay now that he’s just cut off his best chance at you doing so, you turn back to face him. 

“Hey, you’re sure you’ll be fine?”

He gazes at you, perplexed. “Yeah, why?”

“No reason,” You eye him, and he fights back a blush. He runs a self-conscious hand through his hair. “So hypothetically, if I shot you in the chest, you wouldn’t need me to carry you to the medical tent?”

“No? Although, that's an oddly specific hypothetical⏤ow!” He recoils, and before he even registers the sharp sting against his sternum, you’re lowering your weapon. He looks at you, eyes filled with betrayal. “Why?”

For theatrics, you blow out the nozzle, as if the gun was smoking. “Didn’t you hear? We rose up against the terrorists. We’re the villains now.” You flash him a wolfish grin as you start backing away, “Told you we’re going to win this thing.”

“Again, that’s not how these drills work!” He shouts after you. 

“And like I said before: don’t care,” You wave at him over your shoulder, before breaking into a sprint. “See you around, Doctor!”

Spencer cranes his neck, watching as you leap down the next flight of stairs, and he can’t deny the way his heart warms when you notably check the bottom first. You disappear into the next floor. He doesn’t try to follow you.

Then his chest aches and he grimaces, palming the spot where you hit him. His hand pulls away, covered in neon paint, and he glances down. 

Huh. Would you look at that? 

You shot him in the heart.

Oh shit.

⏤

AN: Hallo! Any facts or stats Reid spat are superficial google searches, so pls do not take them seriously!

Did yall figure out what the crossover is?? Its obvious but not really 💁 If you know, you know :D i plan to make it more crossover-y later :)))

I like to think that while Spencer is great in the field, he’s the type of genius that believes once he’s memorized it he doesn’t need to practice, so he hates training and simulations. ESPECIALLY if it involves the other departments bc most of the time he’s younger, less experienced, and/or physically weaker compared to other agents. Not to mention he’s awkward :]

If you noticed, i was trying to adopt one of my fav author’s writing style. she’s v straightforward so i hope i captured that part 😌

PART 2??

[acourtofbookishdreams]

Azriel ~ Irresistable*

Azriel x Reader

* = NSFW. EXPLICIT CONTENT.

Summary: Whilst training with Azriel, you make one too many ‘innocent’ mistakes and his resolve wavers with each one until he can’t take it anymore.

Warning: NSFW, forbidden romance, teasing, shitty writing with no sense, out of character azriel, piece of crap - posting anyway aha

Word Count: 2539

"You need to tighten your core" Azriel instructs, voice soft and unjudgemental but aggravating nonetheless.

"I am tightening" I grit from between my teeth, working with all my waning strength on moving along the balance beam.

Azriel and I had been training only for a couple of weeks now after I'd finally decided I wanted to learn how to defend myself or at least be able to hold my own until I could get to safety. However, my insipid mortal reflexes and strength was making it insanely difficult to learn anything.

Considering my being the remaining mortal sister of the Archerons after thankfully being on a short trip to see a friend at the time my other sisters had been kidnapped and turned, it seemed like an even better idea. Especially to my overprotective older sisters. Sometimes, being the only human around definitely sucked and others, like when my sisters got roped into Fae bullshit...it definitely didn't.

It did really suck I wouldn't find a mate, though. That sounded incredibly...convenient.

"You may think you're engaging your core but you're not" Azriel says, moving slightly closer, his shadows surrounding him in the soft dawn light.

"You know what, if this is so easy then-ah!" I squeal as I fall off the beam, stumbling slightly and gripping the beams surface to keep from slipping as my feet land hard on the floor, ground shock reverberating up my legs, "Ugh, this sucks!"

Azriel chuckles softly, "You'll get it."

"It doesn't feel like it" I grumble

Azriel comes up behind me, placing one large hand across my stomach, pushing against it softly, "You need to act as if you're sucking in your stomach, belly button to spine."

I do exactly that, my stomach concaving in, forcing his hand to slip from my stomach and back to his side and Azriel laughs - a big, joyful chuckle, the loudest I'd ever heard from him.

"Was that a laugh?" I smirk, quirking one eyebrow

"I do laugh, you know."

"Not often...and not around me."

"Focus. We're not here to discuss my social habits. Now, I meant internally. It may sound strange but visualise it in your mind and then pull your stomach in and hold it. You'll feel it."

My smirk slips and I nod, focusing. I do as he instructs and though he is right, it does feel strange, I definitely feel it in my stomach, an odd and uncomfortable tightening sensation as if my stomach was benching a weight.

"Ow" I pout, releasing my stomach, "I don't like that"

"You'll get used to it" Azriel smiles, "Now, come on, back up on the beam and try again"

"Will you catch me if I fall?" I tease, my smirk returning. Though he may be over 200 years older than me, strictly off limits because of his being a completely different and dangerous race from me and completely emotionally unavailable, it didn't mean I couldn't flirt.

"Of course" Azriel responds, tone all business. I roll my eyes slightly as I hop back up onto the beam, one foot in front of the other.

Squeezing my eyes slightly against the pressure, I perform my weird suck-in thing to engage my core, taking a tentative step forward...and finding it suddenly way easier. Gaining confidence, I take another step forward, and then another, each one coming faster and faster until...

"I did it!" I giggle, reaching the opposite end of the beam and jumping off, "I actually did it."

"Well done" Azriel commends, his ice-hewn face slightly broken by a small smile, "Next beam"

"Already?" I gulp, looking over my shoulder. The next beam was higher up then the first, the top of it reaching my chest. I turn back to him, gesturing to the lower one, "Can't I just do this one again?"

Azriel says nothing and I sigh, moving over to the other beam and grabbing a couple step blocks to get up to the beam. Heaving myself up and onto the beam, I wobble softly and a small, startled squeak escapes my lips before I regain my balance.

"You really will catch me, right?" I ask nervously. Again, no response omits from his lips, just a short nod of which I couldn't tell was either actually in answer to my question or instruction to get a move on.

"Okay" I breathe, closing my eyes and stilling my body completely, performing the process of engaging my core slowly, each muscle at a time until I felt so tightly wound even a sharp shove couldn't knock me from my feet.

I take a step forward...then another...and then I slip.

My foot hits the side of the beam wrong and in an effort to stay up, I attempt to pull it back on rather than letting it go and placing it behind my other foot, bending at the knees as I was taught to do and had done many times on the lower beam. I scream and squeeze my eyes shut tightly as I tip backward, flailing my arms out as my back heads for the ground.

As if in slow motion, I turn my body as I fall, instinctively positioning to catch my fall with my hands - a rookie mistake. A pair of strong hands encircles my waist as I turn and without thinking I grab onto him, securing my body to his in every way possible to stop my fall. I grunt as one of my feet lands hard on the floor, ground shock again erupting through...one of my feet?

I open my eyes and find myself in the strangest position...Azriel's face was before me, his arm hooked underneath the crook of my right knee, holding the one leg up whilst the other was placed upon the floor as normal, my hips pressed against his.

"You really did fall in the most difficult way possible" Azriel says, voice deep and gravelly...as if straining.

It's then I notice Azriel's stance is crooked, his weight tipped to one side slightly as if weighed down...I gasp and almost send myself flying again as I realise what exactly I'd done in my attempt to escape a painful landing.

My knee was grazing his right wing, my left arm tightly wrapped around his neck with my elbow brushing the inside of his left wing and my right hand was placed entirely on the soft membrane of the inside of his right wing, my fingers splayed across the shimmering surface and pressing lightly onto it, the way one would place their hand on a surface to maintain balance.

Points of contact everywhere with Azriel's wings...Azriel's sensitive wings.

"Oh my...I'm so sorry" I gasp, pulling my leg out of his grasp and removing my arm from his neck, my hand from his wing, until I was standing before him. Closer than I'd ever been before, his eyes boring into mine.

"You couldn't have just fallen backward?" Azriel says, his voice still rough and strained, "I would've caught you."

"I know, I-" I stammer, "I didn't think, I just acted on instinct. I don't know what I was thinking. Are your wings okay?"

"They're fine" Azriel frowns softly, "Why wouldn't they be?"

"Feyre's told me before to be careful of your wings, to make sure I keep away from them because they're really sensitive...are they not?" I redirect as his confused frown deepens.

"They are but not in the way you seem to think" Azriel explains, "It doesn't cause me pain, which by the look on your face, I assume is what you think."

"It's not painful?" I breathe a sigh of relief, "Oh thank the forgotten gods...but if it's not a painful sensitivity, why do you seem so tense? Well, tenser."

"While it's not painful, it is still sensitive. The sensation is hard to explain but it just provokes a different...reaction."

"What do you mean?"

"It's too hard to explain. How about I show you the approximation of what it feels like to a non-winged being and then you tell me the reaction you have."

I nod, a little nervous about the slight gleam in Azriel's eyes, a knowing one...

Leaning forward, Azriel breathes softly into the shell of my ear, lips trailing sensually along the outer edge as his large hand ghosts down my spine in soft, light movements, his fingers barely touching the skin but sending shivers all the way through my body. My eyes go heavy lidded and instinctively, I grip his bicep to hold myself steady, neck tipping back slightly to expose more of my neck as his breath gusts over the sensitive skin, his hand coming to rest on the small of my back to keep me from falling on my ass. A small noise escapes from my throat.

In a lighting fast move, Azriel pulls me to rights and releases me completely, stepping a good few paces back. Breathing heavily, my eyes open and meet his and I imagine our expressions to be almost exact. Flushed cheeks, glazed eyes, chests rising and falling so agonisingly slowly as we attempt to keep our breathing even and failing completely.

"Woah" I breathe, "I definitely get it now."

"You can't do that, Y/N, damn it!" Azriel growls and I straighten further, lust filled haze vanishing.

"Do what?" I gape

"Make me-" Azriel says and then stops himself, "Never mind. Today's session is over"

He turns on his heel to leave but I run after him, meaning to grab his shoulder...and accidentally gracing the back of his wing again.

Damn it, dumbass.

Azriel releases a frustrated growl and whirls on me, pushing me back into a nearby wall, his hands on my waist, eyes staring into mine.

"That"

I was still confused. This was the only time I'd ever touched his wings...

Seeing my confused expression, Azriel presses closer, his body pressed to mine, something hard pressing into my-

Oh.

"I...I wasn't aware I" I stumble over my words, "I wasn't aware it was something I'd done more than once."

"That's a lie and you know it" Azriel huffs, "Stop feigning innocence."

"I'm not feigning anything!" I protest. I truly hadn't meant to turn him on. Now or any other time. Feyre and Nesta and Elain had all made it clear I shouldn't get into it with Azriel...Gods, even Rhys had told me to keep away!, "Why does it even matter? We're both adults, we can just move on from-"

"You don't get it, do you?" Azriel growls, "That I've wanted you every moment from when I first saw you, that Feyre and Rhys gave me this lecture about duty and responsibility and the different race bullshit and ordered me to stay away from you. The only reason I was allowed to train you is because I swore it'd be training and nothing more!"

"I'm...I don't know what to say to you except that I didn't know anything about any of that."

"I swear you're my own personal hell on Earth." Azriel sighs, shaking his head, eyes hard and cold as flint.

"Wow, thanks" I scoff sarcastically, offended, "I wasn't doing anything intentionally."

"That may be even worse" Azriel concedes, "Knowing that anything you did wasn't intentional means if you truly tried to make a move...I would fall at your feet and beg you for just a second of your time. For one moment between-I shouldn't be entertaining this idea."

No, please go on.

"It doesn't help that I can smell you every time you enter a room. It's like you specifically-"

"Wow, so now I smell?" I huff, "Perfect."

"Not that kind of smell. I can smell it on you now."

It?

Well, sure, I was sweaty but I'd just been working out. Although I'd cooled a bit now, with all the slow and steady lust-filled contact we'd had-

Oh...again.

I remember Nesta telling me once to be careful with any time I spent...with myself because the males could smell...

Could smell arousal.

"Oh" I say aloud this time, "That."

"I could swear you would touch yourself before each training session just to drive me insane with what I can't have-damn it, stop it!"

"Well I can't really help my body's reactions when you talk like that" I defend, that warm and tight feeling in my stomach building, eyelids fighting not to fall.

"Try" Azriel suggests weakly.

"If the past few weeks of my unintentional seducing you wasn't proof enough, I clearly can't do that."

"What has been with you recently? You're aroused all the time."

"I don't know" I blush, "I just...have been. Besides, it's not like I have someone I can go to here to...relieve myself of the frustration so I'm all I've got."

Azriel's jaw clenches, eyes ablaze with a hungry fire.

"Why can't we...I mean, why am I so forbidden to you?"

"Feyre and Rhys say...well, I don't know. It doesn't matter about their reasons, their my High Lord and Lady. If they order me to do something, I obey."

"Is that something you can't fight?" I ask, eyes trailing up and down his body, "Like a magical side effect stops you?"

"No, it's an honour thing-" Azriel stops short, recognising my intention, "Okay, I know you're doing this on purpose now"

"So what?" I whisper, "It's not like I'll tell them anything...and there's no one out here to witness for at least a few hours."

"Hours?" Azriel chuckles, "What makes you think you can handle that?"

Cocky now, huh?

"I'm almost certain I probably can't...but I'm more than willing to try."

Azriel's erection grows larger, pressing insistently upon my upper thigh, "Y/N...I can't"

"Yes you can" I say, "Something tells me you're just as good at getting in your own way as Feyre and Rhys are. I'm more than capable of making my own decisions and I would be lying if I said this isn't one of the fantasies I've used to help me out when I'm alone."

The sound of Azriel's teeth grinding against each other makes me smile. I don't know where this sudden confidence came from - perhaps from knowing how badly he also wants this. Maybe it was fate's way of making something that was always supposed to happen, happen. By removing my nervousness and forcing Azriel to think his way out of his own mental purgatories.

Azriel, still fighting his own mental battle, pants softly and I lean forward, trailing a long line up his neck and along his jawline with my tongue. My hand drifts up, reaching for the tender inside of his wing-

"Don't. Do. That" Azriel grits out, hand gripping my wrist and pushing it back against the wall, up above my head, the other arm quickly following, "Don't start something you can't finish."

"Who said I wasn't planning to finish?" I smirk

"Gods, you'll be the death of me" Azriel sighs, leaning closer to me. I could already tell the battle was lost, he was just clinging to the last scraps of will he had left.

"What was that you said earlier? That you would 'fall at my feet and beg for just one moment between...' What were you going to say?" I tease

"Shut the fuck up" Azriel growls, his lips pressing to mine.

Masterlist

[sleepysailorghost]

Benny's Big Score

It turns out that New Reno was not a great place.

It seemed like a good idea at the time, a solution to his problems. But it wasn't.

New Reno was dirty, but not in the same glimmery-glittery way that New Vegas was. It wasn't like when he had come to Vegas for the first time, the Bootstraps with him. He was alone. There were no chairmen to protect him, no brothers willing to die with him.

Sitting in the dingy bar, he curses the courier under his breath.

"Oh, don't get me started on Couriers." a melodic voice chimed in. A smooth-voiced ghoul in a fancy pre-war tuxedo sat down on the barstool next to Benny. "You wouldn't know the half of it."

"A courier done you wrong too?"

"I gave as good as I got." the ghoul replied, and in him, Benny recognized that they were both well-dressed men who had been chased out by couriers.

"And yet we're still sitting here in this bar, ring-a-ding." Benny took a sip of his drink. Disgusting as it was (and expensive!), Benny's pride as a Bootstrap and leader of the Chairmen kept him from spitting it out. "Say, who are you anyhow?"

The ghoul rolled his eyes under the sunglasses he wore.

"200 years ago everyone knew my name. Dean Domino's the name, don't wear it out."

Benny's eyes widened.

"That for real? Where ya been hiding out all this time?" Benny questioned, leaning on the bar counter. "Could have used you back in New Vegas."

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Dean answered smoothly. Benny prodded at him again in his "Ring-a-Ding-Ding" fashion, and Dean sighed before answering. "The Sierra Madre."

"Woah, let's keep it in the grove. You," He paused for emphasis. "Are the ghoulified version of prewar icon Dean Domino and you've been hiding out in the casino in the land of the dead?"

"Yes, I suppose if you put it like that."

"I'm the Ben-man, the kingpin of the whole Strip." Benny said, bitterly drinking from his glass. "Or I was."

"Taken down by a courier?" Dean snarked.

"Ain't that a kick in the head. You think you put one in the ground but then they follow you home and try and climb in your bed. Ruin your damn plans. But I'll be back."

"The courier-I never caught their name-banned me from Vegas. They threated to kill me if they ever saw me again. As if they'd get the chance."

"You and me, we're men cut from the same cloth." Benny said, and Dean looked over him.

"Are we really?"

"Yeah, we're both men screwed over by couriers when we could've been kings!" Benny rubbed his hand over his jaw, and then continued. "Y'know...we oughta get together sometime. We could get revenge on the Mojave Express and I have a lot of draw in New Vegas. I could even get you a job preforming in the Tops. Hell, even the Lucky 38."

"Why not?" Dean agreed. Thinking a moment, he asked. "That courier you knew, did they have a large scar on their head?"

"They did actually...a gift from me. Tie, I think that's their name. Well, it's what their boy-toy sniper-type called them when they weren't trying to jump into bed with me."

"Two birds with one stone." Dean said. "Shall we?"

"Yeah, pal."

It took time to get back to New Vegas. This gave them time to plan and plot and scheme about how to get their revenge on the courier.

More or less, it was easy for them to get into the Strip. After all, this was the land that Benny was Chairman of. He was also very skilled with computers, so it wasn't a challenge for Benny to hack into the securitrons.

Their first stop in Vegas was Mick and Ralph's. Throwing a cap to the crier boy outside the story, Benny asked "Are your old men inside?"

The boy responded and Benny strolled into the building like he owned it. Explaining to Dean, he added, "It helps to bring flowers home."

"Benny." Mick greeted shortly.

"Mick, my guy! How's the family?" Benny sidled up to the store owner. "Say, have you gotten any flowers in lately?"

Mick sighed and retreated to the back room. He returned with a wilted bouquet.

"I've only got these in because of Pacer. You know how he's gonna get, you're throwing of his plans with" Mick complained, but Benny cut him off.

"Tell him to send all his complaints to the Tops!" He exclaimed and snatched the bouquet. It was dry and wilty, formed from common Mojave plants rather than one made from Vault-Tec's greenrooms. It must have come in with Crimson Caravans, Benny thought, but Swank would like it well enough.

He shoved a couple caps into Mick's hand-underpaying people was something that got him into trouble before.

"To the Tops!" He called, and Dean followed him.

"Ugh. How things have changed." Dean groaned. "What have you done with the place?"

"Seal it, Dean-o! I've got a man to see. Our plan won't work without Swank."

The man in the check-in window looked up when Benny said his name.

"Shit, Benny. I haven't seen you in ages."

"Missed you too, Swank. You didn't even kiss me goodbye."

"You're not supposed to be here. I know you tried to kill that courier."

"C'mon, Swank. You've gotta let me explain." He gestured with the bouquet. "I brought you flowers."

Swank looked like he was conflicted, but then he sighed.

"Fine. Explain then, boss."

"Alright, so the courier. I did try and kill that courier, but I had good reason for it. You've got to believe me. I needed the platinum chip."

"You can't just keep saying I have to let you explain and I have to believe you. It doesn't work that way. But I'll bite. What's a platinum chip and why did you need it?"

"It's what we need. If we have it, we can upgrade the securitrons and then we won't need the NCR or the Legion or House to protect New Vegas." He smiled bitterly. "It would have been freedom for all of us."

Swank looked at Benny silently.

"I know why I failed now. I needed you and the Chairmen. I needed you."

That seemed to certify it for Swank. He inhaled deeply and then exhaled.

"Alright Benny. But this is the last time. You mess this up and it'll be the end-not just for you and me, but for all of us." He made cautious and firm eye contact with Benny. "What's the plan?"

"You're the man, Swank!" Benny shouted excitedly and leaned over the weapon-check counter to wrap a hand around Swank's shoulder and pull him down for a kiss. Releasing him, he continued. "Oh, it's a doozy of a plan."

Swank looked around and then signalled to another Chairman.

"You take over here." He said, and stepped out from behind the weapon check counter.

The plan was a doozy, Swank thought as he walked from the Tops to the Lucky 38. He hoped the Courier was staying there tonight. If not, he'd have to regroup with Benny and Dean to send them to the Atomic Wrangler instead.

Night had fallen quickly over New Vegas in the hours after Benny had made up with Swank, but his thoughts were quickly interrupted when Swank bumped into someone.

"Watch it," He barked. Looking at the young woman, he realized she was a courier-she had a courier's duster loosely over a purple shirt-but not the one they were going to kill.

"Eh? Did you need something?" She said, "I'm going to Show Low."

It was a dangerous route for a courier because it went right into Legion teritory, but Swank didn't care. It seemed like a good idea at the time, a solution to his problems. But it wasn't.

"Sorry. Good luck!" He said and continued on route to the Lucky 38.

"You too?" Swank heard, but there was a lot of noise. The Strip was loud.

Arriving at the Lucky 38, he let himself in. The collar weighed heavily in his pocket, but he knew that was just in his head. It couldn't weigh more than a pound or two.

"Hello?" he called. "I need to speak to the Courier? It's really important..."

There wasn't any response for a moment. Then the elevator chimed and two people exited.

One was the Courier, and the other was a bitter-faced sniper with an NCR beret.

"Oh...Mr. Tops?" The courier said. "Did you need something? We were just on our way out..."

"Yes, and it's very important. And it can't wait." Swank replied

The little computer on the Courier's arm beeped.

"Alright, what's going on?"

"Sit down, this is very important news." The courier sat down. The sniper stood to the side.

His hands were starting to sweat and he wiped them on his suitpants. Ugh, he could almost hear Benny scolding him for dirtying it.

"I've discovered..." He spoke softly...and the courier leaned into hear better. Just as they planned. "Sorry."

With that, he swiftly reached into his coat pocket and snapped the collar around the courier's neck. It latched closed and armed before they could even move.

They startled back, but it was of no use.

"Recognize it, courier?" a charismatic and smooth voice called as Dean Domino and Benny Gecko strolled into the lobby of the Lucky 38.

The Courier's face was fearful, but the sniper's eyes were full of rage. Their hands clawed at their throat, but it was futile against the explosive collar.

"I wouldn't do that, Pussycat." Benny's voice chimed in. "It's rigged to blow. But I'm sure you knew that. According to my new friend here, you've had some experience with them."

"Dean." They said quietly. " You were warned. I told you what I'd do if I ever saw you again. I'll kill you even if I have to take you down with me."

"Geez, Domino, what'd you do to make 'em hate you so bad?" Benny ran a hand through his hair. "I shot them in the head-twice, even-and left them for dead. And they still tried to sleep with me! Oh, and I wouldn't go making any moves there, friend, unless you'd like your little courier blown to bits. Or do, it would make it easier on me."

"I believe it was that I had their little friend's vocal cords ripped out. Or maybe it was the whole threatening to blow them up." Dean answered. "I never narrowed it down."

"Wow, Benny!" the Pip-Boy beeped. "I never thought I'd see you again! You keep some interesting friends!"

"Yes-Man?" Benny questioned, and then waved it aside. "Eh, never mind. When I've got the platinum chip, I can fix whatever they did to you."

"Yes-Man," Antietam said, dropping their hands from their neck "Could you keep it down? I'm about to get blown up."

"No, you're not." Boone reassured them quietly. "Gotta be some way to take these guys out..."

Internally, Antietam was weighing whether it was worth it to charge Dean and take him down with them. But there was a likelihood of Boone being injured in the blast, so it wasn't going to work out.

"Now, now Courier..." Dean said. "Where did you take the treasure when you ran off? You ruined over two hundred years worth of revenge."

The courier wanted to lash out, but they reigned their temper in.

"You ruined it...You ruined the whole Sierra Madre, did you know that? It could have been a safe haven, a shelter from the nuclear anihilation. But you couldn't tolerate what you percieved as an insult to your ego! And you ruined Vera's life-she was dying and you blackmailed her!" Their vitreolic rant paused. It wasn't the whole sad story, but the only one who knew that was Antietam. And they were too angry and biased against Dean to really care that their rant was biased. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Woah, let's calm down, Pussycat. You keep yourself under control or one of us might just forget ourselves and hit that button. We wouldn't want that, now would we? Let's get down to business." Christine and Veronica ran downstairs.

"Hey, what's going on? We heard commotion." Veronica said, and then when she saw the situation, she put her hands on her hips. "Are you guys having a party without me?"

Christine, on the other hand, growled.

"Dean." It came out in Vera's voice, and if Dean had skin, it would have gone pale with fear. As it was, it broke his composure.

"So it worked." He said finally.

"Alright, don't make any moves!" Benny shouted. "You try anything and I'll blow your friend to smithereens."

"Who are these guys?" Veronica asked.

"Some guys who tried to kill Tie before, I think." Boone answered

"Dean Domino, Swank Gecko-Pierce, and I'm the pro from Dover." Benny barked. "Now I want answers! Where's the platinum chip?"

None of them answered.

"I guess none of you value the Courier's life, seeing as none of you are providing answers." He pulled Maria from his pocket. "No matter. We'll start with the boy toy."

With that, he leveled Maria at Boone.

"Things are getting a little heated, Benny." Swank said, making eye contact with the checker-suited man.

"Stop." The Courier said. "I'll tell you where I hid the chip. Just let my friends go."

"Benny, this is getting more heated than I thought it would." Swank noted.

"Can it, Swank. We're about to get some answers!" Benny responded.

"It's in the dresser in the motel in Novac. Let my friends go, Benny."

"It's like it doesn't even matter to you!" Benny exclaimed. "It-" Swank cut him off by setting a hand on Benny's outstretched arm.

"Benny, calm down. We don't have time for his right now."

"Yeah, Benny, calm down." Dean chimed in, although it was clearly mocking him, which Benny picked up on immediately.

"You got something to add, Deano?" Benny snarked back.

"You know, Ben-man, I think I'm tired of playing accomplice. I'm so tired of playing second fiddle...I think I'll kill you and your friends and claim New Vegas for my own."

"Yeah, that's not happening." Benny fired back. He pointed Maria at Dean. "It's been real and it's been great, but it's not real great."

He fired.

"Shit, Benny, you missed." Swank said, to which Benny responded "Shut up, I know I missed."

He shot again and again and Dean didn't move, until he slumped to the ground, full of lead.

"Well, that's a bust." Benny said. "Hey, whataya say, Courier? We can burry the hatchet with this guy and work together. I won't kill you or your little friends and you won't kill me and Swank. Fair's fair, right?"

It was a stretch-even now, Christine and Veronica's nimble fingers were removing the explosive collar from the angry courier's throat. But Benny had always been a gambling man.

[angelsdevils]

Keigo Atobe x Reader

Title: Missing Undergarments Fluff No Warning

You were the captain and coach of the U-17 tennis camp, you were in charge of the newcomers. You would have been able to do that for the upperclassman and be in charge of them but you knew they were lacking the spirit that you searched in a tennis team. So they gave the position to some idiot, you couldn’t stand. They weren’t normally your problem because the tennis team you were charge was your main priority. You were confident in their skills, mainly because you went to every tennis team, and hand-picked them yourself. 

Right now the upperclassman was giving them a hard time, and you could feel a tick mark appear on your head. It was only the second week and they were already causing trouble for your team. The team didn’t know you were their coach, so when you served the ball and hit Byodoin to back him up away from your team their eyes widen. You also weren’t to keen on him hurting your best friend Tokugawa. You knew they weren’t expecting a girl to be in this camp, so if it was under different circumstances you would have looked at their faces. 

“Oi! What do you think you are doing?” You asked walking down the bleachers, everyone parted ways, Tokugawa’s eyes widen. You were the captain for several years for U-17 camp, before you became a captain and a coach, but you normally didn’t make your appearance until the third or fourth week. 

“(L/N)~san it’s a bit early to be revealing your face to the newcomers don’t you think?” He asked with that irritating smirk. You rolled your eyes walking past him, and checking Tokugawa over, he looked away knowing you were going to scold him later on for this. 

“You need to go to the nurse and explain what happens. I will deal with you later.” You tell him, even though you two were best friends, you always scolded him when he did reckless things.

“Oi did you hear me? I am talking to you?” 

“Put some respect on my name, I showed my face because you and your airheaded team don’t know how to stop messing with my team. So I decided to come here myself to put a stop to it myself.” You said you voice getting darker with each sentence. Byodoin rolled his eyes before smirking holding his racket so it was pointing it at you. 

“No need to be a sour patch, you know this is a tradition for us.”

“It’s also my tradition to beat your ass, every time you do. So what do you say we picked up where you left off at with Tokugawa? Actually no, that would be too easy, I will let you keep your points and I will take his points down and start at zero myself.” You said you could hear the multiple schools of the newcomers whispering about you. 

“Always cocky.”

“No, if we both start at zero we both know I would crush you.” You say. 

“Very well then, ladies serve first.” He smirked, you tossed him the ball which made him narrow his eyes at you.

“If that’s the case then you should be serving first not me.” You said with a cheeky grin that made him growl at you. 

“Wait, miss, you shouldn’t. You will get hurt.” You turned your head, to see a cute redheaded boy that was in the golden pair. 

“Kikumaru Eiji, golden pair with Oishi. It’s fine, trust me I will be fine.” You say the boy’s eyes widen in shock before looking at the others. Just like that the match resumed, Byodoin needing one point to win while you had zero. He served the ball, and just like that, you knew he was aiming for your body. You sidestepped the ball before returning it at a fast, lightning speed. 

Point by point you caught up with Byodoin, and you could see the irritation in his eyes. He was getting angry with himself, and losing his cool in the process. You both were tied now, and he hit the ball just the way you needed. You stood in a position that everyone besides the newcomers knew, and they knew what shot was coming. Dragon Force. 

“You aren’t the only powerhouse, you should know this. Dragon Force…” Byodoin’s eyes widen, and he stepped back as you hit the ball that formed a dragon’s body flying through the air, you knew he would try to return it, but you simply turned your back to him.

“Don’t you dare turn~ your~back to me!” Byodoin yelled but the force of the ball sent him flying into the wall denting it.  “You aren’t a match, never been a match never will be a match for me. You mess with my team again, I will personally make sure you guys are suspended from any games that happen in the near future Do I make myself clear? I chose to take on with training them because I can’t stand half of you red jersey bastards.” You say narrowing your eyes harder. 

“You guys don’t deserve to wear the red jackets, so I plan to remove you guys completely to let them take your places when I am done with them.” You say putting your red jacket on your shoulders, that’s when the younger members realized you were the captain of the entire U-17 camp and must have been their coach. You walked away from them, before heading to the infirmary but were stopped by a member of Rikkaidai’s youngest member, Akaya.

“That was so cool!” 

“Ah, thanks Akaya Kirihara youngest of Rikkaidai’s tennis team.” You patted his head, and continued to walk away, you didn’t notice but a certain captain of Hyoeti’s tennis team was watching you in awe. 

“She is beautiful.”

“Uh, Atobe~kun she is like 2  years older than you.” 

“Don’t care. Oresama will have her one way or another.” Atobe sighed in content before you stopped and looked over at them. 

“ Let’s go  check on Tokugawa alright?” You said, and everyone began to follow you. Atobe made his way up to you, and before he could say anything you raised a hand. 

“Keigo Atobe, Hyotei’s captain.” You said, he felt his heart rate accelerate.

“You can call me or~”

“Call you Oresama? Yeah, not a chance.” You say raising an eyebrow, you heard snickering, and Keigo glared back at the team and they got quiet. 

“It’s good to see you again (Y/N).” Shuji came up to hug you tightly, you hugged back with a smile. 

“Good to be back, I guess.” You laughed nudging Shuji. 

“You know they were highly concern about you facing Byodoin right?”

“I know, but can you blame them? They don’t know me, they just see a small female that looks like she can break easily like glass facing a brute like him.” You say.

“Yeah, even after I reassured them that Byodoin was the glass in this situation they didn’t believe me.” He said, and you laughed. 

“Oi are you two...dating?” You turned your eyes to meet Keigo’s and he looked left out, Shuji looked at you and you both shared the same idea. Shuju was another one of your best friends that you adored and had to scold often for not training.

“She is soon to be my wife,” Shuji said, and you hugged his arms nodding. 

“Oh, I see.”  Atobe dropped his shoulders, the look of defeat on his face. 

“Don’t be down, there are plenty of pretty girls.” You say in a teasing tone.

“Don’t tease them Shuji, (Y/N) you are their coach/captain you shouldn’t be joining in.” You looked up, and you rolled your eyes. 

“ But we are dating.”

“Well, this is news to me,” Tokugawa said crossing his arms. You and Shuji looked at each other sharing the same though once again a smile on your face. 

“Want us to prove it?” Shuji asked Tokugawa looked you both before realizing what you two were planning.

“Oh gross, don’t you dare.” It was too late Shuji pecked your lips, your eyes widen and you slapped his shoulder. 

“Oi! We weren’t actually going to do that.” You exclaimed to Shuji who had a carefree smile on his lips.

“Too late now.”

“I am going to kill you.”

“Gotta catch me first.” 

“Ugh, I hate you.” You say as Shuji ran from you.

“Anything with dating doesn’t listen to them, they aren’t dating.” Keigo’s spirits lifted up, and you could see hope in his eyes. 

“Don’t go getting idea’s Keigo, I date people same age or older than me.” You say, before smacking Tokugawa upside his head. 

“Owe, that hurts!”

“Sorry, are you hurt badly?” 

“Not really, I just can’t overdo it.

“Good, 50 laps.”

“WHAT!?”

“You know the rules no joining in matches against the red jackets unless I or the other coaches arrange it.” You say.

“That is so cruel.”

“I can make it 200 laps. I am being nice because you got hurt during your match.”

“I am going, I am going,” Tokugawa said as he began running his laps. You smiled before yelling towards him. 

“Meet us in the cafeteria when you are done bye~!” You said, leading them to the cafeteria. 

“What are we doing here?” Oishi asked you looked over at him giving him a smile.

“Well when I reveal myself a month later, I always throw a small party for my team, since I revealed myself earlier we are just gonna have the party earlier. So if you want to shower and stuff just meet back here.” You say with a smile, they all nodded cheering that they get to relax a bit. You watched them all leave before Ryoma came up to you, you raised an eyebrow before saying the words you knew you were going to hear from one of them.

“I will beat you, and become the best.” You laughed softly hitting his hat down a bit.

“Go get in the shower you stink like sweat.” You say making Ryoma puff his cheeks out. You left to your room to shower yourself when you finished you went to put on underwear in a bra only to realize they were all gone. Every. Single. Last. Pair. You growled and went to look for pants or shorts only to realized your dresses were left behind.

“OH NO!” You exclaimed eyes widened in saucers, you put the skirt on and your red jacket so no one could tell.

“I can’t go outside to buy underwear,  pants or bra, oh my god. I need... Tokugawa! Come here! You yelled getting to the cafeteria. You held your skirt down, with a blush as Tokugawa made his way to you.”

“What’s up?”

“I need a huge favor.”

“Are you okay? You are red in the face.” He asked worried, your blush increased and you leaned in to whisper in his ear. 

“Someone stole my panties, bras, and pants leaving me with skirts and shirts. If I give you money can you please buy me undergarments?” His eyes widen, a blush covered his cheeks. 

“I-I can’t (Y/N).”

“Please, I will do your homework for the rest of the year.”

“I am sorry. I can’t help I can’t just walk into a girls shop and buy those things.” He said apologetically. 

“Fine, thanks though.” Shuji was the next person you called. 

“SHUJI!” Tokugawa walked away giving you an apologetic smile.

“What’s up?” He asked you blushed before getting it over with.

“Someone stole my pants and ALL of my undergarments. I can’t go by them myself because well I am wearing a skirt with… nothing please go buy me some I will do your homework for the rest of the year. Shuji felt a nosebleed coming on, and your blush darkened, you whined and Shuji shook his head. 

“I flirt with you, yes, but that’s because we enjoy making people think that, but I can’t possibly buy your undergarments. That means I would know exactly what you would be wearing, I can’t I am sorry.”

“Shuji if I don’t get these things, I will never be able to play tennis, I will have to forfeit matches and stuff please.”

“I am sorry but ask one of the younger males. SORRY (Y/N)!” He ran off to tend to his bleeding nose. 

“Is everything okay (Y/N)~senpai?” You turned to see Oishi, and your eyes widen. He is so sweet and pure. 

“Oishi, do you know anyone that has sisters? That isn’t shy? Or something…” Oishi thought for a moment.”

“Eiji, Fuji, Ryoma has an older female cousin. Uhm, that’s all I can think of.” 

“Eiji! Fuji! Thanks, Oishi.”

“Anything I can help with?” He asked.

 “Are you comfortable with shopping for bras and underwear?” You asked, and he blushed shaking his head.

“Then nope, thanks.” Eiji and Fuji made their way, Eiji had a blush.

“I know why you called I am sorry (Y/N) I can’t help. Tokugawa was asking around for you.” Eiji said.

“I didn’t hear what’s going on?” Fuji asked confused.

“Someone stole my pants and undergarments I need someone to buy me some I have money I can’t go out like this.” You said desperate, and Fuji’s eyes opened. 

“Do you know who did it?”

“Nope, I was in the shower, or It could have been when I was at the courts.” You said Fuji puts a hand on his chin.

“I can’t help but if you can’t find anyone, I can get my sister too,” Eiji said, and Fuji nodded.

“Same I can too.”

“Thanks, I don’t want to be a bother to them though.” You say.

“Oh tell Tokugawa to stop asking people I don’t want everyone to know…” They nodded, and you sighed slipping away from the cafeteria, but Keigo stopped you.

“Senpai, do you need to ask me a question?” You turned to see Keigo. You were not about to ask him, but it was like he knew the issue. 

“Did Tokugawa tell you?”

“Just ask me the question.” He said, you blushed groaning but you had no choice. 

“Keigo can you please head to the store. I can’t walk out like this someone~”

“Stole your undergarments and pants? Yeah, I figured that’s what they were doing. Here.” He handed you bags, and you looked into the bag seeing all new undergarments. Your eyes widen and he gave you his famous smirk.

“Oresama is amazing, right? I even reported the ones who stole your stuff.” Keigo said, you were about to hug him but stopped. 

“Once I am fully dressed, I am giving you a hug you are amazing.” You say speed walking to your room. Keigo grinned fist pumping in the air, and everyone walked to him.

“How did you know?” Tokugawa asked.

“When I was headed to my room, I heard Byodoin and some other’s say they were stealing (Y/N) stuff, so I recorded them and took it to the coaches.” Everyone nodded and began to party, and you walked out of your room to see Keigo waiting for you. 

“You were waiting for me?”

“Yepp.” You hugged him tightly, and he returned the hug. You gave him a soft kiss to the cheek before heading down to the cafeteria.

“Thanks, Keigo, I owe you one.”

“Just a date will be fine, maybe a dance tonight.” You glanced at Keigo, and he offered you his hand once you both made it The music was loud and you leaned your head back, before looking at him.

“You are serious.” 

“Oresama is very serious.” You looked over to see Tokugawa and Shuji who were grinning at you, you had a blush before taking his hand. You both continued to dance, and Keigo held you close. Even though you were older, you were shorter than him, it wasn’t long before Nioh pulled you away from Keigo and began to dance with you. 

“Puri~not sorry I stole her from you.” 

“Oi~!” Keigo growled at Nioh, you sweatdropped. Nioh danced away from Keigo in the crowd, somewhere along the way, Fuji was dancing with you, than Oishi, than Bunta, then Akaya, back to Keigo, then Shuji. You were confused, amongst the slight arguing you somehow started dancing with Ryoma. 

“How did I even get into this?” Ryoma was confused just as you were, someone pushed someone, and you let Ryoma go and fell into Tezuka. 

“Oh dear, this is getting out of hand.” You said, and Tezuka adjusted his glasses.

“It is now they are arguing who is better at tennis.” You laughed softly, you had your work cut out for you. Just then Keigo appeared at Tezuka’s side. 

“Can I have her back?” Keigo said, and Tezuka allowed you to dance with Keigo. 

“Idiots.” He mumbled, and you laughed softly before pecking Keigo’s lips.

“Maybe I can make an exception for you. After all, you were man enough to buy things no one else was comfortable doing.” You say. 

“You give Oresama a chance I would be so happy.” You laughed softly, and Keigo led you away from everyone. He sat you on the bench outside, before holding your hand in his. You leaned your head on his shoulder, and he looked down at you. 

“So dating now?” Keigo asked and you shook your head. 

“We only met today, but give it time I am sure it will happen in due time.” You say, and he kissed the top of your head. 

“I can wait, as long as you become Oresama’s in the end.” You shook your head with a smile on your face.

[mooshs-crack-headcanons]

Aaaaa! First of all, congratulations lovee!!! So exciting! 200 and many many more to come! 😍😍 I hope im not too late, if I am just yeet me out of that askbox, but otherwise: 🥰, Shanks, female reader and good morning kisses (14) thank you so much dear! Am already hyped for all the kisses 😍👌🏻

(Hazel I hope this came out for your liking!)

14. Good morning kisses.

The loud mumbling beside you was what woke you up that morning. One eye slowly creaked open, vision adjusting to the dim light from the window, as you looked over to the spot next to you. You, still mostly asleep, watched as the figure next to you slung his arm over his eyes and groaned to himself. 

Ah yes, the consequences of his own actions. 

He groaned before hissing out a breath, unfolding his arm from his face and his body slowly slumped upwards. You lay still, more awake at this point, and pretended to still be asleep. He felt his face, his fingers clenched at the bridge of his nose, no doubt his head rocking his whole world upside down as his red shag of hair was tousled in every which direction. A quiet curse left from his lips as he used his only arm to throw back the sheets on him and make his way on his feet. 

He walked across the room with a slight stumble in his step as he made his way to the two of your's private bathroom, once the door shut you sat up and rolled your eyes. You swore one day his liver's just going to explode with how he treats alcohol, and especially after last night. 

The evening that the crew managed to land on the island a festival was being held all throughout the city. Fireworks, stage performances, all types of music, and more notably booze and even more booze. So being the bunch of alcoholics the Red Haired pirates are, of course the crew gladly took part. As everyone around you got toasted you and Benn being the smart responsible ones in your crew (and because the two of you enjoyed the absolute delight watching the crew regretting their actions the next day was) the two of you would always not drink as much, but to at least have a buzz throughout the drunk escapades. 

Well and if anyone was the biggest alcoholic among the crew, everyone knows it's Shanks. 

 All throughout the night he laughed and sang along with the music that played as he drank one after another after another. At one point with you on his lap he chugged down one after another and another until you gave up and lost count, but the heated uncalculated kisses pressed to your neck only then to be drunk serenading to you minutes later was the the tell tale of what type of night you'd be having. (But the part when Benm dunked Yasopp with a whiskey barrel for being an absolute dick, that was unexpected and you got a real kick out of that.)

You were caught out of your thoughts as the doorknobs jiggle grabbed your attention, you quickly darted back to lie back down and go back to pretending you were lost in peaceful dreams before the door opened and your lover trudged his way back to your shared bed. A blunt force hit your dresser, then the floor.

"Ah shit." You peeked open one eye to take a curious look. Shanks hissed another curse through his teeth as his body slumped up the wood his only arm clutched onto his knee. "...damn thing always in my fucking way." He sighed before flaring his nostrils and looking towards your direction, which you quickly closed your eyes before he saw you gawking at him. 

Hearing the pop in his joints, he made his way off the bed and plopped back in his spot next to you, and after a few silent moments his arm wrapped around your waist to pull you close to him, his chin rested in the crook of your neck. His heartbeat remained a steady rhythm as his chest was pressed to yours, it relaxed you long enough to not take notice for a while he still reeked of booze. 

For a while. 

Once you did notice you instantly dropped the sleeping act. 

"Ugh, Shanks go shower!" You pushed him away from his ever so loving embrace. He looked at you and blinked at you confused a few times. "Well good morning Sleeping Beauty, I thought it was the kiss that was supposed to wake the princess up, not hugs." 

"Well it did. You smell like a whole bar spilled on you!" He took a few good sniffs at himself, cocking his eyebrow. "Oh, didn't notice." His hand remained in your hip, still keeping you in his grasp, you desperately tried to push away. 

"Shanks. Shower." 

"Doll, I'm hurt! do I even get my morning kisses first?!" 

"Now!" He let a drawn out sigh. "I'm really hurt. My head is pounding, I feel like the marine ships after the aftermath of Hawk eye's 'no loitering' escapades and now my own girlfriend won't even let me love her! I'm hurt." You rolled your eyes. 

"Shower. Then kisses." The Yonko sighed and puffed out his cheeks childlike. "...fine." His hand left your waist before he sat up and felt at his face with his signature hungover groan. His feet hit the floor and he sat at his bedside and combed his fingers through his hair before looking back to you and pointing. 

"What about just one?" He gave you a grin. 

God dammit. 

"...fine you alcoholic bastard." You sat up and wrapped your arms around his neck as you pressed a quick kiss to his lips...only for him to hold the side of your face to deepen it. As your lips exchanged you fell on your back and he hovered over top of you, pulling back for only a second to let the cocky snicker leave his throat before going right back in. 

Fuck this man and his fucking smooth ass moves. Your heart bumped excitedly in your chest as your hands gripped at the naked skin of his back as he continued to continue with his given talent of taking your breath away. It all for a while made you forget he smelled like a brewery exploded on him. 

For a while. 

You pulled back and gasped for air, pushing him away. "Shanks! Shower!" A groan left him as he pushed himself up off the bed. "Yeah yeah, heard you, I know!" 

You laughed to yourself as you watched him for the second time that morning trudge off to the bathroom, before going in turning around to point at the dresser. 

"We're replacing that because of its hatred of my fucking knee!" You could only find yourself laughing.

Oh you loved this alcoholic bastard. 

[fictionalsownme]

Congrats on 200!!! I didn't know you were in the atla fandom too!!! If it not too much, can I rq a drabble fic of zutara with the prompt 'id rather not lose you again'. Can go in any direction you want, and again, congrats on the followers!!

send in a request!

thank you so much!! sorry for the wait! 💞💞 fun fact about me! ATLA is actually my all-time favorite piece of any media ever, by like a lot. I love it so much, and it’s my dream to one day create a story on it’s level 😩✨ that being said, I’ve never written for zutara before! 😅 I’m normally a kataang shipper (ik, pretty vanilla hehe) but I’m gonna try!! thank you so much for the request and I hope you like it!! 🥰🥰💞

warnings: slight arguing, zuko is stressed, kataang is not canon in this so no cheating or anything, secret relationship, lightly edited

She knew Zuko was wearing himself too thin. And if he was trying to hide it from anyone, he was miserably failing.

Katara had been staying in the Fire Nation palace for weeks now, under the guise of being a representative for the Southern Water Tribe. No one had yet to find out about the secret trips to Zuko’s chambers in the dead of night, nor why she hadn’t left the palace yet.

It was like they were getting to know each other, both for the first time, and all over again. They’d stay up until sunrise, talking, laughing, learning. Katara would stay tucked under his arm, and he’d keep the silky blankets tucked up to their chins. They had kissed many times now, and though they weren’t entirely sure what they were to each other, and though they still drove each other crazy, Katara knew she was nearing a point of no return. She really liked him. And she was pretty sure he felt the same. He wasn’t very good at hiding his emotions, to be honest.

She worried about him constantly, and the ever growing bags under his eye. He looked more sickly by the day, always sighing, rubbing at his temples, waking up from nightmares nearly every night. Now that he was the Firelord, he was crushing himself with the weight of it all. Katara was trying to give him his space, she didn’t know much about what it took to rule the Fire Nation after all. But she finally had enough when she noticed him dozing off at a royal party, despite the fact that he was standing up.

She waited until she caught his eye, looking past advisors and servers and citizens, just to meet her gaze. She stared into his eyes for a while, making sure he was paying attention, then took a step backwards. He raised his brow, tilting his head. The sight reminded her of a baby otter penguin, but she suppressed her giggle and slinked back into the hallway behind her.

She waited a few moments near a wall lantern before he peered his head around the doorway. She extended his arms to him.

“Katara? What are you—“

She cut him off with a kiss to his forehead (one she had to move to her tippy toes to complete, mind you). The effect was instant and he melted against her, wrapping his arms around her back. This time she couldn’t help the giggle that left her mouth as she took his head in her hands.

“We’re not going to stay a secret much longer if you start doing stuff like this.”

“I’m rescuing you, thank you very much.”

She could tell Zuko wanted to be mad, but all he gave her was a lovesick smile. She found herself thinking that if he had a tail, it’d be wagging. But when she saw the exhaustion on his face, her smile faded. Like it always did.

“You need to take care of yourself, Zuko.” He rolled his eyes as she took on a harsher tone. “When was the last time you had some water?”

“I’m fine, Katara. I’m just…”

She poked at some wrinkles forming at the crease of his brow. “Wearing thin?”

He pulled away from her with a sigh. “It’s not like I’m trying to feel like this. There’s just so much on my shoulders. I can’t let anyone down.”

“Zuko, I know.” She touched his arm. He was always so warm against her skin. “But you’re no good to anyone like this.”

“What do you suggest I do, then? There’s no time to rest, you and I barely have enough time to see each other, let alone taking care of myself.”

“Us seeing each other is not more important than taking care of yourself.”

He went silent.

“Zuko!”

“What?!”

“I’m serious!”

“So am I! It’s taken a long time for us to get to where we are now. I don’t want to… go backwards.”

“That’s sweet, Zuko. But what’s gonna’ make us go backwards is you being all cranky and on edge because you aren’t sleeping.”

He glared at the wall, but it was softer now. Like he was more frustrated with himself than Katara.

Zuko started talking again, almost mumbling. “I’ve messed up with you a lot in the past, Katara… I’d rather not lose you again.”

He was so stubborn. And so… so sweet. Ugh, why did he make seeing him so difficult?

She tried to make her voice soft, gentle, as she said, “Come here.”

He looked up at the ceiling, like he was debating ignoring her. Eventually, he made the smart choice and yielded, stepping closer to her once again.

She brought his face down closer to hers. “If that’s the case, take my advice. I’m not going anywhere. You just need some rest, Zuko.” She placed a kiss against his scar, just under his eye, and felt his lids flutter closed.

When she pulled away he looked at her like he was in a daze.

“And hey! Maybe you could take a break soon. We could go visit Sokka, and my gran. Together!”

He nodded weakly in her grasp, then gave a raspy, “okay.”

She smiled, and pulled him in for a kiss. He tucked her hair out of her face and took a breath. A good, refreshing breath that soothed Katara’s worries.

With a few more pecks and a little wave, she headed back into the party, knowing Zuko would be in soon after. Hopefully, feeling a little better and ready to survive the rest of the night. At least until he could return to her always open arms.

(this was so much fun! totally not used to writing them at all, so let me know how I did! thanks again for requesting!!)

[mrs-takami-keigo]

Strawberry Fields

Paring: Kirishima x Full Figured Reader

Rating: SFW

Word count: 5.5K

Warnings: Self-Deprecation, Fat-phobia 

Prompt: First meeting

Taglist: @dragonhrte​

So this will be my third tile off of my bingo card for the @bnhabookclub​ and this one was a tough one to write. This is SFW but will cover themes such as Self-deprecation and Fat-phobia. As a person who has been on the bigger side most of her life it has taken a lot of confidence building to get to be who I am today. And as a writer I fell like it’s my duty to be as inclusive as I can be. Through my years of reading I haven't seen that many fuller body reader fics. When I say fuller body I’m talking 200+. 

If there is one thing I want someone, plus size or not just remember you deserve to be and feel loved, everyone does! I hope this can give whoever is reading this a sense of comfort. 

You don’t think you could ever forget the first time he came into your life. At the time you worked at a sweets shop called Honey’s, a place that only sells, well sweets! Cakes, doughnuts, pastries, floats, sundaes and milkshakes. Honey’s had a wide variety to offer for their wide variety of customers, they ranged from kids all the way to cute elderly couples, sharing a banana split.

You loved working there, it was perfect seeing as how you were in culinary school to be a confectionary chef. Making pastries and anything sweet was all you wanted to do, it was something that brought great joy in your life. It also didn’t require you to be around too many people at one time. The owner and head chef were more than happy to hire you, and the position was perfect, you just had to work the bar or as they called it the candy bar. Standing behind a giant bar as you took orders for the people that came in alone really was ideal, seeing as how you had anxiety. Being a fuller bodied and taller girl all your life and having dealt with bullying and all types of teasing always stuck with you.

You could remember those whispers people around you in high school made as you walk down the aisle of desks in your classes, your hips sometimes brushing against the desk or the person that was sitting in them. Or even having to turn sideways just to get past something, because you couldn't fit. So working behind the candy bar, where there wasn’t anything you had to squeeze past or worry about bumping into things, truly was a match made in heaven.

You were in charge of making the milkshakes, recipes, names everything. The owner let you have full control of that. When he first told you that you didn’t think anything could top that day.

That was until you met him.

It was a Friday afternoon on a beautiful June day. Even though there was a pandemic going on and everyone, workers and patrons alike still had masks on. Even the regulars were happy the shop was open, happy to have some sort of normality back. The light chime of the bell in the front signaled that a new customer had walked in.

Usually you didn’t look at the door when someone walked in, seeing as how you were always busy manning the bar. But something told you to look up. Standing at the door was a group of guys who were around their twenties, looking around the shop and talking amongst themselves.

You couldn’t take your eyes off of the red haired one. He was tall, one of the tallest in the group, he had broad shoulders and a muscular build. A plain white v-neck t-shirt, light blue jeans that had frayed holes in them and red converse’s. It was a simple look but you couldn’t help but watch as a waitress, who just so happened to be your roommate, walk them over to the booth in the back of the room.

He slid into the booth, the side he sat on faced you, so when he took off his black mask with the words ‘RIOT’ in red letters, you could feel heat rise up your cheeks under your own mask.  

‘Oh god he’s really handsome.’  The way his eyes turned into upside down crescent moons as he smiled a smile you were sure could light up the world. His features were manly but also so soft at the same time, it just made you want to pinch his cheeks. His crimson eyes were big and bright, you could feel yourself melt when they glanced in your direction.

You panicked when you locked eyes for a millisecond with him before you just turned your head and pretended like nothing happened. Your heart was racing and legs were weak, all he did was look in your direction and he had you turning into a puddle.

“Hey, are you okay?” The sound of your roommates muffled voice broke you out of your slight panic.

“Yeah, yeah I’m good!” You smiled at her and even though she couldn’t see it through the mask.

“Well the group of hotties I just sat down all want milkshakes. One cara-delight, one cookie monster, one banana mania and one strawberry fields.” You took the small piece of paper from her order book, placing it on your board as you start to make the milkshakes.

You didn’t know which one the man that caught your attention got but something was telling you it was the strawberry one. You kept on smiling as you made the drinks. Wondering what his name was or what his voice sounded like.

Glancing back at the table, you watched as he continued to laugh and talk with his friends. The blonde with what you would call porcupine hair that sat next to him, seemed to be angry about something. But red, that’s what you decide to call him, was just laughing at him which seemed to make the other male angrier.

Shaking your head you turned back to the shakes, putting on the last piece of garnish on the strawberry one. Tapping the bell that let the waiters/waitresses know their order is up my roommate came bustling over.

“This is for the hotties at the back booth right?”

You nodded your head as she fixed her hair and her outfit before taking the drinks over to the table. I felt my heart sink slightly as she started to talk to red. It looked like she was flirting with him, and he was smiling back at her. You let out a defeated sigh as you watched the exchange.

This always happened, a guy you found cute or interesting would fall for your friend. They would become close with you just so they could get close to her.

‘Why am I surprised? Why would a guy like that even notice me?’  You started to wipe down the counter and work station as you got lost in your thoughts. Your roommate was beautiful and petite, an extroverted type of person that people just flocked to, a man’s ideal type.

You felt like you were the exact opposite. Tall, full figured, not great looking and a person with too much anxiety to be sociable. So of course he would go for a girl like her, it just made sense.

You spent the next hour making milkshakes, taking orders of the regulars you had, thinking of new recipes and cleaning. Anything to distract yourself from looking at where red sat. Still not looking you heard your roommate say her goodbyes to the group as they walked out of the shop. Exhaling a sigh of relief, knowing that he was finally gone, it came rushing back as your friend bounced behind the bar, hopping up to sit on the counter of the work station.

“Guess who has a date?” She gushed as she played with a neatly folded piece of paper between her dainty fingers. “I think I’m in love! His red eyes were so...ugh!! And his hair although it was sticking up all over the place, he was still cute. He was so in shape too!!”

With each word she said you felt like your heart was breaking into a million pieces. You weren’t sure what made you think that there was just a shimmer of hope he would be one of those guys who didn’t care about looks and things like that.

“Well anyway he’s coming here tonight when my shift ends for a date! I already asked the owner if we could do it after we close and he said sure as long as you’re here!”

“Wait, you want me to stick around while you go on a date with this guy?” She nodded her head vigorously. “And I’m assuming I'm going to be cooking for this date?” Again she nodded.

“Fine but you owe me big time!” You couldn’t say no to her, she's been your friend since middle school. She was the one to defend you when people used to pick on you and was there for every mental break down you had.

“Do you know how much I love you!?” She jumped off the counter to give you a big bear hug. You wrapped your arms around her slim waist. “His friend said he’d come along, so you wouldn’t just be here alone! He kept asking questions about you.” She wiggled her eyebrows as she danced out of your embrace.

“Huh?! Who?!” Before she could answer a few waiters came up with orders for milkshakes.

“You’ll see later. I’m gonna run and grab stuff for you to cook during my break, and again thank you so much!!” You just waved her off as you started to get the order together.

“When did you have time to change?!” You and your friend had already closed up shop and were getting ready for her date and his friend to show up.

“I move quickly! So I got chicken, lemons, cooking white wine and pasta, that's all you needed right?” She had removed the bags from the walk-in fridge, putting them on the table.

“Yeah I figured a nice grilled lemon chicken and pasta would be a good dinner for the date, and I already started prepping for the creme brulee.” You began to pull the items out of the bag when you heard her phone go off.

“Oh he just texted me! Bakugou and his friend will be here in twenty!” You had never seen your friend act like this about a guy. There was another sharp pain as you felt your heart break.

‘So Bakugou is his name huh?’

“Go out and set up your table, I found some candles in the office for you to use to set the mood.” You started to shove her to the door and out of the kitchen so you weren’t bothered.

She looked like she was walking on clouds as she hummed and made her way to the table in the middle of the room. You figured that would be the best place seeing how it wasn’t so close to where you were going to be, so it didn’t seem like you were intruding on them and not far enough incase she needed help.

Twenty minutes went by too fast for your liking, as happy as you were for her, you didn’t want to see Bakugou so soon. The pasta was done and the chicken needed another ten minutes when she came through the kitchen doors.

“Take off your jacket and come out, they are here!” She was tugging on the sleeve of your white jacket. Sighing you started to unbutton it before sliding it off your arms.

‘Might as well get this over with.’ Hanging your jacket up you looked at yourself in the mirror one last time. All you wore was an old baggy band t-shirt that was so big it came down past your behind and leggings paired with black combat boots.

Following your friend through the swinging doors, you could see two shadowy figures at the door. You heard the lock click as she unlocked it and opened it for the two men. Feeling your anxiety come back, you didn't want to see him again, this was a mistake.

“Hey! So glad you guys can make it.” You tried to busy yourself with the silverware for you and his friend, avoiding looking at him.

“It’s our pleasure! Plus I couldn’t stop thinking of that milkshake from earlier.” That made a smile spread under your mask. You loved hearing people compliment your work.

“My friend here actually is the one in charge of the recipes and menu for them. And she cooked us all dinner tonight!” You could hear them getting closer.

‘Alright here we go.’ You looked up to see blondie and red walking towards you. If this was an anime you were sure one of the ghost things would come out from your mouth as your body left your soul. Bakugou looked so handsome. His spiky red hair from earlier was down now, a black button down with a red tank top peeking through the undone buttons hugged his muscular frame, dark blue jeans showcased his long thick legs, black converses were on his feet this time and that same mask from before.

You were positive that your heart had stopped and so did your breathing. You didn’t even pay attention to his friend, you only saw him.

“Gentlemen this is, y/n. y/n this is Bakugou and Kirishima.” It took you a second to realize that the blonde was Bakugou and the red head was Kirishima. Which meant your friend was on a date with the blonde.

“It’s nice to meet ya!” Kirishima sent you a small wave as those beautiful red eyes turned into crescent moons, he was smiling at you.

“Ditto.” You heard a deep chuckle come from him causing you to blush even more. “Um, I’m gonna go check on the food. You guys can go to the table and Kirishima can sit at the bar with me.”

Walking back through the door to the kitchen, you started to pace. You were about to have dinner with the guy you have been thinking about all day, and you were sweaty and gross from a day's work. Hair pulled up into a ponytail with strands poking out all along your hairline and in an old gross band tee.

You covered your eyes with your hands as you shook your head. ‘Get it together!’

Going to the chicken you saw that it was done and started to plate the dish. Once everything was plated you grabbed a large round tray, placing the four plates on it. Heaving it up to your shoulder to help you balance it, you walked back to the door before backing into it. You had just gotten around the bar when you felt the tray be lifted from your hands. Looking to your left you saw Kirishima hold the tray like you had and made his way to the couples table.

“Here you go guys. Enjoy!” He put the plates down as if he was their server and made his way back to you. You watched as he put the plates down on the bar, then setting the tray off to the side.

“Aren’t you gonna join me?” He pulled his mask down allowing you to see his handsome face in all its glory.

“Um yeah.” You walked over to the stool that had the plate in front of it. Your stool and his were separated by one empty one in between you two.

You felt his eyes on you the whole way to your stool. Once you sat down you looked back at him, he was still staring.

“What?” You started to feel self conscious.

“You’re beautiful.”

You looked at him in disbelief. “How could you possibly know that, when I'm wearing this mask and all you could see are my eyes?”

“That’s all I need to see to know you’re beautiful.” You felt your cheeks heat up intensely as he said that. Not once did he look away from your eyes. And his voice, god could you listen to his voice all night.

“W-we should eat before it gets cold.” You finally pulled down your mask, letting him see your whole face for the first time.

“Seems like I was right, you sure are beautiful.” Your head snapped over to look at him, but he had started to eat his food, a prominent blush on his cheeks as well.

The rest of the night flew by as you and Kirishima started to talk about your love for cooking and baking.

“You're telling me that not only are you beautiful, you can cook and bake?!” He had his elbow propped up on the bar his chin was being held by his hand. A goofy grin was spread across his face as he watched you prepare the creme brulee.

A small part of you wanted to be happy that he was taking interest in your likes and passions in life. But a bigger part of you was aware that he was just here as a wingman for his friend.

“You have the cook and bake part right at least.” You turned on the small blow torch to caramelize the sugar on top of the custard. You glanced up at the man who had your heart racing all night. Instead of the cheerful look you’ve gotten used to, he had an expression of sadness. It confused you, why would he get sad?

“Hey can I talk to you for a second?” You weren't sure when your friend had come over to you, seeing as how you were caught up in Kirishima’s expression. Shutting off the torch, you nodded your head and excused yourself from Kirishima, taking your friend's hand and head for the kitchen.

“I’m really hitting it off with Bakugou, we're gonna go for a walk in the park after dessert. He’s asking Kirishima to walk you home, is that okay?” You could see it in her eyes, she really liked him.

“It’s fine! Go have fun just text me every once in a while okay?”

You both walked out from the kitchen again as you went to finish the creme brulee. You all decided to eat it together at the bar and finish up the night. You learned that Bakugou was a hot head but was still super sweet, perfect for your best friend.

Once everyone was done, the two men insistent on helping you two clean up the mess before leaving for the night.

“All right, have fun you two! I’ll see you at home.” You waved at your friend as she wrapped her arm around Bakugou’s, making their way to the park.

“Shall we go?” Looking over at Kirishima, who had his arm out for you to take like his friend had done, you sighed.

“Listen Kirishima, you don’t have to walk me home. Bakugou got my friend, he doesn’t need a wingman anymore.” You could see the confusion on his face as you continued to speak. “It was a fun night and all but I can get home by myself. Take care.”

You started to walk down the street, leaving Kirishima to stand alone in front of Honey’s. Your apartment wasn’t too far from the shop, only about a twenty minute walk. The only thing that sucked was there was a strip of clubs you had to walk past in order to get home. Drunk people always made you feel anxious, they tend to not be so nice.

You did feel bad for leaving Kirishima like that but you also had to face the harsh reality that there was no way a guy would like you like that. His smiling face and his voice when he called you beautiful rang through your head. You had to admit it was nice to think that maybe he did take an interest in you.

You were so lost in your thoughts you didn’t notice the large group of men outside of one club. Trying to squeeze yourself through them, you accidentally bumped shoulders with the bigger male in the group.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” You apologized the second it happened but the man didn’t care. His large hand shoved against one of your shoulders causing you to fall off the sidewalk and into the street, landing on your side. You could feel the arm you landed on start to burn, certain that you had a couple of scrapes. You had tried to avoid the fall but it caused you to twist your ankle.

“Watch where you're walking lard ass!” He laughed with his group of friends as you still sat on the ground, holding your injured arm in your hand.

Tears started to form in your eyes. Sure you’ve been called names all your life because of your size, doesn't mean it didn’t still hurt. You tried to stand up but your body wouldn’t, you were just emotionally and mentally exhausted. So you just sat there and cried.

“Ha! Look she can’t even stand up! It’s called a gym and a salad, fat-OOF!” You heard what sounded like a rock hitting something followed by a thud of the big man falling and hitting the ground. Wiping your tears you saw Kirishima standing over the fallen man, his chest heaving up and down, hands balled into fists, teeth bared. His face was covered in rage, it kind of scared you.

“It’s not very manly to push a woman around like that!” The guys friends came to try and peel him off of the ground saying apology after apology to you as they ran away. “Cowards!”

Kirishima looked over his shoulder at you, his expression softened once he saw your tears. Moving next to you he squatted down, a large gentle hand came out to move the hand that was covering the wound. You let out a hiss as his fingers grazed it.

“I’m sorry, I should have gotten to you sooner.” His voice was nothing but a whisper, his eyes covered by his hair. “Do you need help standing?”

“Yeah.” Kirishima stood up in front of you holding out both of his hands for you to grab on to. Your hands let go of his as you tried to stand on your own, but there was a shooting pain in your right ankle, sending shockwaves through your body. You felt like you were about to fall again but you felt arms wrap around your waist and a hard chest against your body.

“Whoa I got you.” You could feel him tighten his arms around you, making you feel so warm in his embrace. “I’ll carry you home.”

“No it’s okay I can walk.” You pushed yourself off of him trying to prove you could walk, only to almost fall again.

“Damn it will you just let me help you?” He was holding you around the waist again. A light blush appeared on your cheeks. “Here climb on my back.” He crouched down in front of you, his broad back was in your view.

“I-I don’t want to hurt you.” Your voice was meek, as you looked around. Other people on the sidewalk were staring at the two of you.

Kirishima turned around looking over his shoulder, a wide toothy grin was plastered on his lips, your heart started to race. “I’m a lot stronger than you think.”

You knew he wasn't going to give up, sighing as you climbed on his back. You pressed your chest against his back, your arms wrapping around his shoulders. Your head was next to his as you tried to bury your face in the back of his shoulder. Standing up Kirishima gripped your thighs, jumping so you were in a better position for him.

“You okay?” You could only nod against him. “Can you tell me how to get to your place?” Everytime he spoke you could feel the vibrations go through your body. You directed him to your apartment. As he kept walking you were readying yourself for him to just say that you were too heavy and drop you in the middle of the sidewalk. But he barely broke a sweat as he walked the last ten minutes to your place.

“I can walk now.” You mumbled against his shoulder once Kirishima stepped out of the elevator on your floor.

“Not until I get you inside and patched up.” You’ve only known him for only a few hours but the effect he had on your heart was indescribable. Once he got to your door he squatted down, keeping his eyes to the ground so you could put in your code to open the door.

You were grateful for the fact you cleaned the apartment yesterday, seeing as how there was a guy walking through it. Walking over to the large couch by the window, Kirishima turned around sitting on the couch, allowing you to slide off his back.

“Do you have a first aid kit anywhere?” Your eyes watched his every move as he bent down on one knee, softly grasping your injured ankle. He slipped the boot off slowly, removing your sock and pulling up your leggings so he could get a look at your now swollen ankle.

“Yeah it’s under the sink in the bathroom, down the hall first door on your right.” Kirishima took one of the small pillows off the couch and pulled the coffee table closer. Placing the pillow on the table, laid your ankle on it as he ran to the bathroom.

You weren’t sure how to feel. Between your feelings for your red knight, what happened with the guy outside of the club and your own insecurities. Could he actually like you? Were you allowed to actually have someone like you, for you?

“Here we go. I took a bag of frozen peas from the fridge if that's okay.” You could only nod your head as he went back to the same position he was in earlier. “Looks like it might be sprained. You are gonna have to stay off of it for a while, so that means no work for the time being.”

Kirishima was wrapping an ace bandage securely around your ankle and foot. Once he did that he put the frozen bag of vegetables on top of it. He dug through the first aid kit searching for some more items. You couldn’t stop watching him, his face was full of concentration. For some reason it just made him look even more handsome than he already was.

“Alright let’s take care of that-what?” He turned around to look at you, catching you just simply staring at him. “Is there something on my face?” He started to wipe his face in all different areas.

You chuckled at how cute he looked trying to get whatever he thought was on his face. “No, nothing is on your face, it's just…” You let the sentence die out. You couldn’t let him know what you were feeling, but you also didn’t want to get hurt….again.

“What’s wrong?” Kirishima got up, taking a seat next to you on the couch, facing your direction. You couldn’t look at him, opting to look down at the hem of your shirt, playing with it between your fingers.

“Why are you doing this?”

“What are you talking about?” You sighed a deep sigh, gathering the courage to look him in the eyes.

“Why are you going this far to help me? Are you just trying to get brownie points for your buddy or something? I already told you my friend is really into your’s, so no need to go this far.” You felt tears spilling from your eyes again. There was nothing more you wanted than to live in this fantasy with Kirishima, but after years of experience you knew how this all would play out. So you might as well put an end to it now.

“You think I’m doing this for Bakugou to get points with your friend?” Kirishima reached a hand out cupping your round cheek in it. His large thumb wiping away your tears, a soft smile on his lips. “You've got this all wrong angel face, Bakugou was my wingman tonight.”

You could only stare at him. Not sure if what you heard him say was correct. There was no way that he was the one to set all this up for you.

“What do you mean?”

“I noticed you the second I walked into Honey’s, you were the most beautiful person I have ever seen in my life. And when we sat down those sparkling eyes of yours looked right at me and I was sure my heart stopped.” His thumb was drawing small circles on your tear stained cheek.

“I knew your friend was into Bakugou so while she was busy I told him to ask her out hoping that in some weird way I’d be able to get closer to you.” You could see the small blush forming on his cheeks, he was embarrassed.

“But why? Why would someone like you, be into someone like me? I mean look at me I’m not pretty, I’m tall and huge.” You pulled his hand off of your face. He was everything you could wish for, handsome, funny, caring, protecting, Kirishima had it all. But in your mind you had nothing to offer a man like him.

“I’ve done nothing but look at you. All I see is a woman who is selfless, talented, passionate about her craft, honest, strong and so freaking beautiful it should be a crime.” Kirishma had turned your face back to him, but this time he was much much closer. His crimson eyes stared into your own. You felt like you could get lost in them.

“Kirishima…” No matter how hard you tried the tears wouldn’t stop.

“I don’t care about what your physical appearance looks like, in my eyes you are the most beautiful being out there, angel face.” He brushed a few stray strands of hair from your face. “So please stop crying, okay?”

He pulled you closer to him, burying your face in his chest. One hand rubbing your back while the other was patting your head. He kept humming a song you couldn’t recognize, but the vibrations were lulling you into a deep sleep.

According to your friend, Kirishima was still there holding you as you slept when she came home. He explained everything that happened that night and she told him about your past experiences. Kirishma felt his heart break for you. He wanted nothing more than to protect and give you the love you deserve.

Over the next three years that's exactly what he did. It was your graduation day, you were officially a professional confectionary chef! Finishing your hair you heard your cell phone go off, letting you know you had a text.

Red Knight: I’m downstairs whenever you’re ready, angel face! <3

You: I’ll be right down~ <3

Even after all this time just a simple text from your boyfriend always made your heart flutter and a smile spread across your face. Looking one last time in the mirror, you were in love with the dress you had ordered for your special day. It was a long soft pink dress that was made from lace, ruffles along the bottom of it. With every movement the dress flowed with you, showcasing your body in all the right ways. It had sparkly strawberries embroidered all over it. Something that went along with your profession while also having Kirishima’s favorite fruit on it.

Having him in your life was a blessing. He showed you an unconditional love you never knew could exist. He was patient with you, always there to reassure you that no matter what he loved you to the moon and back when you doubted yourself. He was there when classes and work were getting to be too much, staying up with you at all hours of the night helping you perfect certain dishes that proved to be difficult. And always without fail Kirishima was there to walk you home each and every night. He really was your red knight.

“Hey! Kiri is downstairs I’m gonna go! I’ll see you after the ceremony!” You shouted out to your roommate. You didn’t even wait for a response as you flew out of the door and into the elevator.

The elevator reached the main floor, dinging while sliding it’s doors open. You could already see him standing outside, hands in the pockets of his as he rocked back and forth on his heels, looking around and whistling. His red hair had grown over the years to the point where he could put it in a ponytail, you were obsessed with it. You always admired how he dressed and today was no different. He looked so good in his tan blazer with the sleeves rolled up showing off his defined forearms, and a loose white t-shirt under it. It was paired with a black trousers and black leather shoes.

Pushing the door open you caught Kirishima’s attention, his mouth hung open as you stepped through the door, his eyes roaming around your body.

“Do you like the dress?” You started to fiddle with the dress, nervous as time continued to pass and the man that held your heart hasn't said anything yet.

“Like it?” You let out a yelp as you felt him put his hands on your waist lifting you up off the ground slightly, spinning with you. “It’s freaking amazing! You’re amazing, angel face.”

He placed you back on the ground but never stepped away from you. Kirishima brought his hand up to the side of your neck, leaning down.

“You have no idea how beautiful you are to me, I love you.” He pressed his lips against yours.

There was nothing you wouldn’t change about the day you first met the man of your dreams, not in the slightest.

[professormembranexreader]

Procrastination uwu

-he calls you all sorts of pet names

-most of them are in Spanish. Lucky you

-if you don't know Spanish you better learn soon or he'll make you

-he'll occasionally call you some of the sensible English ones like "honey" "cutie" etc.

-but most of the time you'll get called cariño, mi amor, or one of the several words for pretty/beautiful

-he is extremely touch starved

-totally not projecting what

-when you touch him in any way shape or form, he'll flinch away at first but will press himself into your hand or whatever you're touching him with

-he really likes to hold hands even thought he can't truly feel your skin anymore but let a man dream •=(

-other than that, he likes butterfly kisses, little-contact kisses in general,

-also hugs. he's such a hugger

-be prepared to be his giant teddy bear they sell in stores for Valentine's Day

-it took a while for him to get used to lots of contact, but eventually you two cuddled all the time.

-he's the little spoon. end of discussion

-he also likes to play with your hair

-it doesn't matter how short or long it is, dreads or shaved, he'll definitely have his hands on your head, at least massaging your neck and/or shoulders

-did I mention he gives great massages?

-because he does.

-like it's moan worthy even if you're ace/aro/ace aro

-like food wars is with food but massages

-like

-like damn

-he gets so caught up in his work that he kinda,,,,forgets to take care of himself

-his kids wouldn't disturb him because 1, don't do that 2, you're disgusting you're revolting I'm gonna kill you gimme $200 3, that's not,,,,very,,,good??

-plus his robots take care of them

-Dib is off trying to kiss I mean punch zim and Gaz is kinda worried but Dib isn't so should she be???

-you are the only one that can pull him away from his work

-you cook

-he sucks at cooking

-even if Dib doesn't like you (Gaz won't like you at the beginning anyway so) his kids will keep you around because Foodio's meals always taste kinda,,,, weird.

-they want real food

-human food

-regular human food

-and there is no way Membrane is allowed to make anything but super toast

-even the super toast is iffy

-they like it when you don't immediately make Mexican and actually ask for their opinion

-like maybe they want pizza???

-chicken and rice!?!?

-mayBE THEYRE SICK OF GOD DANG QUESADILLAS FROM TACO BELLLLL

-anyways they like your cooking even if it's shit.

-it can't be worse than their dads at least

-he does do the cleaning though

-like uGh can this man get any more swoon-worthy???

-I'd say marry me but I can't drive dhsjakaha

-like, as soon as you found out you knew this man was NOT getting out of your life.

-he won't admit anything about it, but we're pretty sure he likes doing it

-in fact, one reason his office is inexplicably messy is he likes to organizer when he wants to destress (btw want y'all to know that suggestion was inexplicably gay)

-that and he always falls asleep at his desk before he can actually start cleaning

-he doesn't swear. a fine, respectable gentleman.

-YOU on the other hand

-it doesn't matter if you don't swear much or if you're shy/slow to anger/ not loud in general, yOU ARE GETTING MAD FOR HIMMMMM

-if someone smack his ass their ass is getting clapped

-like you finna go to jail bb

-if you are a normal person though, it think of yourself as less, you usually just grumble under your breath and hide yourself in his coat

-if you do anything whatsoever, he's happy

-he's a happy boye

-a very happy boye

[yungidreamer]

Blackout Part 1

Summary: When a storm blows in just before finals it throws life into chaos with no power. But the trio’s home becomes a refuge in the storm. A place of warmth and happiness where everyone can gather to ride out the storm and enjoy some time together. Seonghwa and his love, Yeosang, find some special time together. A moment of respite in the storm.

Word count: 6.6k

Content warnings: fluff and smut, this time featuring Seonghwa and Yeosang, sex (m/m), a bathtub, the stress of finals and a blackout across town. Mostly happy bonding with friends and partners by candlelight.

‘Twas the weekend before finals when all through the city, not a building had power, it was a true pity. An ice storm had blown through late on Thursday coating everything with half an inch of ice bringing down power lines and tree branches. Classes were canceled on Friday and departments mailed out plans for finals, with professors encouraged to make finals something people could take at home if possible to leave halls that might need to be powered by generators for those that absolutely had to take tests on campus.

The dorm halls and residences were dark but at least heated, however, with no promise that power would be restored soon, people were eager to go home for the holidays as soon as possible. Students who were given the option for take home or online files were all making plans to head home early. Those who weren’t were forced to go to pick up meals from the one of the few functional cafeterias on campus. No one was happy with the situation.

In their little house near campus she, Mingi, and Yunho were happy to be in their cozy little home together. They were especially thankful for their fireplace and for the gas stove the place had come with, since it meant the interruption in power hadn’t given them nearly as much trouble as it was giving most of their friends. With the fridge and freezer down, they moved the frozen foods out to the backyard. The weather had remained around freezing since the storm and it would keep it as well as the freezer would have. The things that needed to be kept cool but not frozen, they kept in the little entry porch in a cooler that was just enough to keep things from freezing but was plenty cold. All in all, it was actually pretty nice, minus the fact that they couldn’t watch anything on TV and were only keeping only one phone on at a time. Their travel batteries had been real lifesavers actually.

On Friday evening they learned that Yunho’s chemistry class was keeping their scheduled practical final on Tuesday which he needed to stay for. Mingi’s math teacher, an old crotchety tenured professor, insisted on having an in person final for his 200 + person introduction course. He didn’t trust people not to cheat, nor did he trust the newfangled online tests some people in the department had started using. Luckily that was scheduled for Monday afternoon so it wouldn’t keep them there any longer than Yunho’s. She was lucky and had already been sent her four finals she had left for her classes and was hoping to have them done before they drove home for the long Christmas holiday.

At around 7 that Friday Yunho’s phone rang. It was a frazzled and stressed out Hong Joong wondering if he might be able to come and study with Yunho at their place. With no power he had been studying as much as he could during the daylight hours and making due with a hanging flashlight he had set up in the evening. He grumbled about not being able to make any of the food they had and being stuck with sandwiches for days with no way to cook in the house.

“We can cook here if you want to bring stuff to make some food here,” Yunho offered.

“You can cook?” Hong Joong perked up on the other end of the phone. “Do you have power?”

“No we just have a gas stove and oven,” Yunho explained.

“Wou...would you mind if I came to stay for a little while?” Hong Joong questioned hopefully. “I can bring food. I also have a solar charger we can share to charge phones and stuff. Also a radio I’ve been using to keep me sane.”

“Oh yeah sure, that would be fine,” Yunho agreed. As he finished speaking, he heard a shuffling, and then Hong Joong make an exclamation of objection.

“You can cook?” Came the tight voice of Seonghwa over the line.

“Ye...yes…” Yunho replied slowly.

“Can Yeo and I come study there?” Seonghwa sounded tense and close to begging. “I will cook food and I am good at it. Please. I miss warm food and I want to get out of this tiny dark room. I will do anything.”

“Sure,” Yunho laughed. “You guys can come, too. Maybe bring some candles or light as well as some food to make.”

“Thank you,” Seonghwa’s voice was full of relief as he said it. “I have to call Yeo and tell him to meet me. We will bring whatever we can. Ugh, if only one of our dorms just had one of the functioning cafeterias, I could bear to stay there. I just wish we weren’t going to have to come back and forth.”

“Do you mind if they stay for the weekend?” Yunho covered the mic and whisper asked the other two. When they nodded he brought the phone back to his ear and offered, “You guys could stay the weekend. Just come and bring whatever you need to study and clothes for a couple of days.”

“Seriously?” Seonghwa said, unsure if he could trust what his ears had just heard. It was too good to be true.

“Yeah,” Yunho confirmed. “We have room and it will be good to have everyone together in one place for studying. It will be a big help if you cook and bring extra food, so...yeah, you guys are welcome.”

“Thank you,” Seonghwa said gratefully before passing the phone back to Hong Joong.

“We can stay over?” Hong Joong asked, a note of extra hope entering his voice.

“Yeah, bring what you need,” Yunho confirmed. “Or at least what you can. We will make the best of this studying time and time to get the finals done before the holiday.”

“You guys are the best,” Hong Joong laughed. “Okay, we will see you soon.”

“So we’ll be having some guests it seems,” she said, setting her study material aside for the moment. “Guess that means I should clean up a little.”

“I’ll help,” Mingi offered, closing his math book for the moment.

“Me, too,” Yunho turned off the screen of his phone and set it on the coffee table. The boys redressed their beds to give the guests places to sleep while she cleaned up a little in the kitchen, doing the last of the dishes and checking what they had in their cabinets, thinking about what they might need. Yunho, when he was done making the bed, went out and grabbed more wood for the fireplace. It was starting to get dark and, while the furnace was keeping the house warm, the light and extra coziness it was giving the house was making the blackout much more pleasant.

They had decorated the house for Christmas after getting back from Thanksgiving with their families. They had bought a tree from one of the lots, strung it with colored lights, and bought a cacophony of colorful glass balls and bangles. It wasn’t the sort of tree that would have made it into one of those home life magazines but it was homey. Off on one side of the tree Yunho had eventually discovered a trio of special ornaments she had bought and tucked off to the side. They were little enamel picture frames, each with a photo of one of them, with Our First Christmas Together and the year written on the back. Yunho was in a bright blue oval shaped frame that had a sunburst sort of design under the enamel that caught the light when the tree was lit. Mingi was in a bright red square frame that had a sort of scaled or feathered sort of pattern that seemed to shimmer in the light. Hers was purple and round with little gems that dangled off the bottom. He wasn’t sure how long they had been there before he noticed, but he made sure to bring it to Mingi’s attention when he noticed it. They both loved it and wished they had thought of the gesture first, but of course she had done it. Silently they promised, next year they would surprise her, but this year they could both still get her something amazing for Christmas.

Mingi had gotten her an antique style pearl choker with a small square panel in front that had a starburst pattern in silver and crystals. He liked the idea of her wearing it, like a mark that she was his, even if everyone didn’t know it. He hadn’t given it to her. He was still deciding if he wanted to give it to her before they went home or save it for when they got back. There were still days to decide, so it stayed tucked far back in one of the drawers in his bedroom, waiting for the right time.

Yunho had bought her a hair comb from a local antique shop. He had gone expecting to get her something simple like earrings but had laid eyes on the ornate, two pronged, silver comb and knew it was what he needed to get her. She often twisted her hair up into easy buns on the back of her head, held there with one or two simple wooden hair sticks she used. This comb, with its gorgeous rococo style curved decorative plate would look perfect sitting in her hair. It was something she would use, which meant he would get to see his gift on her often; just a little something saying she was his.

They had gotten each other something as well. Yunho had bought Mingi a new, expensive pair of Bluetooth headphones he could use when he needed some isolation to keep his mind on studying. His last pair had started to wear out, the battery only lasting three or four hours these days. The new ones were better and would be more forgiving for his usual forgetfulness when it came to putting them on the charger when he was done.

Mingi had bought Yunho a new suit set including dress shirt, jacket, pants, tie, and pocket square. Yunho had noticed that he had outgrown his last set over Thanksgiving and knew that he needed to get something soon but had been putting it off due to school. Mingi had gotten him a steel grey suit with white button up and sky blue tie and pocket square. Honestly, he couldn’t wait to see him in that and really wanted to come up with some date, some occasion to see him in it. The color would go perfectly with his current blond locks he had gotten lightened even a shade brighter during his last visit to the hairdressers. That he was going to give Yunho before he went back home for the holidays, as there was a good chance he might have a reason to wear it then. As long as he brought it back home, since Mingi was dying to take him out in it with their girl.

Before long the house was really ready for guests and for more studying. She pulled out a few more candles and put them on the dining room table to light when people went there to eat or study, whatever might be needed. They had been concentrating the light in the living room, with a few candles around the room and a couple of wall sconces lit that she happened to have. They were remarkably good at lighting the room with their mirrored backs and high hanging light. She had bought them because she liked them, not knowing they would come to be genuinely useful and not just frivolous pretty things she just enjoyed having. 

A little after eight, Hong Joong arrived at their door with a heavy bag in tow behind him, packed with school things, clothes, food, and other useful supplies he thought he could provide. He came into the house, grateful to be in the warmth again after battling icy sidewalks and freshly falling snow that was now coming down. It took him a moment after he took off his coat to take in the room he had entered. The whole place just oozed cozy warmth with its cheery decoration and surprising brightness given that he had been making due with a hanging flashlight.

“Wow,” was all he said when he looked up, taking it all in.

“Welcome to our home,” she greeted him with a hug, helping him take his things into the room. “Is there anything that needs to be kept cold in your stuff?”

“Oh yeah,” he shook his head, bringing himself back to the moment. “This stuff here is perishable.” He pulled out a bag with cheese, milk, meat, condiments, and a few other odds and ends he had that he and Hwa had decided he should take to be useful. “I also have this stuff that needs to be cooked but doesn’t need to be kept cold,” he said, passing a bigger bag to Mingi, who was standing nearby. “I think Hwa and Yeo are going to bring more but this is what I was tasked with bringing.”

“Thank you and make yourself at home,” She said, walking off to put the perishables in the makeshift fridge. “You can take one of the boys’ rooms. The beds have been made. You can leave your stuff in there and pick a place to study. We can do something about food when everyone gets here.”

“You guys are lifesavers,” Hong Joong said as he dragged his bag back towards the bedrooms.

It didn’t take long for Seonghwa and Yeosang to arrive at their front door, laden with food and other things they needed to study and make their place home for a short time. Seonghwa looked like he was ready to cry when he saw the cozy and welcoming interior of their house. After having faced the possibility of having the stress of studying in the dark with bad food, the relief was fresh and sharp.

“I am going to be in your debt for eternity,” he said, dropping his things near the door and drawing a slightly surprised Mingi into a tight hug.

“You’re welcome,” Mingi replied with an amused laugh and a gummy smile.

“This place is really nice,” Yeosang said, taking everything in with a slow scan of the room. “You even have a fireplace...wow.”

“You can put yourselves in the room that Hongjoong didn’t take,” Yunho instructed. “Is there food we need to deal with?”

“Yes but don’t worry about it,” Seonghwa picked up their other things and prepared to take things to the bedrooms. “Let me put things away and then I am going to deal with food. Where am I…” Yunho pointed down the hall and the two boys happily made their way back to take the unoccupied room. They re-emerged from down the hall with Seonghwa’s arm around his boyfriend’s shoulder and one of Yeosang’s slung loosely around his waist in return. Hong Joong appeared behind them, his arms laden with study material.

“Okay,” Seonghwa gave Yeosang a kiss on the side of his head before heading to get the food things he had left near the door. “Show me the kitchen.” Yunho gave an amused chuckle and led him through the wide doors that opened into the kitchen. Seonghwa looked like he was tempted to hug the stove when he laid eyes on it. He was almost in despair at the idea of not having ‘real’ food between now and finals. He instead settled for hugging Yunho again before he set about pulling everything out he had brought so that it could be organized and put away. Yeosang helped to gather the things to be put into the cold as Seonghwa decided what to cook for everyone.

“Is beef stew okay for everyone?” He asked after having taken stock of all the ingredients. Everyone gave affirmative answers and Seonghwa set to work preparing everything to go into the dinner. Yeosang wandered into the kitchen to help and she joined them shortly thereafter, making quick work of the chopping, peeling, and the searing. Soon, all that was left was the hour or so everything needed to simmer in the large pot.

With dinner sorted, everyone settled in around the living room with their books and notes to study. She settled in near the fireplace next to Yunho and Mingi, wrapping herself in a blanket as she pulled out the psych final she had decided to work on first. Yeosang and Seonghwa settled themselves on the smaller loveseat, Yeosang tucked in between his boyfriend’s spread legs as they both studied from large textbooks. Hong Joong stretched out on the couch, his head near the end where Yunho was seated near the fireplace, allowing him to poke at him occasionally as they both studied the material for their final.

By the time dinner was declared done by an ecstatically happy Seonghwa, everyone was ready to take a break from their studying. They served the stew in whatever dishes worked, not having quite enough bowls to go around. She and Hong Joong made do with a couple of large mugs, which were actually much easier to carry into the living room than the bowls. With the plentiful light and warm atmosphere, they decided it was the best place to eat.

“How many finals do you have?” Yeosang asked the room in general as he took a bite of the delicious stew.

“Three,” Mingi replied. “But only one has to be done on campus. The rest were changed to take home stuff given the circumstances.”

“I have four, but they are all take home,” she followed up. “I’m just hoping I can get them all done before we drive home for the holidays.”

“Oh that’s right,” Seonghwa waved his spoon in the direction of the trio. “You guys all came from the same place, didn’t you? Are your families all friends or something?”

“Sort of,” Yunho scrunched up his face a little as he rolled the explanation around in his mind. “They all know each other, but mostly because we know each other, not the other way around.”

“So then how did you all meet,” Yeosang asked as he leaned against his boyfriend’s shoulder.

“Mingi threw us all in the water at summer camp.” Yunho said with a wide grin, successfully eliciting the reaction he hoped from the other boy.

“Hey,” Mingi objected, putting one hand on his hip as he spoke. “I did not...okay I sort of did. But it wasn’t like it sounds.”

“He got better with the canoes,” she noted with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Especially when there wasn’t the threat of ducks.”

“Come on,” Mingi pursed his lips and grumped at the two of them.

“Imagine if you hadn’t,” Yunho reached out to him, stroking his cheek softly. “Our girl might be with San and...well...we would probably be alone or something. Oof, not a pleasant thought really.”

“I guess we really owe those ducks,” she joked, falling into peels of laughter at the thought. Beside her Mingi huffed, pulling her into his lap for a kiss that ate her laughter. Yunho scooted over, wrapping his arms around both of them with the warmest expression on his face. 

“I think you had to be there,” Yeosang faux whispered to his boyfriend, causing him to give a snort of laughter and slap his shoulder playfully.

“I am so single…” Hong Joong sighed, his eyes looking between the two couples who were there in front of him. He tucked into his soup with a shake of his head, glad to be there but also wishing he had someone to bring with him, like his roommate did. Seonghwa glowed when he was around Yeosang, or Sangie, as he often called him, getting groans and eyerolls from those near enough to hear it. He and Hwa had met in a dance class together last year and the two had been nearly inseparable since then.

They finished the stew and Hong Joong, Yunho and Mingi volunteered for dish duty since they hadn’t helped with cooking. Even though it was nearing 11 at that point, most of them wanted to press on with studying.

“Hey love, can you bring in the big bottle of cider?” Yunho asked Mingi as they finished the dishes. Mingi nodded and headed to the porch to bring in the gallon bottle of cider they had bought a few days ago. While Mingi retrieved that, Yunho scoured the cabinets to find the packet of mulling spices they had somewhere.

“Here you go,” Mingi set the heavy glass bottle on the counter, pressing a quick kiss to the side of Yunho’s neck, causing the other boy to blush and giggle. “What are you making?”

“I thought some cider would be good as a sort of desert,” Yunho shrugged.

“Mmmm, good idea,” Mingi moved to hug him from behind, tucking his head in on Yunho’s shoulder as he watched him work. “Warm and cozy.”

“It’s kind of fun having everyone here,” Yunho noted as he lit the burner under the pan. “Don’t you think?”

“Mmm,” Mingi agreed. “It’s more fun than just studying alone would have been. And Seonghwa can cook; that stew was delicious.”

“Maybe we can have them over more often,” Yunho suggested, swaying in the arms of the other boy.

“Sometimes,” Mingi agreed. “I still want time just with the two of you.”

“Of course,” Yunho turned his head and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Time with you is the best part of my day.”

“Yeah?” Mingi asked shyly, flashing him a gummy grin. Yunho made a mhmm sound and moved to put his arms around his shoulders and took his lips in a slow, lazy kiss.

“Awww, am I missing all the fun?” She teased as she joined them in the kitchen, having come to see what had been keeping them since the dishes were done.

“Yes,” Mingi teased, looking at her over his shoulder, not letting go of the man in his arms.

“Poor me,” she pretended to pout. “Good thing I came to check, I suppose.”

“Come here,” Yunho beckoned, pulling slightly out of Mingi’s arms, enough to lift her onto the counter next to them. Mingi took her lips and Yunho nibbled down along the side of her neck below her ear. She gave a moaning giggle into Mingi’s mouth, shivering at the tickling sensation being sent through her.

The hiss of the cider starting to simmer in the pan brought them apart. They portioned the cider into mugs and took them out to the others in the living room. Hong Joong took his mug in his hands, clasping it joyfully and breathing in the fallish scent with a contented grin.

“I forgot how good this stuff could be,” he sighed.  “I swear I haven’t had this in years and I don’t know why.”

“Mmmm,” Seonghwa hummed happily in agreement. “I am loving this all but I am starting to get tired. I think I am going to have to shower and get ready for bed after this. I am pretty sure that the words are just passing through my brain and leaving no mark at this point.”

“Well we have showers and hot water,” she offered. “We even have a nice bathtub if you want to use it.”

“Oh man, it has been so long since I had a bath,” Seonghwa sighed.

“You and Yeo could, uh, share it,” Yunho suggested. “It’s big enough for two if you want to relax a little before you head to sleep.”

“Really?” Seonghwa sat up straighter and sent a look to his boyfriend. It had been a while since they had a place to relax together that wasn’t one of their dorm rooms when their roommates happened to be out.

“If Mingi and I can fit in it, you two should be just fine.” Yunho chucked. “I’ll show you where it is.”

Seonghwa hopped up, taking Yeosang by the hand, and followed Yunho down the hall. They made their way through the shared bedroom to the master bathroom, candles in hand. Yunho pulled out a couple of towels for them and showed them where they kept the bath bombs and scented oils they used in the bath. They thanked him for the help and for the accommodations and let him go on his way. Seonghwa started the bath while Yeosang got their toothbrushes and pajamas from their room for them to change into when they were clean and ready to go to sleep.

The candle light danced off the pale tiles and glinted off the chrome fixtures. The room was warm and cozy as snow fell outside the small distorted window high up on one wall. The sill had a growing line of snow that was building on it as it continued to fall, deafening the world around them. 

Seonghwa stripped his clothes off and slipped into the warm water he had scented with rose. The steam rose from the surface of the water, wafting the scent into the air with it. He shut off the water just before Yeosang returned, clothes and toiletries tucked under his arm. 

“Getting started without me,” he tsked, setting them down on the counter by the sink.

“Just making sure it is perfect,” Seonghwa retorted, sending him a tempting smile. He slid himself under the water, dampening his hair and face in the warm water. He stretched out his hand to his boyfriend, inviting him in with a hungry look through his damp eyelashes. “Come in, the water is fine.”

Yeosang smiled down at him as his hands went to the hem of his shirt, slowly lifting it off over his head. Seonghwa bit his lip as he looked at the smooth stretch of skin he exposed in the flickering light of the room. He could never get enough of him. His slim, muscular body, the soft ripple of his abs that ended in the softest wisp of a happy trail.

Yeosang loved the feel of Hwa’s eyes on him as he undressed. The way he looked at him made him feel like the sexist thing on the planet. There was always a fire in them; an unsated thirst. He loved it, so he took his time as he slowly unfastened the button on his jeans and slid the zipper down. His eyes watched the flash of emotions that crossed Seonghwa’s face as he languidly slid his pants and underwear past his hips and thighs before letting them drop and stepping out of them.

He walked over to the tub and slid into the water, sitting himself on Seonghwa’s waiting lap, looping his arms around his boyfriend's broad shoulders. The water lapped lightly around their chests, filling the near silence of the room. Yeosang let his gaze meet Seonghwa’s with an unbroken intensity, not needing words to tell him how much he wanted him.

Seonghwa leaned forward letting his hands reach up from behind to hold Yeosang’s shoulders as he pressed a kiss to his chest. His lips brushed along the soft skin, feeling their way over the lean muscles of his pecs and up to his collarbone.

“It’s been too long,” Seonghwa whispered against him as Yeosang let his head fall back, allowing his lover more access.

“It’s only been a week,” Yeosang gave a breathy chuckle as he felt the other boy’s lips follow the line of his pulse up the side of his neck.

“That doesn’t count,” Seonghwa protested, one hand traveling up to tangle in the soft blond locks of Yeosang’s hair.

“Oh?” He asked breathlessly.

“Sneaking something in during the twenty minutes it takes for Hongjoong to go get something to eat from downstairs definitely doesn’t count,” Seonghwa clarified sternly, before nipping the soft skin just below Yeosang’s ear.

“I thought you liked the thrill of maybe getting caught,” Yeosang teased. “The possibility of someone seeing you fall apart with just my hand down your pants.”

“Maybe a little,” Seonghwa admitted, his lips quirking into a half smile. “But how could I have said no with all that teasing you were doing all day. Sitting in my lap and grinding your wonderful little ass on me every time you knew someone wouldn’t catch you. Ugh, tease.”

“Like you were any better,” Yeosang pointed out, his hands moving to splay over Seonghwa’s chest. “Slipping your hand in my pocket. You knew that hole was there before you did it, too.”

“That will teach you to put off fixing holes in your clothes,” Seonghwa laughed before bringing Yeosangs lips down to his. Their kiss began as a slow, sensual exploration of their mouths that slowly became more heated as Yeosang pressed Hwa’s head back. He raised himself slightly onto his knees until he loomed over him, leaving Seonghwa breathless and at his mercy.

Yeosang pulled back from the kiss and looked down at the wanton face of his boyfriend. He loved seeing him like this. His assertion that what they had gotten in last week ‘didn’t count’ was pretty fair he decided. A quick shared handjob they could sneak in with the risk of getting caught might be fun, but he loved to see the pleasure dazed face he could bring to him even before he really touched him. He loved taking his time with him, tasting the saltiness of his skin and the sweet flavor of his lips.

“Can I make love to you tonight?” Yeosang asked, kissing his way across Seonghwa’s beautifully high cheekbones.

“Make love to me now,” Seonghwa urged.

“Here?” Yeosang gave a low chuckle. “In someone else’s bathroom?”

“Turnabout is fair play,” He snorted, thinking of the first time he had met those three.

“Mmmm, true,” Yeo admitted, letting one hand sink down to brush the pad of his thumb over the tip of Hwa’s growing erection. “Switch places with me?”

“Sure,” Seonghwa nodded and twisted himself to allow Yeo to sit with his back against the edge of the tub and move him into his lap. Hwa felt his boyfriend’s erection brush against his inner thigh as they switched places, sending a shiver through him. He loved when Yeo was inside him as much as he loved the times the roles were reversed. When he was in his lap, he could look down at that beautifully sculpted face with it’s perfectly symmetrical features. He would never get tired of those warm eyes looking up at him.

Hwa brought his face down to Yeo as he felt the other boy's hands slowly make their way down along his back to the curve of his ass. His fingers brushed over the muscles there, enjoying their softness as he gave them a quick squeeze. With excruciating slowness, he moved the tip on one finger to brush over the pucker of muscle nestled between the soft cheeks.

Hwa let out a sigh and ground himself forward at the sensation of the tentative touch. He knew it wasn’t reluctance that slowed the touch of his lover, but the enjoyment he got from drawing out the moment; from the pleasure he caused with his teasing. When they had the time, there was nothing Yeosang loved more than bringing Hwa near to tears with his teasing before he would take him; waiting for that moment of desperation at his teasing before he would do as he asked. Seeing the hunger and desire twist his features into a mask of craving always gave Yeosang that pang of power and pleasure.

“Tell me how much you want me,” Yeo prompted, massaging Hwa’s entrance as he did.

“I need you in me tonight,” Hwa obliged, letting his desire be on full display as he spoke. “I need this moment this week. It’s been so hard and I just want a moment that is just you and just me.”

“I wish I could always take you into my arms like this,” Yeosang admitted as Hwa leaned in to brush his lips over his forehead. “I want to hold you as we go to sleep every night.”

“If only one of us didn’t have a roommate,” Hwa lamented with a sigh. Much as he loved Hong Joong as a friend, lately he had been wanting more space. He wanted privacy and the freedom to do what he wanted, when he wanted.

“Maybe next year we can get our own place, like this one,” Yeosang proposed as he finally pushed one finger inside.

“You want to live with me?” Hwa gave a shuddering sigh and let his head fall slightly back at the sensation.

“Yeah, I want to be with you more,” Yeosang conceded. “I’d love to be with you every night and make love to you in the morning.”

“That sounds like heaven,” Hwa smiled and pressed his lips to Yeosangs.

“Is that a yes,” Yeo questioned, broadening the circles he was making as he worked Hwa’s body open for his entry.

“Yes,” Seonghwa nodded, cupping Yeosangs cheeks in his wet hands and kissing him more deeply. Their tongues battled slowly as Yeosang worked another finger in, then scissored gently to make sure his lover's body was ready for him. 

When Hwa whined with need, Yeosang finally sunk down slightly more in the water and positioned himself to enter Hwa. He let the other boy work himself down his length, going as fast or as slow as he wanted as he took him in. When he was finally all the way down, Hwa let out a breath he had been holding, relishing the sensation of Yeo so deep inside him.

“Fuck, you always feel so good around me,” Yeosang groaned, his hands coming to grip the other boy’s narrow hips.

“I love the way you fill me,” Hwa returned, gripping the sides of the tub for leverage as he prepared to move. He threw his head back and arched as he slowly began to move himself up and down. Yeosang could only admire the smooth, broad expanse of his lover's chest as he moved. In the candlelight he looked divine, droplets of water sparkling over his skin as they dripped down its smoothness. 

“Have I told you today that you are beautiful?” Yeo breathed quietly.

“Next to you, I hardly compare,” Seonghwa leaned in to press his forehead to the other boys, slightly increasing his speed as he moved himself up and down his length. Yeosang’s hand went to encircle the turgid length of Hwa’s erection wanting to bring him as much pleasure as he could.

Hwa’s movements stuttered at the increased sensation, he shuddered and let out a little moan. “Do you think you’ll last longer than me if you do that,” He challenged, his eyes locking on Yeo’s hungrily as he continued to move.

“Yeah I think you’ll come first,” Yeo set his chin with an angle of defiance as he looked up a Hwa with hooded eyes.

“I guess we’ll have to see, won’t we,” Hwa breathed, moving faster and taking him as deeply as he could. The room was filled with the sound of their breathing and the sloshing of the water around them. It was a battle of wills between them and there would be no losers. They both threw themselves into the sensations of pleasure, both the giving and the taking. For the moment there was no one else, nothing else. They were the pleasure and the tension itself.

“I think you’re going to win,” Hwa shuddered, his knuckles going white with the strength of his grip on the curved edges of the tub.

“Then cum for me,” Yeosang demanded with a soft confidence as he expertly moved his hand over Hwa in the way he knew he loved. He watched Hwa’s face with rapt attention as his face and body contorted with the almost painful rise of pleasure he was riding. When his orgasm hit, he paused in his movements, half collapsing forward as his arms and legs quivered from pleasure and exertion. He let out a broken moan, his head lolling forward as he lost himself in the sensation and burst of peaceful satisfaction that filled him up as it passed.

“Can I…” Yeosang asked for permission to move. Seonghwa nodded and braced himself as he tried to catch his breath. Yeo gripped his hips harder and thrust himself up into Hwa as his muscles fluttered around him. He was close and it had been a near race to their finish. It only took a few minutes of his enthusiastic thrusts for him to find his own pleasure, emptying himself into Hwa’s body, loving the way it held him in its warm depths as waves of pleasure rode him.

Seonghwa pressed his lips to the corner of Yeosang’s mouth as he panted, lying limp in the bath beneath him. He looked so beautiful, damp and exhausted by pleasure.

“We definitely need a place with a bathtub.” Seonghwa said as he held Yeo’s face between his hands, his thumbs stroking his cheekbones, leaving droplets of water in their wake.

“Liked this that much, did you,” Yeosang let out a tired scoff and cracked one eye open.

“If I had known you looked this good wet,” Seonghwa joked. “I would have gotten you into a shower or tub months ago.”

“See, you promise that now,” Yeosang gave a dramatic sigh, mischief sparkling in his eyes. “But watch us move in together and have you get bored of me since you can have me anytime you want.”

“Please,” Seonghwa scoffed, and smacked Yeosang’s chest lightly. “As if I would be so fickle.”

“Promise?” Yeosang smiled up at him, pushing a lock of hair off the other boy’s forehead.

“Cross my heart,” he captured the hand as it was pulling away and pressed a kiss to the palm.

They stayed sitting in the cooling water for another couple of moments before Hwa felt strong enough, in both body and spirit, to lift himself off of Yeosang. They both shivered as they finally separated, Hwa giving an unsteady giggle at the sensation. He was able to get himself out of the water, pulling one of the towels off the rack and wrapping it around himself. Yeosang followed, taking the other towel before he pulled the plug on the drain, allowing the water to slowly be siphoned away.

“I think we were a little vigorous,” Seonghwa laughed, feeling the slight puddle on the tiles under their feet.

“Too much water,” Yeosang agreed, dropping the towel he had used on the floor to soak up the water now that he was mostly dry. Seonghwa pulled his pajamas on and hung up his towel to dry and Yeosang did the same when he was satisfied with his sopping up of their little puddle. They brushed their teeth and gathered their dirty clothes under their arms, ready to go to sleep.

They made their way out to the living room, after dropping their things in the room on the way, and bid everyone good night after getting glasses of water from the kitchen. Sex could be very thirsty work. Hand in hand, they padded back down the hall to the room they would occupy during their stay. Crawling in under the covers, Seonghwa curled around the body of the other boy, happily tucking himself along Yeosang from the back.

“Whose room is this, anyway?” Yeosang asked as he laced his fingers with Seonghwa’s where they held him around the waist.

“Mingi’s I think,” Seonghwa replied.

“How many nights do you think he has actually spent in here,” humor danced in Yeosang’s voice as he asked the question.

“Not many,” Seonghwa admitted with a laugh.

“Lucky guy, isn’t he?” Yeosang observed as he closed his eyes with a yawn.

“Not as lucky as me,” Seonghwa muttered as he buried his nose in Yeosang’s neck. Sleep claimed them quickly as the rest of the house also moved to settle in for the night. Outside snow continued to fall, but inside the house was warm and cozy with each room filled with love and contentment. 

[artificialqueens]

Gimme Love, 1/9 (Miz Cracker/Blair St Clair) - Grinder

AN: Welp! I started this back in March. It was supposed to be a oneshot and then I realised it was 200 odd pages. Whoops! Another songfic based on music by Joji. This one is Gimme Love, which some of you would probably know, it was circling TikTok for a while. Anyway, more song fics to come!! I hope y'all enjoy! Stay safe in these crazy times!

TW: Mental health, panic attacks

1993

"OK, so you got your apple juice, your finger sandwiches, and grapes. And most importantly, you got your best outfit on. Ready?"

No. I wasn't ready. They were going to eat me up. I knew just by how the 3 bitches off to the side stared and laughed. One of them was swinging from the bus stop pole. It sounded evil, but I hoped she would have fallen over.

"No." I clung to my Mother.

"Brianna." She uttered. She was tired, already having dealt with this before leaving the house. And it didn't help that Grandpa only laughed instead of helping out.

"No!" I said louder, squeezing my tiny fists into her shoulders.

"Look. Everything will be fine. The day will fly in, trust me. And I'll be right here when you get off the bus later." Mom continued.

She gave me a kiss on the forehead and shook me off.

As she smoothed her skirt down, I stamped my foot in a huff. For me, this was the second most ultimate betrayal that had ever happened to me. My Mom was making me go to school. How dare she.

"I love you, girl. Be good and have a great day." Mom said before walking away. My gaze followed, feeling the faucet in my eyes turn on. I was prone to cry baby behaviour around this age.

Now that my Mom was gone, it was all game for the bitches.

"Awww, the little baby needs her Mommy." One of them cooed in her fake voice. "Didn't you know the pre-school bus picks up two hours later?"

"Yeah!" Another decided to join in, "And I bet that's not even your real Mommy."

"She is too!" I clenched my tiny fists at my side. This was half true. I was an adopted child, but to me, Roberta was the best Mother I could have ever asked for. And no one had the right to question that.

"No, she's not! Your real Mommy didn't want you 'cause you're ugly!"

"Yeah, look at your hair. It looks like a fur ball."

"And your clothes are obviously hand me downs."

I stamped my feet again. "That's it! I'm giving you the finger!" I flipped them off. I picked it up from Mom, from the many time's drivers pissed her off. When she'd warn me never to do that, I knew it had some sort of power to it.

But it did nothing. The girls just laughed even more. I had no defences; therefore, I was left helpless.

The bus pulled up, and I was last to get in. The girls warned almost everybody to watch out for the "girl with the weird hair".

I moved down the middle of the bus, my head moving from side to side, hoping to find a seat.

Everybody with a free seat either put their bags on the chairs or put their feet up. I wanted to snap, demanding that they let me sit. But the fear inside rendered me silent.

I was nearing the back, where the 3 girls sat. They smirked upon seeing my face, relishing in the fact I was on the verge of tears. All I wanted was to turn back, get off the bus and lock myself in my house.

But as if someone above heard my innermost thoughts, that's when I heard it.

"Do you need a seat?"

I looked towards the voice. And I froze. There she was, an absolute angel. She looked like a Disney Princess with her bright blonde hair and blue eyes.

I hesitated for a moment. But the bus began to move. So I sat down next to her.

"Hi," I said.

"Hey." Her eyes were observing me, looking me up and down. And I felt even more stunned. "You have funny hair."

"My Mommy says I have lovely hair," I replied in defence.

"I didn't mean it in a bad way. I just never seen hair like that." The girl replied.

My hair wasn't even bad. I just had a massive head of untamed brown curls. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Then again, I had never seen anyone with hair like hers. She looked like she had gone to a salon beforehand. "Your hair looks golden."

"Thank you." She smiled. "I'm Blair. My favourite colour is yellow, and I wanna be a singer when I grow up. How about you?"

"I'm Brianna. My favourite colour is pink. And...I wanna be a politician someday."

"What's a pola...polatichon?" Blair asked.

"A politician." I corrected her. "I don't know what they do. They just shout a lot. And that's what I want to do."

Blair had no idea what I was talking about, but she laughed anyway. And that made my heart skip a beat.

I felt something pelt the back of my head. I grabbed it, looking at the small rolled up bit of my paper in my hand. It was wet. I had just been spitballed for the first time.

Blair looked over her shoulder, and I did the same. It was the three bitches from the bus stop. They weren't even hiding their giggles.

"Not nice." Blair stuck her tongue out at them. Then, turning back around in her seat, she put her hand on mine. "Don't worry about them. I'm your friend, Brianna."

"Really?" My eyes brightened.

"Of course!"

As much as that statement had made my heart soar, how it made me feel like there was nothing to be afraid of…

It was the biggest lie I heard that day.

As soon as I got off the bus at the end of the day, I waved to Blair, unaware that she would be sitting with the 3 bitches the next day.

And then it went on for years, being that ugly girl with weird hair. And it didn't help that I needed glasses later in life.

But I wasn't completely alone. So let me tell you about Jujubee.

2020

"Hey, asshole! I'm pulling in there!"

Jujubee was hanging out the driver side window, flicking the indicator aggressively.

"Juju, can you just...not do that?" I asked, my eyes glued to my phone as I checked how many people had seen my Instagram story. It was a picture of the two of us, showing off our outfits that had been gifted from Alexander McQueen.

"And let that asshole steal my spot? Absolutely not." Jujubee protested. She flipped the guy off, only to receive the same gesture back at her. She wasn't prone to behaving like this. I usually found it absolutely hilarious how loud she could be.

Now, you're probably wondering - two well-dressed ladies in their Alexander McQueen outfits should be seated in the back of a limo, sipping champagne.

I wasn't a fan of limos. They only drew attention.

And with Jujubee hurling dog abuse at the other drivers, I was sure the attention would be on us.

But we made it to the event without any trouble.

Jujubee was hilarious, intentionally and unintentionally. I learned that all the way back on my second day of school. When it was clear to me that I wouldn't be friends with anyone else, I ventured off on my own, exploring the playground and looking for bugs. But, instead, I found her sitting alone in the sandbox.

"Leave me alone. I'm trying to dig to the centre of the Earth." She had said, blowing her shiny black hair out of her face.

I knew she would only reach the bottom of the pit, so I laughed, and I helped her dig. We had been inseparable since.

We grew up together, all the way through elementary, high school and college. And through those years, we had one thing in common - we were the weird ones. The kids who everyone bullied.

Ugh, I hated that word; bullied. It made me feel pathetic and helpless. Jujubee and I, however? We were far from pathetic and helpless. After all, how would we even be where we were if that was the case?

OK, maybe I was pathetic and helpless growing up. No, I was. I had just accepted all the name-calling, the shoving, the damage. Jujubee, on the other hand, would fight against it all.

But back to the current situation. We were now sitting at a table with the other project workers. Everyone was having a great time, and the event hadn't even really begun yet. They passed jokes around, talked about trials and tribulations, and I laughed along.

But I may as well have been alone as I was stuck in my own thoughts. How it was even possible, we were all gathered here for this moment.

I looked at Jujubee, sitting next to me, and felt an overwhelming need to hug the shit out of her. If it weren't for her being so encouraging, then maybe this wouldn't have happened.

"What's up?" She caught me staring.

I lowered my head for a moment, breathing a laugh out through my nostrils. I didn't want to get sappy with her, even though she deserved my gratitude. My best friend, my ride-or-die bitch. Lifting my head again, I smirked. "Nothing. I'm just glad you're on this team." I raised my glass to her before sipping the bubbling champagne.

"Proud of you bitch." Jujubee reaching over and squeezed my free hand.

I was proud of me too. Because, despite all of the shit I dealt with in school, here I was, the manager and director of this whole operation.

All of the hard work paid off - years of trials and tribulations, so many arguments and disagreements. We finally did it. We found a gateway to another world, a parallel universe, a portal in the middle of the space just waiting to be explored.

Of course, people doubted me. They said things like, "Well, it is a dream, all right." How could anyone blame them?

But here we were.

The speaker, Michelle, called me up onto the stage to receive a certificate, all encased in a glass frame. I exchanged air kisses with her and graciously took the award. Jujubee cheered me on as I stood up there, letting people take pictures.

And then came the obligatory speech.

I couldn't lie; I hated public speaking. It was always something I struggled with. But, I never backed down from one. I just liked to keep them short and sweet.

"Long story short, I had dreams, and I worked towards them. So, here I am, an example of the walking embodiment of success. And I thank each and every one of you, ladies and gentlemen. Have a great night."

Short and sweet. The crowd applauded.

Yes, I was told in the past that I'm arrogant, but I disagreed. I'd say confident. And there was nothing wrong with confidence. After all, there has been a stigma around that word. Doesn't it come from a sense of insecurity, the need to tear successful people down because you're afraid to strive towards your goals?

I deserved to feel this successful, for all those times I was laughed at and ridiculed. I look down on all those assholes and let them know that I made it.

I posed for pictures as I held my award, knowing they would be everywhere the next day; in the papers, magazines, the Internet.

This wasn't the first award I had received. I had a shelf full back home, along with all of my past badges. They reminded me that, once upon a time, I was just any other office worker with her yellow badge. And now here I was, the director of the project with my black badge working closely with the government.

I got off the stage and moved back to my chair. Jujubee rolled her eyes, but her smile remained.

"Where's the after-party?" I asked as the audience shifted their attention from me.

Sometimes I never understood how she put up with me. "Don't worry. I got us covered."

She wasn't lying. A few hours later, we were in the apartment of some other rich somebody. Music was bouncing off the walls, the speakers apparently on full blast.

The main lights were out, replaced with multicoloured LEDs dancing around the place. It was as if we were in our own private club.

Jujubee and I were in the crowd dancing, but because I was absolutely wasted, I lost her many times.

No need to panic, however. Jujubee wasn't a drinker. So she'd find me. She always did.

I really did feel sorry that she had to deal with all of my shenanigans.

"Juju, where the fuck are you??" I roared, not that it would do much. Midsummer Madness by 88RISING was blaring now. Starting to stress out now.

I grabbed a champagne flute as a waiter walked by.

"Brianna, I love the dress." A woman leaned over and shouted in my ear. I had met her before at another event, a fashion reporter if I remembered correctly.

"Thanks. It's Versaci."

As I said earlier, it was fucking Alexander McQueen. I was faded.

Somehow I ended up in the bathroom, throwing up all the alcohol I had consumed into the toilet. After I finished, I washed my mouth out, looked at my reflection and said, "Baby, you're a star."

And somehow, I made it back downstairs. I was searching for Jujubee but found someone else instead. And it was fucking Ed Sheeran.

"I love your new song." I lied.

"Which one?"

"The new one." I smiled. "Hey, Ed. You wanna be the first person to go through the portal?" I wrapped an arm around him.

He looked absolutely taken aback. "Of fucking course. My manager will be in touch."

I really hoped he was joking. Why the fuck had I even suggested it?

I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Jujubee. My nerves settled, and I leaned closer to her. "Let's go outside."

I had no recollection of making it out to the balcony. The only thing I remembered happening before then was rambling to many strangers about how much I adored Jujubee.

A few other party attendees were outside too. I wanted to tell them how I didn't deserve Jujubee and that she was an angel. But she quickly steered me away.

I looked out over the city, a happy smile on my face.

"Are you having fun, baby girl?" Jujubee asked, using her favourite pet name for me. She sparked up a cigarette. I wanted to ask her for one, having gone from chain smoker to social smoker in recent years. But I was too distracted by the view.

"Yeah. I can feel it, Juju." I replied, looking at my hands. It was almost like I could actually feel it. The euphoric feeling of success running in my veins. "Good things are coming."

"Oh, I feel it too." Jujubee blew out the smoke and followed my gaze. "You know what? Your Grandpa was a great guy. And I know that he's proud of you."

My smile dropped. And I was silent.

I preferred to avoid speaking about things like this. Emotions weren't something I liked to deal with - another difference between Jujubee and me.

Just the year prior, we both went to see Midsommar. During the scene where the main character is having a breakdown on the ground surrounded by the Hargan woman screaming along with her, Jujubee was captivated. She looked almost like she wanted to scream along with them. And as she squeezed my hand and leaned over to me, she said, "I need someone to do that with me." I replied with a quiet, "Can't relate."

I'm not insensitive. I just feared emotions for two reasons.

1. They could be weaponised against me. And as much as I tried not to let the online hate get to me, I knew that if it ever became personal, then it would hit difficult.

2. The most important reason of all; a childhood full of breakdowns and too many emotions.

Jujubee nudged me. "You wanna go?"

I didn't want to. But I said, "Yeah. I'm...so drunk right now," and turned away from the city view.

"Can I be that annoying whore and ask if I can stay at your place?" Jujubee asked, taking my hand.

She didn't even need a reason. "Yes, you can."

We waded our way through the crowd, made for the door and left. And before I knew it, we were back at my place, lying in my bed. I loaned her a t-shirt to sleep in. I wanted to sleep in my Alexander McQueen. But Jujubee wouldn't let me.

We both lay there, facing the ceiling. I could already feel the oncoming suffering. Usually, I loved moments like these, when time became fluid, when I didn't have to worry about how I had even gotten home.

But my head was pounding, and the loud ringing in my ears was the cause. If I was bad now, I'd be dead by morning.

I could feel Jujubee's eyes on me, and I looked back at her. She was smiling, her brown eyes glimmering. "Almost there, girl."

Despite the pain I was in, I smiled back. I knew this whole thing, the thingy, the portal; it wasn't just my dream. It was hers too.

Fuck, I was hammered.

"Almost there," was all I could manage to say.

Jujubee turned on her side and treated me to some cuddly spooning. "OK, go to sleep, loser."

It was straining on my neck, but I kept my head turned, letting my eyes linger for a moment longer. God, I fucking loved that bitch. Nothing was ever going to come between us, and that made me the happiest.

I turned over, my back relaxing against her torso. Then, before giving in to my exhaustion, I checked my phone. The bright light made me squint at first. And the alcohol in my system didn't help matters.

I checked how many people had seen my story now. The number was blurry. So I aimlessly swiped notifications away.

But I stopped at one message in particular.

Blair: Hey Brianna! Long time no speak. I just wanted to say I saw pictures from your thing tonight. Congrats, girl! Look, I know you're probably super busy, but I'd love to have a catch up with you sometime.

"..." My eyes were wide. Now that was a name I hadn't heard in a long time.

1995

"Do you see Cassiopeia yet?" Juju whined.

I was trying my hardest to find it in the telescope. But the stars were all in clutters; there were so many. "No. I think I see the big dipper, though."

"Really? Let me have a turn!" Juju begged.

I pulled away from the telescope, allowing Juju her turn. Usually, I would have refused, only letting her use the scope after finding what I was looking for.

I really hadn't found the big dipper, but Juju bought it. "Wooooow. That's so cool."

"I know, right?" I smirked.

The backdoor opened, and Grandpa came out in his winter jacket, pj's and his signature slippers. "How many have you girls found now?"

He was carrying two mugs of hot chocolate with whipped cream. I cheered excitedly because Grandpa's hot chocolate was the best, and I'd fight anyone who tried to tell me otherwise.

"We found the big dipper. But that's it." Juju replied, sounding very much let down.

"Don't lose hope," Grandpa gave us our hot chocolate, "some are harder to find than others. I bet there are a lot more constellations out there that haven't even been discovered yet."

I sipped the hot drink, and I could feel it already warming me up. I was so tempted to take my gloves off and let the mug warm them up. But we promised my Mom we would stay wrapped up. "Do you think we could discover one?"

Grandpa took a seat on one of the old deck chairs. "Brianna, you can do anything you set your mind to. Anything is possible."

"One day, I wanna get into a rocket ship and fly away," I said, looking up at the night sky, imagining the scene in my head.

"Hey, Mr Caldwell, are there other people like us? Just looking up at the sky?" Juju asked, taking a sip of her hot chocolate.

"That's an interesting question. I'd say yes, what with how nice the sky is tonight," Grandpa let his gaze trail up, the stars reflecting in his eyes, "But did you know, somewhere far, far away, there are two little girls who are exactly like you. They look the same, they talk the same and even have your names. And they are doing exactly what you're doing right now."

My brows knit in confusion, "what do you mean 'far far away?"

Grandpa looked down again, seeing how intrigued Juju and I was. "Let's just call it the other world. It's basically like our world, but...certain things are different. Like," he paused to think, "maybe cats bark and dogs meow. Or, maybe the sky is pink and not blue. Maybe you girls are actually older, and I'm the young one."

"Do horseys fly in the other world?" Juju asked with much optimism.

"Probably. I don't see why not." Grandpa shrugged.

I glanced up at the sky as if I would somehow just see it. Another world where life was somewhat better.

"Would my Mommy and Daddy have given me up in the other world?" I asked quietly.

Grandpa was silent. His lips were pursed, forming a tight line like there were words on the tip of his tongue that he knew he shouldn't say.

Juju hugged me from the side. I wanted to hug her back but didn't want to cry.

Her hold made me feel safe, so I offered her a half-smile.

Since my first day at school, when those cretins had tried to tell me Roberta wasn't my real Mom, it stuck with me. Yeah, I knew deep down those girls didn't know shit, and Roberta was the best Mother in the world, but I was only human.

As much as I loved my Mom, Grandpa and other family members, I just wanted to feel acceptance from my biological parents.

"Brianna, honey, whoever your family is in the other world, I'm sure they love you from the bottom of their hearts. Just like we do." Grandpa said. He extended his arms out, offering me a hug.

I didn't want it. But I knew I needed it.

That night, we didn't find any constellations. Not that it mattered. After my Grandpa went back inside, Juju and I were set on finding the other world instead.

And this interest went on for nearly a whole year.

It sounded dumb, but we would play games where we were our 'other world selves'. Juju lived in a house full of cats, and they were 'cutest cats in the whole country. So cute they won every pageant!'

And I lived in a huge mansion with my Mom, Grandpa, and my biological parents.

We collectively agreed that our other world selves were the prettiest girls in school, and we had tons of friends. We were so cool, we didn't even have to go to school.

Of course, this started a minor argument between us. Juju would always say, "how can we be the prettiest girls at school if we don't have to go to school??"

"Shut up, Juju! Anything is possible in the other world!"

"Yeah, but it doesn't make sense!"

All of it was so ridiculous. But we loved every minute of it.

I'll never forget the time we built a fort in the woods at the back of my house, and Juju stood under the archway and shouted. "I'm the queen of 'Other World'. Beware ye bastards who enter our domain!"

Then she got upset because she said a bad word and thought she had betrayed her parents.

A few minutes later, I fucked up.

"I, Brianna Caldwell, am the Queen of 'Other World'. I sit on this throne along with my best friend, Blair St Clair!"

Juju was even more upset now.

"Why is she your best friend?? I'm your best friend!" She began to cry.

"Jujubee, it's only pretend." I tried to reason with her.

"No, Brie-Brie. You're always talking about Blair! I know you would rather be best friends with her than me!"

"That's not true!"

"It is!" She wept. "She'll never be your friend, Brie-Brie. She doesn't even like you."

"Take that back!"

"No!"

My anger was bubbling beyond the boiling point. So I shoved her over. "Go away. Now!"

Juju ran off crying.

My teeth were grit, my fists clenched. For about 5 minutes, I stormed around the fort, screaming in anger and kicking the ground.

Mom was freaked out. She knew it was me screaming, so she came running. When she found me, she shouted at me for scaring the absolute fuck out of her.

This only pissed me off more. It took her 5 minutes to get me to chill out.

When I finally explained what happened, she told me it was OK and that we'd be friends again the next day.

It didn't help my mood, so she took me to the mall. It was a rare occasion for us to visit the place. We weren't the richest, what with Mom struggling to keep a job. She wasn't a lousy worker; someone else would just come along who was much more experienced. And without another parental figure to help out, it just meant not much money was being brought into the house.

But Mom decided we'd go to the toy store, and I'd find two dolls, one for me and one for Juju. I made sure they looked exactly like us. Well, considering the nice clothes and great hair, they were our other-selves.

And leaving the building, I was perched on Mom's shoulders, eating the biggest ice cream cone I had ever gotten, when I looked over at the jewellery shop. Two women were leaving the store, holding hands. They leaned in close to each other and kissed.

I just...stared as they smiled at each other, mesmerised by the adoration they so clearly shared.

"Mommy?"

"Yes, Brianna, baby?"

"Why are those two ladies kissing?"

Mom cast a quick glance to where I was looking. "Oh. OK, first of all, don't stare. It's rude. But yeah, they're just two ladies in love with each other. That's all."

I looked away, just as she told me to do. "They're in love? I thought only boys and girls could be in love."

"I guess they're still telling you that in school, huh?" Mom quipped. "Well, I'll tell you this, but keep it on the down-low 'cause I don't want no parents coming and knocking on my door saying you're putting ideas into their kids' heads." She laughed. "The truth is; boys can fall in love with boys, and girls can fall in love with girls. You fall in love with whoever your heart tells you to, Brianna."

I nodded. "Uh, huh. OK, I understand." But then, it hit me. "Fuck."

"Brianna." Mom warned. She knew I was prone to sometimes spurting a few cuss words. But she only had herself to blame.

"Sorry, Mommy." And as we left the mall, my brain couldn't stop thinking about what had popped into my head.

Maybe, just maybe, I was in love with Blair.

My mind was taking me back to years prior, still in my first year of elementary school. It was coming up to Valentine's Day, and we all had to make a card for someone in the class. Bit of a weird activity for a bunch of kids who were more concerned if they were getting bikes for Christmas or not.

And I slaved over my card, making it yellow instead of the traditional pink colour, and drawing daisies all over it.

The message read, "You really deserve this. You're welcome." I've always been a poetic genius.

And instead of giving it to any of the boys, I insisted it went to Blair.

I had vague memories of that day. I only remembered her confused face as I handed it over.

I never received a card in return.

Of course, the other kids picked on me for it. But Juju had my back.

"You're all just jealous 'cause Brie-Brie's card is unique!" I remember her shouting.

But of course, they weren't jealous. This concept was foreign to them - a girl gifting another girl with a Valentine's Day gift. But then again, they just didn't know any better.