#it'd not be a surprise if everyone knew a week after the au was made-

[silverware-is-interesting]

I literally NEVER do asks but I have to,

As predictable (being his number one fan ever) I really want anyyyy tidbits about Sonny,,, I need to know more about the beloved, i need to know,,,

anyways, is it okay that I made a band au version of my recently made oc? An idea just sprung into my mind and I can't get over it. Already drew it n everything but I wanted to double double check.

Band au my beloved <3

so, there's not all too much i can really say if i ever do anything, since most of the things i've thought about are pretty plot-relevant. i can try to put a couple things

so, he still dies but he's not quite as, well, helpful. he kinda fell into a slump sine he worked so hard on everything with the band and, in his lifetime they weren't really all too popular. so he's been in some piece of tech, a computer still, and thinks things over.

oh, he's been almost erased from company history, not in like a gaster way though, more like the company blacks out any images of his face

i'll make him a little bio once i have enough n decide if i'll actually make a story of this or kinda just release little tidbits little-by-little. what i could tell you is the songs in the playlist i had added because of sonny's involvement in the story though

i have a few little sketches of his (concept) design so here, have a concept (not great quality screenshots)

they'll probably change but y'know. it's somethin' though

as for ocs, yeah. that's perfectly alright. band-ify your little guys if you want! basically the only guideline is that they can't have an instrument that someone else in the band has (though, a guitar or different type of drum are both alright) and kinda have a rock-esc aesthetic to them OH! and tag me! i'd love to see them!

yeah,, my beloved too

[jackhues]

this time around - angel's world

NOTE: this takes place during april/2024. if you'd like to be tagged in coming works, comment on this <3 also... i think updates on this are starting again now (maybe next part in a week idk)

this is a series/interactive au, so feel free to send in any ideas/requests/thoughts you have about this! angel's world au masterlist!!

PART ONE || PART TWO || PART THREE|| PART FOUR || PART FIVE || PART SIX - SMAU (COMING SOON)

verstappen!twin reader x mat barzal ,, f1xhockey

angel looked at the time, nervously playing with her dress.

it was almost five o'clock, which meant her dad was almost here. it'd been a few months since she began dating mathew, and besides max, no one in her family had met him.

the truth was, she was nervous.

she knew everyone would love mat, he was a great person. but her dad might not. he was a person who'd done... questionable things while raising her and her twin. and while she held no grudge against him for those things, mat wasn't his biggest fan.

angel could only hope no one caused a problem today.

"you alright?"

angel looked up at mat, a smile spreading on her face just at the sight of him.

"i'm great," she promised. "just nervous. please don't say anything about the things dad did-"

"i won't," he held her hands in his. "look, i know he wasn't a great person, and i know you're okay with the things that happened. i also know that i'm not okay with those things... but this is only the first time we're meeting. i'm not going to say anything stupid, i promise. i'll be a nice canadian boy for the night, promise."

angel smiled, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "thank you. i know you don't like this, but it's... it's too hard explaining things to dad. he doesn't get it. so we just limit our time with him instead."

"well, it's something," mat shrugged to himself. at angel's look, he raised his hands in the air, "i'll behave. i promise."

"alright lovebirds," max entered the living room, "you ready for the biggest test of your life?"

"max," angel groaned.

"i'm joking, i'm joking," the older twin laughed. "he'll love mat, and if he doesn't, that's fine, because lewis already offered to walk you down the aisle in dad's place."

"max!" she groaned again.

"i'm just making sure everyone knows the options!" he responded.

before angel or mat could respond, the doorbell rang, casting a spell and freezing the trio in their places.

"let's hope he didn't hear that last comment," max muttered, breaking the silence. "i'll get the door."

"i'll get it," angel grabbed max's arm to hold him back.

he'd spent his entire life putting himself in their dad's view, keeping angel away from him and his anger... but they weren't little kids anymore. she could face him.

she slipped down the hallways and to the door, opening it before she could chicken out.

and there stood jos verstappen, nodding at the sight of angel. he didn't smile much, angel knew that. so the nod was his way of smiling... or at least that's what she told herself.

"hi dad," she greeted him, hugging him since she hadn't seen him in a while. "how have you been?"

"same old," her dad responded, entering her apartment and making his way to the living room. "too many races on the calendar this year, flying back and forth is hard."

angel was tempted to remind him that he didn't have to be present at every race, but she managed to keep her mouth shut.

they entered the living room together, and jos did a double take at the sight of mathew.

"this the boyfriend?" he asked simply.

"mathew barzal," mat came over to introduce himself.

jos shook his hand and introduced himself.

"here, have a seat," mathew made space for him on the couch.

max and angel exchanged a glance, slightly surprised that jos took a seat and continued the conversation.

"i never knew he was this polite," max whispered to his twin, and it took angel a second to realize he was referring to mat. "didn't he tell charles to drive his car off a cliff after he beat him at mario kart?"

"maybe it's the canadian in him," angel offered. "lance does similar things sometimes."

"it's so weird," max muttered.

"i know."

surprisingly, the rest of the night and dinner went on without a hitch, and when it was finally time for jos to leave, he even gave mat a hug. angel tensed, but mat patted his back as if the two were old friends.

"he's a good one, huh?" jos even said to angel before leaving. "i like him."

angel didn't know what to say, so she shut the door in his face.

she walked back to the living room, still trying to process her dad's words, when she noticed mat and max in deep conversation. mathew knew next to nothing about f1, and max knew next to nothing about hockey... they were from two different worlds.

and yet, they sat in angel's living room, conversing as if they'd known each other for years, as if they were friends who simply enjoyed each other's company.

and with a start, angel realized that she did indeed, choose a good one this time around.

[the-queen-and-the-king]

A little piece of paradise - 1

Summary: What if Aaron made a surprising revelation just after Emily and Spencer had escaped Cyrus' cult.

Characters: Derek Morgan, Aaron Hotchner and Emily Prentiss

Contents: the story follows Minimal loss, so Emily is in bad shape and Aaron is in a guilty mood AF. So mention of kicks and punches ; bruises, angst, hurt and fluff also NSFW/Minors DNI

This text will be an AU with a sudden canon-divergence. I wrote it when I was rewatching the show, so many chapters will be directly related to some episodes of season 4. There will be 28 chapters.

PS : English is not my mother language so they are necessarily mistakes. Sorry about that.

___

Read on AO3 / lire sur AO3

___

The jet had just landed on the tarmac and, a little haggard after this out of the ordinary mission, the profilers slowly made their way to their respective vehicles. Apart from the brief exchange she'd had with Spencer, everyone had remained silent for the duration of the flight, their minds still focused on what had happened and what might have happened. It was always like this; they couldn't help but envisage other twists to the events they had witnessed. It was pointless, since it was impossible to go back and change anything, but there it was.

                Emily tried to put on a brave face, but she was aching all over. Now that the adrenalin had subsided, her nerves were finally bringing messages to her brain that it'd previously ignored, and the blows Cyrus had dealt her resonated throughout her body. She hadn't yet had a chance to see what she looked like under her tank top, but it couldn't have been pretty. The brief glance she'd cast in the plane's mirror when she'd washed her hands had given her a few cold sweats. And she knew it wasn't going to get any better. Her bruises would spread under her skin, displaying a palette of unattractive colors.

                She consoled herself; however, by telling herself that she had spared her youngest colleague this ordeal and had thus also saved almost all the members of this congregation from the hands of a sociopath. It was worth it to look like nothing for a few weeks.

“I'm going to take Emily home,” Morgan said as she hobbled to her car.

He had addressed Hotch, who had been behaving very strangely since she left the ranch. Mute, his irises were regularly lost in the void for long periods of time, and he avoided the gaze of people who spoke to him.

“O… Okay,” he stammered, snapping out of his trance. “Good. Take… take a few days-off.”

The giant had uttered this injunction as he turned towards her, but his pupils had fixed on an invisible point behind Derek and her. Emily deduced, nonetheless, that the recommendation was intended for her.

“Fine. Go… go home safely,” she said, taken aback by his unusual attitude.

“Y… yes. Thank you. You… you too. All of you,” he added, already turning towards his sedan parked a little further away. “Go home safely.”

He, Rossi, and Reid moved off together towards their means of locomotion. From a distance, she understood that the first was offering the latter a ride home; the two men living in the same building. The youngest member of the unit gladly accepted and threw his bag into the trunk before settling into the front seat with a certain gusto. An interaction that reassured the young woman a little.

“Coming?”

“What?” she croaked, jumping up. “Ah, yes. Sorry.”

The ex-policeman raised a questioning eyebrow, which she ignored as she walked on her own towards her colleague's vehicle. He smiled, shook his head, and followed her. A few minutes later, they were side by side in the cabin, driving towards the center of Washington DC. 

“You all right?” asked Morgan, who had been watching her out of the corner of his eye since they left the airport.

She had expected this question and had planned to answer in the affirmative, but the peculiar behavior of their hierarchical superior disturbed her too much not to broach the subject.

“… Isn’t Hotch acting weirdly?”

“You know,” sighed his neighbor, “this mission has been a little complicated for him.”

“What do you mean?”

“I'd never seen him so stressed since I arrived at the BAU. The worst was when the other one started hitting you.”

Emily felt a bolt of lightning pass through her chest. They had all integrated the very protective nature of the titan in suit into their routines and were amused by it most of the time. She only realized how torturous it must have been for him to hear her suffer from a distance without being able to do anything to help her.

“Oh… oh, yes?”

“If Dave hadn't held him back, he'd have gone off on his own to storm the ranch.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Without really knowing why, this revelation warmed her heart. The branch manager was stoic and austere, and extremely undemonstrative. You'd have to have known him for a long time to realize that he was scared, panicked, or pleasantly surprised by attention. For her, there was something pleasant about imagining him openly in all his moods. But one detail tarnished the picture. 

“… But… why he didn’t take me into his arms?”

“What?” Derek reacted, confused.

“When Spencer found himself in Hankel's hand, he freaked out for him too.”

In his own way, but he had been genuinely worried about the young multi-graduate. This had given rise to the most ubiquitous exchange she'd ever heard between a manager and his employees.

“And when he found him, he took him in his arms,” she remarked, remembering the scene perfectly. “Even though he knows he doesn't like to be touched and doesn't like to be hugged.”

Both men had a tolerance threshold for physical contact below the team average. Hotch had no problem shaking hands – because that was part of the prerogative of his position – but he would tense up like a bow as soon as someone tried to embrace him. Reid, for his part, shunned handshakes like the plague. This impromptu embrace between the two illustrated the extent to which their emotional state had been turned upside down by the whole affair. And yet…

“And now you're telling me he freaked out like never before, but... he just looked at me and then left.”

Their eyes met briefly, then he turned around and walked backwards with Rossi. As if just seeing her standing there had been enough to reassure him. 

“You were looking for us,” Derek reminded her, stopping at yet another red light.

That was the truth. She was calling him and Reid, terrified that the building explosion had taken them away. When they had reappeared in her field of vision, she had rushed over to hug them. She needed to touch them to be sure they were alive. It was afterwards that she realized that the director had disappeared.

“If I can hug both of you, I can hug him too. The French even say: "Jamais deux sans trois" ("Never two without three").”

Morgan sighed.

“Yeah, but we all know Hotch isn't wired like we are. Besides, don't you think he's a little like Spencer sometimes?”

Her heart missed a beat. A few weeks earlier, she had had a discussion on this subject with JJ when the latter was worried about the possibility of her fetus not developing properly. Through Internet research, she had come across online assessment tests and, out of curiosity, had completed one pretending to be the person who had hired her. It was clearly specified that these questionnaires were not a substitute for a visit to a specialist doctor, but the results had sufficiently impressed her to ask her colleague about it. And the fact was that, taken together with all the clues about him collected since her arrival in the unit, this painted a picture of the character which, in some aspects, did indeed coincide with that of the youngest member of the team.

                However, since the two women had jointly decided not to talk about it in order to avoid an ill-considered spontaneous reaction on the part of the principal concerned, she was unable to fully acquiesce to the driver's reflection.

“… Sometimes, yes.”

They drove for another fifteen minutes or so, then stopped at the foot of her building.

“Here you are. Would you like me to come with you?”

“I’ll be fine. Thanks, Derek,” she said, putting her hand on the door handle.

“You’re welcome. Get rest. And if you need anything…”

“I know,” she affirmed, giving him a reassuring smile. “See you soon.”

“Good night, Emily.”

“Good night, Derek.”

And she got out of the car, collected her things, and let the elevator carry her home. By the time she reached the premises in the penumbra, she was exhausted. She left her bag in the hall, reflexively took off her shoes, and climbed the stairs to her room. She collapsed on the bed, fully dressed, and fell asleep like a log.

                She awoke several hours later, racked with pain. Her jaw, her back, her ribs, her arms ached. She dragged herself to the bathroom and recoiled at the look on her face. As she had thought, it had gotten worse during the night. With a grimace, she slowly undressed and gradually discovered the marks on her skin. Her bust was a gigantic bruise. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she was relieved to be single and not have to hide it from anyone. She slipped into the shower shortly afterwards and stayed there for an infinite time, content to enjoy the scalding water running over her damaged body. She tried as hard as she could not to think about anything, simply concentrating on the sensations of the moment.

                When she emerged from the cabin, a thick mist had invaded the room, but she was feeling much better. She dressed in loose, comfortable clothes, put on fleece socks, and went down to the kitchen to treat herself to a hearty breakfast. She was starving. Her coffee in one cup, a plate full of goodies in the other, she settled on the sofa and, instinctively, turned on the TV. She had selected a channel at random, but soon realized that she wasn't paying the slightest attention to the images scrolling before her eyes.

                Indeed, her whole mind was focused on the mystery that intrigued her: Hotch's behavior. That he'd been afraid for her didn't surprise her too much, but that he'd stayed away so long then, and been so out of touch with the present for the next few hours, didn't make sense. It didn't fit with what she knew about him. The giant didn't daydream, his two feet were perpetually planted in the ground, and he based all his behavior on calm, pragmatic reasoning, more or less consciously removing his emotions from the equation.

                When terrorists threatened to destroy the new shopping mall where his wife and son were supposed to be, he didn't call them because protocol demanded that he keep quiet. It had taken Derek – with whom he was making his way to the place – to point out that this was what any human being would have done for him to agree to dial his wife's number. Had he again followed the perfect little federal agent's guide that evening when he found her safe and sound? It was impossible to say. As the explosives expert had so aptly pointed out, their boss wasn't wired like most people.

                But if he was introverted, she was stubborn and wanted answers to her questions. So, she decided to head for Quantico as the day drew to a close. She needed to have a four-way conversation with him, undisturbed by the other team members. At this late hour, she knew he'd be the only one left in the office. And she had been right. The bullpen was almost deserted, with two agents still tapping away at their keyboards, so focused on their tasks that they didn't even see her pass by. She climbed the slope leading to the manager's den and knocked gently on the open door. He looked up immediately and flinched when he saw her.

“P… Prentiss?” he stammered, disoriented. “But… I told you to take some time off.”

“Yes, I heard, but I had a few questions to ask you,” she explained, allowing herself to enter.

“Oh. Uh… it’s… Have a seat,” he finally said, pointing to the bench.

She obeyed and he rose from his chair to sit next to her, keeping a space between them. Despite his great stature, he always made sure not to encroach on the living space of those around him.

“You… What questions did you want to ask me?” he continued, struggling to fix his gaze on her.

Which was completely abnormal. The primary characteristic that everyone noted when meeting the giant for the first time was his unwavering, unblinking focus on his interlocutors. Hotch scanned people with a disturbing intensity, regardless of their status or hierarchical position. 

“How are you?” she asked, putting her foot in it without preamble.

“Wh… what?” he hiccupped, raising his nose. “You're the one who should be asking that question.”

“Derek told me you had a hard time dealing with what was happening to me.”

“Oh…”

He deliberately looked away, directing his irises towards his feet. He was ill at ease.

“I… I got scared. That he would… or that he would have…”

She'd understood what he'd meant because it was so obvious, but she was amazed at his inability to formulate his thoughts. His large hands were twitching, and his eyes were shining brighter than usual. She was touched to see him in such pain.

“Hotch…”

“I'm sorry,” he cut her off before she could go any further.

“No, e… everything's fine,” she assured him, moving imperceptibly closer to him. “Look, it's not your fault. You're not responsible for what happened there. It wasn't you who asked the police to carry out that assault, it wasn't you who told reporters there was an undercover FBI agent, and it wasn't you who hit me.”

The unit leader was not only protective of his men, but also took full responsibility for their actions, taking all the blame. But it went even further, as he regularly took credit for mistakes and misdeeds of which he was not guilty. Many saw him as an unruffled alpha male, but she was increasingly convinced that his impeccable suits served to hide his profound lack of self-esteem. He didn't object to her plea, turning his head towards his desk to hide his facial movements.

“Hotch, look at me.”

He swayed his head vigorously and tried to curl further into his corner. She had to shake him out of his speech impediment.

“Hotch, why you didn’t take me into your arms over there?”

“Wh… what?” he choked, redirecting his gaze to her.

There was confusion on his features, no doubt about it. She explained herself:

“You were afraid for me, just as you were afraid for Spencer once. You wanted to do it. Why didn’t you?”

He repeated his previous gesture and stared at the opposite corner of the coffee table. Something was blocking him, and she was determined to find out what it was. So that it would disappear and there would be no more discomfort between the two of them. She couldn't continue to work alongside him if he had to be consumed by stress every time she spoke to him.

“Do it.”

He flinched at this order and looked at her again. He surely hoped he'd heard wrong, but she immediately shattered that hope.

“Take me into your arms. It'll do you good, I assure you.”

He froze on the bench, stiff as a board.

“I won’t bite, I promise.”

To encourage him, she spread her arms and smiled at him, but he remained in his place, terrified. Taking the bull by the horns, she eliminated the space between them by sitting right next to him and gently grabbed the back of his neck to tip his head onto her shoulder. He was so tense that she had some difficulty getting him to perform this simple gesture.

“There, now breathe. It will be fine. There's nothing in the Bureau's rules forbidding this kind of interaction,” she reminded him, as she knew only too well his aversion to disobeying the rules. “Okay? So, breathe in.”

To her great relief, he responded to her command by sucking in air. He trembled, and she felt his lungs swell.

“There. And breathe out.”

He lent himself to the game again, and a trickle of warm air slid down her neck. His muscles gradually relaxed.

“Very good.”

Then, gently, he stretched out his arms and raised his hands to the top of her back. And, unannounced, he began to cry. Silently, without sobs or moans, just tears rolling down his cheeks and crashing into the collar of her blouse. His irregular breathing also betrayed this sudden loss of means. Without thinking, she ran a hand through his hair and stroked his back.

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay. Everything is fine. I'm here, you're not dreaming,” she reassured him, in her softest possible tone. “Can you feel that heart beating? This is proof that I’m alive and well. So, everything is fine.”

She had to admit that the whole situation was peculiar. She had never prepared herself for the day when she would have to console her boss, let alone this one. He seemed so unshakeable on a daily basis that she hadn't imagined he might be capable of crying. Which was totally idiotic when she thought about it. This being the case, she realized that she felt no discomfort at all at finding herself in such a position. On the contrary, she was confident and felt she was exactly where she needed to be.

“… I’m sorry,” he apologized, sniffling.

“No, it’s okay. It… it was stressful for everyone.”

Thus, pressed against his gigantic torso, she was showered with a plethora of unexpected information. His gentle warmth enveloped her, his perfume and natural scent stirred her sense of smell, his breathing agitated her eardrum and, above all, the throbbing coming from his ribcage resonated against her sternum.

“Your heart is beating very, very fast,” she noted aloud. “Breathe again, slowly.”

Once again, he complied with her commandment. He gradually calmed down and finally detached himself from her, chasing away the last tears that lingered on his pale face.

“It’s better, isn’t it?”

He nodded to confirm. She felt as if she were facing a six-foot-tall child. She placed a hand on his forearm to soothe him.

“Don't get yourself into such a state for me. You know, all this” – she pointed to her swollen face – “it's going to go away. Soon, there will be nothing left. I will…”

“I love you.”

Caught off guard, she stepped back, removing her hand from his sleeve. What did he say?

“… What?”

“I… I know I shouldn't, but... I realized it with what happened back there,” he justified himself, embarrassed, before repeating. “I love you.”

She stared at him unblinkingly, and he watched her from below, embarrassed to reveal his feelings in this way. Emily felt as if someone had removed her brain from inside her skull. All her thoughts had been annihilated in a split second when she'd heard his statement. All she could articulate was a word that had no follow-up. 

“But…”

“Don't worry if the reverse isn't true. It… it's normal,” he said with a sad smile. “It doesn’t matter.”

As if a needle had just been jabbed into her ribs, she flinched, and her neurons began to fire again. Slowly. Hardly. This revelation was so overwhelming that she struggled to construct a proper thought. She didn't even realize that her heart was leaping violently in her chest.

“It’s… it's forbidden,” was the only thing she managed to say.

“I know. Even more so between agents of different ranks,” he added in a bantering tone. “But… you don't choose who you fall in love with, do you?”

It was a phrase she'd said one day in an interrogation room, but perhaps it was just a coincidence. Anyone could say that because it was true. Love was a feeling that fell on the corner of your skull unannounced and, indeed, left you no choice.

“For… for how long...?” she asked, bewildered.

“Oh. Pro… probably months, but I... I didn't realize it right away,” he confessed with a brief burst of laughter. “But… I… Don't worry, nothing will happen between us, and I'll continue to treat you like any other member of the team. D… don’t worry about it.”

A voice was screaming in her head. One single order. She could have ignored it, dismissed it, buried it as far away as possible in her mind, but she decided to listen to it. Then she leaned toward him and placed her lips on his. Aaron, surprised, tensed again but didn't push her away. 

“I… But…”

“It's forbidden, I know, but we don't have to shout it from the rooftops,” she quipped, amused by his reaction.

Yes, love gave you no choice. And, in this case, it had set its sights on the man on this bench.

“For… how long…?”

“A long time.”

She could have said: "since always", but this formulation was already sufficient. When she'd first arrived in his office, she'd felt a rush of warmth come over her when she saw him. He'd been portrayed in such an inauspicious light she'd chalked it up to relief. But it was the result of his shy smile, his deep voice, his delicate grip, his innate charisma, and his simple beauty. In fact, she remembered that, hours after her visit to his office, she had continued to watch her hand tingle. The ghost of his fingers still clutched hers and she'd longed to feel them against her skin again. A fantasy she thought she'd have to give up, to her great despair. Because of the regulations and also because…

“I thought I was the only one who felt these feelings.”

“Oh. O… okay.”

A slightly silly smile played on his lips, which she immediately found irresistible.

“Would… wouldn't you like to do it again?”

She smiled back and leaned over to kiss him. He kissed her back, and they stayed that way for a long time, lips against lips, their tongues entwining in a masterful ballet. It was as if it had been planned from the start that they would end up together. Then the suspended moment fell away as they parted. They looked at each other, smiling and flushed. She was so happy that tears came to her eyes. They laughed nervously, like two teenagers discovering the first stirrings of love, and then she snuggled up to his chest. He embraced her tenderly and they remained entwined, their hearts light and their stomachs full of butterflies.

___

Hope you've enjoy the ride! :)

___

Next chapter >> https://www.tumblr.com/the-queen-and-the-king/771676376926470144/a-little-piece-of-paradise-2?source=share

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Bruised Figure

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: Jason aspires to become a figure skater despite obstacles in his personal life.

Chapters: 4/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Catherine Todd, Willis Todd, Dick Grayson, Cassandra Cain

Additional Tags: Figure Skater AU, Chronically Ill Jason Todd, Hurt/Comfort

Chapter Four: White Lies

Jason trained with Bruce one-on-one for nearly six months before his first competition. Bruce knew that Jason wasn't ready, but he had to see how Jason could handle losing. Jason trained for three weeks straight to compete in the short program. "Jason! Dinner," Bruce called. Jason held up his pointer finger, signaling Bruce to allow him one more run. "Jason, it's dinnertime."

"But—." Bruce shook his head and waited for Jason to take off his skates. "Bruce, what if I can't—."

Bruce smiled and opened his arms to Jason, and they hugged. "Then you can't... And that's okay. Coach clocked out for the day. It's just me now," Bruce reassured him.

Jason fought the urge to ask Bruce for permission to go back on the ice after dinner as he followed Bruce to the dinner table. Jason didn't care about winning or losing, but he did care about Bruce's reputation. Jason picked over his bread as he agonized over the fear of letting Bruce down. "Are you not hungry?" Alfred asked. Jason looked up.

"Huh?" Jason asked. "Yeah, no, I'm hungry. I was thinking."

Bruce reached over and messed up Jason's hair. "We're taking a day off tomorrow," Bruce announced. Jason put his fork down. "Everyone needs a break sometimes."

"But Bruce—."

"One measly day isn't gonna hurt you," Bruce reassured him, "If you make an effort to enjoy yourself, I'll give you your surprise early." Jason's eyes widened, and he smiled.

Jason ate his dinner, and Bruce relaxed his shoulders. "There's a girl in my ballet class," Jason noted. Bruce raised his brow, waiting for Jason to elaborate.

"I'm sure there are lots of girls in your ballet class," Bruce replied. Jason chuckled and shrugged.

"No—. I mean, yeah... But she's good. Really good. She offered to help me with my routine on the ice," Jason replied.

"You're already working on a routine," Bruce replied. Jason shook his head.

"It's not that one. It's not for this coming competition. It's just for fun," Jason explained, "It'd be the both of us... Me and her. Something dark. We came up with most of it while we were paired up the other day in class."

"Something dark?" Bruce asked. Jason nodded excitedly.

"We haven't done anything on the ice, though... So it might work out better for her recital," Jason picked over his food as he explained, "She's good, Bruce."

"Do you like her?" Bruce asked. Jason shook his head.

"No, it's not like that. Honestly, she's mean sometimes... Like a sister. But we work well together, so Monsieur Geary pairs us up all the time," Jason answered, "And I think I'm trying to ask if she can come over Monday to work on the routine so you can tell us what you think."

Bruce nodded. "But I want you to really take a break tomorrow. If you can do that, I'll let your friend from ballet come by and practice with you," Bruce negotiated. Jason lit up and dug into his dinner. Bruce messed up Jason's hair. He honestly stopped caring about ice skating months ago. Jason was the only thing that mattered.

After dinner, Jason showered, and they sat in the living room, watching a movie, and Jason yawned. It was always a good sign. Bruce didn't speak. Jason sank down into the couch and ran his hand over his face. Bruce held back a chuckle as Jason fought sleep. He sighed, and one of his eyes shut completely, then the other, until he was fast asleep, lying down on Bruce's lap. "All tuckered out... Good," Bruce whispered. He picked Jason up and carried him to bed.

He turned to leave, and Jason took in a breath. "Bruce?" Jason mumbled.

"Yes, Jason?" Bruce asked.

"Could you—? Would you still like me if I never made it to the Olympics?" Jason questioned. Bruce turned around and sat next to Jason.

"Jason, I love you unconditionally. This is your home... You are my home," Bruce whispered. Jason smiled and shut his eyes. Bruce didn't leave him. He couldn't after a question like that. The answer was enough for Jason for the moment, but Bruce knew Jason would always feel pressure to earn his love. Bruce slept next to Jason that night, and when he awakened, he let Jason sleep in.

Jason only managed to sleep an hour later than he would've on a training day, and he rushed downstairs, half-dressed, and completely panicked. "Coach, I'm sorry I'm—."

Bruce met him at the foot of the stairs and fixed the buttons on his shirt. "Nothing's open this early... Do you wanna lay back down?" Bruce questioned. Jason shook his head. "And it's not Coach today."

"Can I have pizza for breakfast?" Jason asked. He wiped his eyes, and Bruce placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.

"We can eat whatever you want today. It's your day," Bruce smiled. Jason hesitated before following Bruce to the kitchen. He sat at the kitchen island while Bruce put a frozen pizza in the oven. "You look like you don't feel good... You okay?"

"I'm okay... I keep getting dizzy. I think I got out of bed too fast," Jason mumbled. Bruce reached to feel Jason's forehead with the back of his hand, and Jason flinched involuntarily.

"May I?" Bruce asked. Jason nodded. He didn't do it as often as he used to, but Bruce could tell sudden movements still frightened him. He felt Jason's forehead. "Low fever... I made you take a day off just in time." Jason's shoulders dropped. Bruce had never dealt with him being sick before. It always started the same. Fever, sore body, dizziness. It always got worse, though. So much worse.

Jason didn't want to be a bother, so he kept quiet. He figured it'd be best to get better alone without burdening Bruce. If only he knew how to get rid of Bruce long enough. "I don't think I'm hungry anymore," Jason mumbled. Bruce nodded.

"Wanna go back to bed?" Bruce questioned. Jason nodded. Bruce got up and followed him upstairs.

"You don't have to feel bad about being sick," Bruce reassured as he took off Jason's socks. "Hm..."

"What?" Jason questioned. Bruce rolled up the legs of Jason's pants.

"This doesn't itch?" Bruce questioned as he squeezed Jason's ankles and calves in his hands. Jason winced. "It hurts?" Jason nodded.

"I'm okay, though. It's usually over in like three—."

"Usually?" Bruce questioned. "This has happened before?" Jason grew silent. "Jason, please—."

"It's no big deal... It's just the flu," Jason replied.

Bruce froze and looked at Jason. "Jason, what are the symptoms of the flu?" Bruce asked.

"Soreness, muscle aches, rash, stomach aches... And then my ankles swell up so bad I can't walk," Jason replied, "My mom said that's from being on the ice all the time, though."

Bruce shook his head. "I think we should get a second opinion," Bruce whispered. He didn't want Jason to panic, but he was deeply concerned. Jason sat up, and Bruce put his socks on for him.

"I can do it myself," Jason whispered. Bruce smiled and nodded as he grabbed a sweatshirt from Jason's drawer and slipped it over his head.

"It's a force of habit," Bruce replied. Jason smiled. Despite their worries, both of them smiled.

[your-neighbor-in-the-northblue]

Coffee? ↠ Nami, Usopp x Reader

➼ Word Count » 0.6k ➼ Warnings » None ➼ Genre » Slice of Life, Modern AU, Platonic, Coffeeshop AU

The cozy chatter of the warmly lit cafe made you smile as you sip on your cup of coffee. The leather booth you'd found was cold on your shoulders, but it was welcomed compared to the heat that burned outside. Your neck still had the burn that came with standing in the sun for too long.

"Hey~" Nami greeted as she came up behind you, running her hands along your shoulders as she went to sit across from you in the booth. Usopp followed quickly behind, shooing you over so that he could slide in beside you. "How've you been?"

"Well enough," You answered, pushing the other two drinks you had ordered to the people in question, "It feels like forever since we last did this."

"Tell me about it," Usopp groaned, gratefully accepting the latte presented to him, "This week has been long, I'm glad our schedules finally managed to work."

Nami nodded sympathetically at your long-nosed friend, "Well, did you hear about the Government giving everyone their criminal records back?"

"What do you mean?" You asked, taking a sip from your drink as you stared at her in confusion.

It was a wild statement in itself but even more wild when you took in the fact that your city had a record for brushing crimes under the rug and ignoring them completely in favor of their image.

"All these people who originally had their crimes fly under the radar are now getting charged for them years after they've been committed." She informed, "Big News Morgan has it written all over his Twitter, I'm surprised you hadn't seen it."

"Who's all being charged? Not anyone we know, right?" Usopp asked, nervously glancing over at you, clearly just as unaware as you were about the whole ordeal.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Luffy was one of them."

"Moria, Mihawk, Hancock──"

"Hancock?" You interrupted, "Really? She didn't seem so bad when I met her. What'd she do?"

She shrugged, "I think she was down for manslaughter, but for now it's all hearsay."

"Fuck! Manslaughter??" Usopp cried out, putting his head in his hands, "Y-You don't think she'd wanna kill us do you??!"

"Why would she go after us?"

"I don't know! Just like──what if??"

"That's stupid," Nami retorted, "All I know is that if I were that pretty, I'd definitely test the waters a bit as well."

You nodded at her statement, "Oh, for sure, but I feel like Mihawk should be the one we're most concerned about. I mean, Zoro's dad??"

"And his sister's boss," Usopp added thoughtfully, "not the greatest look for them."

"He's been missing for a couple of days now," You mentioned, it felt like a lightbulb started to flicker in your brain the longer you thought about it, "Do you think he ran away?"

"Doubt it, he probably just drove off somewhere and got lost," Nami responded, swirling her drink with her straw, "Perona's got a tracker on him, I'll ask her about it when I see her next."

You leaned back in your booth and sat quietly as you watched the two decide on whether or not Perona would have stayed or disappeared herself considering the allegations that'd been put forward. You relished the feeling of having your friends spout conspiracies over coffee. It'd been months since you'd last done this together and it was something you didn't realize you missed so much till right now, as they bickered over who knew the family better.

[dusky-dancing]

Achromatic

Summary: Every person is born colorblind, and the only way one can ever see colors is through the emotions of their soulmate. Riku knew this, yet his greyscale vision told him he'd been destined to be alone. That is, until a certain young girl comes into existence.

Rating: G

Length: ~3k words

Genre: Soulmate AU, Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Narrative Heavy

Pairing: Naminé/Riku, mentioned Kairi/Sora

For Rikunami Week 2021 - Day 4 - Soulmates

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Throughout his childhood Riku had only known greyscale, which could only mean one thing: he had no soulmate.

For the luckier ones, their sight supposedly became filled with the spectrum that reflected their soulmate's emotions. Yellow for happiness or fear, he'd been told. Green for peace or envy. Blue for strength or sorrow. Red for love or anger. Of course, he'd had no idea what any of those colors looked like, but he'd taken his parents' word for it.

That, and Sora and Kairi had become unbearable once they'd figured out their connection.

"Okay, okay, guess what I'm feeling now!" Sora would challenge her on the play island.

"Hmmm," Kairi would ponder and look all around, then back at his beaming face. "I don't need to notice the paopu fruit when your smile is so big! You're happy!"

To be fair, Sora had always been happy, and Riku couldn't blame him. He'd heard that sometimes it took years, even decades for someone to find their soulmate. He'd been happy for Sora and Kairi too, genuinely, but it hadn't helped numb the pain of missing out on the piece of the sunset that everyone else could enjoy. He could feel the sun's warmth as it slowly faded over the horizon and became overtaken by the cool sea breeze, but he could only imagine what those shades of grey may have looked like to his friends.

Having no soulmate was a better fate than having one with zero emotions, Riku reconciled. He could focus on developing his own strength, and when he did have an emotional outburst, he didn't have to worry about it having an effect on some random person.

If his soulmate had existed, then whoever it was would've seen alot of green after the destruction of his island.

It wouldn't have been peace. No, he didn't feel peaceful at all. His home was destroyed, his friends were missing, and worse yet, he had to watch Sora waltz around and goof off with new friends while wielding the sword that should've been his. The disdain ate him up inside. Even before Maleficent and Ansem had taken hold of him, he'd already lost a part of himself to his envy. Maybe he'd just made his heart easier to manipulate.

After it'd been too late for Riku, and all he could do was hold Ansem back and allow Sora and Kairi to escape the castle, he imagined that his nonexistent soulmate would've seen more blue than anything.

Blue and a hint of red.

While Ansem deserved Riku's anger, Riku couldn't direct it at anyone but himself. He hated what he'd allowed himself to become, what he'd gotten himself into. And now, Sora was cleaning up his mess with a smile on his face. Maybe Sora had always been the one worthy to wield the Keyblade. Maybe Riku deserved a life devoid of color.

Then he entered Castle Oblivion.

Long hallways and empty rooms flew past him, with walls he could tell had no color. But the white walls only made the contrast in a decorative pot of flowers stand out all the more, so much so that it stopped him in his tracks.

A bright, warm, crisp color stole the entirety of his focus. He blinked several times and rubbed his eyes to be sure that it hadn't just been his imagination. Already, it had begun to fade, but it had happened.

He needed to know what color it was.

The revelation left him surprised, happier than he'd felt in months, so whoever had sent him this must be seeing alot of yellow.

Yellow.

Back on their islands, Sora and Kairi had told him that his shirt was yellow, and sure enough, a glance down confirmed his suspicion. The flowers were a much more beautiful shade, but they were similar enough. Whoever his soulmate was, they were either feeling very happy or very afraid, and Riku prayed that the former was true.

Then another revelation hit him: He had a soulmate.

He wasn't destined to be alone. However long it had taken them, they'd still found their way.

Riku steeled himself, turned, and ran further down the hallway, filled with new resolve to amend his mistakes. Perhaps he just needed to make himself worthy of one.

Neither the now-familiar yellow nor any new colors showed themselves to Riku throughout the castle, and Riku began to doubt his own sanity. After leaving Castle Oblivion, however, the next color overwhelmed his sight.

The long dirt path and grassy fields kept him company as he made his way towards the distant crossroads, right where his heart was leading him. Then, out of nowhere, the fields surrounding him came to life with a fresh, vibrant hue. He knew grass was green, but the beauty of seeing it for himself nearly brought him to his knees.

His eyes were green too, his mother had told him. Did they…look like this?

And how could a beautiful color like this represent an emotion as ugly as envy?

Like before, the hue began to fade shortly after introducing itself. He ran into the middle of the field, wanting to scream and beg for it to stay. If this was what peace brought, then Riku would selfishly do whatever it took to make his soulmate feel as peaceful as possible.

When his vision returned to gray, he waited another minute in silence before slowly standing and making his way back to the road. Naminé had promised to help Sora, and Riku still had his Darkness to overcome before he could face his childhood friend again. But eventually, after it was all over, he would find his soulmate. Eventually.

Riku didn't notice the next color until almost an entire year later. Granted, wearing a blindfold had made seeing anything a challenge. Perhaps he'd just given up on paying attention, or his soulmate had stopped feeling emotional. Or worse, maybe they just didn't exist anymore.

But as much as he tried to brush it all aside and focus on helping Sora, he couldn't ignore the sky. Outside the mansion, he'd been walking through the forest when he thought he spotted a sliver of color through the gray tree canopy. It wasn't until he reached the clearing where the mansion lived that the sky stretched above him, clear and cloudless. It was all one color, the same soft, cool tone that he assumed was blue. In a way, it did evoke strength and confidence, but he easily saw how it could bring about sadness at the same time.

His gaze drifted back down to the mansion, which was still almost entirely gray. The only hint of blue lay within the second floor window to the white room, where the blue sky reflected off of the white curtains.

He spotted Naminé standing in the window, clutching her sketchbook. He expected her to be looking outside, yet her eyes were closed shut, and her shoulders were shaking. Despite his distance from the window, he swore that he spotted tears running down her face.

She was…crying? How was that possible?

He glanced back up to the sky. Still blue. Then, a realization hit him, and his body went numb.

Blue meant sadness.

Could she be…? No, not a Nobody. DiZ had insisted that it was impossible for Nobodies to feel.

Yet there she stood, crying behind a window.

He thought back to the colors he'd seen before.

Yellow inside of Castle Oblivion where she'd been held captive and forced to do the unspeakable. Fear.

Green after liberating herself and resolving to restore Sora's memories. Peace.

They'd both been quick bursts of color, lasting no more than a minute, but perhaps that was how Nobodies experienced emotions.

The sky still shone blue with no signs of fading. If his theory was correct, sorrow still filled her, and Riku had an idea of who'd caused it.

He burst through the mansion doors and made his way to the staircase opposite to the white room, down through the library and into the hidden laboratory, where he knew the mastermind always sulked.

DiZ barely acknowledged him when he strode into the computer room.

"You're wrong," Riku said.

The man slowly turned his attention from the computer screen and regarded Riku.

"About what, boy?"

"About Naminé, about Nobodies. They do feel emotions."

The man chuckled and turned back to his work, brushing Riku off. "Nonsense, Riku. Don't let their displays deceive you."

Riku ripped his blindfold off and stomped over to the man's chair, turning it to face him.

"The sky is blue today," he began. "When you met me at the crossroads, the grass around us was green, and the flowers inside Castle Oblivion? They were yellow."

DiZ regarded him like he was speaking nonsense, and maybe he was. But he wasn't finished yet.

"Do you know how I know that, DiZ?" He pointed up in the general direction of where Naminé's room sat within the mansion. "Because the girl living in here with us felt afraid, and peaceful, and sad. Maybe she doesn't have a full heart, but she needs atleast part of one in order to feel." He stood up straight and lowered his voice. "And if she does, then Roxas probably does too."

DiZ just stared at him for what felt like minutes before bellowing out a laugh. "You think Kairi's Nobody is your soulmate? How funny." He dusted his robes off. "I appreciate your candidness, Riku, but you're mistaken."

"I'm not," he said. "Before she existed, I'd only seen shades of gray. It's the only explanation."

The man quit his laughing, looking Riku up and down. "And what if she sees no color? What would that mean?"

Riku pondered the man's question, searching for DiZ's point until he found the effort meaningless.

"It doesn't matter. Even if that were true, it doesn't change what I'm about to say."

DiZ raised an eyebrow. "Which is…?"

"I'm not treating anyone like the Nobody you think they are." He walked up and slapped his hand on the desk, where Roxas' folder lay. "I'll get Roxas for you like you asked, but I'm not forcing him to return to Sora." He backed away and took a deep breath. "And I'm not disposing of Naminé once she's no longer useful to you. If she wants to return to Kairi, that's her choice."

DiZ's expression grew more impatient. "You don't know anything, boy." His chair swiveled back to focus on his work. "Do what you will, but you'll be wrong. And you'll come to me when you realize just how wrong you are."

Riku left the room before the man could finish his dismissal. A part of him wished DiZ had never inserted himself into this mission. Riku and Naminé could've found a way to safely restore Sora's memories on their own. Now, all three of them had become wrapped up in an old man's vengeful scheme.

He had left Riku with one final curiosity, however, so Riku soon found himself standing at the door to the White Room.

"Come in," her voice called after two quick knocks.

By now his world had returned to gray. Whatever she'd been feeling had subsided, which he supposed was a good thing in the case of sadness. Her gentle gaze greeted him from where she sat at the white table The curtains had been pulled closed, but their thin white fabric still allowed sunlight in.

"Riku, I wasn't expecting you." She appeared relieved to see him rather than DiZ, which wasn't much of a compliment. Then, her expression turned downward. "Your blindfold…"

"Oh," Riku turned and quickly retied it to cover his eyes. "Don't let me disturb you. I just have a question."

She set aside her sketchpad and gave him her full attention. "Ask away."

He inhaled to keep himself calm no matter her response, and did as she said.

"Do you see color?"

Naminé slowly blinked once. Twice. Three times before glancing around the room and answering. "I…I do actually. But only some at a time. It's very strange. I see some color through Sora's memories too, of course, but even with my own eyes…" she turned her attention back to Riku. "Why do you ask? Do you know why that happens?"

She had no idea what any of it meant. Of course she didn't. No one was born knowing about soulmates, and no one had ever told her. And Riku definitely didn't want to be the one to tell her, not in the middle of all of this. He couldn't place another weight upon her shoulders.

But his theory was correct. DiZ was wrong, and they would prove it.

"No reason," he lied, thankful that his blindfold hid his eyes' deceit. "But hey, if DiZ gives you a hard time, come to me, okay?"

She tilted her head to the side. "Why now?"

"I just…the closer we get to Sora's restoration, the more obsessed he's become, and I don't like how he talks to people."

"Oh." She glanced down to her lap, where her hands folded into one another. "Well that's…very kind of you, but I am a Nobody after all. I can take it more than a person can."

"That's…that's no excuse, and you shouldn't take it. Not alone atleast. So just…tell me, and I'll keep you safe."

Naminé's gaze drifted over to her drawings again, and a small smile graced her features. He wondered if she could see any colors now, and which ones. He felt angry, and he wanted to protect her, so maybe blue and red, the later of which still evaded his sight. Or maybe they'd mixed together to form a violet that he also had yet to see. There was another sensation there too, a stir within his heart that made him want to do more. More that he wasn't ready to do yet.

"Okay, I will Riku," she finally responded and directed her smile at him. "Thank you for looking out for me."

He nodded a silent acknowledgment and exited the room.

As fate would have it, his fight with Roxas pulled Riku even farther from himself. Unleashing his Darkness had taken more of him than he'd wanted, and he'd fallen back behind the starting point to redemption. No one could see him like this. Not Sora. Not Kairi. Not Naminé.

Colors continued to visit him more and more often as time went on, but he never saw red, the final color. Either Naminé didn't have an angry bone in her body, or he was just never around anything red when she did.

In the end, it was Naminé who revealed Riku's identity to Kairi, and Kairi who revealed him to Sora. He'd been avoiding eye contact with anyone since his transformation, and he wanted nothing more than to melt into nonexistence under everyone's relieved and empathetic gazes. Together, the three of them pulled him out of hiding. He knew that he should've thanked Naminé for initiating his return to his true self, but he couldn't bring himself to speak words to her. After the explosion of DiZ's machine, more eyes fell upon Riku and his original form, yet she was absent.

He did catch her gaze when she opened a portal for them to return home. Something about the spark in Naminé's eyes told him that she'd figured out the connection between her sight and his emotions, but it ultimately didn't matter when she joined hands with Kairi and vanished. With that, his world returned to gray.

Riku didn't need to wait for the call from Ienzo to know Naminé had awoken. All at once, the colors he'd known for an entire year revisited him on the beach of Destiny Islands, overwhelming his vision and knocking him off of his feet. The ocean, the sky, the palm leaves, the paopu fruit, they all came alive at once. Even with every color between yellow, green and blue, there was still much gray around him, and it astounded him how much one color blocked off an entire spectrum.

His replica's sacrifice hadn't been in vain. Naminé would get a life in her own body.

He was in the gummi ship before anyone could think to stop him. Silencing his mind as he stepped out onto Radiant Garden, he took in the brilliant blue sky, the green grass and leaves surrounding the courtyard, and the multi-colored flowers that gave the world its name, some of which were still gray.

Then he spotted Naminé running down the steps, her golden hair framing her face even as it blew in the breeze. When her blue eyes found his, the world around him sparked to full life. The grays of the field filled in with what could only be fierce reds, oranges, and violets that his eyes had gone too long without seeing. Light color dusted rooftops, frames, and storefronts.

But none of that mattered compared to the girl before him. He extended a hand that he should have a year ago, and she accepted it without hesitation. She smiled and stepped forward, taking him in closely before giggling.

"Green." she smiled and glowed like sunlight. "Your eyes are green."

"So I've been told."

She hummed and squeezed his hand more tightly. "They're beautiful."

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A/N: Thank you for reading, and happy Rikunami Week! Apologies for not publishing as much these days, but I guarantee that there will be more in the future!

I've tried to write SoKai soulmate au's, but they always end up finding out they're soulmates early on and spending the rest of the time being unbearably adorable about it.

[corysmiles]

IT IS TIME FOR ANOTHER ENTRY IN THE POTION AU!!

This is full of nothing and fluff, so prepare lmao

After a while, they began organizing group dinners, where they would all meet up in the evening and eat together. It took a bit of convincing Tommy's parents, but they accepted more easily when they realized it was just between close friends. Wilbur was already living on his own so it was no problem and Phil always was a free spirit. 

And so, at least once a week, they met up at Techno's abode to spend the night together.

Tommy was elated to see all of the furniture now 10 times his size, and all the objects and decoration. "We're gonna have to try and play Hide and Seek, big man. Because this looks like the best fucking playground!" Wilbur, meanwhile, was looking in awe at the whole thing. It felt weird to be so not rightly scaled, but he got used to it soon enough.

Phil was the most surprising of all, due to the fact that he wasn't surprised at all. Even unbothered, in fact. Techno wondered if he was faking it to make him feel better, but everything seemed honest. For someone who claims to never have interacted with giants, he acted as if this was his everyday life. One day he wanted to ask him about that, but he figured those were not the time.

And so they would gather around, bringing each a part of the meal so they could enjoy together. 

Sometimes, techno would drink the potion and join them, other times, he would stay at his regular size and simply enjoy the conversation. It was fine like that, Techno liked it. And his friends didn't seem to mind so it was perfect. (Well, Phil kind of minded, but he was always like that whenever he as much as looked at the potion so that wasn't really anything to go by.)

But it was nice, Wilbur would even bring his guitar from time to time, noticing Techno had a violin. He hasn't touched the instrument in a while but seeing Wilbur play the guitar, it was very tempting. 

"You should try and play again, Techno! We could even make a duet! That would be fun"

"Maybe one day, yeah… but I would need to practice, it's been years."

"Well I don't know violin" Phil perked up "but I'm around Tommy almost everyday, so I'm used to bad sounds" he chuckled

"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN??"Tommy argued, baffled, which made the other three laugh. 

"But yeah, I think I'm gonna try to play again, it could be fun."

"How did you even get a violin this size? Are there giant shop owners ?"

Techno crackled at that "Na. I made it myself. Took a while, but I'm proud of the result."

Wilbur made an "ooohh" before returning to his meal with a smile. 

It was pretty quiet for a while, everyone enjoying the silence before Wilbur perked up again. 

"I'm wondering, are there giant animals? Like cows or chicken? How do you eat?" 

Phil's fork almost dropped on the plate and looked at Wil with wide eyes, while Tommy added "hey yeah! You never eat with us when you're all big, how come?"

Techno smirked a bit at the question, and his hand reached for a counter. "Actually" he said, grabbing and showing an object they knew all too well "This is why I brought the potion in the first place." 

Wilbur looked confused, but kept smiling, while Tommy exclaimed "wait, really?!?" 

He chuckled "yeah. If creatures like that exist, I never found any. So I started hunting and eating stuff at human size, so when the potion effects wears off, it's like I ate a meal my size. That's how it started, pretty funny when you think about it."

Wilbur laughed a bit "yeah, who would've thought it would lead to this."

"Not me, that's for sure" techno confirmed.

The rest of the meal was spent in comfortable silence. Yet he could feel another question lingered in the brunette's tongue. Carefully, he bopped his hair with one of his fingers, and ruffled his hair gently, which made Wilbur laugh. It wasn't holding yet, but he was getting better at the whole contact thing. "What's stuck in that head of yours, Wilbur?" 

The other continued to laugh a bit even after techno stopped, and he sheepishly smiled. "Well, I have a question, but it might come off as very rude, so I don't know if I should ask."

Phil turned to Wilbur, with an almost scolding glare "wilbur, don-" 

"It's alright, Phil." He lifted a hand before turning his gaze towards Wilbur "ask away."

"Well… About the, hm… myths. Is that… is any of it true?" He finally said, clearly trying to word it inoffensively. 

It was vague enough that Tommy didn't know what he was talking about, and Phil stayed silent, though his brows furrowed. 

Techno bore a small, earnest smile. There was something that could be mistaken for sadness, but it wasn’t quite. 

"Maybe a long time ago, but not that I know of. Giants heard of it too, but from tales and legends taking place so long ago the line between fiction and reality is a huge blur." he couldn't blame Wilbur for his curiosity, and he was surprised the question didn't even make him nervous. He was glad. Very glad. 

"And I didn't meet a lot of giants in my lifetime, but none of them did it, so yeah. Maybe it was true at one point, but I think if it still was, humans would clearly be aware of it."

Wilbur hummed, satisfied with the answer. He took another bite of his meal "yeah, I mean to us, it's only a myth, so it makes sense. Thanks." 

"No problem?" Techno had an amused smile on his face. Wilbur was a weird one sometimes, asking the weirdest or scariest things with only a childish smile on his face. 

Tommy turned to look at wilbur, then technoblade, then wilbur again, before speaking “What the fuck are you two talking abou-”

“Nothing” They hummed in unison. 

--

Eventually, the night fell completely and it was time for the humans to go home. They waved goodbye and walked toward the exit, but before they walked through the door, Wilbur turned around sharply and prompted "Can I sleep at your house tonight?" 

Techno, phil and tommy were all taken aback. "You can go home if you want" he reassured the two blonds "I just really like Techno's house." 

"Uhh" techno hesitated. It's not like Wilbur was in any danger, he was careful not to fall from heights… and he would be dead sooner than letting his friends get hurt. 

"You don't have to, if you would rather sleep alone" the brunette was quick to add once he saw the small tension in Techno's stance.

"I think it'd be fine. I spent nights at your house after all, it's only fair. Yeah, you can stay." Techno settled on, earning another bright smile from the human. 

After a couple of minutes, it was just the two of them. It was a bit awkward, seeing as it was the first time Techno was at real size on a one on one. But Wilbur didn't seem to see it that way, enjoying the view. 

"Want me to join you down there?" He asked. 

"Nope! You don't have to worry about a thing!" Wilbur simply replied, grabbing on a drawer handle and slowly making his way up. Techno was quick to put his hand below in case he fell.

"You could have warned me!" Techno complained, to which the other simply laughed a quick "sorry". Not stopping at all. 

After almost falling only twice (and techno almost getting a heart attack two times), Wilbur made it onto a safe platform. The two sighed,one from exhaustion, the other from relief. And he laughed again.

"Tommy wasn't lying. This house really is an amazing playground." He stated, earning a snort from Techno.

"Did you want to stay at my house so you could play with the room without any remark?" He asked, amused. 

"Maybe" Wilbur admitted. “But I also like to spend some time with you. You’re always a comforting presence.” 

"Pff, yeah, right." Techno tried to ignore the warmth coming for his cheeks and ears. “You’re just saying that so I help you with something.” 

“No, no, I mean it, techno. You’re a good friend.” And when he turned to meet the human’s face, it was a simple, honest smile. They stared at each other for a moment, unspoken words being said. Unspoken promises being made. 

Techno stared at his friend’s eyes and saw: not fear. Not méfiance, not worry. His eyes were full of acceptance. Filled with joy and curiosity and wonder. It was the first time he had ever seen such an expression, and yet this look was dedicated to him. Wilbur had waited for them to be in absolute intimacy to offer him this moment.

A good friend.

Techno laughed. Quietly at first, but it grew and grew until the sounds filled the whole room. Wilbur could probably feel the vibration through his whole body but he couldn’t stop. The brunette soon joined in and happiness filled the entire room for god knows how long. Maybe it was two minutes, maybe it was an hour. 

The laughters quieted down eventually, and Techno noticed the fond way Wilbur looked at him. The warmth quickly reached his whole face as he failed to keep a neutral expression. He coughed to wash away his awkwardness. “What- what with that face?” 

"Nothing. It's just nice to see you less restrained." Wilbur smiled "you're always so careful when we're all together." 

"Well, I have to be careful around humans." He hummed, pointing a finger at his friend "you're so small."

"Eh. You couldn't bruise us even if you tried" wilbur shrugged off. "But it's nice! We should do this more often if that means I get to hear your laugh like that more."

Techno cursed himself for the smile that wouldn't wear off. 

"Yeah… maybe we should."

-Written by @melissa-s23 please send them love!!! I love the fluff so much

[mypimpademia]

Worth It.

Shinso x reader

TW: Swearing, reader steals a man, pure bad bitchery

Note: this concept has been in my head for literal MONTHS and now I'm finally writing it bc i had no idea how to before (i still dont know how to write it as I'm writing this, I'm bouta wing it like a mf)

I made Intelli the mean girl for this fic bc she a bitch fr

A college AU but its hardly relevant + a lil smau

Towards the end of writing this, I started hating it. I'm so sorry😭

I recommend this song too bc this is where the idea for this fic came from:

This was getting annoying to watch.

How long was Hitoshi planning to stay miserable with that girl?

Intelli and Hitoshi have been dating for awhile now. You had honestly never liked her, but you just barely tolerated her for Hitoshi. But only a few weeks into their relationship, things went to shit.

Intelli became overly controlling over him, and even tried to force him to stop being friends with you, and some other people. You, being his best friend, told him to break up with her.

Of course, Hitoshi agreed that it'd be best to do that. But not even a few hours after talking to him about it, he came back to say it didn't go as planned.

Intelli was holding blackmail over Hitoshi's head, and posed a huge threat to his dreams of becoming a hero. Most of what she said she'd expose was no where near true, but with her intellect she could easily make people believe it.

But frankly, as their relationship went on, the sight of even a strand of her hair made you want to either puke or fight her.

"Toshi~" Intelli cooed, coming up behind Hitoshi and wrapping her arms around his neck.

Hitoshi visibly cringed, but tried to hide it as best as he could.

"Hey, babe." He boredly muttered, doing a terrible job at faking any enthusiasm.

Unlike your best friend, you made no effort to hide the disgust you held for her sheer presence.

"Y/n..." Intelli muttered, her tone dripping with distaste for you, making you scoff. "Mind if I steal Toshi for a bit? No? Thanks-" She attempted to drag Hitoshi away by the arm, but you placed a firm hand on her shoulder to stop her.

"I do mind actually, we were in the middle of a conversation before you interrupted." You told her. She chuckled, before tugging on Hitoshi's arm more.

"Yes, but he's my boyfriend-" She attempted to give reason for her to take him away, before even Hitoshi stopped her.

"I've got a project I need Y/n to help me on, I can stop by your dorm later though?" Hitoshi suggested, lying through his teeth.

Intelli's eyebrow twitched, but she gave in, letting go of his arm. "Bye, Toshi." She said, kissing Hitoshi's cheek and looking you up and down, before walking off.

"Sometimes, I can't tell if she's just plain a bitch or if she's secretly a dumbass." You sighed. "Maybe she's a little bit of both..." Hitoshi chuckled, making you laugh with him.

"You really need to find someone new." You told him, shaking your head. "I know, but I'd rather not chance losing my dream career." He groaned.

"True... Whats your type anyways? I know its not Intell anymore, she's probably traumatized you." You giggled.

"She did, but I think my type is someone who can really understands me, and someone I can have fun with." Hitoshi said.

"Like a best friend?" You questioned him. "Yeah, exactly like a best friend. That'd be my perfect version of a s/o." He replied, expression growing soft.

Since Intelli and Hitoshi's relationship had gone down hill, you've been there for him more than ever. It eventually lead to this unspoken romance that constantly roamed between the two of you.

But because of Intelli, neither of you pursued it, for the wellbeing of Hitoshi.

"Well, if I were you, I'd find someone and just make sure the bitch doesn't find out." You told him. But if you were being honest, it was more like a suggestion, because he really did need, and deserve someone other than Intelli.

"Like cheating?" He gawked. You were both thinking the same thing— Intelli would likely find out. But it was better than simply being stuck with her, so you nodded.

"Well, I'd at least make sure the other person knows. But it'd be worth it."

'I'm worth it.' You thought.

You sighed, looking down at your phone, the time on your phone displayed.

"Shit, I've gotta get to class, we've got a guest lecturing us and my professor will tear me a new one if I miss it." You told him, stuffing your phone into your pocket.

"See you later?" Hitoshi asked you.

You were about to say something about how he told Intelli they'd hang out later, but decided against it.

"Yeah."

◇◇◇◇◇◇

You sighed, feeling your tired feet throb as you walked down the hall to Hitoshi's dorm. Taking one of your backpack straps off your shoulder, you began rummaging around the pocket where you usually kept the spare key to Hitoshi's dorm.

You blinked, as you weren't able to find the key in the small pocket. You began searching your entire bag in the middle of the hallway, taking nearly everything out.

"Shit." You mumbled, thinking you had lost it.

Then you remembered, 'Thats right, I was in a rush this morning. Its on my desk.' You thought to yourself.

Like hell you were going all the way back there though.

You placed your items back into their bags, then pulled out your phone to text Hitoshi.

You hummed, rocking back and forth on your heels as you waited for the door to be opened.

A moment later, you heard the lock click, and the door swung open.

Hitoshi looked you up and down before smiling. Then looked both ways of the hall, before tugging you into the room and shutting the door.

"Why are you treating me like a side piece or something?" You questioned him.

He hummed in confusion as he locked the door.

"Does it feel like that? Sorry." He apologized. "What did she do this time?" You asked, referring to Intelli, as she wash the only person the put Hitoshi this on edge.

"She said if we were doing anything other than a project we'd break up, and you know what that means." He told you, shaking his head.

You hummed, and pulled out your phone.

"What are you doing?" He asked, peering over your shoulder.

"You'll see." You blunty told him.

You sent your message, and tossed your phone onto his bed.

You grabbed onto Hitoshi's collar, tugging him towards you so he was looking you in the eyes, making his breath hitch as his face tinted red.

"You're crazy if you think I'd get you snitched on." You playfully consoled.

"What did you do?" He questioned again, watching you flop down on his bed as you kicked off your shoes.

"I texted Monoma and Momo to post about a project on private snap that only has Intelli on it so that it'll be more believable." You told him.

Hitoshis eyes went wide, as he mentally questioned how you came up with that so fast.

You patted the space next to you, beckoning him to sit with you.

He sat down, shaking his head and laughing.

You and Hitoshi talked for hours and hours, but it each flew by. When you finally checked the time, you barely had enough time left before dorm visiting hours were over.

"What? Already?" Hitoshi gaped, as he watched you sling your backpack over your shoulder.

"Mhm." You hummed.

He groaned, clearly not wanting you to leave, but sat up anyways so he could come see you out.

Hitoshi unlocked the door for you, but upon opening the door, you were both met with an unwanted sight.

"Hey Toshi!" Intelli greeted, completely passing over you even though she saw you.

"H-hey, Intelli." Hitoshi spurred, trying to keep composure.

"I came to help on the project. Even Momo was complaining, so I thought you could use some help." She offered, clearly not convinced that there was actually a project.

But like you said, you weren't going to let him get caught.

"No, we finished it." You told her bluntly, folding your arms across your chest.

But clearly, Intelli didn't plan on letting up either.

"Well then, I could proof read the written portion." She insisted, taking a step towards you.

"We already did that already."

"Well I'm sure there are some mistakes."

"We triple checked."

Hitoshi looked back and forth between the two of you, silently preparing himself to break up a fight.

"You must not get what I mean—" Intelli straightened her posture more than it already was, and leaned towards you. "There's probably mistakes because it was you helping him." She mocked.

Hitoshi already had a hand reaching for your waist, ready to pull you back in a situation where you lunge at Intelli.

"You wanna talk about mistakes? How about we start with you, bit-" Before you could take a single step towards her, you were being pulled back by your waist.

"Watch your dog, Hitoshi." Intelli retorted.

Damn, was she lucky Hitoshi could hold you back.

"At least I bite, unlike some people." You shot back. She narrowed her eyes, leaning towards you again.

"Y'know Y/n, you're not as good as everyone thinks you are. Everyone thinks you're so great, and nice, but I know how you really are." She said.

"You only think that because everyone's not you. Its no goddamn wonder your blackmail folder is thicker than you." You hissed.

Intelli, clearly flustered that you even knew about her blackmail folder, stood straight again. She crossed her arms and cleared her throat slightly.

"You think youre so much better than me. A better person, a better best friend, you probably think you'd make a better girlfriend too, right?" She asked you.

"Of course I do, who the hell wouldn't?" You chuckled.

You felt Hitoshi's grip on your waist loosen. Either he was getting just as angry and was going to let you fight her, or he thought it the tension was thawing.

"Alright, since you're so much better than me, show me." Intelli insisted.

You smirked. "Alright, you asked for it."

Slipping out of Hitoshi's grip, you turned to face him.

His brows raised in surprise and confusion. And next thing he knew, you had him by the collar for the second time today.

But this time, your lips were pressed against his.

It took him a moment to process, but soon, he melted into it. Moving in sync with you, he placed his hands back on your waist.

As much as you wanted to continue, you still had to tell that bitch off.

Pulling away from Hitoshi, wiping away the string of saliva that connected your mouths, you turned back to Intelli.

You walked straight up to her, and placed a hand on your shoulder.

"Toshi doesn't react like that when you kiss him, does he?" You hummed, hearing Intelli audibly gulp.

"Like you said, I'm a better person, a better best friend, and a better girlfriend." You repeated her words from earlier.

"I wouldn't lie to him, expose him, whether what he did was true or false, and i wouldn't hold him back from doing what he wants." You taunted.

"And the thing is—" You leaned in, next to her ear.

"I dont think it, I know it."

"I'm perfect for him." You whispered to her.

Intelli nearly toppled over in defeat, leaning against the nearest wall to support her body.

"Anyways, see you tomorrow, Toshi." You mused, before walking away.

◇◇◇◇◇◇

The next day, you met up with Hitoshi in your free time like usual.

You were aimlessly walking around campus, talking about random topics, laughing as you watched random people do stupid things, and just having fun.

Except now, you were hand in hand, and the air around the two of you seemed lighter. And the look of adoration you and Hitoshi shared was more evident.

But in the middle of it, of course, something had to happen.

Intelli had stopped you both in your tracks, her brainless groupies behind her.

"Did you know everyone is talking about you, Hitoshi? And with all the things they're saying... you might not be able to recover from it." She said snarkily.

"Not too worried about it actually." Hitoshi admitted, a slightly bored tone to his voice.

"Tch, well you should be. So tell me, was she worth it, Hitoshi?" She inclined.

Hitoshi looked over at you, a grin spreading across his face.

"Hell yeah."

[neptunetheplanet7]

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 - 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫

DM ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE TAGLIST!!

;mikasa ackerman x fem!lesbian!reader

;modern au, band au

word count: 3.3k

warnings: fluff at first, angst ig, angry levi, hitch, swearing, arguing/fighting, yelling

sorry it took a while to get this out there. school started for me last week and it’s been hard getting back into the groove of things. thank you for being patient with me!

listen to the music masterlist

prev | next

A couple of days passed since Zeke's sudden arrival. Eren agreed to your terms of his brother's stay with reluctance. He understood where you were coming from, though. Armin was right about him respecting your decision.

Tonight you and your bandmates would meet your large friend group at a nice restaurant nearby. You stood in the bathroom attached to your room, styling your hair the way you wanted.

In the last two days, you received texts from a few of your curious friends. They all seemed very interested in who you were bringing to dinner. If only they knew it was the strong-willed girl you'd had a crush on for years.

Sasha and Connie put the pieces together and teased you relentlessly about 'bringing a date to dinner'.

You were nervous to see the reactions of your friends when you walked in with Mikasa. Unlike you, they didn't get a warning of her return.

Stepping back from the counter and smoothing down your outfit, you exhaled softly. You took one final glance at the mirror and left the bathroom.

Two blonds were arguing in the living room when you entered.

"What's going on?" you asked cautiously.

"We can't leave him alone in the house while we're out. He's like a child! He already broke two vases because he slipped while looking for spare change!" Armin explained. He was wearing a white dress shirt and black slacks. He ran a hand through his silk hair then placed both hands on his hips.

Zeke protested, "Y/n, you can trust me. Don't listen to him, he's delusional." He was still in his usual attire, a t-shirt, and jeans.

Armin's face turned red from anger. "Why you-"

"You broke my vases?" you interrupted.

"No."

"He did! I watched him do it the second time!"

You learned the hard way that messing with Armin was a death sentence. Especially when he was mad. The argument had to stop before it turned physical.

"Zeke, get dressed. You're coming with us, but you sit far away. You don't talk to us or our friends." You pointed a stern finger at him.

He pouted and groaned like a child before slumping his shoulders and stomping down the basement stairs.

Armin rubbed a hand over his face and, in an annoyed fashion, checked his watch. "Will they ever be done?"

You chuckled. "You're always the first one ready. Don't you know that by now?"

He rolled his eyes and fell back on the couch. "Shut it."

Eren appeared at the basement door, looking frustrated. In his hand, he held out the tie to the suit he was wearing. "How the hell do you tie this thing?"

Armin sighed and stood back up, his rest short-lived. They made their way over to him and began to walk him through each step while his eyebrows only furrowed more.

His long hair fell around his face as he tried his best to maneuver the tie correctly. His face lit up once he got it right.

"How have you gone this long without knowing how to tie a tie?" Jean leaned his head out of the hall bathroom, which you didn't even know he was in.

"Shut up, Kirstein. I get by." He glared.

Jean laughed and fully emerged from the bathroom wearing a beige suit vest and slacks. Underneath, he wore a cream-colored dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His hair was tied back in a short ponytail with a few strands falling loose.

Your eyes shifted back to Eren, who was struggling to put on his suit jacket and you stifled a laugh.

"Stop laughing! It's not funny." His words were hard to understand since he held around three bobby pins between his teeth.

You laughed some more despite his agitation. You were disrupted by the light clacking of heels on the stairs to the second story. Looking in that direction, you saw Mikasa walking down and you had to stop your mouth from dropping open.

She was wearing a simple tight black dress that reached just above her knees. Silver dangly earrings were in her ears and a dainty silver necklace hung around her neck. Her ring adorned fingers played with the hem of her dress. She smiled at you from across the room.

Eren bumped your hip and you nearly shrieked. His presence next to you had gone unnoticed until then. He snickered at you and nodded to Mikasa. You narrowed your eyes and tugged a lock of hair out of his bun.

His smirk dropped. "What'd you do that for? Now I have to do this all over again. Bitch." he grumbled the insult and left your side.

Mikasa walked over to where you stood. "Hi."

"Hi." You returned her smile.

She sucked a quiet breath. "You look nice."

You couldn't fight the grin that spread across your face at her simple compliment. "As do you."

She smiled again and you felt you might collapse from the surge of butterflies in your stomach.

Zeke came up from the basement, gaining everyone's attention. "What the hell are you wearing?" Eren chided.

He was adorned in a baby blue suit with ruffles decorating the dress shirt. You struggled to hold in your laughs, as did the woman beside you.

"Don't talk about it." Zeke lowered his eyes to the floor as Eren laughed loudly without shame.

"Marco's here to pick us up," Jean announced, shoving his phone into his pocket. He wanted to see Marco's reaction to Mikasa's homecoming at the dinner, but that dream was cut short when she answered the door to him the day prior. He was shocked, to say the least.

Sure enough, when you looked tho the front door, you could see the glare of Marco's headlights in the darkness.

He waved you all over to get in his car. Jean sat in the passenger seat, perks of dating the driver. In a backseat that was designed for three people, you were crammed inside with Armin, Eren, and Mikasa. Zeke was forced to ride in the trunk.

Mikasa was pressed up against your skin. In the confinement of the car, you could feel her warm breath tickling your shoulder whenever she spoke.

A shiver ran through your body and your hands gripped your knees. Nobody noticed, thank god. You were very grateful that the only light sources were phone screens and the button rims inside the car.

Everyone chatted mindlessly until Marco turned a corner into a parking lot. He parked the car near the entrance and got out with everybody following suit.

Once you were inside, you were greeted with the familiar smell of the restaurant. It was the one you always went to when meeting up with the group. You didn't know the owners, but Reiner did, and he was the one who planned these gatherings.

"Welcome to Galliard's!" greeted a blond man whose name tag read Colt. A look of recognition crossed his face. "Oh, it's you guys. Right, this way." He grabbed a menu for each person and led you to a large booth in the middle of the restaurant.

You took a good look at everyone. You all went to the same high school, some of you just didn't meet until later. Like you, Sasha, and Connie.

Five people were seated at the table. Two were missing. Ymir and Historia were late. Figures.

They all saw Mikasa looming behind you since each of them had some form of shock on their face. Several voices suddenly arose from the group.

"When did you get back? And why did I not hear about it?" voiced a betrayed Bertholdt.

"Mikasa, I didn't know you would be here," Annie said coolly.

"Oh my god, Mikasa!" Connie tried to act surprised.

"Mikasa! I had no idea you'd be here." It turns out Sasha was just as bad of an actor.

"This is your plus one, Y/n?" Reiner held a knowing expression.

"So no one is happy to see me?" Eren sounded hurt.

Reiner wasted no time standing up to pull you in for a hug. He pulled back after a few seconds and held you by the shoulders at an arm's length away. "Like the beard?" He gestured to his chin.

"Sure, Reiner, it suits you." You patted his shoulder and he returned your cheerful smile. He moved to talk to the others as Bertholdt came into your view.

When he hugged you, you noticed how much taller he was than you. You had to stand on your tip-toes to see over his shoulder. "What the hell, Bertholdt?" You fucking ladder," you blurted.

He laughed at your lovely way with words. "Hi, Y/n. It's been a while. I'm glad to see you're still doing well."

"It has. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever. How's it going at the school?"

"It's definitely going. I'll tell you about it in a second. You wanna sit down?" He moved to the side to let you slide into the booth. Mikasa was on your right and Bertholdt was on your left.

Everyone was seated except for Zeke, who stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do. Eren told him to find someone to get him to a table. He just pushed up his glasses and left.

Across from you sat Sasha, Connie, and Jean who were laughing their asses off at something Marco said. Reiner, Eren, and Armin sat on the cushy bench across from Annie who sat on one of the three chairs pulled up to the table.

"So, Mikasa, when did you get back?" Annie asked.

"Earlier this week."

"What? You've been here that long and we didn't know?" Reiner gaped at her.

"We thought it'd be a nice surprise." You shrugged.

"I thought you were bringing a date. Or is she your date?" Connie teasingly wiggled his eyebrows while Sasha laughed loudly.

You blushed madly at his question. "Shut up, guys! You already knew I was bringing her, anyway."

"You knew?" Bertholdt's eyes boggled.

"No wonder you're so calm. Out of everyone I'd expect you two to go ballistic," Annie pointed out.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Connie lifted his arms in an attempt to appear threatening.

A new voice spoke, "It means you're an idiot." You looked up to see Ymir stood behind Annie's chair with one hand around Historia's shoulders and one in the pocket of her suit jacket.

"Ymir, hi!" You greeted and she raised an eyebrow.

"This is your date?" She chuckled.

"She's not my date," you grumbled, folding your arms. Ymir just snickered and sat in the chair next to Annie's, Historia sitting next to her.

"Quit it, Ymir. Is that all you have to say to someone we haven't seen in two years?" she scolded her girlfriend.

"How is it, Mikasa?" Ymir turned and asked.

"It's good. Glad to be back." She gave a small smile.

"That's good to hear! We're all happy you're back," Historia said with enthusiasm. Mikasa nodded in response.

You picked up your conversation with Bertholdt from earlier about his job. He was an elementary school teacher and from what he told you, he was very good at what he did.

Other conversations went on, jokes were told, and by the time the waitress came to the table for your orders, you'd caught up with everyone. The whole group was excited Mikasa came home and it showed.

Her hand brushed against yours multiple times under the table and your shoulders tensed up whenever they touched hers. She didn't seem to mind the contact. You wished she'd just take your hand since you were too scared to do so yourself.

Those moments of giddiness were short-lived because you noticed two familiar figures at a table toward the back.

Hitch smiled maliciously and waved at you while bringing her champagne glass to her lips. Marlo sat across from her on his phone, drumming his knuckles on the table.

Your eyes widen and you quickly move away from Mikasa, startling her.

"Are you okay, Y/n?" She placed a hand on your shoulder with a worried expression.

"I'll be right back." You brushed her hand off and shimmied out of the booth, heading to the bathroom.

You pushed the door open and luckily no one was inside. Your hands gripped onto the edge of the counter as your mind raced. What the hell were they doing here? Why tonight? Your blood was beginning to boil as you became angrier by the second.

The door swept open and in walked the woman of the hour. "Hello, Y/n," she sang.

"What are you doing here? Can I not have a meet-up with my friends without you riding my dick?" you sneered, looking at her in the mirror.

Shock flashed across her face and she let out a breathy laugh. "Such colorful language, Y/n! I didn't expect that from you!" She turned to face the sinks and your eyes met in the mirrors.

"What are you doing here, Hitch?"

"I'm having a nice dinner with my friend, that's what I'm doing. It just so happens you were here tonight as well," she said.

"So it's a coincidence? If you say so, I don't believe you."

"That's exactly what it is. You don't have to believe it, but it's the truth. I can promise I wasn't planning on spying on you tonight." She blew her bangs away from her face.

She honestly couldn't tell if she was lying or not but your anger level was rising quickly and you didn't know if you'd be able to stop yourself from saying something you would regret.

"What is your problem, Hitch? Seriously, have you nothing better to do? I haven't seen half of those people in months." You tore your eyes away from the mirror to fully look at her.

"I told you, Y/n. I wasn't here for you. I don't have a problem." She narrowed her eyes as she stood at her full height, facing you.

You scoffed. "Tell me what your problem is. I want to hear you say why you're doing all this. You never did give me an explanation."

"I don't have a problem."

"Yes, you do. Why did you follow me in here? Do you think you can intimidate me or something?"

"I know I can intimidate you. Stop acting like you're the one with the power right now. I'm the one who has the guts to tell people what we were. You wanna know my problem? My problem is you. You couldn't get over a stupid high school crush. You still aren't over it and it's fucking weak."

You backed away as she got angrier with every word she spat. She hesitated for a moment and inhaled sharply.

"What's weaker is how much I care. I gave a shit about you and you couldn't see that she didn't. I knew about your feelings the whole time. You think I'm dumb? I know you thought of me as a distraction. And I liked being your distraction. But you run away from everything. You're a fucking coward."

You were too shocked to even try to apologize. Your mouth fell open and tears pricked your eyes.  Her breathing was ragged and her eyes were big. She blinked several times and the light caught a few wet streaks on her face when she turned her head.

"Hitch, I-"

"Please, don't say anything."

The state of shock you were sent into was broken when a sudden bang sounded outside of the bathroom.

Hitch looked desperate to get out of the situation, so she took the opportunity to bolt out of the bathroom. You took a moment to compose yourself before leaving to assure your friends you were okay.

The moment you stepped out of the bathroom, you stopped dead in your tracks when you were greeted with the jarring sight of Zeke seconds away from being punched in the face.

A man with short black hair was kneeling on Zeke's table with one hand gripping his collar and the other pulled back in fist.

"Zeke Jaeger right? You owe me a lot of money and my wedding ring," the man seethed and punched Zeke hard in the jaw.

He fell to the floor, clutching where he was hit. You stood there, stunned. Just as the man was bringing his leg forward to kick him, your instincts kicked in and you rushed to crouch in front of him.  You braced yourself for the impact that never came.

"You'd really kick a woman?" an unfamiliar voice spoke.

You looked up and saw him being held back by a man with a slicked back undercut and a bomber jacket adorned with patches.

Eren and Mikasa were at your side in an instant with the others following closely behind.

"Are you okay, Y/n?" Mikasa put her hands on your shoulders and you nodded. Eren shot you a worried glance while tending to Zeke.

The short man was still being held back by the guy from before, but now someone new was at his side. He looked like bomber jacket dude but with a different hair color and style. He was trying to talk down the black-haired man.

Bomber jacket interrupted, "Look, dude, you're scaring my customers. We don't do that shit in here. One of my waitresses panicked and called the cops. They'll be here soon for you if you don't take this the fuck outside."

"Porco! Watch your language," the brunette hissed. 'Porco' glared at, who you assumed was, his brother.

Eren and Mikasa helped Zeke up and began to lead him out of the restaurant. You and the others followed, except Annie, Reiner, and Bertholdt who stayed to talk to the restaurant owners.

Once you had safely gotten outside, you sat Zeke down on a bench. Sasha managed to snag some napkins for his wound.

Everyone except for you, Eren, and Mikasa were seated on the sidewalk. You three were also on the bench.

The door to the restaurant was pushed open and two voices were heard. The short man was walking out and a taller blond man was lingering behind.

He noticed Zeke and stopped his mumbling. He pointed a shaky finger at him and his face contorted into a nasty glare.

"Where's my money, bitch?" he shouted.

"Levi, why don't you calm down before you do something again." The blond man said.

'Levi' scoffed. "I just want my money back. And my wedding ring. Where the fuck is my wedding ring?"

The color drained from Zeke's face. Levi yelled at him again, "Where the fuck is it?"

"I pawned it."

If looks could kill, Zeke would be dead. The pure anger that was displayed on the man's face was enough to make you cower.

"Let me at him!" Levi purged forward and Jean attempted to stop him, but just ended up on the concrete. He pushed past Eren and in the blink of an eye, Zeke was on the ground. He was getting the shit beat out of him in front of your eyes.

Your friends yelled at him to get off. The man who was following him tried to hold him back, but Levi seemed even angrier than he was inside the restaurant. Eren tried pulling Zeke away with help from Mikasa.

Sirens sounded in the distance and you knew they were growing closer with each passing second. The staff hadn't called off the police, you realized. "Guys," you called.

"I'm gonna kill you!"

The sirens were muffled by the yells.

"Stop, Levi!"

They were clearer.

"Get off him!"

They were loud.

"What the fuck is your problem?"

Blaring lights could be seen over the hedges.

"Get off my brother!"

"Guys!" you yelled over everyone. You pointed to the police cars that were now pulling into the parking lot.

posted: 9/7/21

neptunetheplanet7© 2021

no reposts, edits, or modification to my work by anyone other than me.

[secretsofthedarkestkind-arch]

OTP/Romance Prompts: 1/? AKA Verse AU's @storieswrittcn

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Are you positive about that?" Lee asked almost in disbelief hearing the news her CI had just given her. The girl was never wrong when it came to tips for the detective; Lee paid too much money for her to ever risk being wrong. The confirmation had the brunette's feet slowing to a stop.

No harm list...global level...death to anyone who tried...Petrova crime family...

"Check your bank account in about an hour," Lee mutters lost in thought as she hangs up the phone still standing in one the hallways of NYPD. The SVU-- she'd been offered a spot in Organized Crime more than once but she always denied the transfer for personal reason's-- Detective's life had been chaos for the last month and a half. Ever since that day she'd decided to go into that bank before work.

The day had started like any other; oversleeping, rushing toward PD with traffic being horrible, calling Olivia Benson--her partner-- to tell her she'd be late, and desperately stopping for coffee to try and bring some form of sanity back to her (Really, Lee was sure her body held more caffeine than it did actual blood at this point). After paying for her coffee, Lee had realized she didn't have anymore cash on her, glancing across the street she'd found a branch of her bank. Why not grab some cash from the ATM? Her eldest brother Damon had drove it into her head growing up that it was always smart to have some cash on you. 'You never know when you're going to need it, when your card won't work or somewhere can only accept cash.'

So really what happened next was Damon's fault, it always was right?

As if to prove to Lee her day was not going to go smoothly, the ATM outside was out of order causing her to walk inside. She'd taken maybe less than twenty steps inside when the first gunshot had gone off and screams followed. Instinct had her ducking down for cover, one hand reaching for her cell phone while the other went to the gun holstered on her hip. Quickly, she'd sent out an SOS with her location to Olivia with three words attached; robbery inside gunpoint. Once that was taken care of, Lee glanced around the small counter to see just how many gunmen there were; five that she could see. She couldn't let anyone get hurt though, it wasn't in her nature.

Everything that happened next somewhat happened in a blur. The gunman had been getting everyone down, the leader at the main counter tossing bags to cashiers to fill with money, while another beside him tried to keep everyone calm; the usual of if everyone cooperates no one will get hurt, we just want the banks money not to hurt you. But the way his voice cracked told Lee that wasn't exactly true. So regardless of consequence she's stood up, badge in her hand.

Then her horrible day just got weird; the closest gunman had started to shake with fear, muttering a soft 'Oh Shit'. His eyes telling her that he almost seemed to recognize her. The next one's face paled as he looked at her and he stumbled a few steps back, signaling to get the other three's attention. Their reactions didn't fair much better. All five appeared to forget what they were doing, why they were here in the first place, and run out the door as if their pants had been on fire or Lee had been the Grimm Reaper himself. It didn't make sense--yes, she was a cop but that reaction, the way they almost recognized her? It didn't fit.

So after hours with Internal Affairs, questioning by Robbery and Organized Crime detectives---Lee had contacted her CI to try and get answers. It'd taken the girl a month to find them and another half a month to verify her information.

No harm list...global level...death to anyone who tried...Petrova crime family...

Petrova was a last name she hadn't heard since she was twenty-one, eight whole years ago. It was the reason she denied any transfer to Organized Crime. Katerina Petrova (as most of the world knew her Katherine Pierce) had been not just her childhood crush or high school sweetheart, but the love of her life; the one person she would truly love until the day she took her last breath. Lee's heart, soul, and body still belonged to the brunette all these years later. The detective blamed her lack of a love life on her work, but the true reason was she'd never wanted anyone but Katerina.

The two had grown up together, meeting in Kindergarten, and formed an unbreakable bonds. They'd been with each other through everything; Lee's horrible home life caused by her parents, Katerina's own home life complications being the daughter of mobsters, both never seemingly good enough or as good as their respective twins, their parent's deaths (Well, Lee's mother and both of Katerina's). By middle school they were a couple; possessive/territorial, protective, and madly in love. High school, they were each other's first everything. Katerina not hiding how her life was changing at the young age of sixteen; after her parent's death, she'd started the takeover of the Petrova Crime family while Elena got to play normal high schooler. When Katerina had dropped out, Lee had almost followed suit--planned to be right there at Katerina's side to help her no matter what it was or how dark her soul would become. But her girlfriend had stopped Lee from doing that, she wanted one of them to at least graduate and Lee to have a chance to go to the art school of her dreams.

Then Lee had graduated, plans of art school gone mainly because the Salvatore hadn't wanted to leave Katerina---by eighteen, she'd gained full control of her dead parents empire, caused it grow and was working on a plan of opening a business for cover; exotic dancing, with more than a few illegal activities inside. Lee hadn't batted an eye at the plan, her possessive and jealous nature that normally would have shown through didn't; all because she loved Katerina, trusted her, and knew the woman would never betray her--the small engagement ring on her finger proof of that.

But Lee had wanted to do something to help, anything to make her future wife's life easier. So she'd followed Stefan's example and applied for the academy, going in with the mindset to help those she could but also be as corrupt as needed to help Katerina. But then Katerina had switched up their plans, had made a choice of her own---she'd broken Lee's heart. There hadn't been a fight, hadn't been begging, Katerina hadn't given her that option. Katerina packed up her things and just left, gone before Lee had come home and nowhere to be found.

Lee had hunted, spent weeks out on the streets and going everywhere she could think the woman would have gone. She'd worked herself into a mess of a depression, anxiety, and malnutrition. What had stopped it was when Damon had committed her for her own safety. She'd spent half a year locked away to get herself back. And when she'd come out she'd never looked back. There was no hatred toward the woman she loves, no vendetta, or ill will. Lee had just moved on with the parts of her life she could.

------

Finding the address of one Katherine Pierce had been difficult, Lee had used every off the book resource she could (Lee may have kept the plan to be slightly corrupt in place) and it had taken almost all day to do so, but she'd done it. Lee had half the mind to stop by the woman's club, 'Katherine's' but the detective had ultimately decided that would be too public for this reunion and the topic they needed to discuss. So she'd waited. And really? Lee probably should have known the address she'd received would be where Katerina had bought. But it still surprised her. It was a large old plantation estate that the two had always dreamed of one day owning, their goal home for their future and however many children they could fill it with.

So she'd given Olivia the barest of explanations on where she was going, muttering something about needing to take the rest of the day off for personal reasons--same to Cragen the same line--and she's out the door.

Lee had parked her silver Jeep outside the closed gate and stepped out. Eyes taking in the property she hadn't driven by in almost a decade--she wonders briefly why Katerina had bought it, how she'd done it too. Sadly it seems she isn't going to be getting inside thought, unless she climbs the brick wall (which she's tempted to do). With a sigh she pulls her phone out to call her darkerweb tech guy, "Hey...I need you to get a cell phone number fo---" The words die on her lips though as she hears the engine of a rather luxurious Lamborghini as it pulls up toward the gates. "Nevermind." She's hanging up the phone as she turns to face the approaching car.

The Salvatore's nerves are high, hands slightly shaking but she's come this far, she won't let her nerves stop her now.

"Katerina," The Bulgarian accent rolling perfectly off her lips even after all these years, "We need to talk..."

[sxrensxngwrites]

“false direction” pt. 2 — cedric diggory x reader

not my gif

summary: cedric and cho are the newest couple in school and everyone seems to agree that they were made for each other. everyone except harry and y/n, who are each pining after cho and cedric respectfully.

tags/warnings: fake dating au, reader is any house but Gryffindor, platonic!harry x reader, reader and harry are both a mess, i low key hate this my bad

word count: 1.4k

part one || part two || part three

masterlist

crossposted on wattpad and ao3

Keeping up appearances as Harry's girlfriend was harder than [Y/N] had originally thought.

It was odd having a boy a year younger than her, one that she had always seen as a brother, guiding her around like a well-intentioned puppy. Not only was it odd, it was awkward.  Harry tried his best to act like the whole debacle was normal, but it was easy to tell that he was put off by pretending to be someone's boyfriend.

He now walked her to class and carried her books. He even held her hand when he felt like someone was watching them. She had begun to hang out with him and his friends on trips to Hogsmeade, and not to mention supporting him at every Quidditch match. It would've been a wonder if Cedric and Cho hadn't seen the two at that point.

The Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor had been all anyone had been talking about all week. Whoever won was going on to play against Slytherin in the finals, and the crowds were eager to see the results.

The same excited chatter filled the stadium as it always did, and the seats were nearly filled to bursting. Blue and silver colored scarfs and sweaters decorated one side of the stadium and red and gold the other. The atmosphere of any Quidditch match at Hogwarts was usually above and beyond, and this one wasn't any different.

[Y/N] had taken her seat amongst the heart of the Gryffindor stands, perfectly posed for her facade of supporting Harry. It wasn't like she wouldn't support her friend if they weren't pretending to be a couple, but she might've been sat away from the action if she wasn't.

To complete the illusion, the girl was wearing a Gryffindor sweater. She had borrowed it from Hermione, although the rumors that were circulating said it was Harry's. She smiled in satisfaction, knowing that if who her sweater belonged to was amongst the gossip this week, then perhaps word of her and Harry's "relationship" had reached Cedric and Cho.

Hermione and Ron sat on her right engaged in conversation, but she herself was studying the faces in the stands and keeping her eyes peeking for the one and only Cedric Diggory. They had sat together once or twice before, whenever Cedric wasn't playing. She remembered the times fondly, even if not many words were spoken. She crossed her heart that Cedric would repeat the past and sit with her, although she knew it was a foolish notion. He would probably sit with the Ravenclaw section to support Cho, like she was supporting Harry.

"Whatcha lookin' for?"

She practically jumped out of her own skin when she heard Cedric's voice. He definitely wasn't supposed to be in the Gryffindor cheering section!

"Uh—just watching everyone warm up." [Y/N] covered, her face flushed.

Cedric nodded and turned to look down at the pitch. Luckily, both teams were actually running drills on the pitch before the match began. Cho was currently weaving up and down the field, preparing to catch the snitch. Harry was also on the field, although currently in a huddle with the Weasley twins and Oliver Wood.

[Y/N] looked up from the Gryffindor team and back at Cedric.

"If you don't mind me asking, what brings you up here?" She asked, her palms slightly sweaty.

Cedric chuckled. "I came to sit with Mikey and Curtis like I usually do, but it seems like they decided to clear out." He shifted his glance from the field and onto the girl in the Gryffindor sweater.

"I could ask you the same." He joked, giving the girl a nod. "Last I checked you weren't a Gryffindor."

[Y/N] laughed at that one. She gave the handsome boy a shrug.

"Well I—"

"Wait, lemme guess." Cedric turned his entire body away from the pitch and towards the girl. His brow furrowed and he rubbed his chin as he pretended to theorize. "You and Potter."

She gave him a nod, and watched as he shook his head.

"I'm gonna be honest," He laughed as he leaned over the railing of the stands. "I didn't wanna believe it when I heard it."

What was that supposed to mean? [Y/N] looked at him once more, her own brow furrowed.

"How come?"

"Well, I consider both you and Harry my friends. It just caught me by surprise when I heard about you two being a couple. I didn't know you two really knew each other."

The same could've been said for him and Cho.

"Yeah, we'd talked before. He asked me out to Hogsmeade about two weeks ago." The lie came out of her mouth like clockwork. She'd been telling the story that she and Harry had made up for the past week and a half, but she couldn't help but feel slightly upset telling Cedric. She'd been waiting all this time to plant the seed of her master plan, but it didn't feel right.

"Enough about me." [Y/N] quickly said before her disappointment could seep through the cracks. "What about you and Cho?" She attempted to wag her eyebrows, another sorry attempt to seem lighthearted.

Cedric laughed. Although, one could hardly call it a laugh. More so, he let a puff of hair blow out of his nose.

"We broke up."

Merlin's beard.

[Y/N] stared at Cedric for longer than she'd like to admit. Did she hear him right?

"What happened?" She caught the words flying out of her mouth before she could stop them. "If you don't mind me asking, that is."

Cedric looked up, and the girl next to him could only imagine that he was focused on one of the tiny flags atop one of the Quidditch towers. He exhaled, and [Y/N] could only think about how handsome he was.

"We jumped into it too fast, I suppose. We agreed that we worked better as friends." Cedric looked back down at the girl in the Gryffindor sweater and gave her a smile. "No hard feelings at all, you know?"

Said girl nodded, and suddenly felt very sick to her stomach.

"Let me know what love's like, because I'd love to know."

***

[Y/N] quite literally had her face buried in a book on the library table. Her cheek was flush with the pages as she groaned for about the fourth time this hour.

"How could we be so stupid?"

She picked up her head only to throw it back down onto the book once again.

"Why'd you let us do this, Hermione? You're supposed to be the smart one." She continued.

"If I remember correctly, both Ron and I tried to warn you against it." Hermione didn't bat an eye at the girl next to her, and continued to shuffle through book after book.

[Y/N] flopped her head to the left to glare at Hermione. "Hush up."

"So you mean to tell me that not two weeks after you two begin your fake relationship, Cedric and Cho are already broken up?" Ron was leaned up against a bookshelf with his arms crossed, a smug look on his freckled face.

"Yes, exactly that. You don't have to rub it in." Harry grumbled from another chair at the table, his own face propped up against his arm.

"And what's stopping you and Harry from 'breaking up' and getting who you fancy?"

"Because, Ronald." [Y/N] flew up, the bridge of her nose red from where it's been shoved against the book. "The entire castle just found out about Harry and I last week, and it doesn't reflect well on either of us to break up with each other just after Cedric and Cho did. It'd be obvious that we were faking the whole time!"

"Sounds a bit complicated if you ask me." Ron gave a mumble and turned his back on the group, clearly done with the whole ordeal. Whether [Y/N] liked to admit it or not, she was making this more complicated than it needed to be. Sure, her and Harry's egos might be a bit wounded after, but she'd have to toughen up and swallow her pride.

"What are we gonna do, Harry?"

"We've got to end this fast, before it gets too out of control." He nodded. "Before Cedric and Cho change their minds." He joked.

"So it's decided," [Y/N] said to her partner in crime. "You need to break up with me in front of the whole school."

"Agreed."

[cinaminho]

Love for sell: J-hope ,

PT (2)

"What if I wasn't faking it at all?"

J-(hoe)pe x Reader, highschool au

Genre: SO FLUFFY MAAAN *yoongi voice* 💞

~7 AM at Your house~

Authors POV:

You trudged down the cold wooden steps of your home with messy hair and a mind still filled with sleep barely being able to maintain your balance but you managed to make it past the final step of your staircase that led to your front door. You slowly opened it to reveal a very awoke and happy Hoseok and seeing him made your eyes widen a bit , just seeing his smile awoke you a little more and gave you this unknown burst of energy "Hoseok" you chirped not caring about your current messy bed head state and it looked as if Hoseok was gonna say something but changed his mouth form to say something else as he slightly frowned "Y/n you aren't ready?" You snorted "we have an hour and I only need 7 minutes- 10 tops plus I drive now , come up with me and don't worry my parents leave for work at 6 AM so they're not here." You said as Hoseok followed you up stairs to your room. You opened your door with a gust of cool wind hitting you both instantly "I have no idea where that came from" you mumbled letting Hobi walk in first and you following before closing your door behind you, Hobi jumped and turned towards you with a panicked expression as you soon held your hands out in front of you slightly "Relax I just closed my door I'm not gonna hurt you" you said carefully "n-no I just... Never been a girls room especially with the door closed is all" you smiled gently and motioned for him to sit on your Queen sized bed. He analyzed your room he thought it'd be all pink and girly for some reason but instead it was a comfy yet slightly glamorous vibe to it.

"So I was thinking that we wouldn't change your appearance too much but just a few things that's it" you explained while clapping your hands as you finished your sentence "change a few things like?.. " he trailed off "We trade in the suspender pants for some jeans... Your shirt is fine just add a jacket.. Maybe?" You paced back and forth examining Him as his eyes followed your movements. "Ahh Nice, except I don't own such items" "I was afraid you might say that soooo I took the liberty of going to buy some things DO NOT think about paying me back. I bought belts too just in case so here" You tossed the bag to Hobi and he caught it with one hand and no struggling "you got a good arm you'd be good at football you know" and now it was His turn to snort "no thank you risking getting hurt and never recovering is a sacrafice I'm not willing to make" you laughed "touche however, you should go change that door between my closet and TV is my bathroom I'll wait here of course" you smiled "be back in a sec" and you hummed in response. About 3 minutes passed and you sat on your bean bag chair waiting for Hobi to reappear, In that time you thought how sweet he was, how his hair shined ,and his perfect rosey cheek ,with the gentlest voice and aura about him...you smiled to yourself and soon you looked up to see him directly in front of you causing you to jump a bit "oh sorry I didn't mean to startle you" he chuckled but all you could do was stair at his new outfit. His floral bomber Jacket went well with his White T-shirt and ,slightly rolled up light blue jeans that fitted him not too much but also too little and to top it off his already white shoes tide it all together even more and you were almost drooling.

~Hobi's Outfit~

"So?" Hoseok finally said as he thought you had enough time to analyze his appearance "damn Playboy" you mumbled "pardon?" "Huh- what? Oh I said you look good" you quickly stood up looking at Hobi in his eyes and they were so beautiful in the slightly dim room due to it being cloudy outside . You were now so close his nose could touch your forehead if you weren't looking up at him you didn't know he was this close to you until now.. Not that you minded "you clean up good Hobi" you mumbled as you smiled and messing with his bangs a little "thank you Y/n... Should we head out?" "Uh of course right after I get dressed , fix my hair and brush my teeth" you giggled as Hobi checked his watch "we still have 35 minutes go on" he said shoooing you away.

It took about 15 minutes this time around because your hair was such a mess but you were finally ready .

~Your Outfit~

(If you don't like.. Whoops, add ya own shoes)

"Ready" you said putting on your sunglasses and heading towards your bedside table drawer to grab your keys. You didn't notice but Hobi was staring at you the same way you did him as he followed you out your bedroom "close my door behind you please" you said and he quickly did so and soon Came downstairs, you locked the front door as you both came out and headed to your car.

Once inside you both buckled up and the first 2 minutes were silence until Hobi broke it "Anything I need to know before we really do this?" You raised your eyebrows still looking at the road ahead as you drove "like things to do and say and not..." He looked at you "ohhh that? Pshh no the main thing is not to let anyone intimidate you, don't back down because most of the time the 'tough' are softer than sheep Wool ,kill them with kindness if you want and as for girls they loooove a charmer" you explained as Hobi nodded understanding "Hobi I don't want you to fake too much I want you to be yourself as much as possible" you quickly glanced at him "myself isn't popular though... This isn't me already" he mumbled while gesturing to hie clothes "do you want to change back?" You asked him "no" you nodded "do you like the clothes?" "Yes" you smiled "then this is you. A new one" he chuckled "do you like the new me then?" You quickly looked at him shocked and he added "as a friend I mean" you looked a little at ease "well.. I like you either way" you said softly looking at him as you came to a stop sign. His eyes widened "really?" You giggled "yes so, if you wanna go back to how you used to be that'd be just fine with me" he grinned "thank you Y/n" as you looked back at the road "mhmm and think I've never noticed you I always seen you around since 8th grade but believe it or not I didn't approach you because you didn't seem like you wanted to be bothered" you explained. Hoseok looked at you in disbelief " me? What about you? Your body guards made me the same way towards you" he laughed "who Jalen and the other boys?... They think they are protecting me but I can hold my own you know? Besides I like everyone I treat everyone how I wanna be treated" Hoseok just nodded in understanding. "By the way don't be afraid to ruffle his feathers.. Jalen's that is, show him 2 can play this game mmk?" You said "got it" you smiled as you pulled into your schools parking lot. "Well this is it you ready?" You asked looking at Hobi while taking your keys out of the ignition and grabbing your bag and he smiled at you "since 8th grade".

~inside school~

You guys walked in and of course you turned heads but he did even more and he was surprisingly okay, you looked at everyone with a genuine smile as usual "wink" you mumbled so Hobi could hear "gotcha" he whispered under his breath as you smiled up at him as he winked at you first making you feel shakey with happiness 'easy girl' you thought. He winked and some girls gasped as he grinned looking ahead 'this is working!' He thought to himself.

The moment came were you stopped at your locker which was on the same side as Hobi's but devided by the hallway and of course your friends were there and of course some were facing your direction as other's backs were facing you both. "Hey heyy" you said happily "wassup.. Yo who told you to bring-" Jalen was soon cut off by you "me" you said nonchalantly ,Hobi nodded at Jalen making him growl lowly "good job" you whispered as Jalen turned away. "So tell me... What's your name?" Your friend Aubrielle said as she came towards You and hoseok, you rolled your eyes 'this hoe' you thought "I'm Hoseok Jung, you can call me Hobi though" you looked at him surprised he was handling all so well no stuttering, no blushing, no shyness either! It was like he was born for this but then again, he did say he'd been ready for this since 8th grade. "Well Hobi I'm Aubrielle and your date to the party this Saturday" she winked "girl- I know you-" you started to say but Hobi soon finished "sorry but I'm going with Y/n" he smiled "you are?" She asked "mhmm" you smiled proudly "are you guys like.... " she raised her eyebrows looking between you two "yes- wait what do you mean?" You asked "a couple" she finished....

.......

"Well yeah" you said surprisingly confident and Hobi looked at you smiling "when the hell did this happen!!?" Jalen yelled hitting the locker a little hard causing everyone to back up a bit "lower the voice" you warned as he came towards you both, you grabbed Hoseok's hand and squeezed it slightly he instantly knew it was 'stand your ground time'. "You think you somebody now cause you're dating her?" he said getting in Hoseok's face "been somebody just better known now" Hoseok said happily and you could tell he was killing him with kindness.. A great method if you have the patience to play nice "and to answer your previous question it happened last week, we've been meeting up for study dates and we made it official yesterday by the school gates" you smiled widley and Hobi did as well but Jalen did not seem to care "anyways. . . You're still broken languaged trash so head back home to China yeah?" Jalen said making Hoseok frown "easy Jalen" you warned "his English is spectacular unlike yours hence why you can't pass a single language or pronunciation test go fucking study.. you need it you bastard" you seethed pushing past him and pulling Hobi along. "By the way it's Korea not China" Hoseok turned his head to say with a Wink.

Hoseok was shocked like everyone who had witnessed what just happened you really weren't one to play with.

Soon your first class bell rang and when you both walked in the teacher wasn't there and only a few other students were. Sprawled on desk, chairs ,the window base, you and Hobi went to your seats, you sat in the very back on the right near the window as he sat in the middle of the first row on the opposite side, you looked at him and decided to move beside him . Hobi looked at you surprised "I wanna sit next to more 'boyfriend' " you said winking at him making him blush for the first time since you'd seen each other today "hold on let me get my bag" you quickly scurried to the other side of the room. Just then Jalen came in with the other guys and Hoseok looked at him before rolling his eyes and looking in his bag but soon he seen hands on his desk and a shadow over him. He looked up glaring at the person who he already knew was Jalen "what're you tryna prove boy?" Jalen whispered dangerously low to Hoseok "nothing.. what're you trying to prove?" He smirked and Jalen sighed "you'll never be one of us" he motioned to himself and the boys behind him making hoseok laugh lighlty "trust me I'm not trying to be" "then why are you all of a sudden hanging around Y/n?" Hoseok leaned towards looking Jalen directly in the eyes "because I can" he smirked "you can't and you won't Continue to" Jalen growled

"says whom? " every comment Hoseok said made Jalen's blood boil "because I said so" he said lowly while slightly hitting the desk but not phasing Hoseok one bit. That's when you came back "what's going on? Jalen mo-" "nono Y/n let us talk" Hobi said as you watched them closely while sitting down "you were saying?" Hoseok chirped "you won't continue hanging around Y/n that's it" Hobi just sighed leaning back in his chair "but I will" he countered.

Jalen smirked and walked to the side of Hobi and crouching down to his his ear level "no you won't because I know your secret. I know you paid Y/n for this 'act' I'm not sure how much but it had to be a hell of a lot... So unless you want everyone to know how desperate you are for popularity... You'll go back to being the nobody you always were, and still are despite this facade" Jalen said before standing up completely "show your face at that party Saturday and it all comes out" he simply said ...Hoseok wasn't going out like this "As I said before... I've been somebody and as for your little proposition.. I'll sleep on it" He said glaring up at Jalen but Jalen simply shrugged with his hands in his pockets and walked away.

Although he was still confident Hoseok did slightly start to doubt his plan... Did he want to embarrass himself? Embarrass you?

"What happened?" He heard a whispered voice and a soft tap on his shoulder and he took a moment before he answered "maybe we should cancel all this" Hoseok mumbled looking at his fingers that sat in the desk top "what? No! absolutely not, what did Jalen say to you?" You asked "he says he knows something about our deal and says if I show my face at the party Saturday... He'll expose it all". You Shook your head "nah.. Not happenin ,I won't let it and we're still going through with this... He wants to send threats then let's show him who's the puppet masters" you said smirking. "You still wanna do this?" He asked surprised "hell yeah I do don't you?" He was a little weary "yes but-" "no buts babyboy we got this , I got you, and you don't worry about anything but showing up and looking handsome" you said while leaning over touching his chin and boy did his heart skip a beat "I can do that" he said.

"You're going down Hoseok" Jalen growled lowly from the back of the class at what he just witnessed.

"You're going down Jalen" you said to yourself so only you could hear.

Hobi knew in this act someone's cover would be blown and he hoped that it wasn't his nor yours because he didn't wanna let his and your work go to waste, especially his because he'd waited for this for 5 years and being near you was so much fun even though it was fake... That is if it was even just fake anymore because to him it was becoming slightly more and he wondered if maybe just maybe if you felt the same.

-

-

Whew chile the Cliff hangers. I like what I'm doing here and THANK YOU GUYS FOR LIKING MY STORIES 💞 OOF we're off to a good start I thought no one would know my stories existed. PT 3. Will be up some time.

[bruiserelliot]

A voltron Royalty! Au Prompt

This is a conversation between Keith Kogane and yourself, Prince!Lance.

Prince!Lance: Lance sat in the courtyard, lazily swinging a sword about while he watched the knights practice. Occasionally he'd make note of a flaw and jot it down, so he wouldn't make a mistake if he ever had to fight.

Keith Kogane: "Your majesty? What are you doing out here? You know it's not safe to be outside with all of the threats Zarkon has been making." Keith said walking up behind Lance, watching the Prince's sword move swiftly through the air.

Prince!Lance: Lance looked up at the sound of Keith's voice."I wanted to watch. It's too hot inside." He replied, rolling his eyes. These days everyone was ultra protective of him. Keith was at least more lenient than the others. Most of the time anyway.

Keith Kogane: Keith shrugged "I suppose it is hot inside. Mind if I watch with you?" Keith asked hesitantly. He felt bad for Lance, always being locked up in the castle. They treated him like a bird that would fly away if it got out of its cage. "I mean...if you would like, I can go back inside. I don't want to bother you." Keith said quickly.

Prince!Lance: Lance smiled."No, please, stay." He replied, shuffling over and patting the spot beside him. The knights in front of him had yet to say anything. Though Shiro, the head knight, was rather pleased that his younger brother and the prince got along as well as they did.(Lance is so polite in this au, it's kind of funny)

Keith Kogane: Keith nodded and sat next to Lance, making sure not to get too close in case he made the prince uncomfortable. "Why do you like watching the knights so much? This is the fifth time I've found you out here." Keith questioned, watching his older brother train with the rest of the knights. Keith glanced at Lance out of the corner of his eye and smiled.

Prince!Lance: Lance looked back at the nights."Well, honestly for learning purposes. Everyone thinks I'm this sort of dainty little prince who can't defend himself. And since Dad refuses to let me actually learn how to fight properly, I just come out and observe really." He put his sword on his lap."This is honestly more for decoration than actual use."

Keith Kogane: Keith smiled. "Prince Lance. I think it's...cool that you come out here and watch to learn. It shows dedication, and I know your not a 'dainty little prince' but your father doesn't want you to get hurt. I...I don't want you to get hurt either. So, please don't do something stupid, and be careful with your sword. It's pointy." Keith said with a small smirk at the end as he teased the prince. He so badly wanted to help Lance learn to fight but he knew his orders from the king.

Prince!Lance: (Sorry, I was afk) Lance blushed at Keith's words. Though at the end he chuckled."Yeah, I, uh, I guess so." He put the sword down."...I...I don't want to see you get hurt either. I mean, with all that you've already been through, with Zarkon and all, not to mention Shiro, it's kind of easy to worry about you Keith." He said. What he didn't know was that Pidge and Hunk were watching the two of them from Pidge's room, both smiling and wishing they had a way to document this.

Keith Kogane: Keith looked down at his lap and shrugged. "I don't need anyone to worry about me. I can worry about myself. You're a prince, you shouldn't worry about some lowlife like me." Keith said taking a deep breath and looking back up towards Shiro and the rest of the knights.

Prince!Lance: Lance frowned at that."Lowlife? Keith, you do realize where we are right now, right? And the fact that you've literally almost defeated Zarkon, which even Alfor himself couldn't do. And of course I'm gonna worry about you, I worry about all my friends." Lance protested.

Keith Kogane: Friends. Keith hated that word, especially when it comes from Lance. "Right. Well, I think I hear...Hunk? calling for me. If you need anything your majesty, you know where I usually am." Keith muttered, standing up. He nodded at Lance before his shoulders sagged and he began to walk away.

Prince!Lance: Lance blinked. Had he said something wrong? He frowned at that, and sighed. He started drawing in the dirt with his sword, trying to forget the look on Keith's face. Meanwhile, Pidge and Hunk were rushing to meet Keith. The Chef and the princess had been shipping Keith and Lance ever since the long haired boy had been assigned to the prince."What are you doing?!" Hunk stood in front of Keith, Pidge at his side.

Keith Kogane: Keith blinked in surprise at Hunk and Pidge. "What do you mean, 'what are you doing?!' I didn't even do anything!" Keith said in defense as he stepped back at the closeness of the duo.

Prince!Lance: Pidge gently pushed Hunk back."You're supposed to protect my brother, right? Right. You want to also spend time with him because it's obvious you like him, right? Right. So, I suggest you forget about pining for a little while and go do that." Hunk had to butt in. "Just not right now. Since he looks almost as rejected as you at the moment."

Keith Kogane: Keith scoffed. "What! I don't- I don't like Lance. He's a prince. It'd never work out anyways. Plus, he doesn't like me!" Keith said crossing his arms, looking away with a slight blush on his face. "I'm pretty sure he has a thing for that princess he met at the ball a few nights ago anyways...." Keith said with a pout.

Prince!Lance: Pidge and Hunk looked at each other, then back at Keith, then back at each other."He's hopeless." Pidge threw her hands in the air."He's utterly hopeless." She sighed and rubbed her eyes. Hunk looked at Keith."Keith, that princess was Allura, who has specifically expressed disinterest on account of the fact that she's too old for him and has a thing for your brother." He explained."And yes of course he likes you! He's practically shooed everyone else except us away, and he barely talks to us anyway. You're really the only one in the castle he frequently talks to. And don't even try to deny that you don't like him. And I hardly think that Lance would care about the fact that he's a prince."

Keith Kogane: Keith gaped. "Uh...Princess Allura of Altea? Princess Allura has a thing for...for Shiro?! As in Takashi? As in my older brother?" Keith asked with wide eyes. "A-and...Lance probably just has a hard time making friends. I'm constantly with him because I was assigned to guard him, that's the only reason he even talks to me.." Keith said in denial, glancing out to the courtyard where Lance still sat.

Prince!Lance: Now it was Hunk's turn to throw his hands up in the air."Not only is he hopeless, he's also utterly oblivious!" He raked his hands through his hair, and Pidge calmed down."Yes. YEs she does, but that is not important right now. What is important, is that I convinced dad to assign you to him because you two were both pining messes. And Yeah, Lance does have trouble making friends, but he's literally my brother, and has been friends with Hunk since he was 3. So I don't think that has anything to do with it. And he would talk to you outside of duty, except he'd be a blubbering mess otherwise."

Keith Kogane: "I- I don't know how to approach him! I get nervous cause he has pretty eyes and a nice smile! Look at me compared to him! How am I, a literal cheesestick looking Baffoon, supposed to talk to a prince that looks like he's a god? Hmm? Tell me what I'm supposed to do!?" Keith whined adding a lot of dramatic and frantic hand waving and flailing into his speech.

Prince!Lance: Pidge and Hunk facepalmed, and dragged him to Pidge's room. They locked the door and put Keith on the bed."Alright Kogane, listen up, you are not a cheese-stick looking Baffoon, Lance is not a god. He may be a prince but he's not a god. WE can't boost his ego that much." Pidge started." You are going to change out of what you're wearing, put on something relatively nice, comb your hair, wash your face, all that jazz, and you are going to talk to my brother!" She was shaking his shoulders by now, and Hunk had already brought a comb.

Keith Kogane: "Wait, what?! No! What does relatively nice mean? What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Keith panicked standing up quickly. "Why do I have to wash my face? What's wrong with my hair?"

Prince!Lance: "Relatively nice as in you don't want to look like you dressed up specifically for him or else you'll both become blubbering messes." Hunk replied." And what you're wearing is covered in dust because you sat in the dirt with him. And your hair is always knotted and I finally get to comb it. AS for the face washing, well, it cools down the blush." He grinned as he handed Keith the comb. Pidge was watching with great amusement.

Keith Kogane: Keith looked at the comb in his hand. "....help me pick out an outfit..." He mumbled slightly, a deep red brushing over his cheeks.

Prince!Lance: Pidge chuckled."With pleasure." She stood up."This is the most fun I've had in weeks." She grinned and went to the wardrobe. She mostly preferred shirts and trousers to dresses, so she had a great deal of hand me-downs

Keith Kogane: "Oh good god. Do I have to do this? Can't I just...disappear? Forever? That'd be easier than embarrassing myself in front of Lance." Keith groaned tossing the comb back to Hunk.

Prince!Lance: Hunk caught the comb with ease."Yes, or you'll be pining until Zarkon kills us all." He replied. As of late, that had become a common phrase. It was kind of sad to be honest. "Look, We'll get Lance ready after we get you ready, so you'll both be at the same amount of possible embarrassment." He replied, moving behind Keith and started to comb his hair back. Pidge grinned as she came forward with a red vest, a white shirt and some black pants.

Keith Kogane: (sorry, I got distracted) "what the hell is that Pidge? I'm not wearing that. I'll look...I dunno, I'll look like a monkey!" Keith said crossing his arms, looking away from the princess.

Prince!Lance: (Np :) ) Pidge looked at him."You are literally wearing a dusty, bright red, half jacket. You will not look like a monkey. Trust me, I thought I looked great in them." She flung the outfit onto the bed beside him. Hunk was almost finished with Keith's hair."Pidge, Hair tie." He told her. The princess obliged and passed one. Hunk gently pulled Keith's hair back into a ponytail."Oooooh, it looks so nice.:

Keith Kogane: Keith blushed and glanced down at the outfit Pidge grabbed for himt. "You guys suck." Keith pouted grabbing the outfit. "Give me a minute." Keith sighed, walking into Pidges bathroom. He washed his face and put the outfit on. Keith looked in the mirror and groaned. He picked up his previous outfit and walked out of the bathroom shyly. "Well? You guys happy now?"

Prince!Lance: "WE love you too buddy." Hunk patted his shoulder as he left for the bathroom. The pair of them waited patiently for the boy to come out, and were thoroughly satisfied."Ohhhh my god, oh Keith you look so niiice." Hunk had to refrain from squealing. He felt like a proud parent. Pidge simply gave a a thumbs up."Alright. Part one is complete. Now for part two." She ran out the door."Ohhh Laaaance!" She called out.(Can you be pidge just for a little bit since I"m controlling Lance? Sorry if I'm being annoying)

Keith Kogane: (Sure sure. You're fine) Pidge ran out of the room quickly and ran down to the courtyard where Lance was still sitting. "Lance! Stop sulking, I need you to come with me! I saw that little...whatever it was with Keith and decided I need to help you!" Pidge announced proudly, standing in front of her brother with a large smile on her face.

Prince!Lance: (Thank you :) ) Lance looked up at Pidge, ignoring the quiet snickering coming from the knights."Wait, what are you talking about? Help me out with what exactly? Keith just left. Nothing happened." He replied, sheathing his sword."You're delirious or something sis, from, like, how hot it is inside."

Keith Kogane: "Lance!" Pidge whined. "Everyone knows you have a thing for Keith. I'm gonna help you actually get somewhere with him so the pining stops. Seriously, it's stressful to watch." Pidge said with a smirk. "Now come on. Stand up and let's go."

Prince!Lance: Lance blushed and sputtered"I-I ,wha-wha, I.. I do not!" He protested feebly. "I'm not going anywhere with someone who just said I was stressful to watch!" He exlcaimed, bright red. Shiro walked over."Your majesties, might I help out in this?" He asked Pidge. Lance sputtered again."Wh-wha, no!"

Keith Kogane: "Yes! Please Shiro, please help!" Pidge grinned, sticking her tongue out at Lance. Pidge grabbed Lance's hand and tried to force him to stand up.

Prince!Lance: Shiro went a few steps further and picked Lance up, draping him over his shoulder."Wha, what, what are you doing, put me down, I demand you stop this at once!" Lance pounded against Shiro's back, which did absolutely nothing. Shiro only chuckled and followed Pidge."Alright boys, that's enough for today!" He called to the knights.

Keith Kogane: Pidge smirked and skipped ahead of Shiro and Lance towards Lance's room. "I've decided that your gonna dress up a bit...not too much...and your gonna go find Keith." Pidge said opening Lance's door for Shiro.

Prince!Lance: "And why would I ever to agree to that ever?" Lance replied as Shiro put him down."Because We're all very, very tired of watching you two skirt around each other like squirrels, your highness." He replied with a smirk."So Princess, what's first on the agenda?"

Keith Kogane: Pidge snickered at Shiro's response and cleared her theist slightly. "Right. First up on the agenda is hair. Lancey Lance. I don't know how you do your hair so get into your bathroom and do your damn hair. And your face." Pidge said sternly. "Yeah, go put in your face for Keith."

Prince!Lance: Lance was bright red at this point."I'm not a squirrel." He murmured. He looked up at Pidge."Why would I need to do that, my hair is already fine." He replied. Shrio reached forward and pulled out a leaf."That's why." Lance frowned, his shoulders sagging."And what's wrong with my face?" He asked. Shiro gently pushed his index finger to Lance's cheek."That's why." He pulled away a dust covered finger. Lance groaned and slumped to the bathroom.

Keith Kogane: Pidge smiled up at Shiro. "Thank you Shiro! Honestly though, I'm suprised that your helping." Pidge said plopping into Lance's bed.

Prince!Lance: Shiro shrugged."I meant what I said, My brother is a lot of things, including oblivious and scared. Lance is too and Oretty much everyone in the castle wants them together except your parents." He replied. Lance came out, his hair and face done."Okay, am I presentable now?"

Keith Kogane: Pidge shook her head. "Nope. Clothes. Change. Put on a nice outfit, something that's gonna grab Keith's attention. But not anything to extravagant. Y'know?"

Prince!Lance: Lance looked down at himself."What's wrong with what I'm wearing now?!" He exclaimed. Shiro sighed."Well for one thing, you're still covered in dust, just not in the face, and second, would you ever just wear a shirt and trousers to a date?" He asked. Lance turned bright red at that.".....I don't know what to pick." He admitted sheepishly.

Keith Kogane: Pidge walked to lances closet and scanned it quickly before she grabbed a light blue button up shirt and white dress pants. "Here Lancey. Put these on and roll up the sleeves to your elbow! And keep a few buttons open on the top!" Pidge said holding the outfit out towards Lance. "Take it. Change. Prepare yourself mentally."

Prince!Lance: Lance caught the outfit, utterly embarrassed."I'll prepare you mentally." He mumbled and went back into the bathroom, changing. Shiro smiled at Pidge."Well, this was utterly entertaining. I look forward to hearing the results your highness." He bowed and left the room. After that, Lance walked out of the bathroom and looked at Pidge."There, am I presentable now?"

Keith Kogane: Pidge took a moment to observe Lance. "Mmm....yeah. I think your good! Now stop being so sour! I'm just trying to help you! Now go, go find Keith. I'll see you later Lance~ Have fun!" Pidge said shoving Lance out of his room.

Prince!Lance: Lance reluctantly let himself be pushed. Why was he acting like this, he should be happy, he'd finally have a reason to have a non-protective conversation with Keith. He walked through the halls, already missing the sword, and tried to find his protector, only instead, to run into his father.

Keith Kogane: "Lance. What's with the outfit? Are you going on a date? When will I get to meet her?" Lance's father asked taking a look at Lance's outfit. "My son, whoever she is, she's a lucky one." The king said resting a proud hand on Lances shoulder.

Prince!Lance: Lance tensed a little."Um, y-yeah, I guess you could say that." Lance answered timidly."Th-Thanks dad." He smiled nervously and rushed past his father, darting around the corner. God, his father would probably kill him if he knew he had feelings for another man.

[lordzuuko]

Okay, just saw your "Loving Dad Hades" post and all I can think is that Shiro's not gonna let that go, the whole "everyone hating on Keith's and Hades' relationship" thing. Do you ever think he's just like, "Maybe your godly parents just don't care about you?" (It'd be worse if he thought that was true about himself, too.)

Voltron PJO AU: 1, 2, 3, 4 (Loving Dad Hades) , 5, 6) #SheithAngst

So after that event wherein Hades visited Keith during breakfast, Keith and Shiro went on with their week at camp. They were at the arena for sword fighting lessons which Shiro facilitated. Keith was there for demonstration and his opponent was a child of Ares. 

The fight was getting intense until Keith was pinned down to the ground, his opponent’s elbow knocking him out in the face. There was slight scar on his cheek caused by the swiftness of the sword of the child of Ares, pointed at him. Blood started to appear and Shiro immediately went to his side.

“Keith, are you okay?” Shiro looked at the child of Ares and commanded. “You were not supposed to injure your opponent, demigod.”

The child of Ares rolled his eyes, sword still pointed at Keith. “It’s just a slight cut.” He sneered at Keith below him. “What? You’re gonna tell Daddy about it now? Let him take my soul to The Underworld?”

Keith gritted his teeth and spat out the blood that accumulated inside his mouth. He pushed a pressure point to the son of Ares’ neck, leaving him immobile giving him the perfect opportunity to turn their positions around. He took his chance, grab his sword and pointed it at his opponent, grabbing him by the collar.

Keith leaned forward and Shiro could’ve sworn, the younger demigod almost growled. “Just because you have Daddy issues and I don’t, doesn’t meant you get to treat me like shit, you piece of shit.” 

The son of Ares’ eyes widened. Keith spat out more blood from his mouth to the side and let go of his opponent, dropping him to the ground with a loud thud. He stood up, wiped his mouth and went past Shiro.

“Keith,” Shiro tried grabbing him by the arm and Keith just swatted his hand away. The son of Hades walked towards the forest, leaving the rest of the campers with their jaws dropped.

Shiro sighed and rubbed his temples. He turned towards the other campers. He needed to stop this once and for all or Keith would be forced to live in the Underworld with Hades—and that wouldn’t be the first. As much as possible, Shiro would like to prevent that. “All of you need to stop the way you’re treating Keith. He’s just like all of us. He’s just—”

“But he’s the Prince of the Underworld! He’s more powerful than all of us because he’s a child of The Big Three!” Came a shout from someone in the arena. “Plus, his godly parent plays favourites. Ours don’t even visit. Most of us don’t even know who our godly parents are!”

“Yeah!!” 

“What makes him so special??!!!!!”

“Why can’t our godly parents visit us too?! It’s not fair!”

“Well, maybe because your godly parents just don’t care about you!?” Shiro snapped. He was surprised at what he just blurted out. He couldn’t take it back now. 

Snickers were heard. “Easy for you to say. You’re a child of Zeus. The Big Three demigods surely have it all easy, huh? Not only do you guys have much more power than us, you get to have special treatment too! Don’t think you can tell us what to do just because your Father is the god of the gods.”

Shiro looked around and everyone was staring at him. He stepped backward and left, not until he heard someone shout to him…

“Bet Zeus visits you too whenever he feels like it and gives you more weapons to fight off monsters. Typical.” 

Shiro shook his head. No. Zeus never visited him. Except that one time when he was a kid. He knew that Zeus was proud of him because his dreams said so. Maybe Zeus actually didn’t care about him enough to materialize in front of him just to say hello unlike Hades. Maybe he was just like everyone else. But he couldn’t bring himself to be jealous of Keith, because Keith deserved all the love he received from Hades and that made Shiro happy whenever the father and son bonded. Probably because if the God of The Underworld could do that with Keith, Shiro was a little bit hopeful that one day Zeus would do that to him too. 

He walked further to the forest and saw Keith resting under the cool shade of a tree, eyes closed. He quietly sat beside him and took his hand, rubbing it soothingly and to his surprise, Keith squeezed back his hand.

“Hey, you okay?” Shiro asked softly.

“Yeah, I’m okay.” Keith smiled, eyes still shut. 

[neptunetheplanet7]

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 - 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 & 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

DM ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE TAGLIST!!

;mikasa ackerman x fem!lesbian!reader

;modern au, band au

word count: 2.1k

warnings: swearing, slight angst in the beginning but not really, fluff

i owe you guys an apology. i’m not very active on tumblr as of posting. i’m sorry about that. school has been hard on me and i’ve been very stressed. i’ll try to do better in the future :)

listen to the music masterlist

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Armin was discharged from the hospital only a day after the accident. The doctor said there was nothing extraordinary to worry about. But of course, even with this information, Eren still made a fuss. That much was clear when he walked through the door with Armin's arm slung over his shoulder.

"I didn't break my leg, Eren. I don't need to use you as a crutch," Armin grumbled as the two walked into the kitchen from the garage. He reached back to shut the door with his free hand.

Eren rolled his eyes. "Well, excuse me for supporting you in these trying times."

"I don't need your support," they scoffed. He unwrapped his arm and made his way across the room.

Eren gave him the finger, rather aggressively. The gesture wasn't reciprocated since the blond already disappeared into the hallway.

Sucking on a freeze pop, you leaned back against the cool countertop. "Welcome home, lovely. Have fun?"

Eren sighed loudly as he walked toward the freezer and got a popsicle for himself. He grabbed a pair of scissors and cut the top of the wrapper off into the trash.

He said sarcastically, "Oh, absolutely I did." He paused and shook his head disapprovingly. "He's a lot bitchier when it's us two. How's it been here?"

You shrugged. "So, so. Pretty quiet."

He nodded and pushed up the pineapple-flavored ice. "Thought so. Jean's gone today, obviously. Is Mikasa here?"

You huffed softly at the mention of her. "I haven't seen her since breakfast. She's been upstairs all day."

He frowned. "Oh, I see. Armin told me about the kiss, by the way. At first, I was gonna make fun of you for passing out but now that just seems cruel."

"You think?" You laughed lightly and rested both arms on the counter.

The sound that followed from him was more of an exhale than a laugh. "Listen, Y/n, even if she's avoiding you right now, I know she'll come around. Just wait and see."

"You're right," you mumbled, sticking the freeze pop in your mouth again. Armin basically said the same thing. Eren sent you a quick smile and patted your shoulder before leaving through the hallway.

You swallowed the remaining ice and threw away the wrapper. Noticing the bin was full, you took the trash to the bigger bin outside. Maybe doing some chores would distract you from Mikasa for a while.

Plus, today was the only day that allowed you to do so. Practices for the band's upcoming performance were every day until the date of it. You'd be rehearsing 24/7 since it was scheduled on such short notice.

It was going to be at a middle school some of your friends went to. The DJ they booked before flaked and your manager was kind enough to offer your talents.

Jean was meeting with Hannes and the school administrators to work out some extra kinks before the practices began.

The only day there wasn't a rehearsal was on Eren's birthday. You all decided it'd be best to take the day off to celebrate and set up for the party that would be happening later in the night.

The day passed easily as you got caught up on chores that weren't done over the past few days. The house was messier than you liked it although it hadn't been long at all since the previous clean-through. However, it had been a hectic week.

Speaking of hectic, when Zeke was there, he sure made himself at home. That much was clear when you made it to the living room portion of the basement.

Eren probably couldn't find time to clean up yet. Either that or he was just lazy because at that moment he was more focused on a pinball machine than the state of his living space.

His brother's suitcases were lying open by the couch. To be honest, you didn't love the idea of a criminal's possessions lying around your home. So, you decided that throwing them in a storage closet was the best option. 

When you finished tidying up, you started a game on the pinball machine next to Eren's.

His birthday was in three days. The house looked a lot better than it did when you started, which was perfect for throwing a party. You could only hope it would stay that way.

After a few hours of playing games with him, Jean came down the stairs to let you know he was back from the school. He left when he saw neither of you were interested in what he had to say.

Once it got dark outside, you left Eren to his own devices and went to your own room to chill out some more.

Unfortunately, when you flopped down on your bed, Mikasa started to consume your thoughts again. In an effort to fight them, you turned on a show to distract yourself.

For the slow hours you spent staring at the screen, you couldn't focus, not once. No matter how hard you trained your eyes on the screen, you still thought about her.

Sighing, you got out of bed and walked to your bedroom door. You were careful of the creaking hinges, it was around midnight. Everyone would either be asleep or close to sleeping.

Except for Armin. You had no idea what he did at night but you knew better than to ask. However, he was probably pretty tired from the time spent at the hospital. So, there was a solid chance he actually was asleep.

You crept outside, checking that the front door didn't make too much noise. Your car was parked in the driveway since there was never room in the garage. The gravel underneath your feet made noise as you walked toward it. You pushed yourself onto the hood and leaned back against the windshield.

Drawing in a long breath, you stared up at the sky. You needed to calm down and clear your mind. This would help, as it usually did.

Even if it was a little chilly, it was warm for a night in March, especially this late.

The stress that bubbled inside you simmered down the longer you watched the thin clouds dim the stars.

Any negative thoughts you had about the situation with Mikasa or the previous days seemed to disappear the longer your focus was on the sky.

Gravel crunched and you snapped your gaze toward the noise. Sitting up, you were surprised by what you saw.

Mikasa froze when she realized she'd been caught. She held a white blanket in her arms and still had one foot on the porch steps.

"Hi," she greeted quietly.

"Hey." Your breaths were a tad ragged from the initial scare.

She came closer to the car. "What are you doing out here so late?"

"I could ask you the same thing." You took the blanket from her arms and she pushed herself up to sit beside you.

"The door to your room was open when I came downstairs for a drink. I thought you'd be out here."

"Oh." She knew you better than you thought.

She spread the blanket over both of your laps and leaned down on the hood of the car.

She looked at the sky but your eyes were still on her. "Why did you come out here?"

After a moment of silence, her gaze finally shifted to you. "I wanted to apologize. Ignoring you was immature. Plus, I remember how you used to come out here when you were upset. Above all else, I wanted to make sure you were alright." A blush coated her cheeks when she finished talking.

You took note of that and couldn't help but blush yourself. "I'm okay. I understand why you'd ignore me, though. If you didn't want it, that was probably your only option since we have to see each other so much."

Her brows furrowed and she sat up again. "What? Y/n, did you think I didn't want to kiss you?"

You blinked stupidly. "Well, yeah."

She laughed. "You can be so ridiculous sometimes. I've always wanted to kiss you like that. I'm just not great at expressing it."

Even more heat rushed to your face. You gawked at her and she looked down at her feet. Many things were running wild in your head. For some reason, though, there was one thing that was so prominent in your mind once you remembered it.

Out of all the questions you could have asked, this one came out rather bluntly. "What did you mean in your letter? What should I know?"

Her eyes widened, she didn't expect you to ask about that yet, and quite frankly, neither did you. Nonetheless, she answered anyway. "If only you knew. That's what I wrote. That's easy to answer now. If only you knew how long I've loved you."

She turned her face and made direct eye contact with you. She seemed to know the next question on your mind. "You never knew it but I've been in love with you since high school."

That can't be right. This is a dream. You're dreaming, Y/n. What the actual fuck?

"Are you sure? Then why did you ask Jean out when we were seniors? Why did you break it off with me mere weeks before?" Your mind was racing and it translated into sentences quickly spilling from your lips.

She still looked straight at you. Her facade of confidence was making you nervous. "I'm sure. Back then, I was so afraid of what I felt for you. Pretending the feelings weren't real and projecting them onto Jean seemed like my easiest option. For years I convinced myself I loved him. But it was never him. It was always you. I felt so awful when I realized what I was doing."

And just like that, the facade fell. Her words were no longer held confidence. She was afraid of how you'd react. She had little idea that you were ready to be just as vulnerable as her.

"When did you realize?"

Looking up at the dark sky, she pushed a stray tuft of hair away from her face. She continued, sighing softly before she spoke, "When I saw him that night with Marco, I was relieved that I didn't have to be with him anymore. When I tried to figure out why that was, I could only think about you. Every feeling that scared me before came back. I got so scared that I left. But, even then, they never went away."

You were having some trouble believing that this was actually happening. Mikasa loved you back this entire time. If she hadn't kissed you before, you would've thought this was only possible in your dreams.

However, things were actually starting to make sense. That whole time it was your fault. Every night of those two years you spent wondering about what you could have done to make her stay. It turns out you did enough. You were the reason she left. 

But maybe you were the reason she came back as well. You could recall something Jean had told you a day before she came home.

"Why did you come back? You needed to do something?"

She looked back at you again. "I've just done it," she said.

Before you could process her words, she was leaning closer to you. Her lips were so close to brushing yours but she paused before they could fully touch. "Can I?" she whispered.

"You don't even have to ask."

When she kissed you, you felt everything. Her feelings, your feelings. The world was minuscule compared to you two. Anything else meant nothing at that moment.

It was the first time in a long time that you felt fully complete. You were a puzzle and she was the missing piece. It was like before, only this time, you knew for sure what you wanted.

Pulling away, you managed an, "I love you too, Mikasa." 

There were no other words that would feel so good to finally say out loud.

Everything was clear. You understood. 

Now more than ever, you wanted to be with her.

posted: 9/26/21

neptunetheplanet7© 2021

no reposts, edits, or modification to my work by anyone other than me.