#it's too late tonight bc i'm tired but i'm going to have to draw that now

[luveline]

What about Eddie comforting sunshine reader? Like she’s worried they’ll break up bc of how different they are

thank you for your request! —you worry that you and eddie are too different to last. he changes your mind. fem!reader, fluff + hurt/comfort, 1.3k

"Can I turn this?" Eddie asks. 

You look up from your nails as soon as you can, meeting Eddie's eyes before following his hand and gaze to the rearview mirror. 

"Yeah, 'course you can. I'll turn it back." 

Eddie nods appreciatively and turns your rearview to face him in the passenger seat. His van can't make big trips without blowing a gasket or springing a leak, leaving you behind the wheel of your slightly less dilapidated Escort for tonight's excursion. 

You tear your attention from him to put the brush back into your precariously balanced nail polish and crank down the window, airing out the fumes. Eddie hasn't complained about the smell. He complains about lots of things, but never you. 

That doesn't mean he isn't thinking those complaints, though.

The longer he goes without chastising you, the more you worry. Eventually, you're going to irritate him. You'll be too loud, too saccharine, too much. 

"Got your glitters?" he asks, pulling down the soft skin under his eye, eyeliner pencil poised at his waterline 

"What?" 

Eddie pencils eyeliner under his bottom lashes. "For your nails." 

You watch him draw a messy line. He knows what he wants and after a handful of seconds he's rubbing it out with his pinky fingertip and moving to his other eye. 

"Sweetheart?" Eddie asks. 

"What?" 

Eddie stops drawing on his eyeliner to look at you with fond puzzlement. "Is something wrong?" 

He looks casually cool in his way. Dark hair darker in the evening light, pale skin blown out and his eyes big and sugary. You look at him and feel melted by your affection for him, wanting to reach out and wrap a ringlet of his hair around your finger teasingly, or pet the slope of his cheek with the back of your hand. 

Especially when he's asking you questions like that, delivered without any grandeur. 

"No, I don't think so. Why, is something wrong with you?" You lean back in your chair and close your eyes. "I'm tired already. We need to stop making late night plans." 

"We could get a motel if you don't wanna drive again tonight." You don't see Eddie turn back to his make up, assuming he does when the weight of his gaze is alleviated, and his words come out distractedly slow, "I know that there's… something bothering you. Tell me what it is so I can kiss it better." 

"You'd like that, Munson," you tease. 

"I'd really like that. It would be the highlight of my night." 

There's a wooden plink of the pencil being dropped and the plastic sound of the glove compartment being opened and quickly closed. You spy through barely parted lashes as Eddie leans across the console, eyes widening to look down your nose while he draws ever closer. 

He kisses you quickly, misaligned but well-meaning. 

"Tell me what's wrong and I'll make it worth it," Eddie promises. He's flirting now, the cadence of his voice rougher, his brows lifting ever so slightly. "Is it something serious?" 

"Not really," you say, leaning back as his hand finds your hip, and his index finger slides under the hem of your t-shirt. 

He draws a ticklish circle. "You know I wanna hear it? Whatever it is…" His middle finger joins his index, then his whole hand is under your shirt and sliding across your naked stomach. 

You laugh and clamp a hand down on him. "It's stupid, and it'll sound stupider out loud." 

"Nice, I like stupid shit. If you don't tell me we'll just have to play hooky in your cold car all night and miss the show." He says it like that's more than alright in his book —he makes playing hooky sound like staying at the Ritz.

He pulls you as close to him as he can considering your impossible seats and brings his free hand to your neck. "If you tell me, I'll give you one of those massages you just hate," he offers quietly, the slightest dip of salaciousness all but smothered in concern. 

You won't torture him, even if admitting what's wrong will make you feel like you're standing naked by the side of the I-64. 

"Do you ever worry that me and you are too different?" you ask. 

"Too different?" he repeats, giving your hip a mindless squeeze. "I've never worried that, no." 

"Just 'cos, you're all– you like rock shows 'n' macabre movies. You hate the radio, you say that the colour yellow gives you a headache–" 

"I don't hate yellow." 

"You squint when I wear my yellow sweatshirt." 

Eddie nods severely. "Well, you figured us out. We should break up now, before we get any more serious." He lifts your chin with his thumb and guides your face to his for a kiss. "You don't mind rock shows," he says against your lips, tip of his thumb stroking a short, soft line. 

"I like 'em 'cos they make you happy." 

"That's why I don't hate the radio, either. I don't like half of the stuff they play, but I leave it on because I," —his lips move to the corner of your lips, dipping in for a kiss and then sitting back in his seat— "love to watch you." 

"What, when I do my Madonna impression?" you ask jokingly. 

Eddie's answering smile is far from joking. "I love all your impressions. I love everything you do, all that shit that makes us different are just reasons I like you. Your long stories, your magazine quizzes, your glittery nails. I really like your nails." 

"You do?" you ask. 

"It's nice when you ask me what colours to use, and you make a really cute face when you put the glitter on with a toothpick." He scrunches his eyes. "Like this." 

You laugh, startled. "That's me?" 

"That's you." Eddie brings both hands to your face and presses his thumbs to the apple of your cheeks. He turns your head gently from left to right. "Do you think we're too different?" 

"Kind of. What if you get tired of it, you know? What if one day you look over and you think, fuck, I wish the radio would just break already?" 

Eddie laughs with a giggle bordering ecstatic, a matching smile playing over his pretty mouth. "That's not going to happen!" he says through it, thumbs rubbing a steady back and forth into your cheeks. "I'm never going to look at you and think that. The only stuff I think about when I look at you is how I fucking worship you, baby." 

You turn your cheek indulgently into his hand, like the girls in the chick flicks with the handsome movie stars. He doesn't look like the average leading man, but all the things that disqualify him for pop movies are the things that drew you in —his unruly curls, his dark tattoos, the funny way he smirks like he's the only one who knows a scandalous secret. 

He smiles at you now like you know the secret too. 

"Let's stay different," Eddie says, hands falling to yours to give them a shake. "We only need one thing in common." 

You lean over the console. He's right, you decide, as his soft lips press against the seam of your own, encouraging you to part them gently. Your noses press together, Eddie's hand sliding up your forearm, that common thing sewn into each millimetre of movement and every second of his kiss. The only thing you need to be the same between you is how you feel about one another. 

Plus, he worships you? 

You hook an arm behind his head and pull him closer. Your twin smiles make it hard to kiss, but you keep trying.

[n-agiz]

anyways came by to tell you bout my day teehee. had lots of tea and i went on this two hour walk, and i also had some kitkats today (after a very long time) and they were so bomb?? like IDK milk chocolate tastes so fricking good 😭😭 what have you been up to my sweets? ❤️

that all sound like soo much fun babie !! i think i might get inspired by you and go for a little walk tomorrow before class hehe, maybe also get a little treat for myself <3 and oh god i also haven't had a kitkat in a while but you are right they are reallyyy good !! milk chocolate too !! i'm glad you had a good day babie hehe 🤍

as for me, my classes started again today so i am extra tired, might go to bed earlier tonight to catch up on the sleep i didn't get last night lmao. apart from that, i am watching the witcher + the latest fantastic beasts movie ( which, i have to admit, am only doing bc henry cavill and callum turner are in them and i am sort of kind of lightly obsessed with them rn <3 ). i am also trying to catch up with the blue lock manga + watching jujutsu kaisen s2 ( although i'm still on the first part since i started it kinda late sobs ) + reading this book about phobias that explains them & gives some cultural background to each one. amidst all this i'm also finally starting to really enjoy writing again and trying to draw semi regularly hehe. oh and i've also been really into f1 lately, which i've already talked about on here lmao. i think i'm finally starting to get out of my slump so i'm desperately trying to get myself busy so i don't fall back into it yk ? we'll see how that goes . .

[meintwentytwentythree]

2/1

helluu

2nd day of Jan

I was really tired today, again, because of the not sleeping well, and also having to be conscious of not napping so that I can sleep earlier tonight for my waking up early tomorrow ... FOR SCHOOL.

I'm really nervoussss. I've not taught for a year, and I've been safely ensconced in NIE with my kind and understanding classmates 🥺 students ... are not so. and I will be GRADED. ASSESSED. OBSERVED. SCRUTINIZED. ahh sobs. not to mention, Jon. I'm trying not to call him Jonny bc I feel it's a tad condescending so if I wanna shorten his name, Jon it shall be.

ANYWAY TMR. MAKEUP???? just a BIT. to look ALIVE. I think concealer is a def must, and just filling in the brows - drawing them everyday is gonna take time and I CANNOT AFFORD TO BE LATE. I need to pluck them tonight too... heh glad I managed to find tweezers and BEAUTY BLENDER in ntuc??? I couldn't even find them in guardian, so wow ntuc.

but on more pleasant notes, I am looking forward to

Chinese orchestra!!

having my own space (again) 🥹

meeting the teachers!! school culture!!!

the school looked HUGE from outside today, I hope I won't get lost 🥲 and also hoping students will be NICE, not little entitled prince and princesses.

ok enough stalling - TIME TO GO SHOWER AND DEHAIR MYSELF AND SLEEPPPPP

[aintitfierce]

@daltedrinks said: imagine vanya with a baby carrier on his robes  And then on the back he has another carrier, with Sirree in

ghfjfkd but sirree is like the same size as him! unless. u meant when she was also a baby, in which case some time dilation bs is going on laughs

[sleepinglionhearts]

I love your whole Kana army. Could I ask for a sketch of a Leo!Kana? I can imagine him being stubbornly shy with resting annoyed face and snuggling up to daddy lol

Well, I suppose if Takumi!Kana has been drawn, it was only a matter of time before someone asked about a Leo!Kana.

He is probably every bit as sweet as Takumi!Kana, except he has the resting annoyed face problem and constantly has Forrest chasing him down with a hairbrush.

[evanox]

I've never introduced Lee Maehwa (my LL oc) properly, mostly bc I can't draw too well, but I still wanted to post this fic for LegacyTober; kudos to @anonymousbeefriendfanfics for this wonderful idea!!

Day 2 Theme: MC + Cold (thought I'd combine the themes bc I wrote this many months ago to help me cope with the cold) m.list

Once Sage disappears into the bedroom—our bedroom, they remember with a skip in their heartbeat—Mae tugs one glove off and snaps their fingers at the air twice. The friction produces a spark of magic that floats in lazy spirals before sinking into the wood and setting the hearth alight. As rising flames breathe life into the cold, dark room, Mae sinks to their knees to bask in the warmth.

Sage shouldn't be able to see them from where he stands in the other room, yet they still hear him call out, “Don’t stick your face too close to the fire.”

But the flames have stretched out a pair of kind hands, offering to cradle Mae's face and gently rub off the icy air clinging to their numb, flushed cheeks. If there’s no other pair of hands to relieve them of the cold's sting, what can Mae do but succumb to these? After an hour spent outside, it's impossible to resist the temptation, so Mae elects to ignore Sage's warning and calls back, “Don’t drop your gauntlets on the floor!” 

In the momentary silence that follows, Mae could imagine his hands hovering in the air, shed gauntlets pointed to the ground, and his brows furrowing as he considers. Then there's a heavy thud of metal against the floor—that Mae did not expect. "I heard that!"

"They’re in the corner behind the door; you can't trip on them there!" 

"Oh, you—" Whatever they had to say dies at their lips when Sage turns up behind them, footsteps as soundless as a cat's despite his size, and unceremoniously throws his heavy cape over their head. Grateful for the extra layer of warmth, Mae backs away from the fireplace as the frustration growing in their chest melts into contentment. "Tulsi's gonna get mad if she knows you still mistreat your armor," they lazily drawl, craning their head back to flash Sage a sly smile.

"Who's gonna tell her; you?"

"Mmm. I might."

“You’re full of empty threats, Maehwa.”

“Oh, not this time, and that's a promise since you'd like to try me.”

Sage only grunts before crouching down to unlace Mae's boots; not that Mae would ever willingly step past the front door with their shoes still on—heaven knows they've given Sage enough grief about wearing his inside. It’s just that the task has gone completely forgotten in Mae's desperate pursuit of warmth.

"If you're gonna get this tired from the cold," he hums, easing one boot off their leg, "maybe you should leave the errands to me."

"And waste a perfect chance to go on a date with you?"

"S'just grocery shopping…" Sage’s hair casts long shadows over his downcast face as he slips off the second boot, but the prominence of his nose bridge and cheekbones shine golden before the dancing flames. It’s hard to see the flush of red painting his cheeks, but Mae knows it's there by the way his tail curls inward and the slight quirk of his lips.

"Oho! Weren't you once ready to settle for a hair-combing session as a date?"

It's not often that they would talk about the time before everything went to shit (as Tulsi so eloquently puts it). Sage has come to regard the man he was back then as an entirely different person—a better lover, probably; more human than monster, he’d whisper to Mae on late nights when they had to cradle his head to their chest, for only hearing their heartbeat could put his troubled mind at ease.

Mae leaves him no chance to go down that path tonight, however, leaning in so he can't escape their gaze as their voice drops into a soft purr, "Anything can be a date if I'm having a good time with you."

He shakes his head, and Mae can peep a fond smile before he turns away quickly, grabbing the pair of boots to put away. "This a date then?"

"Well, by definition, it should be," Mae hums thoughtfully, "but if any time I spend with you is a date, then there won't be any time that is not a date. Wouldn't 'date' lose its meaning then?" They frown at the hearth as if the answer would be buried within the burning embers, but the effort only makes their head hurt and their eyelids grow heavy. "Oh, does it matter? It's a date if I say so." 

"Can't argue with that.” Sage kneels by their side to press a kiss on their temple. Mae waits for him to sit down so they may flop over his lap for a little nap, but he is already standing up and walking away. 

“Where to?” 

“You're not hungry?" he calls back from the open kitchenette. Prompted by the rustling of bags, Mae looks away from the fireplace to find Sage swiftly sorting out the groceries before he gathers the vegetables for washing. "Dinner's not making itself."

“But the fireplace is right here.” 

The subsequent stare-off lasts a mere few seconds before Sage scowls—not out of inconvenience, but because his stubborn fool knows too well just how tightly wrapped around their pretty finger he has become. No, it has never been an inconvenience for Sage, not when Mae’s triumphant smile as he gives in to their whims makes it worth it. He gathers the ingredients off the table into one arm, and what doesn't fit, he balances over the cutting board in his other hand along with a clay pot. 

“Heaven forbid you make the arduous five-step journey between the kitchenette and the fireplace twice.”

“You’ll start wilting if I take too long. Like one of your dramatic plants, you know the one—the dotted leaves? Forget to water it once, and it’s already falling over itself.” He sits cross-legged by their side and kisses Mae’s affronted pout away, then pushes his hair behind his shoulder before grabbing the knife to make quick work of the vegetables. 

Mae wordlessly crawls into the long shadow cast by his broad back and undoes the loose tie, threading through fiery gold hair that fades into dull silver as the silky strands slip out and twist around Mae's fingers. Too often did these stray strands end up in the food whenever Sage cooked, so the pair had agreed he shouldn’t touch the cooking until he pulled his hair back. 

Once satisfied with their finger-combing, Mae pulls his hair into a neat bun but leaves some hair out to frame his face. All combing sessions must end with them pressing a kiss to Sage’s hair, a kiss to the nape of his neck, and a kiss between his shoulder blades, where Mae finally rests their cheek. Their hands slide over his bare, toned back, appreciating every curve of muscle before crossing around his waist. "So stiff… Let me rub your back before you sleep."

If Sage hums in assent, Mae can't hear it over his loud purring. He's so, so warm; they could just melt over his back and let the soothing vibrations lull them to sleep. Sage wouldn't complain much, but just because Mae offered to rub his back later doesn't mean they want him feeling as stiff as a plank before then. They slide off and curl up by his side, adjusting the fluffy cape into a cozy cocoon until their finger catches on one of its many holes.

Mae pulls the fraying hem for closer inspection. The red fabric has turned black with old stains of mud (or blood, they could no longer tell) that no amount of washing could help. “The weather's only gonna get worse. You can't keep using this cape.”

Sage only spares them a glance before going back to work. “This one does its job just fine.”

“It’s old and worn out. I can keep it at home for myself when you’re away. You should get a new one.”

"Was that your plan all along?" There's a small, teasing smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "If you want it all to yourself, just say so."

"How dare you!" Mae huffs, and they try to ignore the little tug at their heartstrings when his smile grows into a grin. "Well, yes. Maybe. But that's not the only reason! I still think you should get a new one."

“Sounds frivolous.”

"You say it like we splurge on the daily! Would you call it frivolous or a waste if I asked for a new coat?"

There's no response, save for the frustrated thumping of Sage's tail against their thigh, which usually means Mae has a point and he's upset about it, and that's answer enough for them. 

Sometimes it is easy to put yourself in a loved one's shoes—to empathize with their struggles and pick out the words they need to hear—but when the world has been moving on without you for six months, the gap can often be too huge to bridge.

Still, Mae rises, one arm supporting them and the other reaching for Sage's knee. "I know the past year has been difficult… but we're safe here, right now. And there's more to life than just surviving. You deserve nice—even frivolous—things, Sage. I'll even pick it myself, then it'll be special, and you can't say no." Their hands move to his cheek, thumb caressing the darkened web of scars branching from his right eye before gently coaxing him into facing them. "Okay?"

Mae knows Sage can't help how his eyes glow brightly in the dark, one golden and the other fiery red, but the weight of his gaze feels too heavy as he silently studies them. Undeterred, they lock eyes with him, not backing down until he finally relents and presses his cheek into their palm with a sigh. “Whatever I say, you’ll still go through with it, wouldn’t you?”

“See? You know me so well.”

With a soft kiss on his lips, Mae lies back down, snuggling into Sage's cape. The silence that follows is comfortable, filled by the crackling fire and soon joined by the pitter-patter of rain against the rattling windows. As their heavy eyelids slowly succumb to sleep and the sweet melody of fading autumn, Mae is only vaguely aware of Sage's rough hand closing around theirs and the soft kiss he presses to their fingers.

[quirkdotcom]

Hey everyone !! I am super excited to post this as part of a collab with my fellow members of BNHA Sanctuary! The prompt was " _____ is concerned bc (y/n) isn't sleeping." I chose Izuku Midoriya as my character because he needs a little more love ! So I hope everyone enjoys! Don't forget to check out the other collab writers fics too !!

×××××××××××××××

Technically, Midoriya wasn't supposed to have anyone over in his dorm, even in college he had tried to follow that rule knowing that if he didn't, Iida would probably find out and scold him, but as he flipped over and looked just above your shoulder, his All Might themed alarm clock read out "4:12AM" with red numbers, and he gave a small sigh.

Tonight was one of the first nights that you had been able to sleep before 5am, but the reason was unknown. Midoriya had asked you plenty of times, each time you resulted in you shaking your head vigorously and eyes watering until he just hugged you tightly, saying that you would find another time to talk about it. 

Slowly, scooted closer to you, wrapping an arm around your side, pulling you closer to him.  

The movement, which Izuku had thought he was being slow with, actually woke you up. You blinked a few times before turning and nuzzling into his chest, quietly mumbling, "Are you awake Izu?"

"I'm definitely sleeping…are you awake (Y/n)?" 

You hummed, starting to wake up more now, "A little bit," Yet despite your words, you didn't make any effort to move, "What time is it?"

"4:14 in the morning," he responded, pulling back a little so he could look at you

Slowly you sat up, pulling yourself free from his grasp, suddenly wide awake. 

"Baby?" He sat up next, eyeing you slightly as growing concern seeped in. 

You looked back to him, offering up a smile, "Don't worry Izu, I'm still tired enough to sleep," 

He seemed to relax some, the tension slowly leaving his body, "I'm glad then, because I think it's too early to get up for the day, and that's coming from me of all people,"  he then proceeded to lay back down, hugging the comforter to his chest

You laughed lightly, then paused, letting out a heavy breath, "Hey Izuku, I owe you an explanation, I shouldn't make you worry all the time and have to have me over in your dorm like this," 

Again, he sat up, scooting closer to where you were sitting, "Whatever the reason is, I'd be happy to help you over and over again, okay?" 

You nodded, leaning against him, glad to have that reassurance of support. 

"Well...my quirk has some nasty side effects…" You paused, closing your eyes and allowing the shadow like mass begin to rise from your body. 

It was a lot like Tokoyami's dark shadow in the sense that it was almost another being but attached to you. It could take a multitude of shapes, and most items couldn't pass through it, rather instead would get stuck to it. 

Most of the time you used it to create a large beast of sorts, and it only grew stronger from the fear or unease of your opponents. 

However it's main and personal drawback was arguably the worst. 

"When I don't use my quirk enough, it turns on me in my dreams…well nightmares. The Mass as I call it, separates from me and chases me down. In the end it envelops me and...well I start to suffocate. So I've been staying up late to try and put off the dreams as long as I can," 

In the dark of the room, your quirk was even more unsettling. It looked to be wriggling around, crawling amongst the edges of the room. But the one area it wouldn't go near, was the spot where Midoriya sat. 

Instinctively he wrapped his arms around you, feeling your trembles.  He thought for some time about what you had said until finally, he knew what the root of this issue was. 

"(Y/n) my love, don't let it feed off you," 

You turned at his comment, looking up to him, his oddly calm demeanor throwing you off guard. Normally, most people tended to draw back from you and your quirk, but Midoriya never did.  

"You said that your quirk grows stronger when people are scared or uneasy, and I think that it applies to you as well. It's easily taken over the whole room by now. " 

As you looked to the room, watching as the Mass would slink around the room, at times catching a ray of moonlight, seemingly drowning the light in itself. 

The longer you looked, the more it started to grow, your heart raced, you couldn't find a spot for your eyes to stop, they just kept looking. No one spot in the room was safe from it's grasp. 

Before you could fall further into its depths, two arms circled around your waist, pulling you close, "(Y/n)...you're safe…" 

All at once, the mass receded, leaving the room as it was before. 

With that, you laid down, pulling Izuku with you. While you didn't fall asleep very fast, you still knew that you'd be able to come back tomorrow to try again. 

And you did. You continued to do so for about a week, every night repeating as it had been the first night of that week. 

You still got hardly any sleep, and were starting to fall behind in both your classes and your training. In fact, there would be times where he would catch you fighting the urge to doze off while just hanging out with friends. 

Midoriya found himself asking for the help of your best and closest friend.

"Hey, Tanako, can I ask you something?" 

The water vortex hero-in-training looked up, as she was currently focusing on a book, "First, Midoriya, you can call me by my first name by now, but what's up?" 

"Ah sorry Katsumi…" he gave a sheepish smile and took a seat across from the brunette, "You know how (Y/n) stays up all the time? I've been trying to help them but...nothing is working," 

Katsumi dog eared a corner to her book, closing it as she hummed, "Well, when we were younger, we used to sleep in forts, and had lights strung up so that it wasn't so dark," she met brown eyes to his green ones, "I'm not sure if it would work now...but I think it's worth a shot. " 

Izuku nodded, standing back up, "I'll need to get some lights then..and figure out a good setup for a fort, Thanks Katsumi ! Have fun reading!" 

He started to walk away but didn't get too far before your friend called back out to him.

"Oh and Midoriya, thank you. We've all gotten pretty worried for (Y/n)," 

He nodded, turning back and going over his plan in his head. 

His first stop would be the store, finding some fairy  lights to hang up. He also decided to buy a few extra blankets, and another pillow. 

With that being done, he headed back to the university dorms, making his way to his own and luckily for him, he had some time before you were supposed to come over. 

He started to move things around, pulling the bed over towards the window, and his desk to the other wall. From there, Izuku started to round up all his extra blankets, grabbing extra tacks to hold them up. 

What took up the most of his time was the fact that he couldn't settle on a good way to have the blankets and the overall shape of the fort, after all he only had so much room to work with. 

In fact, he was still working on putting up the blankets by the time you had let yourself into his dorm. 

"Uh..Izuku?"

Midoriya jumped lightly, and turned around to face you, a blush spreading across his face as he realized he had been caught, "Uh..surprise?" 

You took a moment to look around his dorm, noticing the changes in where your bed was, and where he was currently sitting, blankets in hand. 

"Are you...building a fort?" 

Despite all the evidence you had already seen, he quickly glanced around and hid the blanket behind his back, smiling embarrassedly, "I uh...I was..I mean yeah but…" 

But to his surprise, you barked out a laugh, letting your bag slide off your shoulders and to the floor as you made your way over to him, "That's cute ! Let me help!" 

And so, together you both figured out the best set up, easily hanging up the blankets and lights, then using the rest of the blankets to create a comfy space on the floor underneath the fort. Midoriya pulled out his laptop, playing your favorite movie and starting it as you grabbed a few snacks. 

Once fully settled in, he wrapped his arms around you, and let you rest your head against his body. 

In his arms was perhaps the safest spot for you to be. He was warm, comfortable and you knew that you wouldn't have any troubles as long as he held onto you. In fact, you could hardly keep your eyes open in the moment. 

Within the next ten minutes you fell fast asleep. Izuku flicked his eyes to the clock in the corner of his laptop, smiling as he read that it was only around 9:38pm. H3 let out a small and content sigh, holding you a little tighter and closed his own eyes, getting ready to sleep, letting the movie play out in the background.

"I love you, (Y/n)..." he murmured, though you couldn't hear him, he was sure that you knew...and you did. 

[aftqrglow]

Hello, I'm incredibly stressed, so I decided why not indulge myself:

grisha order: heartrender

crush: ...kaz, jesper, or nina i wanna see who you pick for me bc i can't choose

fact about me: ummm... mentally i'm a strong butch lady with a big sword and incredible wit and fighting skills but physically i'm a weak lady who wants to be held by a strong butch lady with a big sword and incredible wit and fighting skills

(do you probably now hate me for giving you a very vague but specific fact about me that you literally couldn't write into a blurb? yes. do i regret it? no.)

hi Dae<3 I hope you're doing okay, I'm so sorry this is late, but I really really hope you like it!

You were so tired you could barely see straight.

Stumbling when the foot of your boot caught on the doorstop, you fingers barely gripped the doorknob to keep yourself from toppling face-first onto the carpeted floor of you room at the Little Palace.

Behind you, you heard Nina chuckle. You spun around on your heel, turning to face her, planting your hands on your hips. "What's so funny?"

Nina shook her head. "Nothing at all, darling. Come, let's go to bed."

"No can do," you said, fighting back a yawn. No matter how tired you felt, you were too stubborn to allow the exhaustion to win. "I still have things to do."

"Do them tomorrow."

"No, they need to be done now."

"Come on, love," Nina coaxed. "Let me take care of you."

She took a step forward, drawing you into her arms. You could feel yourself collapse into her, your tired muscles molding themselves against hers until she was the only thing holding you up.

Nina lowered her head, her lips grazing the top of your head in a kiss so tender and sweet that you almost melted. One of her hands splayed out over the small of your back, while the other came up to stroke your hair as she whispered, "You've been so strong for so long, my love. Just for tonight, let me be strong enough for the both of us."

[imagineyourstars]

Hey! I just found this blog, and it's super cute! All your writing is so great! I hope you don't mind me requesting? Sorry if I'm bothering you, but could I ask for scenarios/headcanons with Leo, Hinata, Natsume, and Chiaki taking their childish s/o to a Matsuri? Or if you don't know enough about Matsuris then just something cute like watching fireworks or lighting sparklers will do! Thank you! And you don't need to rush on this, since it seems you have alot :v

watch me rush on this anyway lmao i’d better post that while it’s stillsummer !!! aaah a matsuri request !!!! fortunately I knew enough about it towrite these  ! I hope you’ll enjoy them ♥ natsume ended up a tiny bit longer than the others bc he a thot  - mod mademoiselle

Leo :

The summer festival was packed fullwith people, tonight ! You were hesitantly walking amongst the crowd, reachingon your tiptoes to try and see if your boyfriend was here. Unfortunately, he’snot exactly the tallest, so he doesn’t stand out in crowds… that is, unless hestarts shouting.

“Heeeeeyyy ! Over heeeere !” Ah, that was definitely Leo’s voice ! You turned around, and here hewas, grinning widely at you. Not paying mind to the people still going about,you rushed in your boyfriend��s arms, giggling happily. He was laughing too,even carrying you to the best of his ability. You were surprised to see he waswearing a yukata, and it suited him really well ! The garment reallycomplimented his skinny frame. He took in your own figure with a wide smile.

“Whoooaa, you’re wearing a yukata too ! It’s so cute !” he exclaimed, and yousmiled, a bit relieved to hear he liked it.

“Thanks, yours looks really good too !” He grinned at the compliment, his hand naturally finding yours andsqueezing it tight. That’s what you loved about your boyfriend : he tended toact on impulse ! That just made his every action so much more genuine.

“Ruka-tan helped me put it on, since I’m so bad at it!” Leo laughed loudly, prompting a few people to turnand watch him in amusement. He seemed to be in an even better mood than usual !The colorful and enthusiastic atmosphere of the festival probably had a part inthis… but before you had the time to ponder about that, he was already pullingyour hand and pointing at a stall in the distance.

“Whoa, not so fast, Leo !” Youwere struggling to match his pace, but this just made it so much funnier. Leodidn’t slow down anyway, just drawing his tongue at you before going evenfaster. Your wooden sandals were making it pretty hard to run, at least withoutstumbling. Leo was excitedly blabbering, visibly not noticing your struggles.

“Hurry hurry, there’s a game I wanna play ! I betyou’ve never tried it, too !” He stopped in front of a stallwhere children were lining up, eyes twinkling with impatience. To be honest,his enthusiasm was extremely contagious and you found yourself smiling widelytoo.

When it was finally your turn, Leorushed to the stand owner to pay for the game. It seemed to be about catchingfish with a scoop… Goldfish were swimming calmly in the water, their long finsundulating in the ripples. Leo was focusing already, squatting down to observethe fish at eye-level. His tongue was slightly drawing from his mouth in hisconcentration, and that sight made you giggle.

“Whaaat ? You making fun of me ? I bet you suck atthis though, even more than me !” He tried to scoop one of thegoldfish out of the water, but it swam away immediately. With an impatient little groan, hetried again, and once more the fish went to hide at his brusque movements.

“Hey, you’re doing it too fast ! Look, the fish areafraid. Let me try !” You tried to take the scoop out ofyour boyfriend’s hand, but he wouldn’t let you, eyebrows furrowed.

“Aah, don’t steal my scoop ! It’s mine, I paid for it!” You huffed your cheeks in protest, but he wouldn’tbudge and you eventually gave up, groaning. Leo’s triumphant smile was soonwashed away by concentration again as he tried scooping out one of the fish, onlyto fail again.

“I told you, you’re too fast, but you wouldn’tlisten.” You were pouting, much to Leo’s dismay.

“Hey, don’t be angry at me ! You’re not angry, right?” You didn’t answer, looking away. The stand ownerlaughed, shaking his head, and Leo tried to meet your gaze, to no avail.

“Of course I’m not angry.” Youturned a bit towards your boyfriend’s worried face, but your lips were stillcontorted in a small pout.

“Thank god ! Here, I’ll let you try. I bet you can’tdo it anyway !” Leo handed you the scoop, and you grinned at him,kissing his cheek before looking the fish over.

“I think you have to go for it more slowly”, you whispered, gently approaching one of the fish with the scoop. Assoon as you were getting close to it, you scooped it out of the water, andLeo’s eyes widened… only for it to fall in the water. The scoop was made ofpaper, and it softly tore right under the fish you’d managed to catch.

“Ah, that’s not fair ! You were so close !” Leo was pouting, and you smiled, taking your wallet. Once you’d given afew more coins to the stand owner, you had a brand-new scoop and were trying tocatch the fish again. That is, until Leo suddenly started flailing about.

“Not that one, not that one !” He’d suddenly screamed way too close to your ear, and you jumped a bitin surprise, causing the fish to swim away quickly.

“Hey, don’t scare me like that, Leo ! See, the fishare afraid again now.” Leo quickly pecked your cheek inapology, then pointed to a bright orange fish with a white tail.

“Try to catch this one ! I want it.”

“Why ? I think the white one is cuter”, you retorted, watching your favorite fish leisurely swim with theothers. Leo grinned at you, leaning his head on your shoulder.

“Because it has cute eyes. They remind me of yours !” You just stared blankly at the huge, empty eyes of the fish. Was thatsupposed to be a compliment… ?

“Uh, thanks, I guess ? But I don’t know, it reminds meof you, actually. It’s the same color as your hair !” Leo gasped at your comment, nodding furiously.

“Ah, you’re right ! Then I’m going to call him Leo theSecond !” Well, at least he has an interesting naming sense.

“Wait until I catch him first”, you laughed. You tried to focus on the one fish Leo wanted, when hesuddenly grabbed your face with two hands and loudly smooched you. You wereleft blinking in surprise, cheeks slightly pink.

“It’s a good luck charm ! Now scoop Leo the Secondout, I really wanna bring him home !” Leo wassmiling widely, the colorful lights from the paper lanterns reflecting in hiseyes. He looked absolutely gorgeous, and you suddenly realized you’d beenstaring at him in awe for a moment. With a sheepish little nod, you got readyto try scooping the fish again. You approached it as slowly as you could,hoping the paper wouldn’t break this time… and you successfully scooped it outof the water, proudly showing it to the owner. Leo laughed brightly, clappingas the owner gently put the fish in a small plastic bag filled with water.

“Be careful, alright ? Treat him well.” You took the bag from the stand owner with a smile, then handed itover to your boyfriend, whose eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“Eh, why are you giving it to me… ? You won it, soit’s yours !” he chirped, giving you the bag again. You shook yourhead, teasingly pecking Leo’s lips.

“You’re the one who really wanted it. It’s all yours !Let’s say it’s a gift from me.” Leo stared at you incredulously, notsure if he should believe you. He then shyly took the bag, cheeks tinted pink.

“Thank you… It’s the first time someone ever—” He suddenly stopped, mouth hanging open. You briefly wondered why, butthen you heard them. The fireworks. Leo gasped, and you could swear his facehad literally lightened up in just a second.

“Aah, it’s the fireworks show ! We can’t miss it !!Come on, hurry up, I wanna get a nice spot !” And heleft running, tugging on your hand to get you to move. You laughed, trying yourbest to match his pace without stumbling.

“Don’t run so fast ! What if you harm the fish ?” He just sent a boyish grin your way as a response, but actually sloweddown a bit.

“I won’t, promise ! You gave it to me, after all. It’skinda like we’re its parents !” You stopped in your tracks,blushing a bit. Parents, huh… ? You couldn’t help but imagine, maybe… you andLeo, older but even happier, with kids of your own…

“Come on, you’re soooo slow ! Hurry or we’re gonnamiss it all !!” You hadno time to dawdle on these thoughts any longer : as usual, Leo was pulling onyour hand and laughing brightly. But there was no way you’d ever get tired ofit.

Hinata :

You were nervously fiddling withyour yukata’s sash, sitting on a bench. You weren’t usually so nervous, buttonight, the festival was crowded. People were looking at you, and youself-consciously fixed your hair. You just hoped you didn’t look too weird…

Your boyfriend was just a little bitlate, but as you suddenly spotted him amongst the crowd you understood why. Hewas with his twin brother and some of his classmates, joking around. As soon ashis eyes met yours, he waved at them and happily trotted to you.

“Sorry I’m late ! Yuta-kun had some trouble with hisyukata, and I couldn’t leave him looking ridiculous, you know ?” He winked at you, then gently helped you get up. Only then did he fullytake in the view, and he grinned, blushing a bit.

“Ah, you’re wearing a yukata too !It looks really nice on you~” He regretfully took his eyes awayfrom you, but took your hand with a mischievous grin. You looked around a bitand saw some other couples holding hands, so you decided to throw yourembarrassment by the window and intertwine your fingers together.

“Is it fine that you’re with me rather than with yourfriends ?” you asked, and he fervently nodded, squeezing yourfingers briefly.

“It’s a date, so of course yes ! I don’t wanna be withanyone else tonight, you know~” He wiggled his eyebrowssuggestively, making you giggle. Hinata looked positively delighted at thesound.

“Well that’s good, because I didn’t plan to give youaway to anyone else”, you airily answered, prompting yourboyfriend to smile. That was obviously the answer he’d been expecting.

You looked around a bit, unfamiliarwith the stalls and games of the festival. Hinata was quick to catch on,smirking teasingly.

“You’ve never come here before, right ?” he asked, and you nodded. “Then,does it make tonight your ‘first time’ ?” He sent a pointed look your way,eyes twinkling with amusement. You drew your tongue at him, making him chuckle.

“It’s just a joke, a joke~ Well anyway, hope you’rehungry, because tonight’s schedule revolves around sweets !” He looked so happy at that prospect, and you found his excited smile tobe contagious.

“Sounds good ! What’s first ?” He just pointed at an endless line of food stalls with a huge grin.Before you knew it, you were queueing alongside him, while he happily ordered abit of everything, from most of the stalls. Did he… intend to eat all of that ?

Soon enough, you were seated at atable near the main street, lit up by paper lanterns. Hinata went to get papernapkins and gave half of them to you with a little smile. “Believe me, you’re gonna get cream or chocolate all over your chin atsome point.” You could only stare at the impressive number of plates andcups filled with various desserts, your stomach grumbling in hunger.

“Yeah, looks that way… Ah, can I try that ?” you asked, pointing towards what looked like a fish-shaped waffle.Taiyaki, right ? Hinata nodded happily, handing you the treat.

“Just eat whatever you want ! There’s more than enoughfor two~” And he was right : even after sampling a bit ofeverything, there was still a lot more. But Hinata was certainly not planningto stop there.

“Come on, aaah~” Youhappily opened your mouth when he prompted you to, letting him spoon-feed you icecream. It was delicious, too ! Hinata looked pleased you liked it, taking aspoonful of it to try it too.

“Ah, wait”, youinterrupted, “I have to spoon-feed youtoo, right~ ?” He grinned, handing you the spoon and exaggeratedly openinghis mouth, prompting you to giggle. He didn’t look like he liked the icream though, andyou curiously titled your head sideways.

“I thought it was amazing, but you don’t seem to… ?” He shook your head at your question, even grimacing a bit.

“Nah, actually I think it’s not sweet enough.” But it was just perfect to you ? He grinned devilishly as he added : “But I know something that will make itmuch, much sweeter.” Before you had the time to answer anything, he leaneda bit and gently kissed your still-parted lips. You could only close your eyesand melt into the kiss as he deepened it, his hands finding your own. His lipswere warm and tasted of strawberry ice cream… You were surprised when hesuddenly pulled back, cheeks pink but smiling.

“There, much better, right ?” You just blinked, still dazed from the kiss, and he laughed, adding : “Man, I’ve always wanted to do that ! Sorryif it was cheesy.” He winked, prompting you to smile.

“I wouldn’t mind if you did stuff like that moreoften, though !” You stood up, throwing away the napkins and emptycontainers with your boyfriend’s help, before he gently guided you amongst thecrowd again. His hand was softly squeezing yours again, and it felt so nice tobe connected to him…

“I have something else in store for you~ I hope you’renot afraid of fire ?” You answered his question with asmall frown. You hoped he wasn’t planning anything dangerous…

“It depends, I guess ? Why ? Don’t tell me—” He cut you off with a laugh, gently stroking the back of your hand withhis thumb in a soothing motion.

“Hey, do you really think of me as someone sodangerous ? Naah, it’s nothing like that !” Hestopped in front of a stall, which seemed to sell…

“Sparklers ?” youasked, and he nodded happily. He definitely seemed to know a lot about them,asking for specific ones and happily going through the bag once he was donewith his purchase.

“Yep ! I’ve been playing with them a lot~ I remember,when I was little, Yuta-kun was really afraid of them for some reason ! I’dchase after him with sparklers and say ‘Yuta-kun, I’m going to burn you alive’…! Ah, fun times.” Well, at least hewas having fun…

“You know, Hinata, I think I’m starting to grasp whyYuta always runs away from you.” You smiled at your boyfriend, wholaughed loudly before playfully elbowing you.

“Don’t say that ! It’s just that he’s shy aboutshowing his love for me~ Anyway, help me find a nice, secluded little cornerplease ! Wouldn’t want to accidentally burn anyone alive, for real this time~” You giggled and started looking for a quiet place where you could gowith him, and eventually you found a perfect spot.

As you were holding the bag open andexamining its contents carefully, Hinata took one of the sparklers and expertlylit it up. You reflexively took a few steps back, but he was laughing, waving thecolored light around.

“Don’t be afraid, it’s not dangerous or anything !Look, it’s so pretty.” He lit up another one and wasforming intricate shapes and patterns by moving them fast. You couldn’t tearyour eyes away from him.

“You’re right ! It’s really beautiful”, you whispered. He grinned before gently handing you one of hissparklers. You hesitantly took it, but soon got used to it and started to playaround with it just like Hinata did. Whenever one of the sparklers would gooff, Hinata would light up a new one. Some of them sent bright sparkles flyingabout, while some were best to move around fast, and your boyfriend knew whatevery single one of them was just perfect for !

“Hey, hey, look !” Hinatacalled out, and you turned your head his way. He was forming a heart out ofbright light, grinning happily. You smiled, trying it out too to see if youcould do it.

“I can do it too ! I really wish I could take somepictures though…” Hinata shook his head at your comment, whichsurprised you for a moment.

“No need for pictures ! Just carve tonight into yourmemories~ Y’know, I’m going to remember you for my entire life !” Maybe he was just joking around, as he usually was, but for some reasonyou profusely blushed at that thought. If he was serious… then it would be oneof the prettiest things you were ever told. Not noticing your sudden shyness,Hinata was still playing around with the sparklers.

“Look, look, I’m writing your name ! And mine too !H…. I…. N… Oh wait, we should totally carve them in a tree somewhere !” He suddenly stopped moving his sparklers around, looking for a suitabletree nearby.

“I don’t have anything you could use for that though”,you answered. Hinata nodded dejectedly, visiblydisappointed at the thought he wouldn’t get to carve your initials here foreveryone to see.

“Maybe that’s better for the trees anyway… Well,sometimes I want everyone to know about us, but I probably don’t need to~” You thought his face looked just a bit more serious for a moment, butmaybe it was just the weak lighting of the sparklers…

He lit up another sparkler, and youcould briefly distinguish his face in more detail. He was looking at you, asmall smile on his lips, so uncharacteristically different of his usual grin.

“I mean”, he added, “why should I need everyone knowing ? As long as you do, I’m happy.”

You smiled bashfully at his words,watching your last sparkler go off. Hinata’s went off too, and suddenly it wasjust the two of you, holding hands and kissing, with just the stars knowing.But it was more than enough.

Chiaki :

Everyone was so fired up tonight !It made you smile, your heart thumping loudly in your chest. You lovedfestivals, and you were so happy your boyfriend invited you to a datethere ! Besides, it seemed like he’d love the festival too.

… Right. It seemed. You couldn’tfind him anywhere, and even though you tried to call him, he never picked uphis phone. Well, knowing him, he must have gotten pulled into something andyou’d run into him soon enough. You took your time strolling peacefully in thefestival, stopping by at stalls for a moment, buying delicious-looking food andenjoying it quietly. While it wasn’t bad to relax once in a while, you kind ofmissed the boisterous excitement your boyfriend would bring anywhere just by beingthere.

As you thought, it’s a lot lessfunny without Chiaki, right… ?

You were contemplating buying someapple candy when something else that was bright red suddenly caught yourattention. On the next stall were displayed a variety of masks to be worn witha yukata. You smiled as you looked one of them over. It was a tokusatsu hero’smask, red and all ! Once more, you were reminded of your boyfriend. You didn’thesitate one second and bought it, thinking you’d give it to Chiaki once you’dfind him.

As you were strolling down theendless line of stalls, you suddenly heard the distant sound of singing anddrums. The people who were walking about as you were had stopped, lining upalong the stalls. Was there a procession of some sort over there ? You tried tostand on tip-toe, but you couldn’t see much. The crowd seemed enthusiasticthough, whispering happily as the sound drew closer and closer.

Eventually, the procession came by.It was preceded by singing women in traditional attire, and you watched thempass by with wide eyes. The sight was so impressive ! Then came men carrying amikoshi, those portable shrines. They were chanting proudly, even though theylooked exhausted. That shrine certainly looked heavy… And then came the taikodrummers, led by… none other than Chiaki ?

Wait, was that Chiaki ? Yeah,actually, no doubt about that ! He was leading up the drummers proudly, joiningin the chants once in a while. When his eyes met yours, he gave you a brightsmile, full of enthusiasm and energy, before he went away with the rest of theprocession.

As soon as the procession had ended,he immediately rushed to you. Before you could say anything, he swooped you ina rib-crushing bear hug, even spinning you around.

“Chiaki ! I’m so happy you’re here !” You hugged him tight too, secretly relieved he didn’t just forget yourdate.

“About that… I’m awfully sorry ! I’m so late, this isunforgivable… ! I was held back by the procession, as you can see… They weremissing a drummer, and I couldn’t just leave them be !” He gave you an apologetic smile, to which you answered with one of yourown.

“It’s fine ! I’m just really, really glad you’rehere…” He gently stroked your hair, a small frown on hislips, seemingly not reassured by your comment.

“But still, I made you wait… I shall be all yours fromnow on ! You can make me do whatever you please— what is that ?” You were handing him a paper bag, inside of which was the mask you’dbought for him earlier. Your mischievous smile made him grin happily in histurn, and before you knew it, he’d opened it.

“It’s a gift I bought for you ! Do you like it ?” He was admiring the mask reverently, touching it with the utmost care,as if he were afraid to break it.

“It’s… absolutely perfect ! Well, anything from you isperfect anyway, but ! This is… !” He stopped a moment, clearly at aloss for words, then he put it on the side of his head with a smile. He wastrying his best to look composed, but his fingers were slightly trembling. Youeven had to help him, your fingers brushing against him and making him smileeven more. Once it was on, he leaned down to gently peck at your lips. Itlasted only a few seconds, but his cheeks were already red.

“T-The fireworks should start shortly, so I suggest wego and try to find a nice spot to watch them !” Younodded, and he looked a bit relieved. He didn’t even tense up too much when youtook his hand, instead stealing a glance at you and starting to smileuncontrollably when he noticed how happy you looked.

The locals seemed to know Chiaki, asa lot of people would smile to him or wave as he passed them by, and it madeyou acutely aware of how much people were looking at you too. They were mostlysmiling, their eyes falling on your jointed hands. Chiaki was still blushing,but bravely smiled back, even squeezing your fingers tighter. How cute…

You stopped on the way to buy somesweets, and as you were done, a sound suddenly caught your attention. Was that…crying ? More accurately, a child was crying. He looked like he was about threeor four years old, sobbing uncontrollably between two stalls. Chiakiimmediately spotted him and rushed to him, kneeling in front of him.

“Are you okay ? Did you get lost… ?” The child nodded, sniffing loudly. You quickly looked for a tissue, andhelped the poor little boy wipe away his tears. Chiaki sent you a worried gaze,then looked back to the child. He was visibly conflicted. Finally, he took ashaky breath.

“Do you mind if…” Youinterrupted him, smiling gently.

“Of course not ! Let’s help him find his parents.” Chiaki looked immensely relieved, and smiled shakily at you before hegently swooped up the boy in his arms. He seemed like he was used to it !

“Don’t cry, young boy ! We will help you find yourparents again ! I’m a hero, you know, so it’s nothing unusual for me !” The boy had calmed down a bit, and was staring at your boyfriend withwide eyes.

“You’re a… real hero ?” Chiakinodded fervently, before shooting you a meaningful look and adding in a boomingvoice :

“We’re both heroes, actually !”

“That’s true !” youchirped, nodding proudly. The child looked half-impressed, half-overjoyed atthe thought of meeting heroes, and Chiaki skillfully kept going, captivatinghis single-member audience fully.

“So you shouldn’t worry, alright ? We will definitelyfind your parents !” He kept reassuring the boy, addingin funny stories of his past hardships as a hero and soon enough, the child waslaughing in his arms, having completely forgotten about his parents. You justlooked at him with a happy smile. Chiaki seemed to be having a lot of fun too…

A sudden noise made you jump insurprise. That’s right, the fireworks… ! Chiaki immediately turned your way,panicked.

“I forgot, but we were supposed to go see the fire—”

“Hey, it’s alright ! I really don’t mind. Shouldn’t wemove away from them actually ? Isn’t the boy afraid of them ?” You and Chiaki looked over to the child, still cozily snug in Chiaki’sarms… and he was peacefully asleep against his chest, even drooling a bit overhim. You smiled at the sight, and Chiaki got a bit closer to your ear towhisper :

“Then let’s just stay here and watch ! We can stillsee them from here, look !” He was right : it was pretty crowdedhere, but at least you had a nice view of the night sky. The fireworks weregorgeous… You were so absorbed in your contemplation that you were surprisedwhen Chiaki shyly put his free arm around your waist, and you leaned your headagainst his shoulder. The night was so calm and peaceful…

“Oh my, isn’t your little boy a darling ?” A kind-looking old lady standing near you smiled at you, and Chiakisent you an embarrassed little smile. You felt your cheeks heat up a bit andshakily raised your voice.

“Oh, actually, this is—”

“He is, isn’t he ?” Chiakihad suddenly cut you off, and for a moment, you completely lost track of yourthoughts. Did he just… agree with her ? His cheeks were getting increasinglyredder, but he was smiling happily at the child snuggled up in his arms, like afather would.

“How nice, to be young and in love !” The old lady laughed and raised her head to admire the night sky again.You sneaked a glance at your boyfriend, who did exactly the same thing, and thetwo of you just exchanged a happy, if flustered smile.

Sure, you’d find the boy’s parentssoon enough but… maybe you could enjoy your evening for just a little bitlonger, beforehand. It’s okay to be a little bit selfish sometimes, right… ?

Natsume :

You were absorbed in yourcontemplation of the colorful paper lanterns lighting up the streets, notreally paying attention to the people going about. It was a warm and pleasantsummer evening, buzzing with excitement. Children were running about andlaughing, people were chatting… but Natsume looked strangely serene, when youran up to him.

“Natsume !” You jumped in his arms,hugging him tight. He chuckled and held you briefly, eyes twinkling withamusement.

“Did you really miss me that much ?I’m touched, little kitten.” You couldn’t help but smile when you noticed hereally had a dissonant air of calm about him, almost as if the overexcitedatmosphere wasn’t contagious to him. He casually slipped an arm around yourwaist, strolling lazily between the stalls and examining your every reaction.If you knew him any less than you did, you’d think he was used to festivals orjust very casual about them…

… but Natsume’s probably the one personyou know best. His eyes were constantly darting all over the place, and hiseyebrows were just a tiny bit furrowed. He never came here. It’s his first time,and as much as he was trying to guide you in the stall-lined streets, he justended up following the other people strolling about. You couldn’t help but feellike teasing him…

“Feels weird to finally get out ofyour room, huh ? How’s the outside world ?” He smirked in response, bringingyou a bit closer to him.

“I can still go back home, you know.”He said that in a light, teasing tone, but you wondered if he wasn’thalf-serious… You couldn’t help but sneak a glance at him, when he was notlooking. He did wear a yukata and was carrying a folding fan in his free hand,but he looked over-cautious. To you, it was painfully obvious he wasn’t feelingat ease here. Maybe he’s really the indoor-type…

His eyes widened subtly for just asecond when you gently took his hand, softly removing it from your waist tohold it in yours instead. The pressure of your fingers against his was warm andgentle, just enough to remind him you were there, with him.

“It’s all good, Natsume, I’m here”,you smiled to him. He immediately answered back with a smirk of his own, butyou did sense his confusion just moments ago.

“I do hope it is. I came here foryou, you know.” His golden eyes reflected the colorful lights from the paperlanterns, and for a moment you were lost deep inside them. They didn’t look nearly asteasing as they usually did and were instead much softer… Was that gratitude ?

Too soon, the usual Natsume was backthough, whispering snarky comments to make you laugh. You didn’t exactlydislike this Natsume, but… you also were curious about the one you caughtglimpses of, sometimes. The quieter, more emotional Natsume that hid behind hisusual witty façade. Today, you faintly felt his presence, as your boyfriendgently squeezed your fingers in his from time to time. A particularly insistentsqueeze brought you back to the real world, as he nodded towards a stall.

“If it isn’t thatone plushie you really wanted last time…” You gasped, suddenlyremembering it. This small cat plushie ! You’d seen it in a crane game lastweek ! Neither you nor Natsume could win it though, so you had to give it up…

“Ah, you’re right ! I still want itthough ! Come on, Natsume, win it for me… !” You were practically bouncing inexcitement, gripping your boyfriend’s hand tighter, and he chuckled. He didlove your childish side…

“Aren’t you a lucky one, kitten.Shooting games are one of my specialties.” You laughed at his comment, as he wasgetting his wallet and paying the stand owner.

“What isn’t ? You’re always so good ateverything you try”, you retorted teasingly. He smiled in response, but itlacked the usual slyness he had most of the time.

“I wish, kitten.” Another glimpse ofhis hidden self, but it disappeared with just a blink. The usual, smirkingNatsume was back, studying attentively the display with his air gun in hand.

“You’d better focus real hard,Natsume ! I really want this plushie, you know ?” He chuckled in response,already aiming. His eyes were calmly roaming about, catching every detail, and he looked sofocused already…

“You can count on me. I’m not goingto let it slip me right by another time.” And with that, he shot. You gaspedloudly : he really was good ! The targets fell one after the other, and he onlymissed one, although you could tell he was pretty annoyed at it. Once he wasdone, he gave the gun back to the owner with a smirk while you rushed to hughim tight.

“Hey, you’re so good ! I thought itwas just a bluff !” He shook his head at your comment, amused.

“I don’t make it a habit to backdown when it’s for you, you know.” Your attention was quickly caught by thestand owner, who was smiling at you.

“You definitely earned one of theprizes from here ! Which one do you want ?” Ah, he was showing the display inwhich the plushie you wanted was ! You pointed at it immediately.

“This kitty here, please !” Theowner took it from the display and handed it to you, and you couldn’t refrain ahappy little laugh. Natsume chuckled when you jumped in his arms, hugginghim so tight you might leave bruises.

“Thankyouthankyouthankyou ! Youreally did it ! Aaah, I’m so happy !” Natsume was about to tease you for beingso childish, but you kissed him right then and there, effectively making himshut up for the first time since you started dating him. He quickly got a hangof himself though, and broke the kiss soon enough.

“People are waiting, kitten. If youwant to do that sort of things, you’d better find a quiet place before.” Youcould tell he was serious though, so you quickly gripped his hand with a blush.Right now, there was nothing you wanted more than being alone with yourboyfriend…

Soon enough, you and Natsume hadfound a quiet little corner, not far from the nearby river. You were out ofbreath from all the kissing, but he wouldn’t stop, gently pushing you against atree and nibbling at your neck. He looked unusually serious today… There was noteasing, no smirks and no chuckles. He was just quietly longing for your warmth,eyes half-lidded as he kissed you over and over again. That is, until henoticed you were looking pointedly away.

“Could it be that you’re notsatisfied yet, kitten ? You’re distracted.” You blushed a bit but drew yourtongue at him in response, prompting him to kiss you a bit more roughly thistime.

“No, actually, I was looking at theriver… It’s really pretty, with all those lanterns.” Intrigued, he shot a lookat the river and his eyes widened a bit at the sight. Square lanterns weredrifting on the water, lit up by candles. It seemed like people were lightingthem up further away before putting them on the water… Your boyfriend’s lipsparted for a moment, but quickly closed.

“It is.” It was all he couldeventually say, surprising you a little. Was he moved by the beauty of thesight ? That thought made you smile lovingly, and suddenly, you had an idea.

“Do you want to go and light up alantern too ? These people must be getting them from somewhere”, you remarked,and he looked a bit surprised but nodded slowly.

“If you wouldn’t mind, then… By allmeans.” When you took his hand to guide him to the riverbank, it was grippingyours almost shyly, prompting you to giggle. It’s like you caught anotherglimpse of the quieter and shier Natsume…

You and your boyfriend got each alantern, and you were kneeling on the grass bed before the river, a sharpie inhand. “Looks like we have to write a wish inside before we light them up”, youcommented, lost in your thoughts.

What could you write… ? It’s prettyhard to come with a wish on the spot. Natsume looked just as deep in thoughtsas you were, then slowly started to write. You tried to sneak a glance, but heprotectively hid his lantern under his arms. When he realized it, he smirkedlightly, leaving you to chuckle. Secretive, isn’t he ?

Once you were done with your ownlantern, you lit up the candle inside. Natsume soon did the same, and the twoof you gently placed the lanterns on the rippling water. You were worried itwould just sink, but it floated instead, softly illuminating the river as itwent further away. You just sat there, watching as the lanterns drifted away,carried by the water. Your boyfriend looked so absorbed in his thoughts thatyou had to gently squeeze his hand for him to get back on earth.

“Come on, Natsume, our clothes aregoing to get dirty. Let’s move !” He nodded, helping you up. He did try to makea few sarcastic comments, as you were going back to the colorful andenthusiastic atmosphere of the festival, but you faintly felt he was feelingcontemplative tonight. He looked a bit more withdrawn than usual, too… Which is whyyou were surprised when he suddenly hugged you from behind, just before you gotback to the main area of the festival.

“Can I ask what you wished for ?” Hewhispered near your ear, making you shiver. You tried looking at him, but hehid his face in your neck, gently biting it as an excuse. Oh, but he wouldn’tfool you…

“It’s a secret ! If I tell you, itwon’t get true, you know~” You felt his lips curl into a small smile againstyour skin, but he didn’t insist. He seemed to be taking this whole wish thingvery seriously, which was uncharacteristic of him… “Well, I can tell youit’s something related to you though”, you added as an afterthought. You didn’treally say what exactly you wished for, so it shouldn’t count, right ?

Natsume just stayed silent a moment,arms unmoving around your shoulders. You closed your eyes, lettingyourself be swept by the moment. When your boyfriend finally answered, hisvoice was quieter than usual.

“I’m glad.” He kissed your neck onelast time, then your cheek, and finally the corners of your mouth. You turnedyour head sideway, trying to kiss him too, but he denied you with a littlechuckle. Now that you could see his face, his eyes were brighter than usual andlooked so much softer…

Before you could look at him formuch longer, he suddenly kissed you. Usually, he’s all teeth and tongue, buttoday he was oh so gentle. His hand even slowly cupped your cheek, stroking itsoftly with his thumb. You closed your eyes and melted into the kiss, losingtrack of time. It felt just right… Warm, safe and right.

When Natsume softly broke the kiss,you hugged him tight. You could faintly hear his heartbeat under his skin… andin the absolute silence surrounding you, the words he whispered in your earsounded so much louder.

“I don’t really believe in wishes, but Ithink mine just came true.”